Dear Dr. Gott: A friend whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer was told by her doctor that women should not drink bottled water that has been left in a car because of the heat reaction.

It appears the plastic bottle has certain chemicals that can lead to breast cancer. Heat causes toxins from the plastic to leak into the water, and those toxins have been identified in cancerous breast tissue.

He recommends using a stainless-steel canteen or glass bottle instead.

Reply: I have received dozens of letters such as yours about heated water in plastic containers being associated with breast cancer.

There may be a reaction, but that would require appropriate testing that, to my knowledge, has yet to be documented.

We are all guilty of leaving an unopened or partially consumed bottle of water in an automobile with the thought of finishing it the next day ¿ especially during the warm summer months.

Until reports are substantiated, I suggest that people take precautions by avoiding drinking water from plastic containers that may have been left in a warm car.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Breast Cancer and Disorders''.

Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: My question, concern or perhaps even more accurately, fear, is of an upcoming surgery to repair a hernia.

And I am honestly scared. I am not sure which portion of the surgery frightens me the most ¿ the anaesthesia, the surgery or waking up in the recovery room.

My social background was one that never encouraged trust in others, but instead created a need to be in control. I am 54 years old and this would be my first surgery since 1970.

Please share some advice, as I find a degree of peace and wisdom in your words.

Reply: Facing an operation can be scary, but hernia surgery is, in general, safe and gives you options. For example, the procedure might be performed under local anaesthesia.

In this way, you will be in control of the situation because you will be wide-awake during and after the procedure.

Share your concerns with your surgeon so he or she is aware of your discomfort and fear. Perhaps your doctor can coordinate a visit to the hospital and recovery room.

Your hospital or surgeon should automatically arrange a meeting with the anaesthesiologist prior to surgery. If this is not the case, add a visit to the anaesthesiologist to your list of things to do, the surroundings and those involved will all be recognisable.

Then, when you appear on the day of the procedure, you should not have any surprises awaiting you. You can proceed with the surgery and will feel relief at getting the hernia repaired.

Dr. Gott is a retired physician and the author of "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet.'' Contact him c/o United Media, 200 Madison Avenue, fourth floor, New York, New York 10016.