Breast Cancer Treatment Options

With improvements in breast cancer treatments and breast cancer detection survival rates are continuing to improve. In the past, treatment options would have been restricted to a very few but excellent research in recent years has led to advancements in the number of treatments available and improvements in existing treatment methods.

The various options available for breast cancer sufferers include:

? surgery, which can be mastectomy, lumpectomy and lymph node dissection,
? Radiation
? Chemotherapy
? Herceptin
? Hormone therapy
? And of course, there are alternative therapies to consider

Surgical practices have improved in recent times and it’s often possible to be far more precise nowadays when performing surgery, enabling a surgeon to get direct to the source of the disease, and causing far less damage to the surrounding area. Sometimes a lumpectomy can be performed which removes the cancerous lump without removing the entire breast. This would usually only be performed if the lump is very small and the surgeons don’t think the cancer may have spread to the lymph nodes.

If there is some concern about the size or spread of the cancer then a mastectomy may be performed. This removes the entire affected breast. Some women may request that both breasts are removed even though one is completely healthy. The removal of the healthy breast is known as a prophylactic mastectomy.

Usually in cases of invasive breast cancer a second procedure is carried out at the same time as the mastectomy or lumpectomy and this is known as lymph node dissection. This involves extending the breast incision to the armpit area, or in the case of a lumpectomy making a small incision, and removing part or all of the lymph nodes to establish whether cancer has invaded these. This will help the surgeon and oncologist decide on the best treatment plan

Radiation therapy is usually carried out a little while after surgery when the patient’s skin has recovered. During therapy high levels of radiation are sent directly to the cancer cells. Radiation also targets cells that may have been left behind during surgery, this is often referred to as “mopping up” stray cancer cells. Radiation therapy is similar to having an xray taken although there can be some side effects due to the high levels of radiation being given. Soreness of the skin and “sunburn” can happen.

Chemotherapy is the use of chemicals to treat the disease. Because it is administered through the blood stream is very effective as it acts on the rapidly dividing cancer cells. Unfortunately the chemicals don’t differentiate between sick and healthy cells so the doses need to be very exact and there are unpleasant side effects such as nausea, hair loss, mouth and skin ulcers.

No discussion of breast cancer treatment can afford not to mention that there are a number of alternative therapies available such as yoga and acupuncture. It’s impossible to say whether these treatments are effective as there isn’t enough research available however they are often found to ease the discomfort associated with the conventional treatments so may be worth considering in conjunction with your treatment plan. Always discuss this with your surgeon or oncologist before embarking on any alternative therapy.

Every breast cancer patient is different and so every breast cancer treatment plan will differ slightly from the next. The most suitable treatment plan for each individual will be arrived at after consultation between your breast cancer team and yourself.

Rita was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 31. The single parent of a 7 year old daughter she came to fully understand the concerns and issues associated with breast cancer and it’s treatment.

A huge resource of further useful information and articles about breast cancer can be found on the Breast Cancer Corner website.

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Symptoms of Breast Cancer

It is important that women are aware of how their breasts feel normally, so they will notice any breast cancer symptoms at an early stage, when treatment often has a better outcome. Men, too, should be on the alert for any changes in their breast tissue. Breast cancer can be present for years without causing any symptoms. The first sign that something is wrong for most women is when they find a lump in the breast or the nearby armpit.

The breast cancer symptoms could be any of the following -

• A lump or thickening in or near the breast – Not all lumps in or near the breast are due to breast cancer. Some of the lumps may be due to hormonal changes. If the lumps persist, then evaluation should be done to rule out cancer of the breast. Lump in the breast is the commonest breast cancer symptom.
• A lump or swelling under the arm – A lump or swelling in the armpit indicates enlargement of lymph node which is an important symptom of cancer of the breast. Lymph node enlargement could be due to many reasons including cancer. Persistent lump needs evaluation.
• Changes in the size or shape of the breast, especially those caused by arm movements or by lifting the breasts – These changes indicate that the breast tissue is enlarged. These may be normal due to hormonal changes. If they are due to hormonal changes, they will be cyclical. If the size does not fluctuate and if it keeps increasing in size and changing in shape, then breast cancer has to be ruled out.
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin of the breast – Dimpling or puckering of skin is due to involvement of the skin by the cancer tissue. The external appearance would be like the skin of an orange (peau d’orange).
• Changes in the look or feel of the skin of the breast, the nipple or the area around the nipple
• Bleeding or discharge from the nipple – Bleeding from the nipple is always abnormal and has to be investigated adequately to rule out breast cancer. Bleeding is an important symptom. Discharge other than blood from the nipple may or may not be normal. If the discharge is from one breast only, if it is a new discharge, then it is not normal and have to be investigated.
• The nipple turns in and becomes inverted or points differently
• Discomfort or pain in the breast, particularly if new and persistent – Pain in the breast may occur due to hormonal changes during menstrual cycle. It occurs in both the breasts and it is normal. If the pain does not follow the menstrual cycle and if it is new or persistent or occurs in one breast only, it is considered abnormal. Breast pain is one of the important symptoms that should not be ignored.

Author — Jon Green

For more information about breast cancer see http://www.understanding-medical-conditions.com/what-is-breast-cancer.html or click on Breast Cancer Symptoms

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Breast Cancer and Turmeric

I got a phone call the other day from a dear friend of thirty years who has been suffering with the devastating effects of a virulent form of breast cancer. She wanted to ask me about something she had read in the breast cancer magazine that she receives. Amongst the ads and informational articles about breast cancer treatment, was a recommendation that she include something called turmeric in her diet, and she wanted to know what it is and how she could most easily incorporate it into her eating plan I was so happy to oblige her with information, since I think it may really help!

Turmeric is that bright yellow spice that gives mustard its distinctive yellow color and is used in Indian curries. It comes from the root of the Curcuma Longa plant and is sometimes called “Indian Saffron.” It is native to India and Southeast Asia, although its warm, peppery flavor is popular around the world. Although turmeric has been used for thousands of years, recently it has been added to the list of “super” foods for a variety of reasons:

Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation is your body’s response to cellular injury that, if prolonged, can lead to disease. The pigment in turmeric, which is called “curcumin,” has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory-and without the side effects of many drugs that are sold for this purpose. According to a study done at the University of Michigan, curcumin gets into the cells and makes them more orderly, allowing the cell membranes to have better control over substances that flow in and out of the cell and thus providing a protective effect against malignancy and infection. This has implications in the prevention of cancer, arthritis and other diseases.

Anti-oxidant

The curcumin in turmeric has anti-oxidant capabilities, which helps protect your body against the cell damage caused by free radicals. The bright yellow color of turmeric is a clue to its anti-oxidant properties, since the bright pigments in foods seem to have this protective power.

Aids liver in detoxification

Your liver works hard 24/7 to rid your body of all of the toxic substances that you inhale, ingest and produce as your body functions. There is good evidence that the curcumin found in turmeric may help the liver to detoxify certain toxic chemicals. This is significant, especially as our air, water and food become more toxic.

Cancer prevention

Due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and detoxing properties, the curcumin found in turmeric may help protect you against cancer. There is also evidence that curcumin helps the body to destroy cancer cells and thus may inhibit the growth of tumors. Studies have been done that demonstrate that those who consume turmeric regularly have a lower incidence of breast, prostate, colon and lung cancer.

Aid in preventing Alzheimer’s Disease

As our population ages, there is increasing concern about the prevalence of mental disease such as Alzheimer’s. A number of studies have been done which show that several active ingredients in turmeric may affect your body’s ability to ward off Alzheimer’s disease, including boosting your immune system, affecting gene coding and improving brain chemistry. Interestingly, the incidence of this devastating condition is very low amongst the old people of India, and it may be due, at least in part, to their daily consumption of turmeric in the curried foods that are popular in Indian cuisine.

Helps your heart

The curcumin found in turmeric has been shown to help your body to eliminate bad cholesterol (LDL) as well as helping to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. This protects your blood vessels from damage and helps to prevent the build up of plaque in your arteries. This is significant in reducing your risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular disorders.

Even weight control!

A recent study suggested that turmeric may even have a role to play in weight control! Apparently, the curcumin found in turmeric helps to slow the formation of body fat, even when a significant amount of fat is consumed in the diet. Although, I am not recommending a new “Turmeric Weight Loss Plan,” including turmeric in your diet can only help, especially when you consider all of its other benefits.

What about vitamins and minerals?

Like many spices and herbs, turmeric is a good source of the mineral, manganese. It also has significant amounts of Iron, Potassium and Vitamin B6.

How do I get turmeric into my diet?

Although enjoying some nice Indian curry may be one way to get some turmeric into your diet, it is certainly not the only way. In fact, curry powders often have less turmeric in them, than you might imagine.

Here are some ideas for incorporating turmeric into your diet:

You can make tea from turmeric by simmering a teaspoon of the powder in about four cups of boiling water for about 10 minutes. Strain the tea and sweeten, if desired. (There are also commercial turmeric teas available, if you prefer.) Some ginger root or a ginger tea bag may be added for additional benefits and flavor.

Add turmeric to egg salad, deviled eggs and macaroni salads. Add turmeric to soups, chili, meatloaf, or Sloppy Joes. Turmeric is a good seasoning for steamed cauliflower with a bit of oil and salt. Look for some Indonesian and Indian brown rice dishes that include turmeric or curry powder. (If they call for curry powder, you can add some extra turmeric.)

My friend with breast cancer wondered if she could take turmeric as a supplement. Of course that is a possibility, but with all the pills she is already taking, why add more, when there are so many ways to incorporate turmeric into her diet? I would also be leery of taking a “curcumin” supplement, since the whole food may be necessary to get all of the wonderful benefits.

Although I am thrilled that my friend is adding turmeric to her regimen, I am not suggesting that turmeric is a cure for breast cancer. However, every little thing we can do to help our bodies fight this savage disease, is a step towards beating it. In the case of turmeric, you get to enjoy the pungent flavor along with the numerous benefits.

I am convinced that what we eat and how we eat plays a major role in how we feel and particularly, how well we are. For this reason, I would like as many people as possible to become more aware of what healthy eating involves, and of the extreme benefits that can be found in being conscious of what and how we eat.

Eat and be healthy with my warmest regards,
Suzy Staywell

http://healthy-eating-support.org
http://www.healthy-eating-support.org/breast-cancer-turmeric.html

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Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer Women Should Expect to See

Breast cancer survival rate is high if the symptoms of this cancer are detected early.

The first symptom of this cancer is a lump in the breast. This lump feels unusual to other breast tissue and it is usually the first warning sign.

A considerable amount of women, over 70% only discover that they have breast cancer after they detect the lump.

A mammography is then conducted by a trained physician to confirm whether it is cancerous or not. The mammography is strictly an early warning test and early detection of the symptoms of breast cancer will aide in treatment and recovery.

Another sign of disease is Paget’s disease of the breast. This presents itself in the form of eczema like redness and flaking around the breast nipples. Intensified symptoms of Paget’s are ache around the breast, tingling, itching, increased feeling and burning.

Weight loss is another symptom. Inexplicable loss of weight is usually a symptom of ill health and a visit to the physician can detect the reasons behind it.

Still another symptom is pain in other parts of the body. If the cancer metastasizes, it can spread to other parts of the body such as the bone, kidney, liver and other parts. For instance, one may experience pain in the joints which is actually a sign of breast cancer.

Other symptoms include the inversion of the nipples, changes in the size of the breast and unprompted discharges from one of the breast nipples.

If you notice any of the above symptoms of breast cancer, it is recommended you consult your physician as soon as possible.

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Breast Cancer Symptoms

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. The disease can occur in men although breast cancer in males is only a tiny proportion of all who are diagnosed – approximately 1%. As a matter of interest, breast cancer in women has been, in recent years, on the increase and why this is so is a matter of debate.

There are many symptoms of breast cancer and many factors involved in the risk of contracting the disease. Whether or not you fit into the risk areas and whether or not you find you have one or more of the symptoms, every woman should have a regular health check particularly once they reach the age of forty.

Symptoms you may find for possible breast cancer include the following:

? A lump or thickening near the underarm or breast
? Any change in the shape or the size of the breast
? Any change in the feel or appearance of the breast
? Any discharge from the nipple
? Swelling in the breast or breast area

These are the most common symptoms. If one or more occur you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. Remember that such symptoms do not mean you have breast cancer but that they are the symptoms often found in women who develop the disease. In fact a cyst or an infection may have a similar symptom to those of cancer but have none of the possible serious implications of cancer.

As well as the above symptoms, there are various stages or categories where it is believed that there is a higher than normal risk of contracting the disease. These beliefs are based on a series of studies which have been conducted over many years. Some studies are on-going. These factors or categories include the following:

? Age – three-quarters of all diagnosed cases of breast cancer occur in women aged 50 or older
? Family history – if there is a history of the disease in your family
? Time of body changes – the early beginnings to menstruation [younger than 12] or the later onset of menopause [older than 55]
? Childless women or those who have their first child after the age of 35
? Women who taken the oral contraceptive or hormone replacement therapy

The point needs to be reinforced that the above factors or categories are believed to present a case where the risk of breast cancer is higher than the average but there is no certainty in predicting that the disease will occur at all because a woman fits into one or more of these factors.

One of the most important factors in the treatment of breast cancer involves the early detection of the disease. Any symptom must be reported immediately. In fact success in beating breast cancer is directly related to the time it takes to diagnose the disease in its early stages.

The main point to understand is that being aware of your body, self-examination and regular check-ups brings a certain peace of mind, and should the worst happen, you are in the best position to defeat the disease.

As isolated as you may feel right now, you are not alone. Cancer diagnosis is no longer the end of the story. Cancer survivors prove every day that this can be the beginning of a whole new positive chapter in your life. Join our unique community of cancer survivors to be right now and receive a FREE report on Cancer Survivor’s tips.

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Vitamin D & Breast Cancer Risk

The information in this column is intended for informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice or recommendations by the author. Please consult with your physician before making any lifestyle or medication changes, or if you have any other concerns regarding your health.

VITAMIN D & BREAST CANCER RISK

As regular readers of this column already know, Vitamin D is a very hot molecule in the world of cancer prevention research. While there have been contradictory results among various clinical research studies regarding the proper role of Vitamin D in the prevention of cancer, there is a growing tally of clinical and laboratory research studies suggesting that higher levels of Vitamin D in the blood may be associated with a lower risk of developing certain cancers. Now, another clinical research trial, just published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, adds further weight to the theory that Vitamin D may, in fact, significantly reduce the risk of developing certain cancers.

This study involved 2,465 women who were scheduled for diagnostic mammograms. Blood levels of Vitamin D were measured in these women prior to performing their mammograms. Of these nearly 2,500 women, 142 were subsequently confirmed to have a breast cancer. An additional 420 women participating in this study were matched with the newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in terms of age, menopausal status, and other factors known to play a role in breast cancer risk. (This group of 420 women turned out not to have breast cancer, following their mammograms, and so they served as a “control group” for this prospective clinical research study.)

As with several previous Vitamin D cancer prevention studies that I have previously reviewed, the results of this study were quite interesting. After analyzing their data, this study’s authors determined that the women with the highest levels of Vitamin D in their blood experienced a 48 percent reduction in the relative risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer when compared to the women with the lowest levels of Vitamin D.

The evidence for a potential protective effect of Vitamin D against cancer is, arguably, strongest for colon and rectal cancer. However, there is a growing body of research hinting at a potential protective effect for Vitamin D against breast cancer, as well. (As is virtually always the case for disease prevention research, however, there have been several research studies that have failed to identify a cancer prevention benefit for Vitamin D.)

Clearly, additional research is necessary to ferret out the appropriate role of Vitamin D in cancer prevention, and large prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical research (with long term follow-up of patients) will be necessary to resolve the conflicting cancer prevention research data with respect to Vitamin D. Meanwhile, given the stronger data for Vitamin D and colorectal cancer prevention (and for cardiovascular disease prevention, as well), Vitamin D remains, essentially, the only vitamin for which there is at least moderate clinical evidence supporting a potential cancer prevention benefit.

As always, before starting a new vitamin supplement, or other nutritional supplement, I encourage patients to see their personal physician first.

Robert A. Wascher, MD, FACS

http://doctorwascher.com

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Clothing For Breast Cancer Survivors With Lymphedema

At age 43 I underwent a lumpectomy and radiation for treatment of my breast cancer. After recovery I found that knitted and spandex tops did not lie as well on my chest. Nor did swimsuits. They accented the asymmetry of my busts. When I developed lymphedema in my left arm, stretchy apparel looked worse due to my swollen arm. In addition to sweaters I shunned garments with deeper necklines and shallow armholes. Further, since I couldn’t lift anything heavy with my left arm, I was limited in how I could tote bags with shoulder straps.

All these limitations made me feel like a fashion flop.

When I had a recurrence, I opted for a double mastectomy without reconstruction. I use prostheses for both breasts, making asymmetry less of a challenge. Still I have remained self-conscious of my appearance, wanting to disguise my new-normal body with something at least halfway attractive.

Solutions to these problems do exist. I’m not referring to pink-hued or pink-ribbon-adorned attire to promote breast cancer awareness, although wearing these items is a wonderful way to express support for a loved one afflicted with cancer. Rather I’m referring to practical, stylish clothing that disguises flaws and emphasizes the good features of a breast cancer survivor’s figure, while not appearing to be designed for medical purposes.

Swimwear is one such example. I’m a big proponent of mastectomy bathing suits, since swimming is such a great exercise, and more importantly, I love to get in the water. The swimsuits I’ve seen with pockets for prostheses are both functional and fashionable these days. According to some experts, the most contemporary–albeit more expensive-mastectomy swimsuit styling comes from a line called Anita. Another brand, Amoena, offers a large selection of elegant beachwear to flatter any figure. Other lines of mastectomy bathing suits and caftans include It Figures, T.H.E. and Gottex.

According to WebMD’s Breast Cancer Guide, the most popular swimsuit style for women who’ve undergone a mastectomy is the tankini, a two-piece suit that completely covers the torso. These come in a variety of designs, including a blouson top. I can attest to the practicality and versatility of this type of beachwear.

For arm lymphedema, compression braces have come a long way. Fashionable yet medically functional garments are offered by such innovators as Lymphedivas LLC and Slice of Fashion LLC. There’s nothing like a black lacy gauntlet or zebra-zag armsleeve to turn heads and stop conversation at a cocktail party.

At least one company has developed apparel designed specifically for breast cancer survivors with lymphedema. Sansu Function Designs for Living, established through collaboration between Princess Margaret Hospital and Ryerson University School of Fashion in Toronto, Canada, provides an array of innovative products.

One of Sansu’s most noted items is a modular bag with a belt to enable the wearer to hold her arm comfortably in a sling design or use the bag as a stylish waist pack. After I had lymphedema, I went back to using my “fanny packs.” Even though out of style, they were extremely practical for my active lifestyle. This trendy Sansu bag would never be a fashion faux pas.

Sansu also developed a carry-all coat with dropped shoulders and removable lining, a fleece scarf cape, a dolman-style knitted top with kangaroo pocket for resting the arms or carrying items, and an oxford blouse with dropped shoulders, loose cuffs and magnetic button closures. This company is currently designing patterns to allow seamstresses to make their own clothing for patients with upper body and arm lymphedema.

I am encouraged by how far companies have come in making breast cancer survivors with lymphedema feel less conspicuous in their clothing and more confident in their appearance. While attractiveness may not be every survivor’s focus, the availability of chic attire goes a long way to help many survivors, especially younger women, recover emotionally and psychosocially from their cancer treatments. I challenge more in the garment industry to be avant-garde in their approach to this subpopulation of women who love donning trendy outfits. Can athletic garb geared for the cancer survivor with lymphedema be far behind?

Jan Hasak, author of Mourning Has Broken: Reflections on Surviving Cancer (Xulon 2008), speaks on various cancer-related topics and serves as cancer and lymphedema patient-advocate for various non-profit organizations.

Her website is http://www.janhasak.com.

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Straight Talk About Mammograms – The Older You Get, the More You Need One!

Early detection of any cancer increases the chances of successfully treating it. All women should have an annual mammogram starting at age 40 to increase the chances of early detection.

Some women may think “I’ve lived a long life so far without breast cancer, so why should I bother with getting a mammogram?” The answer is simple: the older you get, the greater your chances of developing breast cancer. Over 75% of cancers of the breast are diagnosed each year in women over 50 years old. A 70 year old woman is two times more likely to get this cancer than a 50 year old woman.

Don’t take your chances and play the odds. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having a regular annual mammogram that comes back negative for breast tumors.

A mammogram is a simple x-ray procedure that is no more dangerous than x-rays at a dentist’s office. Although the procedure is uncomfortable, it can detect early stages of breast cancer long before a clinical breast exam or a breast self-exam.

Some women might say, “No one in my family has ever had breast cancer, so why should I bother with this test?” Over 80% of breast cancer diagnoses occur in women who do not have a close relative (mother or sister) with the cancer. Of course your risk chances are greater if you do have a close relative who has had breast cancer.

You might think, “There’s nothing I can do about preventing breast cancer, so why bother?” It’s true that we can’t prevent this cancer, but early detection of it tremendously improves your chances of successfully treating it. Breast x-rays can detect small lumps or tumors much earlier than a breast exam. When breast lumps are found early there are many more treatment options.

If your doctor has never spoken with you about having a mammogram and you are near the age of 40 or older, then you should ask about it yourself. Women sometimes need to insist upon getting the healthcare attention they need and deserve. Many doctors have such a busy scheduled packed with seeing patients in their offices as well as in a hospital, that it is easy to get lost in the shuffle. Women need to speak up and ask about breast health.

You may think that the test is too expensive and that you can’t afford a mammogram. However, most insurance companies as well as Medicare and Medicaid provide coverage for these tests. There are also many low-cost mammography programs available in most states. Ask about these programs at your next doctor’s visit, or call a local women’s health clinic or the OB/GYN department at your local hospital.

Breast Cancer Awareness month is during October and many hospitals and clinics will offer low cost tests for women who can’t afford the regular fee during this time. Don’t let cost be the reason that prevents you from having a mammogram!

If you don’t know where to get a mammogram, simply ask your doctor about it. Also check with your local public health department as well as local hospitals and women’s health clinics.

Remember that early detection is the key to success against this cancer. Have regular mammograms – especially if you are 40 or older.

Jonathan is a professional educator in the healthcare field with over 15 years of experience. You can visit his latest website http://lgwashersanddryers.com which helps people learn about LG Washers and Dryers.

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Preventing Breast Cancer

A lot of research is being done to find the cause and cure of breast cancer. Cause of breast cancer is still unknown. Certain cancer genes have been identified that run in families or can occur newly by mutation in women without any family gene. Tests are available to detect such a gene so that extra precautions can be taken to detect cancer early in women with such genes. Since the advances in plastic surgery have made it possible to create attractive new breasts, women who are genetically at high risk can go for removal of breasts and reconstruction.

Prevention gives the best chance of cure. You can beat the cancer by being cautious and detecting it early. Remember cancer starts as a painless lump in the breast and you have the best chance of detecting it yourself. By Breast self examination ( BSE). This is how you can do It:

? Stand in front of a mirror with top exposed.

? Place hands on hips.

? Look for signs of dimpling, swelling, soreness, or redness in all parts of your breasts in the mirror.

? Repeat with arms raised above your head.

? While still standing, palpate your breasts with your fingers, feeling for lumps. Try to use a larger area of your fingers rather than prodding. Feel both for the area just beneath the skin and for the tissue deeper within.

? Go over the entire breast while examining. One method is to divide the breast into quadrants and palpate each quadrant carefully. Also examine the “axillary tail” of each breast that extends toward the armpit.

? Repeat palpation while lying down.

? Check the nipples and the area just beneath them. Gently squeeze each nipple to check for any discharge.

Breasts tend to feel different in different parts of menstrual cycle. Therefore BSE should be done 7-10 days after the first day of periods, every month. Once you get the feel of your breasts it will be easy for you to detect any change and you will be able to differentiate normal breast feel from that of a lump.

If you have detected a lump or nodule do not panic, because 8 out of ten times these are harmless. You should go to an expert surgeon for examination. She/he may advise further testing if needed like mammography( breast X ray) and sonography of breast -both of which are painless.Fine needle biopsy may also be needed to get the diagnosis.

If the lump is benign (harmless) it can be left alone or can be removed through small incision. If it is malignant (cancer) and detected early (less than 2 cm size lump) then it is possible to have breast preserving surgery wherein only the lump with surrounding rim of normal breast is removed leaving behind rest of the breast and radiation to the breast. For bigger cancers treatment usually involves total removal of breast and chemotherapy, with or without radiotherapy. Plastic surgical breast reconstruction is commonly done after total removal of breast. If the cancer is detected in early stage, very long survival 20 years or more is known after complete treatment.

After the age of 40 yearly mammography can be done to detect any minute cancer. It is like an X ray and is painless. Early detection not only allows for breast preservation but also increases the chances of cure.

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What to Know About Breast Cancer

Causes of breast cancer involve both, environmental as well as genetic factors. One of the most important factors involved is gender. Women are at 100 times more risk than men to contract breast cancer. Though it can develop at any age, the probability of developing it increases with age. Genetic factors are a major cause for developing breast cancer. Having a family history of breast cancer augments the odds of developing it. The risk is more if that family member developed it in both the breasts. Hormones largely influence the development of this condition. Lifestyle and diet also can contribute towards the cause.

Symptoms

It is difficult to detect breast cancer in its early stages because more often than not, the early symptoms are painless. Most cases are discovered by the appearance of lumps. The lumps may develop in the collar bone or the armpit or on the breasts. Most lumps that are formed are usually not cancerous. Breast discharge could be another symptom for cancer. But most probably it is not. Nipple inversion is one of the important symptoms. Other common symptoms involve redness on the breast skin or some change in the breast skin texture.

Treatment

The treatment for breast cancer should be started as soon as possible once any of its symptoms appear because treating it gets more and more difficult as it spreads. However harmless or small the symptom may seem, one should get it checked immediately.

Surgery is one of the main types of treatments. The type of surgery depends on the location and size of the tumour, the type of tumour and the patient’s health.

The staging and prognosis of the disease depends on the stage to which the cancer has grown and whether the cancer is invasive or non invasive. There are mainly four stages in increasing order of its growth, development and severity.

Prevention

Though one cannot do much to prevent the onset of breast cancer, regular screening is highly recommended in order to nip the problem in the bud by detecting it in its earliest stages. Regular screening involves breast self examination (BSE), clinical breast examination and mammography. Examination for symptoms of breast cancer is highly recommended immediately after the monthly menstruation. Mammography should be undertaken especially by women every 1-2 years and more so after the age of 40.

Those who are genetically more prone to breast cancer, a drug by the name of tamoxifen has been invented and is currently being used which is shown to reduce the chances of occurrence of the disease.

Incidence

After lung cancer, breast cancer tops the list for being one of the leading reasons for deaths by cancer amongst women. It is very rarely found to affect males. Referring to various statistics made by different studies, we see that a staggering number of approximately 1.3 million women around the globe are detected with this condition every year. Of them, around 465,000 succumb to this deadly disease. Fortunately for all the hoopla surrounding breast cancer in the recent times, people nowadays are more aware and conscious about it and the cancer is detected in its early stages and the death toll has shown a steady decline in the recent years.

Myths

There are a lot of unnecessary myths and misconceptions floating about regarding this disease. Many people take it for granted that if there is a lump showing on their breasts, they are suffering from breast cancer. It is not so. In fact, most of the times, these lumps are never detected to be cancerous. Another one of the myths is that getting mammography done will augment the spread of cancer. Mammography does not affect the cancer growth in any way.

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