Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed of all the cancers affecting women in America today. It strikes women of all ages and races but is particularly prevalent in women over forty.
Researchers are constantly seeking new methods for the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of this virulent cancer. The success of this research has played a big part in the early detection and successful treatment of more cases of breast cancer in recent years.
New treatments are constantly being sought to effectively seek out any potentially cancerous cells in a woman’s body. This reduces the number of cases of breast cancer significantly.
Thanks to this continued research, many more women are surviving breast cancer than ever before. The recovery rate has steadily been increasing. Early detection and treatment is the key to this success.
Information regarding breast cancer has become more widely available. It is no longer the silent killer that it once was. Women are being educated as to their risks of developing the cancer and methods of checking their breasts for signs of the disease.
A woman has an increased probability of developing breast cancer if she falls into certain categories. The first is that she has passed the age of 40, especially if she had children after that age. Obesity and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to the chances of a woman developing the disease being greater than average.
Initially, breast cancer is only detectable by a mammogram. The disease has no detectable symptoms but a mammogram would be able to highlight potentially cancerous cells. It is for this reason that women over 40 should have annual mammograms.
Self-examination of the breasts is a method that every woman should use to check for the presence of tumors in their early stage of growth. Your doctor or other medical practitioner can advise you on the best method of self-examination if you are unsure of the proper technique.
You should examine your breasts at least once a month, but the more frequently you do so, the earlier you will detect any lumps. If you think that you may have found a lump it is essential that you seek urgent medical advice.
Although research into breast cancer prevention is an ongoing process, there have been a number of breakthroughs recently. The National Cancer Institute has tested a number of drugs that could potentially prevent the disease altogether.
The two drugs that the NCI tested have shown that they have the potential to prevent the cancer are BCPT and Star. The first drug was given to 13,000 women who were at risk of developing the disease and 19,000 were given the second. These large studies showed that the predicted instances of cancer were significantly reduced. However, neither drug has had FDA approval to date.
This article deals with a few facts you should know about breast cancer. It helps you understand that you are not alone in your endeavour against this disease. Armed with knowledge you can make informed decisions and asking your doctor is the next best thing you can do for yourself or for your loved one suffering from cancer.
A few Facts about Breast Cancer
• What is it? It is a cancer that develops in the cells of the breast. • It affects both the sexes. It is 100 times more frequent in women than in men, but the survival rates are the same for both. • In 2004, breast cancer caused 519,000 deaths worldwide, which is seven percent of cancer deaths and one percent of all causes of death. • One in eight women, or 12.6 percent of all women, will be diagnosed with breast cancer once in her lifetime. • Every 13 minutes, a woman dies of breast cancer. • The risk of getting breast cancer increases with age. • Every woman is at a risk of getting diagnosed with breast cancer. • Around 70 percent of the women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50. • More than 1.7 million women who were diagnosed with breast cancer are still alive in the United States. • Breast cancer is the first cause of death in women aged between 15 and 54 and is the second cause of death in women aged 55 to 74. • Increased breast cancer risk depends upon family history, delayed pregnancy until the age of 30, never becoming pregnant, atypical hyperplasia, early menstruation, i.e. before the age of 12 years, late menopause (after 55), modern use of oral contraceptive pills and the daily consumption of alcohol. • The first signs of breast cancer show up in the mammogram before any other symptoms surface or can be felt. • 71 percent of black women diagnosed with breast cancer show a five year survival rate, while 86 percent of white women show a survival rate of five years. • 96 percent of women who find, detect and treat breast cancer early will be cancer-free after five years. • Self examination for breast cancer every month and a yearly mammogram after the age of 40 years offer the best chances of survival. • Over 80 percent of the breast lumps that are detected are not cancerous and are benign, such as fibrocystic breast diseases. • It is said that oral contraceptive may increase the risk of getting breast cancer. Though, ten years after discontinuation of the pill, the risks are same as of a woman who has never taken the pill. • The risk of breast cancer is said to increase with the estrogen replacement therapy that goes on for over five years. Though, the risk disappears five to ten years after discontinuing the use of estrogen replacement therapy. • Remember, you are never too young to get breast cancer, so self examination must be started at the age of 20.
MUSC Health video segment on Breast MRI as a screening for breast cancer. musc’s Dr. Thomas Pope discusses the screening and who might consider getting one. This video is brought to you by the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. Visit www.muschealth.com to listen to a podcast with musc’s Dr. Megan Baker discussing the differences in screening between mammography and MRI.
Breasts and uterus are the two most common places cancer may develop in women. Both areas are easily examined and every woman owes it to herself to undergo such examinations periodically. Breast cancer is one of the most significant diseases affecting women, taking the lives of many thousands of women all over the world.
Breast cancer is very rare in women below the age of 40. In this article, you will find useful information on breast cancer that every woman should know. When Should You be Alert for Breast Cancer? Below are some of the symptoms that are alarming and one need to consult a doctor for careful breast examination.
1. If there is any change in the shape or outline of the breast when there is movement of arms and lifting of breast.
2. If there are any lumps, thickening or bumpy areas in one breast or armpit, which seem to be different from the same part of the other breast and armpit.
3. If there is discomfort and pain in one breast that is different from normal, particularly if it is new and persistent. 4. If there is discharge in a nipple or nipples (not milky).
5. If there is bleeding or there are moist reddish spots on the breasts.
6. If there is any change in the nipple position – pulled in or paining differently. There is nipple rash on or around the nipple. There can be many reasons for the above changes in the breast. Most of them are harmless, but they need to be checked, as there is a small chance they could be the first sign of cancer or any other disease. In case of any change, consult a doctor. Remember, the sooner it is examined, the simpler is the treatment likely to be.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.
Breast cancer survival rate is high if the symptoms of this cancer are detected early
The first symptom of breast 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 breast cancer 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 cancers, it is recommended you consult your physician as soon as possible.
Breast cancer is known to be a disease that can affect women and sometimes men in rare cases. Most people are unaware of this disease and hence, unable to treat it timely. Breast cancer can occur at any age.
It is important to know about this disease if you want to be detected on time and save yourself from a lot of health and emotional problems it brings along with.
Here are some important things regarding this disease. Read and understand the information for your own health benefits.
A) The part affected
In case of a breast cancer, the malignant cancer develops inside the cells that provide lining to the ducts. This can also be referred to as a ductal breast cancer. Most of the time, cancerous cells tend to develop inside the lobules. This can be referred to a type of lobular breast cancer. The cancer can also develop in other tissues of the breast.
B) Risk factors
There are several risk factors for development of breast cancer. Here are some of these:
a) Woman
Being a woman is the biggest risk factor.
b) Early periods
Some women tend to get their period prior to the age of 12. This increases the chances of developing breast cancer.
c) Family history
This plays an important role. Doctors usually consider sisters, mothers and daughters when analyzing family history for breast cancer detection. In case, anyone in your family gets diagnosed, it puts you at greater risk.
d) Alcohol
If you are taking more than about two alcoholic beverages on a daily basis, you are at risk.
e) Diet with excess fats
Make sure that you don’t have a diet that consists of high amounts of saturated fat. If you do, then there are more chances of carrying this disease. Try to avoid food that is too high in fat content. Also do not eat foods that contain poly unsaturated fat.
f) Late pregnancy
Pregnancies after the age of 26 are risky as far as development of breast cancer is concerned.
g) No pregnancy
Women who have never had pregnancy are also at risk of developing breast cancer.
h) Personal history
Women with personal history of breast cancer can also develop this cancer later in their life. Hence, regular breast check ups are necessary.
C Treatment options
There are several treatment options available for people with breast cancer. If detected at an early stage, this disease can be treated easily. There are some standard treatments for this disease. One is usually advised to go for a treatment clinical trial at first. It is a type of research where new treatments are found for this disease.
Breast cancer is known to be a disease that can affect women and sometimes men in rare cases. Most people are unaware of this disease and hence, unable to treat it timely. Breast cancer can occur at any age.
It is important to know about this disease if you want to be detected on time and save yourself from a lot of health and emotional problems it brings along with.
Here are some important things regarding this disease. Read and understand the information for your own health benefits.
- The part affected
In case of a breast cancer, the malignant cancer develops inside the cells that provide lining to the ducts. This can also be referred to as a ductal breast cancer. Most of the time, cancerous cells tend to develop inside the lobules. This can be referred to a type of lobular breast cancer. The cancer can also develop in other tissues of the breast.
- Risk factors
There are several risk factors for development of breast cancer. Here are some of these:
a) Woman
Being a woman is the biggest risk factor.
b) Early periods
Some women tend to get their period prior to the age of 12. This increases the chances of developing breast cancer.
c) Family history
This plays an important role. Doctors usually consider sisters, mothers and daughters when analyzing family history for breast cancer detection. In case, anyone in your family gets diagnosed, it puts you at greater risk.
d) Alcohol
If you are taking more than about two alcoholic beverages on a daily basis, you are at risk.
e) Diet with excess fats
Make sure that you donât have a diet that consists of high amounts of saturated fat. If you do, then there are more chances of carrying this disease. Try to avoid food that is too high in fat content. Also do not eat foods that contain poly unsaturated fat.
f) Late pregnancy
Pregnancies after the age of 26 are risky as far as development of breast cancer is concerned.
g) No pregnancy
Women who have never had pregnancy are also at risk of developing breast cancer.
h) Personal history
Women with personal history of breast cancer can also develop this cancer later in their life. Hence, regular breast check ups are necessary.
Millions of women are affected with breast cancer all around the world. Breast cancer is growing like an epidemic and is predicted that 45,000 patients will die from breast cancer, this year. If you feel a solid lump in your breast, you must visit a specialist for consultation.
Breast cancer symptom:
Breast cancer in its early stages does not cause any pain. Unfortunately, in early stages when breast cancer develops, it does not show any breast cancer symptom. But as it grows, it can cause remarkable changes, which a woman should note.
Breast cancer symptoms include thickening or lump near or in the breast, change in the shape or size of the affected breast, tenderness of nipple or nipple discharge, inversion of nipple into the breast, pitting or ridges of the breast, skin of the breast appears warm, red, swollen and scaly. A woman should visit her doctor if she persists with any breast cancer symptom.
Specialists diagnose breast cancer by any of the following examinations:
palpation, mammography, ultrasonography, fine needle aspiration, needle biopsy or surgical biopsy.
Breast cancer treatment:
Breast cancer treatment options depend on location and size of the tumor in her breast.
Various methods of breast cancer treatment
Breast cancer treatments can be systemic or local. Radiation therapy and Surgery are the local breast cancer treatments. Local breast cancer treatments are used to destroy, remove, or control the growth of cancer cells.
Hormonal therapy and Chemotherapy are systemic treatments. Systemic treatments are targeted to control or destroy cancer cells all over the body. Different forms of breast cancer treatment can be prescribed at the same time or one after other.
Surgery is one of the most common breast cancer treatments. Many types of surgical interventions may be used. A surgical intervention to remove breast is called a mastectomy. An operation carried out to remove the cancer cells without affecting the size of breast is called breast conserving surgery or breast sparing.
Radiation therapy or radiotherapy:
Under this breast cancer treatment specialists use high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and stop them from growing.
Chemotherapeutic breast cancer treatment:
specialists use different types of drugs or combination of different drugs to kill cancerous cells or stop them from growing. Drugs are given in cycles; a treatment period is followed by a recovery period that is again followed by another breast cancer treatment.
Hormonal therapy for breast cancer treatment is used to stop the growth of cancerous cells that affect the female hormones. This breast cancer treatment may include use of medicines, which change the way hormones work or surgery to remove the ovaries that produce female hormones.
