By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dr._Eric_Brown]Dr. Eric Brown
Breast cancers are not all the same and they behave differently. To effectively target breast cancer cells with the right therapy requires that we identify the cancer subtype. By knowing the subtype and which genes the cancer expresses, we know which drugs to use, as different receptors accept different drugs.
While some subtypes lend themselves well to very specific targeted types of treatment, Triple Negative Breast Cancers (TNBCs) do not. TNBCs do, however, respond to other types of treatment. This article looks at the population that is most likely to be in the TNBC group.
Breast cancer tissue is typically tested for specific receptors to estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (her2-neu). The presence of any of these receptors, allows for targeted therapy. Targeted therapy utilizes drugs that recognize these receptors, thereby affecting only those cancer cells.
Estrogen or progesterone receptors are treated with what is called endocrine therapy. The most recognized drug used to target either of these receptors is tamoxifen. In post-menopausal women, drugs called aromastase inhibitors (Arimidex, Femara, Aromasin) perform a similar task of essentially blocking the bodies own estrogen from binding to and stimulating cancer cells that may be circulating in the body or at the site of the original tumor.
The presence of these receptors is a favorable prognostic indicator. The presence of the HER2 receptor is actually a poor prognostic indicator, suggesting a more aggressive disease. A relatively recent breakthrough in breast cancer treatment was the discovery of Herceptin, a drug that targets this receptor. While still suggesting more aggressive disease, the use of Herceptin, along with chemotherapy, has had a remarkably positive impact on the treatment of those cancers that posses this receptor.
Triple Negative Breast Cancers (TNBC), don't have any of these receptors. Thus, there is no effective targeted therapy. 10-20% of all invasive breast cancers are 'Triple Negative'. Younger women and African American women are more likely to develop this subtype of breast cancer.
In addition, women with a BRCA1 mutation are more likely to be 'triple negative'. In fact, the diagnosis of TNBC is now an indication to consider genetic testing. In addition, these subtypes of breast cancers respond differently to therapies. TNBC's tend to respond very well to chemotherapy. Thus, the indications for chemotherapy in this subgroup tends to include even small, lymph-node-negative patients.
A major focus of current research is trying to find drugs to interfere with the growth of TNBC, as well as discover new targets that might exist in this subtype. By identifying Support groups of TNBC patients have formed. For information go to rel=nofollow [http://www.tnbcfoundation.org]http://www.tnbcfoundation.org.
About the Author [http://compbreastcare.com/about.aspx]Dr. Eric Brown has twice been voted "Top Doc" in the Detroit Metro area. He is certified in breast ultrasound by the American Society of Breast Surgeons, is trained in Oncoplastic Surgery (plastic surgery for the treatment of breast disease), and is a member of The American Society of Breast Surgeons and The American Society of Breast Disease.
Dr. Brown is the Director of the Breast Care Center, as well as, The Center of Excellence Director for Breast Care, at Beaumont Hospital. His clinic is [http://compbreastcare.com]Comprehensive Breast Care in Troy, MI.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Triple-Negative-Breast-Cancer&id=6635352] 'Triple Negative' Breast Cancer
Monday, January 30, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Breast Cancer Risk Factors for Women
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Laura_Mims]Laura Mims
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in American women, with the exception of skin cancer. While some risk factors can be eliminated through changes in lifestyle, others are not so easy to overcome. Understanding your risk for developing breast cancer is essential for early detection and diagnosis.
There is no known cause of breast cancer. However, we do know that there are certain risk factors that are linked to this disease. Simply having one or more of these factors does not mean that you will develop this type of cancer. Understanding your risks can empower you to make lifestyle changes and become vigilant about administering self breast exams and scheduling your routine mammogram.
Gender and age play a big role in determining your risk for breast cancer. Women are much more likely to develop this disease than men. In fact, only about 1% of all diagnosed cases involve men. Breast cancer is most commonly found in women ages 55 and over. Routine screening becomes even more important as we age.
If you have a mother, sister, or daughter who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you are at a higher risk for developing this disease as well. However, it is important to keep in mind that a large percentage of women who are diagnosed, have no family history. Researchers have found that a familial mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can not only put you at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, but other cancers as well.
Breast cancer is found more often in women who have had no children or did not have their first child until after the age of 30, than those who birthed children at a younger age. If you began menstruation before the age of 12 or experienced menopause after the age of 55, you are at a higher risk for developing this type of cancer.
We all know that being overweight is unhealthy. Those women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) higher than 25 are at a higher risk for breast cancer than those women who maintain a lower BMI, especially after menopause. Extra fat cells, especially those around the waist, mean more estrogen in the body, which may help cancer cells grow. Losing weight and exercising can be difficult but it is essential to maintain a healthy weight throughout your lifetime.
Eating a healthy diet will not only help you manage your weight, but may also boost your immune system and help to keep your risk of cancer as low as possible. Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. Try to limit your fat intake and make healthy choices when eating out. While more research is needed, studies suggest that what we eat and how much we eat may affect our chances of developing breast cancer.
If you are a smoker or drink more than one alcoholic beverage a day, you should stop. Smoking and drinking in excess are linked to many types of cancer. Consult your physician for valuable information and tips on quitting smoking.
If you are concerned about any of these risk factors, talk with your physician. He or she may make recommendations for early diagnostic screenings or assist you with implementing lifestyle changes. With new treatments and early diagnosis, we are better able to find and treat breast cancer so that women have an increased chance for a complete recovery.
Laura Mims is a writer for FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, which specializes in oncology, [http://www.nccancercare.org/]cancer care and cancer treatment in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Breast-Cancer-Risk-Factors-for-Women&id=6649294] Breast Cancer Risk Factors for Women
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in American women, with the exception of skin cancer. While some risk factors can be eliminated through changes in lifestyle, others are not so easy to overcome. Understanding your risk for developing breast cancer is essential for early detection and diagnosis.
There is no known cause of breast cancer. However, we do know that there are certain risk factors that are linked to this disease. Simply having one or more of these factors does not mean that you will develop this type of cancer. Understanding your risks can empower you to make lifestyle changes and become vigilant about administering self breast exams and scheduling your routine mammogram.
Gender and age play a big role in determining your risk for breast cancer. Women are much more likely to develop this disease than men. In fact, only about 1% of all diagnosed cases involve men. Breast cancer is most commonly found in women ages 55 and over. Routine screening becomes even more important as we age.
If you have a mother, sister, or daughter who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you are at a higher risk for developing this disease as well. However, it is important to keep in mind that a large percentage of women who are diagnosed, have no family history. Researchers have found that a familial mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can not only put you at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, but other cancers as well.
Breast cancer is found more often in women who have had no children or did not have their first child until after the age of 30, than those who birthed children at a younger age. If you began menstruation before the age of 12 or experienced menopause after the age of 55, you are at a higher risk for developing this type of cancer.
We all know that being overweight is unhealthy. Those women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) higher than 25 are at a higher risk for breast cancer than those women who maintain a lower BMI, especially after menopause. Extra fat cells, especially those around the waist, mean more estrogen in the body, which may help cancer cells grow. Losing weight and exercising can be difficult but it is essential to maintain a healthy weight throughout your lifetime.
Eating a healthy diet will not only help you manage your weight, but may also boost your immune system and help to keep your risk of cancer as low as possible. Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. Try to limit your fat intake and make healthy choices when eating out. While more research is needed, studies suggest that what we eat and how much we eat may affect our chances of developing breast cancer.
If you are a smoker or drink more than one alcoholic beverage a day, you should stop. Smoking and drinking in excess are linked to many types of cancer. Consult your physician for valuable information and tips on quitting smoking.
If you are concerned about any of these risk factors, talk with your physician. He or she may make recommendations for early diagnostic screenings or assist you with implementing lifestyle changes. With new treatments and early diagnosis, we are better able to find and treat breast cancer so that women have an increased chance for a complete recovery.
Laura Mims is a writer for FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, which specializes in oncology, [http://www.nccancercare.org/]cancer care and cancer treatment in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Breast-Cancer-Risk-Factors-for-Women&id=6649294] Breast Cancer Risk Factors for Women
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Amazing Discovery in Cancer Research
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Patrick_Saint_Jean]Patrick Saint Jean
It is well known that Cancer is a most atrocious disease, in that it has caused the death of tens of millions of people throughout the world. Indeed, the number of death cause by the disease in the past decade is in the hundreds of millions. Too many people have died from this terrible disease and too many more have been affected. This situation is simply UNACCEPTABLE. Countries should no longer stay indifference to this dehibilitating disease that is wiping out a great number of their population. While there have been great strides and great achievements in the area of Cancer Research, it is imcomprehensible to me why there has not been a solution to this disease.
There is one area of cancer research that has produced some good results. This is in the area of helping cancer patients to reverse the disease by eliminating the cancer cells. Ironically, this same method is also very effective in helping people from developing the disease in the first place. Among the most treatable types of cancer are prostate cancer and breast cancer. This is all done without chemotherapy. Basically scientist have discovered that a compound commonly found in red wine called Resveratrol has helped patients of breast cancer and prostate cancer. Resveratrol is a natural compound that comes from fruits such as grapes, berries, nuts, and others. The source of Resveratrol is very important because it comes in different strengths. Grapes is considered to be the best source of Resveratrol, and the best liquid form of that is in Red Wine.
Another major organ of the body that is helped significantly by Resveratrol is the liver. Liver problems and liver cancer occurs mainly through toxins and chemicals that infects the liver and adversely impact the cells in the liver. This condition does cause the liver to shrink gradually. Resveratrol has been shown to be effective in treating patients with liver problems. It does this by cleaning out the toxins that infects the liver cells and flush them out of the body.
The key to cancer is in the cells, the primary question is: how do you eliminate the tumors without wiping out the entire or a significant amount of cells in the organ? Cellular therapy is therefore in this method better than traditional chemotherapy which kills a significant amount of cells. With Resveratrol, scientists and doctors specializing in the field of cancer treatment are able to produce anti-tumor activity in the affected cell area. In a research published in CANCER LETTERS in Feb 2001, Charis Eng, MD, Ph.D., Chair of the Genomic Medicine Institute of Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute, led her team to study the effect of combining resveratrol, a chemopreventive drug found in many natural compounds, with rapamycin on breast cancer cells.
Rapamycin has been in clinical trials as a drug for cancer treatment, it has had some effects as a suppresant to tumor growth, but unfortunately, after a while the cancer cells developed a resistance to the drug. So, the scientists in this study combined Resveratrol with Rapamycin in the treatment of breast cancer. The results were very interesting. This is what Dr Eng had to say about the results:
"Our findings show that resveratrol seems to mitigate rapamycin-induced drug resistance in breast cancers, at least in the laboratory. If these observations hold true in the clinic setting, then enjoying a glass of red wine or eating a bowl of boiled peanuts -- which has a higher resveratrol content than red wine -- before rapamycin treatment for cancer might be a prudent approach."
The scientific community has know for years that Resveratrol found in red wine has tremendous benefits for the heart, which explains the low rate of death from heart attacks in European countries like France and Italy, as opposed to Americans. Now, with the finding that this same compound, can help treat breast cancer patients and prostate cancer patients, doctors are now equipped with some natural ways to help reverse the illness and naturally eliminate cancer cells.
Patrick Saint-Jean http://livehealthyandprosper.biz
E-mail: [mailto:psaintjean1@gmail.com]psaintjean1@gmail.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Amazing-Discovery-in-Cancer-Research&id=6631686] Amazing Discovery in Cancer Research
It is well known that Cancer is a most atrocious disease, in that it has caused the death of tens of millions of people throughout the world. Indeed, the number of death cause by the disease in the past decade is in the hundreds of millions. Too many people have died from this terrible disease and too many more have been affected. This situation is simply UNACCEPTABLE. Countries should no longer stay indifference to this dehibilitating disease that is wiping out a great number of their population. While there have been great strides and great achievements in the area of Cancer Research, it is imcomprehensible to me why there has not been a solution to this disease.
There is one area of cancer research that has produced some good results. This is in the area of helping cancer patients to reverse the disease by eliminating the cancer cells. Ironically, this same method is also very effective in helping people from developing the disease in the first place. Among the most treatable types of cancer are prostate cancer and breast cancer. This is all done without chemotherapy. Basically scientist have discovered that a compound commonly found in red wine called Resveratrol has helped patients of breast cancer and prostate cancer. Resveratrol is a natural compound that comes from fruits such as grapes, berries, nuts, and others. The source of Resveratrol is very important because it comes in different strengths. Grapes is considered to be the best source of Resveratrol, and the best liquid form of that is in Red Wine.
Another major organ of the body that is helped significantly by Resveratrol is the liver. Liver problems and liver cancer occurs mainly through toxins and chemicals that infects the liver and adversely impact the cells in the liver. This condition does cause the liver to shrink gradually. Resveratrol has been shown to be effective in treating patients with liver problems. It does this by cleaning out the toxins that infects the liver cells and flush them out of the body.
The key to cancer is in the cells, the primary question is: how do you eliminate the tumors without wiping out the entire or a significant amount of cells in the organ? Cellular therapy is therefore in this method better than traditional chemotherapy which kills a significant amount of cells. With Resveratrol, scientists and doctors specializing in the field of cancer treatment are able to produce anti-tumor activity in the affected cell area. In a research published in CANCER LETTERS in Feb 2001, Charis Eng, MD, Ph.D., Chair of the Genomic Medicine Institute of Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute, led her team to study the effect of combining resveratrol, a chemopreventive drug found in many natural compounds, with rapamycin on breast cancer cells.
Rapamycin has been in clinical trials as a drug for cancer treatment, it has had some effects as a suppresant to tumor growth, but unfortunately, after a while the cancer cells developed a resistance to the drug. So, the scientists in this study combined Resveratrol with Rapamycin in the treatment of breast cancer. The results were very interesting. This is what Dr Eng had to say about the results:
"Our findings show that resveratrol seems to mitigate rapamycin-induced drug resistance in breast cancers, at least in the laboratory. If these observations hold true in the clinic setting, then enjoying a glass of red wine or eating a bowl of boiled peanuts -- which has a higher resveratrol content than red wine -- before rapamycin treatment for cancer might be a prudent approach."
The scientific community has know for years that Resveratrol found in red wine has tremendous benefits for the heart, which explains the low rate of death from heart attacks in European countries like France and Italy, as opposed to Americans. Now, with the finding that this same compound, can help treat breast cancer patients and prostate cancer patients, doctors are now equipped with some natural ways to help reverse the illness and naturally eliminate cancer cells.
Patrick Saint-Jean http://livehealthyandprosper.biz
E-mail: [mailto:psaintjean1@gmail.com]psaintjean1@gmail.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Amazing-Discovery-in-Cancer-Research&id=6631686] Amazing Discovery in Cancer Research
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Conventional Treatment For Someone With Breast Cancer
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Emma_Wanjiku]Emma Wanjiku
There are a number of treatment options once diagnosed with breast cancer that you can choose from. Late detection of the cancer minimizes the chances of having it cured. Because men have smaller breasts, the cancer is likely to spread at a faster rate during the initial stages compared to women. However, if for both men and women the stage of the cancer during diagnosis is the same, the chances of survival are equal for both.
Treatment will depend on factors such as the stage, its sensitivity to hormones and the type of cancer. Some treatment options include;
Surgery. There are different types of surgery. They include; breast reconstruction, mastectomy to remove the breast or part of it, prophylactic surgery, lymph node dissection, or breast conserving surgery to remove the lump. Men with breast cancer can undergo a surgery referred to as a modified radical mastectomy to remove the breast, chest muscle lining and some of the lymph nodes under the arm.
Chemotherapy. This is the use of medication of a combination of medicines to exterminate and weaken cancer cells throughout the body so that they do not continue to grow. It helps to keep the cancer from striking again. The doctor might use this therapy to minimize the cancer before surgery is performed and during the final stages of the cancer to kill as many cancer cells as possible.
Hormonal therapy. Not only does it reduce the chances of the cancer reoccurring but also the growing and spreading of cancer cells. Like chemotherapy it also stops the cancer cells from growing. Hormone therapy is one of the standard treatments for breast cancer in men especially if the cancer was caused by hormones.
Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy will depend on the type and the stage of the cancer. It can be internal where radioactive substances are positioned near the cancer to kill or prevent the cancer cells from growing or external radiation where the body is exposed to radiation outside the body to achieve the same results. This therapy can be performed after surgery to kill the remaining cancer cells.
Mastectomy, removal of the lymph node, radiation and lumpectomy are used in the treatment of stage I and II breast cancer. After surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and biologic therapy are used. Stage IV cancer is not easily curable therefore treatment will be directed towards the symptoms and lengthening ones life.
Emma Wanjiku is an experienced writer and publisher who focusses/reports on issues affecting you. Her research is based on aspects and topics of life that matter. She is a trained journalist. For daily health tips and fitness information, access her health site at http://www.emmalifetips.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Conventional-Treatment-For-Someone-With-Breast-Cancer&id=6662880] Conventional Treatment For Someone With Breast Cancer
There are a number of treatment options once diagnosed with breast cancer that you can choose from. Late detection of the cancer minimizes the chances of having it cured. Because men have smaller breasts, the cancer is likely to spread at a faster rate during the initial stages compared to women. However, if for both men and women the stage of the cancer during diagnosis is the same, the chances of survival are equal for both.
Treatment will depend on factors such as the stage, its sensitivity to hormones and the type of cancer. Some treatment options include;
Surgery. There are different types of surgery. They include; breast reconstruction, mastectomy to remove the breast or part of it, prophylactic surgery, lymph node dissection, or breast conserving surgery to remove the lump. Men with breast cancer can undergo a surgery referred to as a modified radical mastectomy to remove the breast, chest muscle lining and some of the lymph nodes under the arm.
Chemotherapy. This is the use of medication of a combination of medicines to exterminate and weaken cancer cells throughout the body so that they do not continue to grow. It helps to keep the cancer from striking again. The doctor might use this therapy to minimize the cancer before surgery is performed and during the final stages of the cancer to kill as many cancer cells as possible.
Hormonal therapy. Not only does it reduce the chances of the cancer reoccurring but also the growing and spreading of cancer cells. Like chemotherapy it also stops the cancer cells from growing. Hormone therapy is one of the standard treatments for breast cancer in men especially if the cancer was caused by hormones.
Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy will depend on the type and the stage of the cancer. It can be internal where radioactive substances are positioned near the cancer to kill or prevent the cancer cells from growing or external radiation where the body is exposed to radiation outside the body to achieve the same results. This therapy can be performed after surgery to kill the remaining cancer cells.
Mastectomy, removal of the lymph node, radiation and lumpectomy are used in the treatment of stage I and II breast cancer. After surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and biologic therapy are used. Stage IV cancer is not easily curable therefore treatment will be directed towards the symptoms and lengthening ones life.
Emma Wanjiku is an experienced writer and publisher who focusses/reports on issues affecting you. Her research is based on aspects and topics of life that matter. She is a trained journalist. For daily health tips and fitness information, access her health site at http://www.emmalifetips.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Conventional-Treatment-For-Someone-With-Breast-Cancer&id=6662880] Conventional Treatment For Someone With Breast Cancer
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Symptoms That Might Indicate Breast Cancer
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Emma_Wanjiku]Emma Wanjiku
Although breast cancer refers to cancerous tumors that develop in the breast tissue, it also has different types. Some of them are common while others are rare.
The most common type of the cancer is invasive duct carcinoma accounting for 80% of the invasive cancers of the breast. 10% of the invasive cancers of the breast are invasive lobular carcinoma. Invasive duct carcinoma starts from the ducts in the breast while invasive lobular carcinoma originates from the glands that are responsible for milk production. Other types of cancer of the breast include mucinous carcinoma, Adenoid cystic carcinoma, inflammatory breast cancer and medullary carcinoma. Treatment of the cancer will depend on the type of cancer one has been diagnosed with. Different types of cancer of the breast have different rates of spreading to other organs.
Cancer of the breast forms a lump in the breast. By the time the lump is big enough to be felt during a physical examination, the cancer might have already advanced. It is therefore important for one to go for regular mammograms especially those above the age of 50. It also helps because during the initial stages of the disease, the cancer does not produce any symptoms. Some may not have any signs or symptoms while in others, symptoms of the same cancer might be different.
Other symptoms of breast cancer in women include;
Apart from the traditional symptom which is the formation of a lump on the breast or under the arm, it can also be accompanied by a rash depending on the type of cancer.
The cancer can also cause changes in the size, texture, temperature, shape and color of the breast and/or nipples
Discharge from the nipple. This can be clear or bloody.
Overturning of the nipple. The nipple will also feel itchy and have a burning sensation
Pain in the nipples and breast area
During the final stage of breast cancer, it has already spread to other organs of the body such as the liver, lungs and brain. The symptoms will depend on the organ affected. Some of them include
Neurological problems such as headaches
Jaundice because of the cancers spread to the liver
Loss of appetite
Continuous and uncontrollable loss of weight
Bone pain
Other symptoms of stage four cancer of the breast include skin ulcers, pink like discharge from the nipples and the lump on the breast becomes easily visible.
Emma Wanjiku is an experienced writer and publisher who focusses/reports on issues affecting you. Her research is based on aspects and topics of life that matter. She is a trained journalist. For daily health tips and fitness information, access her health site at http://www.emmalifetips.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Symptoms-That-Might-Indicate-Breast-Cancer&id=6662891] Symptoms That Might Indicate Breast Cancer
Although breast cancer refers to cancerous tumors that develop in the breast tissue, it also has different types. Some of them are common while others are rare.
The most common type of the cancer is invasive duct carcinoma accounting for 80% of the invasive cancers of the breast. 10% of the invasive cancers of the breast are invasive lobular carcinoma. Invasive duct carcinoma starts from the ducts in the breast while invasive lobular carcinoma originates from the glands that are responsible for milk production. Other types of cancer of the breast include mucinous carcinoma, Adenoid cystic carcinoma, inflammatory breast cancer and medullary carcinoma. Treatment of the cancer will depend on the type of cancer one has been diagnosed with. Different types of cancer of the breast have different rates of spreading to other organs.
Cancer of the breast forms a lump in the breast. By the time the lump is big enough to be felt during a physical examination, the cancer might have already advanced. It is therefore important for one to go for regular mammograms especially those above the age of 50. It also helps because during the initial stages of the disease, the cancer does not produce any symptoms. Some may not have any signs or symptoms while in others, symptoms of the same cancer might be different.
Other symptoms of breast cancer in women include;
Apart from the traditional symptom which is the formation of a lump on the breast or under the arm, it can also be accompanied by a rash depending on the type of cancer.
The cancer can also cause changes in the size, texture, temperature, shape and color of the breast and/or nipples
Discharge from the nipple. This can be clear or bloody.
Overturning of the nipple. The nipple will also feel itchy and have a burning sensation
Pain in the nipples and breast area
During the final stage of breast cancer, it has already spread to other organs of the body such as the liver, lungs and brain. The symptoms will depend on the organ affected. Some of them include
Neurological problems such as headaches
Jaundice because of the cancers spread to the liver
Loss of appetite
Continuous and uncontrollable loss of weight
Bone pain
Other symptoms of stage four cancer of the breast include skin ulcers, pink like discharge from the nipples and the lump on the breast becomes easily visible.
Emma Wanjiku is an experienced writer and publisher who focusses/reports on issues affecting you. Her research is based on aspects and topics of life that matter. She is a trained journalist. For daily health tips and fitness information, access her health site at http://www.emmalifetips.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Symptoms-That-Might-Indicate-Breast-Cancer&id=6662891] Symptoms That Might Indicate Breast Cancer
Friday, January 20, 2012
Facts You Might Not Be Aware Of About Breast Cancer
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Emma_Wanjiku]Emma Wanjiku
Breast cancer in women has been on the decline and this is being related to more awareness and early screening. Cancer of the breast is the leading cause of death in women followed by lung cancer. More cases of this cancer have been reported in the developed counties compared to the developing countries. Out of every 36 deaths in women, one of them is likely to have died from cancer of the breast. According to the American Cancer Society, around 1.3 million women world wide are diagnosed with the cancer and 465,000 women die due to the disease.
It occurs when the damaged cells or the cells that are supposed to die off start to multiply uncontrollably causing a mass known as a tumor. The tumor can form in the ducts or the lobules in both men and women but more common in women. The best way to detect cancer of the breast early is by going for regular mammograms. This is an x ray of the breast.
Treatment of cancer will depend on the stage, rate of growth of the tumor, its size and the stage. Some of the treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Treatment can also involve multiple therapies. Early detection of breast cancer is important because treatment will be more effective. This together with proper treatment will also reduce the chances of death from the condition.
According to statistics by the National Cancer Institute, although all women can get breast cancer, the risk is higher with not only age but also race. 77% of reported cases of cancer of the breast are usually of women over the age of 50. They also conclude that;
Cancer of the breast is likely to be detected late in African American women making their death rates higher compared to white women. However, the death rates for white women over the age of 70 are higher than those of African women of the same age.
In the United States, white, African American women and Hawaiian women have the highest incidences of developing invasive breast cancer compared to Vietnamese, Korean and American Indian women.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, white women have the highest incidences of this cancer followed by black, Hispanic, Asian and American Indians. Black women have the higher rates of death from the cancer followed by white, Hispanic, American Indians and Asian women.
Emma Wanjiku is an experienced writer and publisher who focusses/reports on issues affecting you. Her research is based on aspects and topics of life that matter. She is a trained journalist. For daily health tips and fitness information, access her health site at http://www.emmalifetips.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Facts-You-Might-Not-Be-Aware-Of-About-Breast-Cancer&id=6662898] Facts You Might Not Be Aware Of About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer in women has been on the decline and this is being related to more awareness and early screening. Cancer of the breast is the leading cause of death in women followed by lung cancer. More cases of this cancer have been reported in the developed counties compared to the developing countries. Out of every 36 deaths in women, one of them is likely to have died from cancer of the breast. According to the American Cancer Society, around 1.3 million women world wide are diagnosed with the cancer and 465,000 women die due to the disease.
It occurs when the damaged cells or the cells that are supposed to die off start to multiply uncontrollably causing a mass known as a tumor. The tumor can form in the ducts or the lobules in both men and women but more common in women. The best way to detect cancer of the breast early is by going for regular mammograms. This is an x ray of the breast.
Treatment of cancer will depend on the stage, rate of growth of the tumor, its size and the stage. Some of the treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Treatment can also involve multiple therapies. Early detection of breast cancer is important because treatment will be more effective. This together with proper treatment will also reduce the chances of death from the condition.
According to statistics by the National Cancer Institute, although all women can get breast cancer, the risk is higher with not only age but also race. 77% of reported cases of cancer of the breast are usually of women over the age of 50. They also conclude that;
Cancer of the breast is likely to be detected late in African American women making their death rates higher compared to white women. However, the death rates for white women over the age of 70 are higher than those of African women of the same age.
In the United States, white, African American women and Hawaiian women have the highest incidences of developing invasive breast cancer compared to Vietnamese, Korean and American Indian women.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, white women have the highest incidences of this cancer followed by black, Hispanic, Asian and American Indians. Black women have the higher rates of death from the cancer followed by white, Hispanic, American Indians and Asian women.
Emma Wanjiku is an experienced writer and publisher who focusses/reports on issues affecting you. Her research is based on aspects and topics of life that matter. She is a trained journalist. For daily health tips and fitness information, access her health site at http://www.emmalifetips.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Facts-You-Might-Not-Be-Aware-Of-About-Breast-Cancer&id=6662898] Facts You Might Not Be Aware Of About Breast Cancer
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
What Boomer Women Should Know About Breast Cancer
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kathi_Casey]Kathi Casey
The American Cancer Society expects that 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2011, 57,650 new cases of CIS (the non-invasive form of breast cancer), and that about 39,520 women will die from breast cancer. That's too many! What should Boomer women know about prevention?
There has been much publicity about Vitamin D of late. Now studies have shown that the mighty vitamin D can also help protect all of us Baby Boomer women against breast cancer.
I encourage every woman to check her vitamin D level regularly and keep it in the optimal range. Based upon the outdated requirements for this important vitamin, which have recently been increased, "normal" is not the same as optimal. Many of us have been told by our physician for years that our vitamin D levels are normal. It's time to get them checked against the newer "optimal" standards.
Most docs today now recommend supplementing with 2,000 IUs of vitamin D3 per day, as well as getting as much from your diet as you can. I know it's hard to get all you need from food. Fatty fish like Salmon, herring, catfish and halibut are good sources, but if you don't like fish it can be difficult to find high levels of this important vitamin in other foods.
There is another easy way to optimize our vitamin D. Make sure you are getting plenty of regular, safe, sun exposure. Believe it or not, the sun is actually the best source of vitamin D. The sun's UVB rays help our bodies manufacture vitamin D in the fat layer under the skin. Our own body can make all the vitamin D we need from regular sun exposure. We should spend about fifteen minutes showing some skin before we put on our sunscreen; exposing the skin is good for us as long as we don't burn.
There is also evidence that Vitamin K not only helps activate proteins that are involved in the structuring of bone mass, which is good news for all of us Baby Boomer women, but recent rel=nofollow [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12888897?dopt=Abstract]studies show it also has an anti-cancer effect; vitamin K has been used in the treatment of several different cancers, including breast cancer. You can get your vitamin K in swiss chard, kale, parsley and spinach, broccoli and cauliflower, brussels sprouts, liver, soybean oil and wheat bran. Many more choices here than with vitamin D, however, supplements are also available if you'd prefer.
Dietand Exercise are hugely important in preventing breast cancer. A study published in the " rel=nofollow [http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/25/17/2345.abstract?ijkey=b8ae0c0bdeda486872bc27444bc95ca7e750045e&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha]Journal of Clinical Oncology " reinforces previous findings that women with breast cancer greatly reduce their risk of recurrence by eating a healthy, plant-based diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and exercising regularly. This study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, tracked dietary patterns and exercise habits of nearly 1,500 women who were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Researchers found that the death rate for women who consumed a high-fiber diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and practiced good exercise habits, was 44% lower than the rate for women who exercised little and ate few plant-based foods. Almost half the risk, wow!
So, as my dear ol'gram used to say: "take your vities, eat all your veggies, and get plenty of fresh air!"
Best of Health,
Kathi
Kathi Casey, The Healthy Boomer Body Expert provides weight loss tips, relief from Menopause Symptoms, Sciatic Nerve Pain Remedies and more: http://www.HealthyBoomerBody.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Boomer-Women-Should-Know-About-Breast-Cancer&id=6658369] What Boomer Women Should Know About Breast Cancer
The American Cancer Society expects that 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2011, 57,650 new cases of CIS (the non-invasive form of breast cancer), and that about 39,520 women will die from breast cancer. That's too many! What should Boomer women know about prevention?
There has been much publicity about Vitamin D of late. Now studies have shown that the mighty vitamin D can also help protect all of us Baby Boomer women against breast cancer.
I encourage every woman to check her vitamin D level regularly and keep it in the optimal range. Based upon the outdated requirements for this important vitamin, which have recently been increased, "normal" is not the same as optimal. Many of us have been told by our physician for years that our vitamin D levels are normal. It's time to get them checked against the newer "optimal" standards.
Most docs today now recommend supplementing with 2,000 IUs of vitamin D3 per day, as well as getting as much from your diet as you can. I know it's hard to get all you need from food. Fatty fish like Salmon, herring, catfish and halibut are good sources, but if you don't like fish it can be difficult to find high levels of this important vitamin in other foods.
There is another easy way to optimize our vitamin D. Make sure you are getting plenty of regular, safe, sun exposure. Believe it or not, the sun is actually the best source of vitamin D. The sun's UVB rays help our bodies manufacture vitamin D in the fat layer under the skin. Our own body can make all the vitamin D we need from regular sun exposure. We should spend about fifteen minutes showing some skin before we put on our sunscreen; exposing the skin is good for us as long as we don't burn.
There is also evidence that Vitamin K not only helps activate proteins that are involved in the structuring of bone mass, which is good news for all of us Baby Boomer women, but recent rel=nofollow [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12888897?dopt=Abstract]studies show it also has an anti-cancer effect; vitamin K has been used in the treatment of several different cancers, including breast cancer. You can get your vitamin K in swiss chard, kale, parsley and spinach, broccoli and cauliflower, brussels sprouts, liver, soybean oil and wheat bran. Many more choices here than with vitamin D, however, supplements are also available if you'd prefer.
Dietand Exercise are hugely important in preventing breast cancer. A study published in the " rel=nofollow [http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/25/17/2345.abstract?ijkey=b8ae0c0bdeda486872bc27444bc95ca7e750045e&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha]Journal of Clinical Oncology " reinforces previous findings that women with breast cancer greatly reduce their risk of recurrence by eating a healthy, plant-based diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and exercising regularly. This study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, tracked dietary patterns and exercise habits of nearly 1,500 women who were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Researchers found that the death rate for women who consumed a high-fiber diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and practiced good exercise habits, was 44% lower than the rate for women who exercised little and ate few plant-based foods. Almost half the risk, wow!
So, as my dear ol'gram used to say: "take your vities, eat all your veggies, and get plenty of fresh air!"
Best of Health,
Kathi
Kathi Casey, The Healthy Boomer Body Expert provides weight loss tips, relief from Menopause Symptoms, Sciatic Nerve Pain Remedies and more: http://www.HealthyBoomerBody.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Boomer-Women-Should-Know-About-Breast-Cancer&id=6658369] What Boomer Women Should Know About Breast Cancer
Monday, January 16, 2012
You Can Help Combat Breast Cancer
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Angie_Tewis]Angie Tewis
Thousands of women every year all over the world start the most difficult battle they will ever encounter. These women will spend more time with doctors and in hospitals then most of us spend in an entire lifetime. They endure toxic substances pumped into their bodies on a regular basis in the slim hope it will save their lives. I am speaking of the millions of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed of all cancers in women. There has been much money contributed to research for the cure, but there remain thousands of women who will receive this devastating diagnosis. This disease not only affects the patient herself but her family and friends who will suffer along with her.
A lot of us know someone with breast cancer and know first hand how much pain it causes everyone involved. It is unbelievably difficult to stand by and watch a loved one in so much pain and be helpless to offer any relief. The hopelessness one feels is indescribable as they watch their loved one go through the physical and mental stress inherent in patients with breast cancer.
Most women are naturally fixers. It's part of their womanly makeup. So, many of us find it difficult to stand back and do nothing when someone we care for is hurting. Unfortunately, we can't wave our magic wands and make it all better. Since most of us are average people and not scientists or researchers, we'll never find the cure for cancer. But, we can support those who are searching for answers.
All of us have the ability to make a difference in the lives of women suffering from breast cancer. Donating to cancer research positively impacts efforts to create better drugs and possible cures. With enough funding, leading scientist across the country can devote their time and resources to the cause. Donating is easy and varying. You can support cancer research through monetary donations or by donating your time and talents to the more administrative aspects of fundraising. Of course, some people join Susan G. Koman's Race for the Cure, others simply send in pink Yoplait lids.
Those who donate money for research are angels. There are other ways to qualify as an angel. Women with breast cancer rack up huge medical bills which can bankrupt their families. If you know someone with breast cancer and want to help, drop off some groceries or lasagna or homemade scones. Ask them what more they need that you can help with and start a neighborhood crusade to make a positive difference to a family on their own block.
Breast cancer affects millions of women and their families. Thankfully, due to all the money and time donated to cancer research, advances have been made in the treatment of breast cancer. Yet, there are still many women who do not survive. I have known two women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. One beat it and inspires many people by telling her story. Sadly, my other friend did not make it. She left behind a beautiful three year old daughter and an amazing husband. She was one of the most amazing women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and I support breast cancer research in honor of her. I strongly encourage others to do the same because I want to put an end to the grief. If we all team together, a permanent cure for breast cancer might be just around the corner.
If you enjoyed the previous article, you may go and check out other similar articles or reviews at [http://angie-tewis.net/angie-tewis/]Angie Tewis or this [http://angietewissite.com/angie-tewis-puts-family/]Angie Tewis Article.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?You-Can-Help-Combat-Breast-Cancer&id=6669890] You Can Help Combat Breast Cancer
Thousands of women every year all over the world start the most difficult battle they will ever encounter. These women will spend more time with doctors and in hospitals then most of us spend in an entire lifetime. They endure toxic substances pumped into their bodies on a regular basis in the slim hope it will save their lives. I am speaking of the millions of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed of all cancers in women. There has been much money contributed to research for the cure, but there remain thousands of women who will receive this devastating diagnosis. This disease not only affects the patient herself but her family and friends who will suffer along with her.
A lot of us know someone with breast cancer and know first hand how much pain it causes everyone involved. It is unbelievably difficult to stand by and watch a loved one in so much pain and be helpless to offer any relief. The hopelessness one feels is indescribable as they watch their loved one go through the physical and mental stress inherent in patients with breast cancer.
Most women are naturally fixers. It's part of their womanly makeup. So, many of us find it difficult to stand back and do nothing when someone we care for is hurting. Unfortunately, we can't wave our magic wands and make it all better. Since most of us are average people and not scientists or researchers, we'll never find the cure for cancer. But, we can support those who are searching for answers.
All of us have the ability to make a difference in the lives of women suffering from breast cancer. Donating to cancer research positively impacts efforts to create better drugs and possible cures. With enough funding, leading scientist across the country can devote their time and resources to the cause. Donating is easy and varying. You can support cancer research through monetary donations or by donating your time and talents to the more administrative aspects of fundraising. Of course, some people join Susan G. Koman's Race for the Cure, others simply send in pink Yoplait lids.
Those who donate money for research are angels. There are other ways to qualify as an angel. Women with breast cancer rack up huge medical bills which can bankrupt their families. If you know someone with breast cancer and want to help, drop off some groceries or lasagna or homemade scones. Ask them what more they need that you can help with and start a neighborhood crusade to make a positive difference to a family on their own block.
Breast cancer affects millions of women and their families. Thankfully, due to all the money and time donated to cancer research, advances have been made in the treatment of breast cancer. Yet, there are still many women who do not survive. I have known two women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. One beat it and inspires many people by telling her story. Sadly, my other friend did not make it. She left behind a beautiful three year old daughter and an amazing husband. She was one of the most amazing women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and I support breast cancer research in honor of her. I strongly encourage others to do the same because I want to put an end to the grief. If we all team together, a permanent cure for breast cancer might be just around the corner.
If you enjoyed the previous article, you may go and check out other similar articles or reviews at [http://angie-tewis.net/angie-tewis/]Angie Tewis or this [http://angietewissite.com/angie-tewis-puts-family/]Angie Tewis Article.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?You-Can-Help-Combat-Breast-Cancer&id=6669890] You Can Help Combat Breast Cancer
Saturday, January 14, 2012
How the Internet Can Help Breast Cancer Patients
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Irene_Lizarraga]Irene Lizarraga
Hearing "I'm afraid it's cancer" from the doctor is probably among the top 5 things nobody wants to go through. However, cancer is no longer a death sentence and there's hope. Many people survive cancer every year, and the support systems for cancer patients and their families get better and better. The Internet can be a great channel to learn more about this disease and help you find alternative ways of coping with it.
Understanding Breast Cancer
Many people find reassuring to know as much as possible about the disease, treatment and other hard data that it's easily available online from reputed medical sources. While you should always be able to talk with your doctor about your treatment and prognosis, sometimes it's easier to first ask a computer from the comfort of your home and access the great library that is the Internet by yourself. If you are unsure about what is a reliable source you can ask your doctor, or access the website of a cancer support group that operates on your area. This way you'll be able to know everything you need about what's afflicting you, and what to expect from the treatment.
Research on Alternative Therapies
While looking for medical advice online is not a good idea, and you should always listen to medical professionals about your condition, the Internet offers a lot of possibilities in terms of alternative medicine to help with some serious side effects from cancer treatment. You may want to research herbs and other natural products that can help with nausea and discomfort associated with chemotherapy, and some people report that they feel better after acupuncture sessions. Always talk to your doctor before taking any herb or alternative medicine, as they may be not compatible with your medication.
Support
One of the best ways of remembering that the battle against cancer can be won is by sharing your history with others who have already been there. You can find inspiring histories online from people who are dealing with the same things as you, or have successfully got rid of the disease. Support groups can also be a great help if it's not you, but a family member, who has been diagnosed, as you'll be able to ask questions from others who are or have been in the same situation and may provide helpful advice, from seemingly silly stuff such as what to pack on overnight hospital bags to medical insurance checklists and advice about how to get economical support from people like you.
Many people use the Internet to motivate themselves to keep fighting, from participating on support groups online to just reading inspirational [http://www.breastcancerquote.com]breast cancer quotes when they are feeling down, and anything in between. Join them and arm yourself with all the tools you can use to win this battle!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-the-Internet-Can-Help-Breast-Cancer-Patients&id=6691835] How the Internet Can Help Breast Cancer Patients
Hearing "I'm afraid it's cancer" from the doctor is probably among the top 5 things nobody wants to go through. However, cancer is no longer a death sentence and there's hope. Many people survive cancer every year, and the support systems for cancer patients and their families get better and better. The Internet can be a great channel to learn more about this disease and help you find alternative ways of coping with it.
Understanding Breast Cancer
Many people find reassuring to know as much as possible about the disease, treatment and other hard data that it's easily available online from reputed medical sources. While you should always be able to talk with your doctor about your treatment and prognosis, sometimes it's easier to first ask a computer from the comfort of your home and access the great library that is the Internet by yourself. If you are unsure about what is a reliable source you can ask your doctor, or access the website of a cancer support group that operates on your area. This way you'll be able to know everything you need about what's afflicting you, and what to expect from the treatment.
Research on Alternative Therapies
While looking for medical advice online is not a good idea, and you should always listen to medical professionals about your condition, the Internet offers a lot of possibilities in terms of alternative medicine to help with some serious side effects from cancer treatment. You may want to research herbs and other natural products that can help with nausea and discomfort associated with chemotherapy, and some people report that they feel better after acupuncture sessions. Always talk to your doctor before taking any herb or alternative medicine, as they may be not compatible with your medication.
Support
One of the best ways of remembering that the battle against cancer can be won is by sharing your history with others who have already been there. You can find inspiring histories online from people who are dealing with the same things as you, or have successfully got rid of the disease. Support groups can also be a great help if it's not you, but a family member, who has been diagnosed, as you'll be able to ask questions from others who are or have been in the same situation and may provide helpful advice, from seemingly silly stuff such as what to pack on overnight hospital bags to medical insurance checklists and advice about how to get economical support from people like you.
Many people use the Internet to motivate themselves to keep fighting, from participating on support groups online to just reading inspirational [http://www.breastcancerquote.com]breast cancer quotes when they are feeling down, and anything in between. Join them and arm yourself with all the tools you can use to win this battle!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-the-Internet-Can-Help-Breast-Cancer-Patients&id=6691835] How the Internet Can Help Breast Cancer Patients
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Come Forward and Get Screened For Breast Cancer
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=J._Blunt]J. Blunt
Do you know there are certain ways to beat the most prevalent cancer disease, breast cancer? There are a number of factors that need to be considered when fighting this dreadful disease, but among them screening for breast cancer is of paramount importance.
Know your breasts with thehelp of breast examination
It is not possible to beat breast cancer if you do not carry out breast examination or mammogram testing on regular basis. Although, breast examination does not help in reducing the risk of getting this disease it can help you identify any possible breast abnormalities right away. Actually, breast examination helps you detect the unusual changes so you can consult your GP and rectify them as soon as possible.
Why it is important to carry out breast examination?
Many people know the importance of being breast aware, but they do not perform breast test because they fear they might develop or find an abnormality. This is not the right decision when it comes to your health and especially when you are trying to beat breast cancer. You need to catch its symptoms as early as possible because early detection means an easy and effective treatment of breast cancer.
Although, breast cancer does not show its signs in its early stages you can detect unusual changes which might be signs of this disease. That is why consulting your GP after discovering unusual changes matters a lot in caring for your breasts.
Know the changes and search for them during breast examination
It is also important to know what changes in breasts might be abnormalities or unusual changes. Below are some changes that you need to look for while checking your breasts:
� Look for change in the size or shape of the breasts. One breast might look bigger than the other.
� Look for a change in shape and position of the nipples.
� Look for nipple discharge.
� Look for puckering or dimpling of the skin.
� Look for a persistent pain in any part of the breast.
� Look for swelling under the armpit or around the collarbone.
� Look for lumpiness or thickening in any part of the breast.
Remember that these changes can be normal for you so you should try to identify those changes that are connected to your monthly hormonal changes. If you feel any of these changes during rel=nofollow [http://www.breastlight.com/]breast examination please without any hesitation or wait consult your GP for better advice and do act upon it strictly because this is important and it concerns your life.
James is a blogger and writer. He usually writes about [http://www.breastlight.com/breast-awareness/breast-cancer]breast cancer, breast awareness and breast examination. You can contact him directly at [mailto:james@breastlight.com]james@breastlight.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Come-Forward-and-Get-Screened-For-Breast-Cancer&id=6697873] Come Forward and Get Screened For Breast Cancer
Do you know there are certain ways to beat the most prevalent cancer disease, breast cancer? There are a number of factors that need to be considered when fighting this dreadful disease, but among them screening for breast cancer is of paramount importance.
Know your breasts with thehelp of breast examination
It is not possible to beat breast cancer if you do not carry out breast examination or mammogram testing on regular basis. Although, breast examination does not help in reducing the risk of getting this disease it can help you identify any possible breast abnormalities right away. Actually, breast examination helps you detect the unusual changes so you can consult your GP and rectify them as soon as possible.
Why it is important to carry out breast examination?
Many people know the importance of being breast aware, but they do not perform breast test because they fear they might develop or find an abnormality. This is not the right decision when it comes to your health and especially when you are trying to beat breast cancer. You need to catch its symptoms as early as possible because early detection means an easy and effective treatment of breast cancer.
Although, breast cancer does not show its signs in its early stages you can detect unusual changes which might be signs of this disease. That is why consulting your GP after discovering unusual changes matters a lot in caring for your breasts.
Know the changes and search for them during breast examination
It is also important to know what changes in breasts might be abnormalities or unusual changes. Below are some changes that you need to look for while checking your breasts:
� Look for change in the size or shape of the breasts. One breast might look bigger than the other.
� Look for a change in shape and position of the nipples.
� Look for nipple discharge.
� Look for puckering or dimpling of the skin.
� Look for a persistent pain in any part of the breast.
� Look for swelling under the armpit or around the collarbone.
� Look for lumpiness or thickening in any part of the breast.
Remember that these changes can be normal for you so you should try to identify those changes that are connected to your monthly hormonal changes. If you feel any of these changes during rel=nofollow [http://www.breastlight.com/]breast examination please without any hesitation or wait consult your GP for better advice and do act upon it strictly because this is important and it concerns your life.
James is a blogger and writer. He usually writes about [http://www.breastlight.com/breast-awareness/breast-cancer]breast cancer, breast awareness and breast examination. You can contact him directly at [mailto:james@breastlight.com]james@breastlight.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Come-Forward-and-Get-Screened-For-Breast-Cancer&id=6697873] Come Forward and Get Screened For Breast Cancer
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
How To Improve Breast Cancer Patients Quality Of Life
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Irene_Lizarraga]Irene Lizarraga
Being diagnosed with breast cancer is a life changing event and many people have problems keeping their spirits up after such an announcement. Whether is you or a close friend or relative suffering from cancer, it's important to remain optimistic and avoid depression and stress. While not a replacement for conventional therapy, some of the following techniques and therapies can help you fight depression and encourage your body to fight cancer more effectively.
Meditation
Many people find comfort on meditation, and learning how to keep your mind still even in challenging circumstances can go a long way towards avoiding falling victim of despair. There are many meditation techniques that can help you get a better understanding of your body and your thought processes, and so identify and avoid negative thoughts and attitudes that can lead to depression. Since a depressed person is often more at risk of infections and recovers more slowly from the side effects of breast cancer treatment, meditation can be a good non-chemical alternative to conventional anti-depressants.
Yoga
Yoga is an ideal sport for cancer patients because it helps settle down the mind and increases body awareness, without requiring excessive effort or strength that wouldn't be suitable for somebody going through cancer treatment. There are many different Yoga schools, and it's worth talking with your doctor about it as a way to stay fit and help your body recover from chemo or radiotherapy. It is said that by enhancing your own immune system through this kind of exercise, your body can better fight the cancerous cells and so increase the effects of conventional therapies without having to take more medicine.
Aromatherapy
Some essential oils are said to reduce nausea and improve overall wellbeing, so it may be worth including them on your relaxation routine in the form of essential oils baths or even massages. Massages are said to improve general wellbeing and can help cancer sufferers improve their quality of life even when under heavy treatment. You don't need to spend a lot of money on professional massaging, many people find a simple home massage machine or their partner's hands a perfect way to relax and feel better about their chances of beating cancer.
Inspirational Quotes
Many people find relief in reading [http://www.breastcancerquote.com/inspirational-breast-cancer-quotes/]inspirational breast cancer quotes, as they show that others have indeed fought the battle against cancer and won. While not a replacement for conventional therapy, it's something within reach of anybody that can have a big effect on your mood over time.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Improve-Breast-Cancer-Patients-Quality-Of-Life&id=6705224] How To Improve Breast Cancer Patients Quality Of Life
Being diagnosed with breast cancer is a life changing event and many people have problems keeping their spirits up after such an announcement. Whether is you or a close friend or relative suffering from cancer, it's important to remain optimistic and avoid depression and stress. While not a replacement for conventional therapy, some of the following techniques and therapies can help you fight depression and encourage your body to fight cancer more effectively.
Meditation
Many people find comfort on meditation, and learning how to keep your mind still even in challenging circumstances can go a long way towards avoiding falling victim of despair. There are many meditation techniques that can help you get a better understanding of your body and your thought processes, and so identify and avoid negative thoughts and attitudes that can lead to depression. Since a depressed person is often more at risk of infections and recovers more slowly from the side effects of breast cancer treatment, meditation can be a good non-chemical alternative to conventional anti-depressants.
Yoga
Yoga is an ideal sport for cancer patients because it helps settle down the mind and increases body awareness, without requiring excessive effort or strength that wouldn't be suitable for somebody going through cancer treatment. There are many different Yoga schools, and it's worth talking with your doctor about it as a way to stay fit and help your body recover from chemo or radiotherapy. It is said that by enhancing your own immune system through this kind of exercise, your body can better fight the cancerous cells and so increase the effects of conventional therapies without having to take more medicine.
Aromatherapy
Some essential oils are said to reduce nausea and improve overall wellbeing, so it may be worth including them on your relaxation routine in the form of essential oils baths or even massages. Massages are said to improve general wellbeing and can help cancer sufferers improve their quality of life even when under heavy treatment. You don't need to spend a lot of money on professional massaging, many people find a simple home massage machine or their partner's hands a perfect way to relax and feel better about their chances of beating cancer.
Inspirational Quotes
Many people find relief in reading [http://www.breastcancerquote.com/inspirational-breast-cancer-quotes/]inspirational breast cancer quotes, as they show that others have indeed fought the battle against cancer and won. While not a replacement for conventional therapy, it's something within reach of anybody that can have a big effect on your mood over time.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Improve-Breast-Cancer-Patients-Quality-Of-Life&id=6705224] How To Improve Breast Cancer Patients Quality Of Life
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Can Being Happier Help Your Fight Against Breast Cancer?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Irene_Lizarraga]Irene Lizarraga
A cancer diagnosis is not something that you can usually put a positive spin on, and if you or a loved one has been given such terrible news is perfectly understandable to be feeling at an all-time low. However, the fight against breast cancer is not only a physical one; it's also an emotional one. Being happier can help your body fight cancer more effectively and suffer less from the expected side-effects of most cancer treatments.
Happy Means a Better Immune System
Have you ever noticed how happy people seem to fall sick less than those who always seem dark and depressed? The chemicals our body produces when we're stressed out or depressed have a negative effect on our immune systems, which in the case of cancer patients under treatment is compounded by the fact that neither radio nor chemotherapy are kind to the body natural defences. Avoiding stress and depression as much as possible can help your body fight cancer more effectively and reduce the chances of a secondary infection causing even more damage.
Feeling Better and Stronger
Many people who have beaten cancer point to being always optimistic as one of the things that kept them fighting until they were given the all-clear and it's not surprising. When you are happy you have more energy and feel better, and can take better decisions about your own health. Your body is also stronger and has better chances of beating the sickness along with traditional treatment, and it's somehow easier to overlook the side effects if you generally feel happier and know that you'll beat breast cancer. Keeping your spirits high is key to helping your body be in top shape when you are fighting cancer. And if you need to take difficult decisions such a surgery it can also help you adapt better to any changes on your body consequence of treatment.
Psychosomatic Side Effects
It's not only that being happy helps your body fight cancer more effectively: Being depressed can harm your chances as your body will reflect your mood in a myriad of small, but annoying, side effects. For example, you may discover that stress gives you a headache, which prevents you from sleeping properly. If you don't sleep well, you are depriving your body from the time it needs to recover and do all sorts of maintenance tasks, lowering your general health and making it even more difficult to deal with your medication and the physical symptoms of cancer. And this just makes sleeping even more difficult. Staying optimistic and keeping in mind that cancer can be beaten is vital to avoid this.
How to Keep Your Spirits High
Learning to live with cancer is not easy, but many people find that the small things are the ones that help the most. Being sure you are surrounded by a support network for family, friends or other breast cancer patients through your local breast cancer support association can help, as do reading [http://www.breastcancerquote.com/funny-breast-cancer-quotes/]funny breast cancer quotes or practicing meditation and moderate physical exercise such as attending yoga sessions. If you don't let cancer depress you you'll be increasing your chances of recovery and feeling better all the way through your treatment.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-Being-Happier-Help-Your-Fight-Against-Breast-Cancer?&id=6705256] Can Being Happier Help Your Fight Against Breast Cancer?
A cancer diagnosis is not something that you can usually put a positive spin on, and if you or a loved one has been given such terrible news is perfectly understandable to be feeling at an all-time low. However, the fight against breast cancer is not only a physical one; it's also an emotional one. Being happier can help your body fight cancer more effectively and suffer less from the expected side-effects of most cancer treatments.
Happy Means a Better Immune System
Have you ever noticed how happy people seem to fall sick less than those who always seem dark and depressed? The chemicals our body produces when we're stressed out or depressed have a negative effect on our immune systems, which in the case of cancer patients under treatment is compounded by the fact that neither radio nor chemotherapy are kind to the body natural defences. Avoiding stress and depression as much as possible can help your body fight cancer more effectively and reduce the chances of a secondary infection causing even more damage.
Feeling Better and Stronger
Many people who have beaten cancer point to being always optimistic as one of the things that kept them fighting until they were given the all-clear and it's not surprising. When you are happy you have more energy and feel better, and can take better decisions about your own health. Your body is also stronger and has better chances of beating the sickness along with traditional treatment, and it's somehow easier to overlook the side effects if you generally feel happier and know that you'll beat breast cancer. Keeping your spirits high is key to helping your body be in top shape when you are fighting cancer. And if you need to take difficult decisions such a surgery it can also help you adapt better to any changes on your body consequence of treatment.
Psychosomatic Side Effects
It's not only that being happy helps your body fight cancer more effectively: Being depressed can harm your chances as your body will reflect your mood in a myriad of small, but annoying, side effects. For example, you may discover that stress gives you a headache, which prevents you from sleeping properly. If you don't sleep well, you are depriving your body from the time it needs to recover and do all sorts of maintenance tasks, lowering your general health and making it even more difficult to deal with your medication and the physical symptoms of cancer. And this just makes sleeping even more difficult. Staying optimistic and keeping in mind that cancer can be beaten is vital to avoid this.
How to Keep Your Spirits High
Learning to live with cancer is not easy, but many people find that the small things are the ones that help the most. Being sure you are surrounded by a support network for family, friends or other breast cancer patients through your local breast cancer support association can help, as do reading [http://www.breastcancerquote.com/funny-breast-cancer-quotes/]funny breast cancer quotes or practicing meditation and moderate physical exercise such as attending yoga sessions. If you don't let cancer depress you you'll be increasing your chances of recovery and feeling better all the way through your treatment.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-Being-Happier-Help-Your-Fight-Against-Breast-Cancer?&id=6705256] Can Being Happier Help Your Fight Against Breast Cancer?
Friday, January 6, 2012
Useful Tips to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=J._Blunt]J. Blunt
It is a harsh reality that breast cancer has become a leading cause of death in women worldwide. According to studies 13 % of all women have a great risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. The reasons for developing this cancer have not yet been determined, but by modifying your lifestyle you can reduce your cancer risk. You can make small changes to reduce your cancer risk.
Follow a Healthy Diet Plan
Healthy food promotes a healthy life by reducing your risk of cancer and strengthening your immune system. A strong immune system defends you against diseases and the same is the case with cancer. A Healthy diet plan contains fruits, vegetables, whole grains and food items rich in fiber. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants that can prevent cellular damage caused by breast cancer.
Cut back on processed food and red meat as they are rich in saturated fat that can increase your cancer risk. Avoid alcohol because certain breast cancer tumors are estrogen sensitive and alcohol can increase the level of estrogen.
Maintain AHealthy Body Weight
Body weight is an important factor to maintain your overall health. If you are obese you are more likely to develop all sorts of diseases including breast cancer. You should be neither underweight nor overweight.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is a healthy activity for everyone. It not only helps combat obesity, but also reduces cancer risk. The aim of exercise is to move the body so exercise can be in the form of jogging, walking, swimming etc. It is better to exercise for at least 30 minutes daily to reduce your risk.
Don't Smoke
Smoking is harmful for your health and affects all organs of the body. It is one of the sure-fire ways to increase your cancer risk. Don't smoke for the sake of your health and life.
Breastfeed if Possible
New mothers have the option to start breastfeeding to reduce cancer risk. Those who are going to become mothers in the future can use this option for reducing their risk as well. Breastfeeding can reduce your cancer risk by 7 %.
Examine your breasts
You should examine your breasts monthly to check for any unusual changes. It can be done by every woman easily in privacy of her home. It helps you take necessary action in time.
You can make all these changes in rel=nofollow [http://www.breastlight.com/]Breast Cancer Awareness Month for your well-being. The benefits you will get by making these changes will help you reduce your risk for developing breast cancer.
James is a blogger and writer. He usually writes about [http://www.breastlight.com/breast-awareness/breast-cancer]breast cancer, breast awareness and breast examination. You can contact him directly at [mailto:james@breastlight.com]james@breastlight.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Useful-Tips-to-Reduce-Breast-Cancer-Risk&id=6705111] Useful Tips to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
It is a harsh reality that breast cancer has become a leading cause of death in women worldwide. According to studies 13 % of all women have a great risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. The reasons for developing this cancer have not yet been determined, but by modifying your lifestyle you can reduce your cancer risk. You can make small changes to reduce your cancer risk.
Follow a Healthy Diet Plan
Healthy food promotes a healthy life by reducing your risk of cancer and strengthening your immune system. A strong immune system defends you against diseases and the same is the case with cancer. A Healthy diet plan contains fruits, vegetables, whole grains and food items rich in fiber. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants that can prevent cellular damage caused by breast cancer.
Cut back on processed food and red meat as they are rich in saturated fat that can increase your cancer risk. Avoid alcohol because certain breast cancer tumors are estrogen sensitive and alcohol can increase the level of estrogen.
Maintain AHealthy Body Weight
Body weight is an important factor to maintain your overall health. If you are obese you are more likely to develop all sorts of diseases including breast cancer. You should be neither underweight nor overweight.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is a healthy activity for everyone. It not only helps combat obesity, but also reduces cancer risk. The aim of exercise is to move the body so exercise can be in the form of jogging, walking, swimming etc. It is better to exercise for at least 30 minutes daily to reduce your risk.
Don't Smoke
Smoking is harmful for your health and affects all organs of the body. It is one of the sure-fire ways to increase your cancer risk. Don't smoke for the sake of your health and life.
Breastfeed if Possible
New mothers have the option to start breastfeeding to reduce cancer risk. Those who are going to become mothers in the future can use this option for reducing their risk as well. Breastfeeding can reduce your cancer risk by 7 %.
Examine your breasts
You should examine your breasts monthly to check for any unusual changes. It can be done by every woman easily in privacy of her home. It helps you take necessary action in time.
You can make all these changes in rel=nofollow [http://www.breastlight.com/]Breast Cancer Awareness Month for your well-being. The benefits you will get by making these changes will help you reduce your risk for developing breast cancer.
James is a blogger and writer. He usually writes about [http://www.breastlight.com/breast-awareness/breast-cancer]breast cancer, breast awareness and breast examination. You can contact him directly at [mailto:james@breastlight.com]james@breastlight.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Useful-Tips-to-Reduce-Breast-Cancer-Risk&id=6705111] Useful Tips to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Set Your Mind at Ease With Improved Awareness
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=J._Blunt]J. Blunt
As you know awareness leads to a better understanding of your breasts especially when you carry out self-breast examination. You can only improve your breast awareness if you regularly check your breasts throughout your life. Do you know the importance of self-examination? Many women do know but they do not know what changes to look for while carrying out this examination. Below are step by step instructions to perform self-examination of your breasts along with changes you need to observe during this examination:
Self-examination of breasts
An easy and effective method of performing self-examination of your breasts is while lying on a bed. At night you have plenty of time to check your breasts and know their normal feel and look.
� Undress from the waist up and lie down on a bed.
� Place a pillow under your right shoulder and position your right arm under your head.
� Make a pad of three middle fingers of your left hand and move it over your breast.
� Make circular motions and check how your breast feels normally.
� Apply three different pressure levels i.e. light, medium and firm pressure on your breast using your pad.
� Do not cause pain in your breast while applying these pressure levels. Move the pad gently over all parts of breast.
� Repeat all above steps for your other breast and rest of chest area. Make sure you note down all of your observations during this exam on a notepad.
Remember that you need to bide your time and observe the normal feel and look of breasts in detail. It is important to share your observation with your GP so you can get a proper diagnosis or treatment if required.
Know the changes you need to look for during self-examinationof breasts
It is equally important to know what changes to observe during this examination so you can effectively carry out it. Changes you need to look for are mentioned below:
� Change in the size or shape of your breasts. It is normal to have one breast larger than the other one.
� Change in the position and shape of the nipples.
� Nipple discharge
� Inverted nipples
� Puckering or dimpling of the breast skin
� Swelling under your armpit or around the collarbone
� Persistent pain in any part of the breast
� Rash on or around the nipple area
. Lumping or thickening in any part of the breast
You should consider these changes during examination.
James is a blogger and writer. He usually writes about [http://www.breastlight.com/breast-awareness/breast-cancer]breast cancer, [http://www.breastlight.com/breast-awareness/]breast awareness and breast examination. You can contact him directly at [mailto:james@breastlight.com]james@breastlight.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Set-Your-Mind-at-Ease-With-Improved-Awareness&id=6709040] Set Your Mind at Ease With Improved Awareness
As you know awareness leads to a better understanding of your breasts especially when you carry out self-breast examination. You can only improve your breast awareness if you regularly check your breasts throughout your life. Do you know the importance of self-examination? Many women do know but they do not know what changes to look for while carrying out this examination. Below are step by step instructions to perform self-examination of your breasts along with changes you need to observe during this examination:
Self-examination of breasts
An easy and effective method of performing self-examination of your breasts is while lying on a bed. At night you have plenty of time to check your breasts and know their normal feel and look.
� Undress from the waist up and lie down on a bed.
� Place a pillow under your right shoulder and position your right arm under your head.
� Make a pad of three middle fingers of your left hand and move it over your breast.
� Make circular motions and check how your breast feels normally.
� Apply three different pressure levels i.e. light, medium and firm pressure on your breast using your pad.
� Do not cause pain in your breast while applying these pressure levels. Move the pad gently over all parts of breast.
� Repeat all above steps for your other breast and rest of chest area. Make sure you note down all of your observations during this exam on a notepad.
Remember that you need to bide your time and observe the normal feel and look of breasts in detail. It is important to share your observation with your GP so you can get a proper diagnosis or treatment if required.
Know the changes you need to look for during self-examinationof breasts
It is equally important to know what changes to observe during this examination so you can effectively carry out it. Changes you need to look for are mentioned below:
� Change in the size or shape of your breasts. It is normal to have one breast larger than the other one.
� Change in the position and shape of the nipples.
� Nipple discharge
� Inverted nipples
� Puckering or dimpling of the breast skin
� Swelling under your armpit or around the collarbone
� Persistent pain in any part of the breast
� Rash on or around the nipple area
. Lumping or thickening in any part of the breast
You should consider these changes during examination.
James is a blogger and writer. He usually writes about [http://www.breastlight.com/breast-awareness/breast-cancer]breast cancer, [http://www.breastlight.com/breast-awareness/]breast awareness and breast examination. You can contact him directly at [mailto:james@breastlight.com]james@breastlight.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Set-Your-Mind-at-Ease-With-Improved-Awareness&id=6709040] Set Your Mind at Ease With Improved Awareness
Monday, January 2, 2012
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)