Breast Cancer Information

Breast Cancer for Beginners


Introduction
Because of the social changes, which has brought increased number of workingwoman and hence delayed childbearing, there has been a steep rise in the number of breast cancer patients in the last few decades. But as the incidence of the patients has risen so has raised the modality of treatments and the success rates. Also scientists have devised methods by which the cancer can be detected in an early stage and it has been convincingly proved that early detection and treatment bears a better prognosis than the later stage.

Myths
There are many myths attached to breast cancer. Some think that any lump in breast is a breast cancer but to the contrary most of them are benign. Similarly it was a popular belief earlier that breast-feeding decreases one's risk of the cancer but that has been now found to be untrue. Some say that mammography makes the breast cancer widespread but it's not true. Similarly there are many other myths, which need to be cleared in mind of the general mass for the proper detection and management of the tumor.

Early detection
Breast cancer can be detected in an early stage if women are taught to self-examine their breast. In case of detection of any breast lump or of any slightest suspicion, mammography should be done to rule out any tumor. Mammography is a good tool to diagnose this type of cancer.

Statistics
The incidence of breast cancer is increasing at an alarming rate. It is said that every 2-3 minutes one American woman is diagnosed a breast cancer.

Cause
Although the cause is not fully understood but it is hypothesized that there are various factors such as genetic and environmental. The environmental factors are increased age, obesity, smoking and having the first child at late age.

Diagnosis
The findings that denote a cancer are single, non-tender and firm to hard mass with ill-defined margins. This can be later confirmed by mammography and biopsy. After the cancer has been diagnosed staging is done to find out the best treatment option as well as the prognosis.

Management
The management of breast cancer rests basically on two things. The first is the treatment and second is the counseling. The treatment can further be divided into three: medical, radiation, and surgery. The medical treatment consists of drugs such as tamoxifen, which is an anti estrogen, aromatase inhibitors such as aminoglutethimide and monoclonal antibodies such as trastuzumab. But similar to other drugs they have their own side effects profile. The side effects associated with tamoxifen are increased vaginal bleeding, endometrial cancer and cataracts. The aromatase inhibitors have the side effects of leg cramps, jaundice and weight gain while the monoclonal antibodies may cause sterility or certain birth abnormalities. Generally the radiation and surgery are the modalities, which are needed for the treatment to ward off the body of the cancerous growth.

Counseling
This is one of the most important parts of the treatment both before and after the surgery. The patients are to be taught that this is only another disease, which has treatment available, and persons can lead a normal life after that.

Latest research
Latest research is being done on both the surgery and the medicine. For the surgery, surgeons are trying to find out the best way of surgery so that post surgery the patients have minimal disabilities. Similar medicines with lesser side effects are being researched.

Suresh gupta writes about breast cancer topics.


MORE RESOURCES:

Self exams best for spotting fierce form of breast cancer
Annapolis Capital, MD - 7 hours ago
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... that’s young … and in similar shoes helps,” said 29-year-old Lassaline, a resident of Calgary, Alberta, who was diagnosed with breast cancer early last ...
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... Boston this weekend, the first stop in a quest to become the only man to walk 720 miles through the 12 cities hosting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day ...


Surfing for a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
drkoop.com - 13 hours ago
By Vivian Richardson, Ivanhoe Health Correspondent. ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A new way to sift through thousands of mammograms ...


BATTLING BREAST CANCER TOGETHER
Glasgow Sunday Mail, UK - 16 hours ago
... Diagnosed with breast cancer four months ago, Janice can speak to Judith about her fears. Judith is a volunteer with Breast Cancer ...



Earthtimes.org
Blood test offers hope of breast cancer breakthrough
Irish Examiner, Ireland - Aug 4, 2006
A NEW breast cancer blood test, which detects the condition at its earliest stage, has the potential to be the most exciting medical breakthrough in the fight ...
Test ‘finds breast cancer early’ The West Australian
New blood test can detect breast cancer early International Reporter
Blood test finds breast cancer at its earliest stage Daily Mail - UK
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BBC News
Diana Moran was diagnosed with breast cancer
BBC News, UK - Aug 4, 2006
In a series on celebrities and their health, the BBC News website talks to fitness guru Diana Moran about her struggle with breast cancer. ...


Better Body: Inflammatory Breast Cancer
CBS 13, CA - Aug 4, 2006
Women are worried so they forward the email to family and friends. But how common is inflammatory breast cancer? "Very uncommon,” says ...


Westbury Nursery Helps Funding for Breast Cancer
LongIslandPress.com, NY - Aug 5, 2006
The Hicks Nurseries in Westbury have presented the Meghan’s Pansies Breast Cancer fund with a check for $1,450. Meghan’s Pansies ...


Backlog on breast cancer checks
Sunday Times.au, Australia - Aug 5, 2006
THOUSANDS of WA women are being denied lifesaving tests for breast cancer. One Perth clinic has closed its books, with a backlog of 2830 patients. ...

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