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:

TopNews

Bone drug for breast cancer
Times of India, India - 13 hours ago
WASHINGTON: Bone drug, zoledronic acid, may help in preventing the spread of cancer in women with locally advanced breast cancer, says a new study at ...
Breast cancer spread stopped by bone drug Health Newstrack
all 15 news articles


Breast cancer group offers new support
Gulf Daily News, Bahrain - May 16, 2008
A BREAST cancer support group will meet on the last Tuesday of every month at the World Beat Fitness Centre, Saar, from 7.30pm to 9pm. ...


CBC.ca

New Research Suggests the 'Sunshine Vitamin' Can Slow Progression ...
ABC News - 22 hours ago
By JOHN McKENZIE Researchers have found that breast cancer patients who don't have enough vitamin D in their bodies are much more likely to have their ...
Low Levels of Vitamin D Spell Trouble for Breast Cancer Patients Washington Post
Vitamin D deficiency linked to poorer breast cancer outcomes: study The Canadian Press
Breast cancer linked to Vitamin D deficiency Hindu
HealthCentral.com - Los Angeles Times
all 360 news articles


TopNews

Mastectomies for early-stage breast cancer rise after MRI: study
CBC.ca, Canada - May 16, 2008
The number of women who opted for mastectomy when diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer increased significantly at the same time MRI screening before ...
Why Are More Breast Cancer Patients Having Mastectomies? Wall Street Journal Blogs
Mastectomies Up for Early Breast Cancer WebMD
ASCO: Vitamin D May Play Role in Breast Cancer Survival MedPage Today
Baltimore Sun - Science Daily (press release)
all 290 news articles


Blood Test Helps Docs Assess Breast Cancer Treatment
U.S. News & World Report, DC - May 16, 2008
In this study, Liu and colleagues measured the number of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in blood samples collected from metastatic breast cancer patients ...


MD Anderson nurse addresses lymphedema in breast cancer patients ...
EurekAlert (press release), DC - 3 hours ago
"Women are living longer as breast cancer treatments get better, but at the same time, they face more devastating side effects like lymphedema," McDowell ...


News 10 Now

Breast Cancer awareness among men
News 10 Now, NY - 2 hours ago
GEDDES, NY -- One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, but the disease also affects about 2000 men every year. ...
Local women will participate in 3-day walk Herkimer Evening Telegram
Race for the Cure (AP) WETM-TV
all 3 news articles


Victim of bungled breast cancer tests urges others to get second ...
The Canadian Press, TORONTO - May 16, 2008
TORONTO — For most women, there are few more terrifying words to hear than: "You have breast cancer." Unless, of course, it's being told the recommended ...


SKNVibes.com

Breast cancer patient to return to Nevis to raise awareness
SKNVibes.com, St. Kitts and Nevis - 7 hours ago
The courageous woman plans to share her experience of breast cancer and will introduce a six-week Living With Cancer Course and Pink Lily Cancer Support ...


KEPR 19

Exercise cuts breast cancer risk
PRESS TV, Iran - 6 hours ago
Scientists have claimed that regular exercise during teen age and adolescence years can reduce the risk of premenopausal breast cancer. ...
Is Canada's geography a breast cancer risk? Globe and Mail
Physical activity may prevent breast cancer Times of India
Link Between Vitamin D Status And Breast Cancer Illuminated Science Daily (press release)
KPVI-TV - EmpowHer
all 560 news articles

Breast-Cancer - Google News

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