Treatment of Breast Cancer

Due to early diagnosis of breast cancer, more women are today surviving breast cancer than ever before. Symptoms of breast cancer are hardly noticeable when it first develops but as the cancer grows, it can cause changes that women should watch for - the most common being the abnormal lump or swelling in the breast, amongst other symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer
By Raymond Ehoma

Breast cancer is characterized by the growth of malignant tumors in the glandular tissues of the breast. Today, more women are surviving breast cancer than ever before. Over two million women are breast cancer survivors. With early detection and prompt and appropriate treatment, the outlook for women with breast cancer can be positive.

No one knows why some women develop breast cancer and others do not. Although the disease may affect younger women, 75% of all breast cancer occurs in women age 50 or older. Some of the noted risks factors include familial or genetics, exposure to estrogen, demographic factors (age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status), nutrition and lifestyle, and smoking.

Symptoms of breast cancer are hardly noticeable when it first develops but as the cancer grows, it can cause changes that women should watch for. The most common symptom is an abnormal lump or swelling in the breast, but lumps may also appear beside the breast or under the arm. Other symptoms may include unexplained breast pain, abnormal nipple discharge, changes in breast texture, or changes in the skin on or around the breast.

Breast Cancer Screening

To screen or not to screen - that is the dilemma. The problem is not simply medical but also a matter of economics. Diagnosis of cancer, whether initial or recurrence, is the period of greatest acute stress for a cancer patient. This crisis is defined by sadness (depression), fear (anxiety), confusion, and occasional anger.

The goal of screening women for breast cancer is to detect cancer in its earliest stage when surgery and medical treatment can be most effective in reducing mortality. Screening is only beneficial when an earlier diagnosis results in a reduction in mortality and morbidity and when the risks of the screening test are low. There are three methods for breast cancer screening that are currently practiced: X-ray mammography, clinical breast examination and breast self-examination.

Of the three screening methods, the most reliable by far is mammography. However, in women with very dense breast tissue, both ultrasound and mammograms may miss tumors, which, however, can be detected by a Magnetic Resonance Imager (MRI). MRI is also more accurate for detecting cancer in women who carry the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. However, the principal means of diagnosis - and many believe the only definitive one - is biopsy - a minor surgical procedure in which the lump or part of the lump is removed and examined under a microscope for cancer cells. A doctor might perform fine needle aspiration, a needle or core biopsy, or a surgical biopsy.

Mammography

A mammogram is a special x-ray of the breast that often can detect cancers that are too small for a woman or her doctor to feel. Screening aims to detect breast cancer at a very early stage when cure is more likely. The amount of radiation needed to produce a clear mammogram (picture) varies with breast size and density. To avoid undue exposure it is highly desirable to use the lowest possible dose of radiation needed.

A mammogram cannot distinguish between a benign or malignant tumor and thus is not 100% accurate. However, mammography detects over 90% of all breast cancer though a negative mammography does not necessarily indicate its absence. Mammography and clinical examination are complementary and if there is strong suspicion of a palpable lesion, the only way to make a positive diagnosis is by having a biopsy.

The results of several large studies have convincingly demonstrated that breast cancer screening by mammography reduces mortality by approximately 30% in women older than 50 years. The American Cancer Society states that women of 40 to 49 years of age should receive screening mammograms every one to two years. Yearly mammography screening is recommended for women of 50 years and older.

However the risks of any screening intervention need to be evaluated as closely as the benefits. The risks associated with mammography screening for breast cancer include, radiation exposure, false positives, and over-diagnosis. The risk of radiation-induced breast cancer from screening mammography is estimated to be minimal. The excess risk for breast cancer caused by radiation is increased with a younger age of the woman at exposure and increasing cumulative radiation dose. However, the benefits of mammography still significantly outweigh the risk of radiation-induced breast cancer.

Clinical Breast Examination (CBE)

During a clinical breast examination, the doctor checks the breasts and underarms for lumps or other changes that could be a sign of breast cancer. The CBE involves bilateral inspection and palpation of the breasts and the axillary and supraclavicular areas. Examination should be performed in both the upright and supine positions. One of the best predictors of examination accuracy is the length of time spent by the examiner.

The efficacy of CBE alone in screening for breast cancer is uncertain. The results of several large studies have convincingly demonstrated the effectiveness of CBE when combined with mammography as screening for breast cancer in women older than age 50 years. The American Cancer Society advises that women should have CBEs every three years from age 20 to 39 years. Annual CBEs should be performed on women 40 years of age and older.

Breast Self-Examination (BSE)

A systematic examination by a woman in which she uses her fingers to feel for changes in her breast shape and fluid discharge from the nipple in order to detect any abnormalities. It is ideally carried out every month. Estimates vary, but 80 to 95% are first discovered as a lump by the patient. Intuitively it follows that regular breast self-examination as a complementary screening modality perhaps along with mammography may help discover some cancers at an earlier stage, when the prognosis is more favorable.

Approximately four out of every five breast lumps so detected turn out to be a cyst or other benign (noncancerous) lesion. If a lump is found, however, it is essential to determine as quickly as possible if it is cancerous or not. There are now several epidemiologic studies indicating that survival is increased in women practicing breast self-examination and that cancers detected by breast self-examination tend to be smaller.

Treatment

Once breast cancer has been found, it is staged. Through staging, the doctor can tell if the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body. More tests may be performed to help determine the stage. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.

The choice of treatment for breast cancer depends on a woman's age and general health, as well as the type, the stage, and location of the tumour, and if the cancer has remained in the breast or has spread to other parts of the body. There are a number of treatments, but the ones women choose most often - alone or in combination - are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

Standard cancer treatments are generally designed to surgically take out the cancer; stop cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to survive and grow through hormone therapy; use high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors through radiation therapy and use anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells through chemotherapy.

However, the current view holds that cancer is a systemic disease involving a complex spectrum of host-tumor relationships, with cancer cells spread via the bloodstream, and therefore variations in local or regional therapy are unlikely to affect a patient's survival. Rather, the cancer must be attacked systemically, through the use of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy.

For women with early-stage breast cancer, one common available treatment is a lumpectomy combined with radiation therapy. A lumpectomy is surgery that preserves a woman's breast. In a lumpectomy, the surgeon removes only the tumor and a small amount of the surrounding tissue. The survival rate for a woman who has this therapy plus radiation is similar to that for a woman who chooses a radical mastectomy, which is complete removal of a breast.

If the breast cancer has spread locally - just to other parts of the breast - treatment may involve a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Doctors first shrink the tumor with chemotherapy and then remove it through surgery. Shrinking the tumor before surgery may allow a woman to avoid a mastectomy and keep her breast.

If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lung or bone, chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy might be used to destroy cancer cells and control the disease. Radiation therapy may also be useful to control tumors in other parts of the body.

Because 30% of breast cancers recur, the National Cancer Institute urges all women with breast cancer to have chemotherapy or hormone therapy following surgery, even if there is no evidence that the cancer has spread. Such systemic adjuvant therapy, as it is called, can prevent or delay about one-third of recurrences.

Breast Cancer Prevention

Breast cancer cannot be completely prevented, but the risk of developing advanced disease can be greatly reduced by early detection.

Several drugs are now available to treat or prevent breast cancer. Chemopreventive agents such as Tamoxifen and Raloxifene act to prevent the development of breast cancer by interrupting the process of initiation and promotion of tumors. The antiestrogenic effect of these agents appears also to lead to growth inhibition of malignant cells. Chemoprevention is the most promising intervention for achieving primary prevention at this time.

Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen is a nonsteroidal antiestrogen with a partial estrogen agonist effect. It is FDA-approved, and is now used for estrogenreceptive cancer patients and also for high-risk individuals who are still menstruating and producing considerable estrogen.

Given by mouth, it may increase the risk of stage I endometrial cancer and also may worsen vaginal dryness and hot flashes. Tamoxifen may be less effective as a preventive agent in women with a strong family of breast cancer.

Raloxifene

Raloxifene hydrochloride is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that blocks the action of estrogen in the breast and endometrial tissue. The incidence of estrogen receptor positive invasive breast cancer was reduced by 76% among women treated with either dose of raloxifene at 40 months of follow-up time. The side effects of raloxifene include an increased risk of thromboembolic disease, but not an increased risk of endometrial cancer.

Also, there are recent studies that link low incidence of breast cancer with various environmental factors, especially diet. One food touted to be cancer preventive is soy (found in foods such as tofu, tempeh, soy milk and vegetarian meat substitutes), but there is no clear evidence for this supposition. Consuming more fruits and vegetables, eating less red meat (perhaps substituting soy protein) and avoiding cholesterol (olive oil has none) may also help in preventing breast cancer.

A chemical (indole-3-carbinol or I-3-C) found in broccoli, cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables now available as a diet supplement may help prevent estrogen-related breast cancers. Another possible preventive measure is regular use of standard doses of anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin two or more times a week.

Finally, a recent study showed that exercise helps prolong life for survivors. The precise mechanism is not known, but it is suspected that physical activity lowers hormone levels, decreases insulin resistance and reduces weight gain, all factors in breast cancer.

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Cervical Cancer Survival Rates

Unlike other cancers, cervical cancer is not hereditary. It's caused by certain types of a virus, human papillomavirus (HPV). When a woman becomes infected with one of these types of HPV, and the virus doesn't go away on its own, abnormal ...

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Unlike other cancers, cervical cancer is not hereditary. It’s caused by certain types of a virus, human papillomavirus (HPV). When a woman becomes infected with one of these types of HPV, and the virus doesn’t go away on its own, abnormal cells can develop in the lining of the cervix.

Cervical cancer Recommendation: Good evidence for population based screening. cancers associated with hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC):

The hereditary component of cervical cancer was reported in a large epidemiological survey [4]. The familial relative risks of a biological sister or mother to cervical cancer patients were 1.93 (95% CI = 1.85- 2.01) and 1.83 (95% CI = 1.77- 1.88), respectively, in comparison with non-biological subjects.

Parent, sibling, or child] younger than 60 or in two first-degree relatives of any age) • a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease • a family history of an hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome (familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer)

DNA virus: HBV (Hepatocellular carcinoma) · HPV (Cervical cancer, Anal cancer) · Kaposi\’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (Kaposi\’s sarcoma) · Epstein-Barr virus autoimmune (Multiple sclerosis, Neuromyelitis optica, Schilder\’s disease)

Individuals with multiple adenomata of the large bowel almost invariably develop cancer in one or more of the adenomata. 3. The members of families with an hereditary tendency to Cervical cancer:

Cervical cancer Cervical cancer can affect any woman who is – or has been – sexually active. Women who have a personal or family history of hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer, ovarian cancer, or breast cancer are also more likely to have this disease.

A tumor suppressor gene, or anti-oncogene, is a gene that protects a cell from one step on the path to cancer. When this gene is mutated to cause a loss or reduction in its function, the cell can progress to cancer, usually in combination with other genetic changes.

Know the symptoms of breast cancer along with causes and prevention, treatment of the disease Learn what how it becomes hereditary, what genes are involved, and how to determine if you carry it.

Although epithelial ovarian cancer is infrequent in women under 40 years of age, it can and does occur in young women. When found in the 40s or younger, it is more often related to hereditary factors and the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

3:11 Watch Later Error Neck Surgery: Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (C SPINE) by cdaspine 33,078 views 2:09 Watch Later Error Hereditary Non-polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC)

Carcinogens Ionising radiation – X Rays, UV light Chemicals – tar from cigarettes Virus infection – papilloma virus can be responsible for cervical cancer. Hereditary predisposition – Some families are more susceptible to getting certain cancers.

By Sex & Site Introduction to Screening Radiological detection- Breast cancer Screening- Colon and Rectal Cancer Screening – Prostate Cancer Screening – Cervical Cancer Screening – Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer Assessment of Genetic Risk= family history Genetic Testing for Hereditary … Fetch Full Source YouTube – Broadcast Yourself.

Women with a personal or family history of hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) or polycystic ovary disease, or those who are obese are also more likely to Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer can affect any woman who is or has been sexually active.

Does having a close family member with cervical cancer change my risk of getting cervical cancer? Not hereditary The strongest risk factor for getting cervical cancer is having had HPV.

Cervical Cancer •All women should begin cervical cancer screening about3 years after they begin having vaginal intercourse, but no later For women with or at high risk for hereditary non-polyposiscolon cancer (HNPCC)

Surveillance for Hereditary Breast Cancer . www.nccn.org. Cancer 2004;100:479-89 The incidence of cervical cancer has decreased more than 50% in the past 30 years because of widespread screening with cervical cytology. … Document Viewer Breast Cancer – Myths Vs.

See: Understanding the BRCA Gene and Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer; Myth: The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer had more than one risk factor prior to diagnosis. … Read Article Dr. Nancy Snyderman, NBC News’ Chief Medical Editor, To Keynote 5th North Shore-LIJ’s Women’

Celebrating a New Era in Women’s Health: Information-Innovation-Wellness”- a full day conference, luncheon and workshops, draws women to hear North Shore-LIJ medical experts offer solutions to women’s top health concerns. (PRWeb April 05, 2012) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/4/prweb9375761.htm … Read News Dr. Nancy Snyderman, NBC News’ Chief Medical Editor, To Keynote 5th North Shore-LIJ’s Women’

Celebrating a New Era in Women’s Health: Information-Innovation-Wellness”- a full day conference, luncheon and workshops, draws women to hear North Shore-LIJ medical experts offer solutions to women’s top health concerns.Uniondale, NY (PRWEB) April 05, 2012 Dr.

CERVICAL CANCER Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy in women worldwide, and it remains a leading cause of cancer-related A history of breast cancer increases a woman\’s risk of developing ovarian cancer.

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Cervical Cancer Symptoms

Learning the symptoms is one way to find cancer early. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to notice the symptoms because they often mimic other ailments. Most often, cervical cancer has no symptoms. If there are symptoms, they usually ...

Uterine Cancer Symptoms and How to Deal With Them Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that appears in the female reproductive organs. It is the fourth most common cancer after breast cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Uterine cancer is considered the most common cancer in women and, fortunately, is curable, too. In Canada, around 3,900 women are diagnosed with the disease each year and the survival rate is above 80%. The survival rate could be much higher if the cancer was detected earlier. Most cases are called endometrial cancer because they grow in the lining of the uterus, the endometrium.

Learning the symptoms is one way to find cancer early. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to notice the symptoms because they often mimic other ailments. Most often, cervical cancer has no symptoms. If there are symptoms, they usually appear when it has reached an advanced stage, but this condition varies from woman to woman. Here are some of the symptoms of uterine cancer can be learned:

1. Women who suffer from this disease may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, but can be heavy or light bleeding only during the month.

2. When you find unusually heavy vaginal discharge may be a symptom of uterine cancer. The discharge can often smell or contain mucus.

3. If should be noted that pelvic pain is not related to the normal menstrual cycle, can be a symptom of this disease. The pain can range from mild to severe and can last for hours.

4. Bleeding after douching, sexual intercourse or between periods is another symptom. Sexual activity can cause irritation of the cervix and eventually cause bleeding.

A common question that women often ask is how to deal with the symptoms of uterine cancer. Well, there are many ways you can deal with these symptoms. First, you can take careful note of the symptoms you are experiencing. Make a list of symptoms and add additional notes, such as frequency of occurrence, the time you have them, and the degree of pain experienced. After that, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss symptoms. Give your notes to the doctor and review the list with him. It is better to be honest with your doctor and a clear answer your questions. Once you have discussed your symptoms with him, and to develop strategies to deal with it. Based on your symptoms, your doctor will prescribe some medications, such as an analgesic for pelvic pain or vaginal antibiotics for infections. Make sure you follow the guidance of your doctor to control cancer growth.

inShare0Plus Email Lien Imprimer Partager l'article ! Uterine Cancer Symptoms and How to Deal With Them: Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that appears in the female reproductive organs. It is the f ...

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Symptoms of cancer

Even if one could be a healthy person, he or she still wants to be on the lookout for numerous symptoms of cancer if they want to detect it within the initial stages itself. This could boost an individual's chances of beating the disease while not any permanent harm to alternative organs of the body or with minimum harm. Ignoring the symptoms might haunt that person later in the form of further pain and discomfort while lowering chances of recovery. Here are some of the symptoms that ought to not be ignored.

Totally different varieties of cancers

The symptoms of cancer will depend on the type of cancer that the person has contracted. There are completely different sorts of cancers that would attack an individual's body in the form of tumors or even attack the body silently without any visible lumps. Blood cancer or leukemia is one example where no tumors would be found. Similarly, prostate cancer could begin affecting native organs however may also unfold to alternative organs aloof from the prostate like the lungs, liver, etc. There also are different sorts of cancer like lung, colon, stomach, pancreas, etc that have an effect on the mentioned organs. Often symptoms are confused with alternative diseases and this may lead the doctor to a wrong treatment until it might have progressed into the next stage. A number of the symptoms of cancer are mentioned below.

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6 Steps How to Treating Acne with Lifestyle Changes-p2

Eat healthily.

Foods that are highly processed and contain a heap of oils greatly increase the number of acne on your body. Getting the proper amount of nutrients from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein facilitate your skin to regenerate faster and limit unnecessary oil production. When in the slightest degree possible, avoid foods that are processed or contain a heap of sugar (suppose junk foods).

Get a minimum of eight hours of sleep.

Sleeping kills 2 birds with one stone, as it helps to relax your body along with

detoxify it. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, chances are your skin hasn’t had the time or ability to renew its skin cells. Regulate your sleep cycle by visiting bed at a regular time every night and sleeping for no less than eight hours.

Drink lots of water.

Although we tend to’ve all heard to drink eight glasses of water on a daily basis, there isn’t a group quantity on how abundant water you should consume. Water helps to detoxify your body and purify your skin, thus build certain you drink water often throughout the day.

Relax your body and mind.

High stress levels result in increased oil production, thus do your mind and your skin a favor by giving yourself it slow to relax. Try taking a bath, reading a book, meditating, or practicing yoga and watch your skin rework in response

Wash your fabrics.

Any fabric that comes into contact together with your skin on a daily basis - garments, towels, pillowcases, and sheets - should be washed at least once every week to get rid of oil and bacteria that build up over time. Use a light cleanser for sensitive skin to help solve your acne drawback.

Use oil-free makeup.

If you wear makeup, you'll be stuck in a very vicious cycle of covering up acne while simultaneously causing it together with your cowl-up usage. Find acne-fighting oil-free mineral makeup to help forestall worsening your acne whereas merely trying to hide it. When attainable, avoid carrying makeup at all though as it clogs your pores over the course of the day.

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What Can You Take For a Headache While Pregnant

A headache during pregnancy is completely different than a headache at any different time. When you’re pregnant you have got to take care what you are taking as it will directly affect your baby. Sometimes these headaches can be bearable while not doing anything, however others may be thus uncomfortable that you need some type of relief.

Natural treatments will work wonders and give you the relief you wish to continue on with your day and guarantee your baby is safe.

Other People Are Reading Safe Tips to Treat Headaches
Throughout Pregnancy What to Take for a Headache While Pregnant Things You’ll Want Water Fruit Snacks Massage Yoga training/categories/videos Air conditioning Bed Show Additional Instructions one Drink lots of water. Dehydration will cause pregnancy headaches because the body wants water to operate properly and while pregnant you wish even additional than normal. Continue to remain hydrated. When you feel a headache coming back on slowly drink a giant glass of space temperature water therefore it will absorb into your system.

Drink heaps of water. Dehydration can lead to pregnancy headaches because the body needs water to function properly and whereas pregnant you would like even a lot of than traditional. Continue to remain hydrated. When you are feeling a headache coming on slowly drink a massive glass of area temperature water so it can absorb into your system.

Eat a snack of fruits or grains. Sometimes low blood sugar can lead to a headache. Eat a snack of some fruit or a granola bar to allow you a very little boost and lift your blood sugar level giving you energy and serving to your brain function, eliminating a headache.

Get a massage. A calming massage in a dark space can relieve tension and put your mind and body to rest so pushing your headache out of mind. The massage will work on pressure points and relieve the stress in every thus you'll rest more peacefully.

Do prenatal yoga. Yoga teaches you to breath properly and meditate thus you can relieve the pain naturally and push through it with the ability of visualization and calming.

Turn up the air conditioner and funky down your area. Lay down and take a nap. The cooler temperature can help relax your body and the nap can offer your body time to heal and cleanse itself.

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Heart Attack Causes

The heart attack is known as myocardial infarction was known as an abrupt and fatal condition in thepast. Nowadays, better understanding of such a condition has given more light to the condition. So what are the actual heart attack causes? Your diet What you eat can determine your safety and protection from heart ailments like myocardial infarction. Foods that contain very high fat content and high LDL content can increase the risks of heart ailments. People should try putting some more control with their diets by minimizing too much fat, by knowing your cholesterol levels, and by eating foods that are high in fiber, and full of the necessary nutrients and vitamins. You have to be aware that even the fit person can have heart attack due to high cholesterol levels. It is important to put much attention to what you put into your body, Physical activity Lack of exercise or a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risks of heart attack. If you are full of fats across the body, it exerts more pressure across the body and the blood vessels, causing more pressure to the body. Obesity can also prove to be a big issue since it could also lead to issues like hypertension and other heart conditions. It is important to exercise your body. Be sure to do some physical activities. Simple physical activities can really help. Stress management It is important nowadays to stay cool and calm. If you are stressed, you can risk yourself of a heart attack. Sudden changes in your emotions can increase your heart processes and if you have other existing health risks, it can aggravate your heart and lead to a heart attack.

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Heart Attack Treatment

Heart Attack Treatment
By Catherine Moore

Heart attack treatment has remained a common talk of the world as there is overall belief that no healthcare delivery facility is ideal for proper management of heart attacks. The good news is that heart attack treatment and prevention are available to people who are ready to adhere to certain precautionary measures.

1) Quit smoking:

This is the single most important element in heart disease treatment and prevention. All over the world, tobacco producers are sweating because of policies against them. The World Health Organization has done everything to protect people from this danger but because life is a choice, they leave the individuals to make their decisions.


2) Control your Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure and weight:

As heart disease treatment and prevention methods, these three relatives of heart diseases must be put on check. Much has been said about them. You need not worry yourself if you control these elements because heart disease does not usually occur without a risk factor.

3) Exercise your body:

As heart attack treatment and prevention, mild to moderate exercise promotes good blood circulation, prevents clotting as well as other benefits that reduce the effects of other risk factors of heart disease.

4) Eat a healthy diet:

For heart attack treatment and prevention, Cutting down on foods that are high in saturated fat and sodium (salt) to lower cholesterol and blood pressure is very important. Take more vitamins and anti-oxidants.

Strict adherence to the above factors aid in the treatment and prevention of heart diseases.

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