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:

News One

Breast Cancer Patient Allegedly Fired TWICE While Seeking Treatment
News One
By NewsOne Staff Connie Robinson has been fighting breast cancer for the past three years. That battle alone is enough for one person to endure. But, during that same period, Robinson says she has been fighting for her right to work.
Woman battling cancer was fired TWICE for missing work while undergoing treatmentDaily Mail
Va. woman with cancer says she was laid-off after diagnosisMy Fox 8

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OregonLive.com

Thousands race for a cure for breast cancer
Elmira Star-Gazette
Seventy five percent of the money raised stays local to support research and to help breast cancer patients and their families cope with the disease. "We have a nine-county region. The funds we raise today will serve people throughout the Twin Tiers," ...
In aftermath of Komen funding flap, fewer sign up for raceDetroit Free Press
Komen Columbus Race for the Cure | Strength in numbersColumbus Dispatch
Rally around breast cancer survivorsHelena Independent Record
CNYcentral.com -OregonLive.com -St. Louis American
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Breast Cancer Effectively Treated with Chemical Found in Celery
ScienceBlog.com (blog)
Apigenin, a natural substance found in grocery store produce aisles, shows promise as a non-toxic treatment for an aggressive form of human breast cancer, following a new study at the University of Missouri. MU researchers found apigenin shrank a type ...
Breast cancer treated with celery extractFuturity: Research News
Apigenin, Found In Celery And Parsley, Could Help Fight Breast CancerHuffington Post

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Pink Tractor to Pay Tribute to Those Touched by Breast Cancer
PennLive.com
He decided a couple of years ago that he wanted to refurbish a tractor to honor people who died from or survived breast cancer. His sister Betty Shaffer died from the disease in September 2011, and his sister Mildred Bricker and niece Pam Henry ...



abc7.com

Vaccine may cut breast cancer recurrence risk in half
KPLC-TV
The clinical trial involving about 200 breast cancer patients shows a vaccine may cut breast cancer recurrence risk in half. (Source: KPRC/NBC) HOUSTON (KPRC/NBC) - A new breast cancer vaccine has been shown to cut the risk of recurrence by nearly half ...
Hybrid vaccine demonstrates potential to prevent breast cancer recurrenceThe Cypress Times
Galena Biopharma Inc. (NASDAQ: GALE) Continuing to Deliver Strong Results in ...OTCEquity.com
Vaccine looks promising in fight against breast cancerSan Antonio Express
WTMA -Bizjournals.com -CultureMap Houston
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Expo benefits Breast cancer stories website
Foster's Daily Democrat
By PATRICK ARCHAMBAULT PORTSMOUTH — JEM Events had its inaugural Women's Living Expo this past Saturday at Community Campus from 10 am to 4 pm, which promoted breast cancer awareness, heath and wellness along with spreading the word for over 90 local ...



Nassau GOP Assembly Delegation to Hold Fundraiser for Breast-Cancer Cure
Patch.com
On May 24, the New York State Republican Assembly Delegation will be hosting a “6 For A Cure” fundraiser to benefit local breast-cancer-awareness organizations 1 in 9 and Hewlett House. A dinner and auction will be held at Chateau Briand in Carle Place ...



msnbc.com

Breast cancer study reveals 'substantial genetic diversity'
Los Angeles Times
A new study of the protein-coding genes in 100 breast cancer tumors revealed vast differences among the cancers and highlights how complicated the disease really is, researchers said Wednesday. “A sobering perspective on the complexity and diversity of ...
Breast cancer evolves years before detected, two scientific studies findToronto Star
Study unpicks gene changes behind breast cancerChicago Tribune

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msnbc.com

Study unpicks gene changes behind breast cancer
Ahram Online
Breast cancer kills more than 450000 women a year worldwide and is the most common cancer among women, accounting for 16 percent of all cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). A study last year by the Institute for Health Metrics and ...
More Genes Discovered In The Fight Against Breast CancerSouth Asia Mail
Untangling the Development of Breast Cancer: Evolution of 21 Breast CancersScience Daily (press release)

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DoctorsHealthPress.com Reports on Study Linking Specific Metal with Increased ...
Houston Chronicle
As reported in Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin on Friday, May 18, 2012 (http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/cancer-articles/common-metal-could-make-breast-cancer-worse), research shows that exposure to cadmium for prolonged periods of time can cause the ...

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