How to Detect and Treat Breast Cancer

t can be very helpful to know more about how to detect breast cancer because when it is diagnosed early it can be treated more effectively.

The breast is composed of a group of glands and ducts protected by a fatty tissue. When cancer occurs the cells start to divide and multiply quickly growing in an abnormal pace. It can start within the mammary glands or ducts and spread to the lymph nodes and the fat tissue around the breast. Although, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer amongst women under 35, only 8,000 women are diagnosed before their menopause, of which 2,000 are in their 20s or 30s, out of 44,000 women diagnosed each year.

There are some factors that can increase the risk of a woman developing breast cancer they are as follows:

• Starting menstruation at a young age, before 12 years old.
• Late menopause, after 55 years old
• Being overweight, in particular after the menopause
• If it is in the family history and/or inherited genes
• Intake of HRT - only while taking it, the risks are reduced after stopping taking it
• Regular intake of more than one unit of alcohol every day
• Having previously had breast cancer

What symptoms you should be alert to?

• Unexpected change in size or anatomy of the breast
• Unexpected changes of the nipple, such as changing position or shape, becoming inverted or developing a rash or discharge
• Skin of the breast appears puckered or dimpled
• Continuous pain in one area either in the breast or under the armpit
• Swelling of the armpit or in the region of the collarbone
• A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit

How can breast cancer be diagnosed?

If you notice any of these symptoms or are concerned about any of them see your GP and he will exam you and if necessary refer you to a breast clinic for further examination and ultrasound scan or mammogram (breast X-ray). In case a lump is found, cells can be extracted with a delicate needle, or a biopsy can be performed to ascertain if the lump is malignant. The earlier it is detected the more effective the treatment can be. Learn how to do breast self-examination, as it makes easier to know your breasts and recognise any unnatural changes on them.

What are the types of treatment available?

Your specialist will decide on the type of treatment that would suit you best depending on the stage of the tumour, your age as well as your overall health condition and other factors. The treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy, either on their own or mixed within any order or combination.

By Jon Wade

3 Possible Breast Cancer Symptoms

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that affects around 44,500 people each year. Of these around 300 are believed to be men. It develops when tissues in the breast start to multiply in a rapid and uncontrolled fashion. Like other types of cancer, the symptoms can often be difficult to spot. However, if you know what you are looking for then your chances of identifying this condition early are greatly increased. In this article I will be helping you do just that by discussing three of the possible symptoms.

1) A LUMP OR THICKNESS IN THE BREAST:- Most breast lumps are not cancerous. According to Cancer Research UK 90% of these lumps are caused by; non-cancerous changes in the appearance of the breast, cysts (pouches of fluid in the breast tissue) or Fibroadenoma (a group of fibrous glandular tissues). However, this is still the most common breast cancer symptom so it is worth getting any lumps you do identify checked out by your doctor. Even if they do turn out to be non-cancerous you can identify the cause and possibly have the lump removed simply by going to see your doctor.

2) A CHANGE IN THE BREAST SKIN'S APPEARANCE:- If your breast skin starts to look different this could be a sign of breast cancer. This type of cancer may cause your breast skin to become dimpled (like an orange peel), wrinkled, swollen or inflamed. However, like with lumps a change in the breast skin's appearance can be down to other factors. It may be caused by another less serious medical condition, some medications you have been taking or some other influence. Whatever the cause, you should have any unexplained change in the skin examined by your doctor to be on the safe side.

3) LIQUID DISCHARGE FROM THE NIPPLE:- Another possible symptom of breast cancer is nipple discharge. This discharge can be in the form of either blood or pus that is clear, green or yellow. However, like the above symptoms discharge from the nipple is generally down to other causes. Even so the only way to be sure is to go and see your doctor who will then be able to perform further tests and identify the cause.

Breast cancer is relatively difficult to spot. Even if you do identify one of the symptoms listed above, it is does not necessarily mean you have cancer. However, by knowing what to look for you can take action early and go see your doctor. If they determine that the symptoms are non-cancerous you can put your mind at rest. If the symptoms do turn out to be cancerous you are still in a good position because the cancer has been discovered early when it is much more treatable. Examine your breasts regularly and if you notice any of the symptoms listed in the article go see your doctor right away.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Breast cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

By Thomas Parker

Living With Breast Cancer

Do you or someone you know have breast cancer? I also live with breast cancer every day. There is no known cure for breast cancer, but there are things that you can do, while living with breast cancer, which also means, keeping your breast cancer in remission. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 years ago, and I live a completely normal lifestyle and you can too. The answer is lots of prayer and a complete lifestyle makeover.

Changing your lifestyle is not always easy but, little steps at a time can bring you great results. It is very important to keep a positive frame of mind, while living with breast cancer, do not fear your breast cancer, but educate yourself on the advance medication and treatments that are available to you. One of the most informative magazines available on the market today, is CURE magazine. It is very informative, and it can bring you the latest information about cancer research and treatments.

If you or someone you know has any kind of cancer, you can get this magazine for free. If you are considering chemotherapy or radiation, learn to prepare yourself before these treatments. I decided to take partial radiation treatments, and no chemotherapy treatments, due to the devastating effect that chemotherapy has on the human body.

I believe that not taking chemotherapy treatment is part of what saved my life. If you are planning on taking chemotherapy or radiation you must prepare yourself before these treatments, by building up your immune system. Please remember that by the time you have been diagnosed with any kind of cancer, this is a sign that your immune system has been severely compromised, which allows cancer to set in. There are things that you can do to buildup your weakened immune system. It's been a long journey, but I've learned many things about living with breast cancer, and so can you.

I am a cancer advisor, guiding people on the road to viewing cancer in a whole new light. People need to know that there's life AFTER cancer. Being a 5 year cancer survivor I have learned many things. As I continue to guide folks on their continued journey, people become at ease, therefore able to uncover concealed hurt and pain hidden away like an old treasure map.There's much to learn about the release of guilt and pain, in order to begin the healing process. One must unite the spiritual and physical body back as one,before inner healing can begin. The body MUST become Renewed!

By Lobita Grimes