Breast Cancer Diagnosis Methods

Doctors use many tests to diagnose cancer and find out if it has spread as well as decide the most effective treatments. Even though imaging tests like the mammogram and breast ultrasound can find a suspicious area, they cannot tell whether the area is cancer. For most types of cancer, a biopsy (the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope) is the only way to make a definitive breast cancer diagnosis.

Breast cancer diagnosis cannot be done without a biopsy. The procedure of biopsy includes removing some cells from the suspicious area, either by a needle or via surgery, to observe them under a microscope. The type of biopsy depends on the size and location of the lump. If a biopsy is not possible, the doctor may suggest other tests that will help make a diagnosis.

Some of the tests done to confirm a diagnosis of breast cancer are:

• Diagnostic mammograms include taking x-rays are of the breast which are interpreted by a radiologist. Extra pictures focused on the suspicious area are also taken. Mammograms are usually a black-and-white picture of the breast tissue on a large sheet of film, but digital mammograms are another option which produces computer images instead of film. The images can be looked at from different angles, and the radiologist can enlarge and zoom in to look at any suspicious areas.

• Women who are known to be at high risk opt for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for breast cancer in. It may also be used for a closer look after breast cancer has been found. An MRI can show if your lymph nodes are enlarged, which may be a sign that they contain cancer. This can help detect the cancer's stage even before surgery. MRI is sometimes used to look for breast tumors that did not show up on the mammograms.

• Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to make a computer picture of the inside of the breast and is used to target a certain area of concern that was found on the mammogram or physical exam. Ultrasound is useful for looking at some breast changes and also helps tell the difference between fluid-filled cysts and solid masses. There is no risk of exposure to radiation during this test.

• Ductograms are sometimes used to find the cause of nipple discharge. A ductogram is also called a galactogram. In this test, a small amount of dye is put into one of the ducts in the nipple through a tiny plastic tube which can be seen on an x-ray, which can show if there is a mass inside the duct.

Through his articles, Youngrin wishes to inform and educate the readers about breast cancer treatments which will benefit those who are looking for useful information, For treatment log on to breast cancer diagnosis

Original article

Can Vitamin D Really Help Prevent Breast Cancer?

As time goes on, research is showing that vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) can be very influential towards helping prevent and treat certain types of cancer, and breast cancer is one on the list. What exactly does this all mean? Read on to find get the facts surrounding the latest research about the benefits of vitamin D in relationship to fighting breast cancer.

Studies show that vitamin D can help prevent cancers by approximately 77%, according to past research. Now, it is said to be able to help prevent breast cancer, and even aid in the reversal of breast cancer in the body. Knowing this, why does the cancer industry refuse to tell people about this?

If you live in an area where it is possible to get vitamin D from sunlight, it would be wise to spend the necessary time to soak up the benefits from nature's "miracle medicine". When sunlight hits the skin it will trigger the formation of vitamin D. It then activates cellular differentiation in the kidneys and liver, which is basically the opposite of what cancer does. Evidence is indicating that vitamin D DOES have a protective role in the fight against breast cancer.

How Much Time in The Sun in Necessary

If you can manage to soak up around 15 minutes of sunlight every day during the months when it is possible would likely give you a nice healthy dose of vitamin D. Remember, you don't need to walk around in a bikini or Speedo, but the more exposure to your skin the better. And sun block can prevent vitamin D from entering the body by blocking the necessary UV rays.

Studies have also shown that older women that do not get as much vitamin D as possible from foods are more likely to acquire breast cancer. So be sure to load up on foods high in vitamin D, like fatty fish, and sardines.

Being vitamin D deficient has many other health consequences. It is tied to so many other health ailments, and it makes sense to try and do whatever is possible to get the necessary amount so you can avoid many of the problems that arise from being deficient.

In summer months, you can get appropriate levels of vitamin D from the sun, but in those months when you can't it would be wise to supplement your vitamin D. The good news is that you can do that for a low cost.

For more great information about the vast health benefits of vitamin D, and to take a Vitamin D Quiz that can help you determine where you stand visit http://vitamindstrong.com/ right now.

Vitamin D has a wide array of benefits, and it is not something you want to become deficient of. The effects vitamin D has on breast cancer are undeniable, so be sure to take the time to educate yourself on the subject as much as possible.

Original article

Symptom - Painful Lump in the Breast

What to do?

One of the scariest things that can happen to a woman. Normally one will call their regular doctor, a mammogram will be ordered, if there is any suspicion of malignancy then a fine needle biopsy will be performed...then many decisions will have to be a made.

But some people handle it differently...they first go to their nutritionist/alternative practitioner and begin a regime of supplementation for breast health and blood tests for cancer markers, most likely 19-9 and 27.29 and perhaps CA125. They should then be referred to someone who can perform a thermo-graphic image of the area and go over it with the specialist...likely it will show increased heat in the area and maybe in adjacent lymph nodes and a visit to the oncologist is recommended.

Often this type of patient will refuse the oncologist's mammogram due to concerns over mutating already possibly mutated cells with x-rays and they will refuse the fine needle biopsy for fear that when these needles are retracted that the cells from the inside of the lump will be spread to the systemic circulation upon withdrawal from the body, as it passes through many layers of tissues, all with broken blood vessels, from the insertion of the needle, ready to spread any possible malignant cells. The oncologist will ask to see the blood tests and especially the cancer markers that the nutritionist/alternative practitioner already received. If the oncologist is sympathetic, he or she will recommend an ultrasound image.

Often the needle biopsy is recommended in order to find out if the lump/tumor is benign or malignant. After all, Mrs. Jones needs to know if there is a need for surgical removal. If it's benign then it can be left in place and monitored for growth, but if it's malignant it must be removed, radiated or the use of chemotherapy would be induced. But if it is malignant then a biopsy may spread the ailment to the entire body.

A June 2004 report from the John Wayne Cancer Institute in California has rekindled a long-standing debate over whether or not needle biopsies are safe. The paper set out to examine whether this technique, widely used to obtain specimens in cases of suspected cancer, might itself allow malignant cells to spread from an isolated tumor to nearby lymph nodes. The authors reluctantly conclude that a needle biopsy may indeed increase the spread of the disease by 50 percent compared to patients who receive the more traditional excisional biopsies (or "lumpectomies").

The fact that the tumor we are talking about here is painful is not a good sign. Also, malignant tumors tend to not move around as much upon palpation (breast exam). If the ultrasound, thermography and physical exam all pointed toward malignancy, I would have it removed without a biopsy...just be sure the surgeon does NOT puncture or cut into the capsule that surrounds the growth upon removal. If it looks like a 50/50 scenario and the patient has already made serious nutritional changes and is taking supplementation and the cancer blood markers are not too high, I would wait and see if the body could heal itself and read Diane Summers' book! It does happen that people do cure themselves.

Now let's talk really wholistically (yes, 'wholistic' spelled with a 'w'!)...cancer does not form haphazardly...it is the result of many suppressions of ailments and improper treatment of colds and flus in the past. If the body is not allowed to detox through colds and flu, and get fevers to perform its immunological action, then the body never gets a chance to clean house. Eventually other ailments show up such as urinary tract conditions (notice I did not say 'infections') and depression, endometriosis, thyroid issues etc. If all of these ailments are treated with suppressive pharmaceutical medicines then the person becomes a walking suppressed disease factory! They need to be unsuppressed, they need cold and flu symptoms, they need old ailments to resurface, to come up from the deep suppressed place where they were forced to submerge to long ago. They need to clean house. If this house cleaning never happens a person usually gets chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and then cancer. It is a natural progression.

By the time a person is forming cancerous tumors the body has already been through a lot and a something needs to be done to reverse the process. As a doctor of chiropractic, practicing a lot of nutritional medicine by lab analysis, I will do a complete blood test of some 52 elements for a patient with a lump in the breast. I will also do a hair analysis of 30 elements...all the heavy metals and blood minerals and well as naturally occurring metals in the body. This is combined with a urine analysis, cancer markers and maybe a stool sample analysis as well. The entire mass of information is compared to the test results of thousands of other people who have taken the nutritional medical route instead of the pharmaceutical route and a nutrient prescription for cure is made. This is performing wholistic medicine in a truly wholistic way.

So many have come to believe that nutrition is good but you need pharmaceuticals for really serious conditions. This is true if you are about to die and for this pharmacy is most appreciated. But for now, and probably never, will we have a cure for cancer. This is for the same reason that we will never have a cure for the common cold! Neither are really diseases...the cold is a cleansing process and the cancerous tumor is the bodies attempt to take retarded cells and keep them all in the same place. It's not a disease, it's a process of accommodating a system that is beginning to fail in how it replicates new cells...too many new ones are being formed without knowledge of what specialty they should perform...all cells need to know what their specific role is.

If you are worried terribly about a painful lump in the breast, act fast, but don't make decisions out of fear, make the decision out of knowledge about cancer, diagnostic safety issues and protocols that lead to cure.

Dr. Thomas has 33 years of experience treating chronic conditions.

Treating chronic disease is a complicated and tedious work. Most physicians can only spend a few minutes with each patient as their clinic owners and hospital management force them to keep on the move. Dr. Thomas spends half an hour just explaining what tests will be done...then he spends an hour going over the test results with you and discussing nutrient cures. He also requests that you check in with him once a month for at least a half hour to go over your symptoms and to discuss your nutrients.

33 years experience has taught Dr. Thomas the value of quality care, personal patient/doctor interaction and just what is required to obtain lasting results.

Refer to my website for more information on this topic and to watch videos from the television show I do on Nutritional Medicines by Lab Analysis.

Painful Lump in Breast

Original article

Breast Augmentation and Breast Cancer

At age 49 my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, which is obviously a complete shock to any woman. We are a family full of women who, until now, had no family history of the disease.

According to the CDC, aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, cancer of the breast is the most common cancer among women in the United States. Statistics say that about 1 in 8 American women will develop invasive breast cancer within her lifetime. There were approximately 230,500 new cases diagnosed in 2011 within the U.S. On a positive note, from 1999 to 2005 these diagnosis rates have decreased by almost 2% each year. Sadly, medical statistics expected nearly 40,000 U.S. women to die in 2011 from breast cancer; however, this number is down in recent years due to advanced treatment options, earlier detection and increased awareness.

My mother, a registered nurse, took matters into her own hands. She was dedicated to monthly self-breast exams and found her own lump. After consulting 3 doctors, my mother finally found a physician willing to listen to her concerns, perform a biopsy and diagnose her cancer. The cancerous cells were only found in one breast; against the doctor's wishes, Mom selected a double mastectomy. I admire her strength and now think that because of her confidence and positive attitude through it all, I would choose the same.

In August 2005 Mom underwent a double mastectomy to remove both of her breasts. The surgeon then pulled the skin from above and below her breasts to cover her chest area. I will be honest that her recovery from this surgery was very difficult and incredibly painful. She had drains placed underneath her skin that had to be changed regularly. Finally after recovery she opted to meet with a plastic surgeon who specialized in breast augmentation post mastectomy surgery.

Breast augmentation surgery uses implants to restore breast volume or fullness. This is a common practice after a lumpectomy or mastectomy. For a woman, it's a way to feel normal again after such a devastating loss. For my mom, it allowed her to feel like she had a womanly shape and body again. Now as a 50 year-old woman she still feels confident enough to wear a swimsuit. Cosmetic surgery can sometimes be associated with vanity, but in the case of woman who has lost one or both breasts due to cancer, I believe this is a fair reason to undergo augmentation.

There were more than 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. last year, my own mother being one of them. She is now 6 years cancer-free, a huge advocate for the cause and willing to share her story every day.

Original article

Antioxidant Supplement to Treat Breast Cancer Patients

The use of an antioxidant supplement by most breast cancer patients has proved beneficial. According to research, these natural remedies improve the body's condition. It boosts the immune response to help fight cancer during treatment.

The findings show that there is a need to investigate how an antioxidant supplement can help. Most women using it during their treatment claim that their condition has improved. So far, it has been discovered that they are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C. These affect the outcome of breast cancer treatment, according to scientists at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

Therefore, it is only recommended that more research should be carried out. Studies about the influence of antioxidants on the outcome should be carried out. This will help one to understand what helps patients recover from cancer while they use antioxidants.

It seems that the composition of any antioxidant supplement comprises of essential vitamins like; vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene and selenium. However, taking them in specific doses also plays an important role in treatment. This is not only applicable in cancer cases. It is also important for patients using antioxidant supplements to treat other ailments.

In the case of cancer patients, there are three classes of dosage; high, low and none. Some researchers insist that high does interfere with radiation treatment and chemotherapy. That's because the supplements may cleanup the particles (produced by the treatment) that target cancer cells.

On the other hand, some research suggest that cancer cells prosper in the presence of antioxidants. Therefore, patients using any antioxidant supplement are only making things worse. The American Cancer Society is against the use of antioxidants during cancer treatment. Despite this information, approximately 50% of the American population takes antioxidant supplements.

However, there is no evidence to support this and not much can be said for now. Additionally, some doctors and scientists suggest that antioxidant compounds do not worsen cancer. In fact, there seems to be visible evidence of improvement in most cases.

Research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center involved 32 breast cancer patients. They were treated and observed between 1999 and 2006. The patients were prescribed doses of antioxidants during the course of treatment. About 68% to 81% were reported to have survived treatment and recovered. Over the past few years, most breast cancer patients have been recommended to use antioxidants frequently.
While the debate is still on and more research is underway, there seems to be more proof that using an antioxidant supplement helps fight cancer.

Nature's Daily Defense offers the best and high quality supplements to treat cancer and other ailments. Our products look to combine the best antioxidants for our body to receive the best nutrition. Max Antioxidant Supplement from our stores combines the goodness of 19 most popular antioxidants. However, there is no evidence to support this and not much can be said for now. Additionally, some doctors and scientists suggest that antioxidant compounds do not worsen cancer. In fact, there seems to be visible evidence of improvement in most cases. The use of an antioxidant supplement by most breast cancer patients has proved beneficial. According to research, these natural remedies improve the body's condition. It boosts the immune response to help fight cancer during treatment. These affect the outcome of breast cancer treatment, according to scientists at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

Therefore, it is only recommended that more research should be carried out. Studies about the influence of antioxidants on the outcome should be carried out. This will help one to understand what helps patients recover from cancer while they use antioxidants.

Original article

One Woman's Journey Through DCIS Breast Cancer

The phone rings. Please come back to Breastscreen Australia. You have calcification and we need to re-check it. Don't feel for lumps. You don't have any. Oh yeah! I think. They're just over-cautious.

No! I was wrong. I had DCIS. So I am very quickly put on the Breast Cancer roller coaster designed to nip it in the bud and save me.

I read recently that 14,000 Australian women were diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2010. Of those, 1200 were diagnosed with DCIS. The proportions are similar around the world.

DCIS flies under the radar. What is it? It is Ductal Carcinoma In Situ ie calcification in the milk ducts of the breast. Like me, those 1200 Australian women only find out that they have it after their regular mammogram check-up. It is non-invasive which means it has not got into the body. No one dies from it. It may be how Breast Cancer starts but the researchers are not 100% sure. You are more at risk of a recurrence later or even full-blown Breast Cancer but with surgery and radiation therapy, this risk is reduced to less than 10%. Finally, you can keep your breast and your hair.

There is a lot of breast cancer literature available. Here are some of my personal experiences that might help you or someone you know get through it a little easier.

With a left breast that needed a lot of loving thoughts and tender care, she needed a name. (I adapted this idea from a wonderful speaker, Marie Farrugia, on one of my Business Swap CDs.) Annie it was and I still talk gently to her as she continues to heal. Not to be left out, my right breast is Mitzi because they are a team who need to support each other.

I found that one of my slightly flattened, soft square cushions kept my hand and lower arm comfortable as I could only sleep on one side of my body. This suited my situation better than the free Breast cushion from Zonta. Wish I'd had that square cushion the first night after the operation.

Short spiky hair and sleeping on one side only don't mix; so I had to adopt a slightly longer softer hairstyle.

A very soft, real Australian lambswool seatbelt protector has made driving more comfortable for my swollen, tender Annie after surgery, during radiation therapy and still as she continues to heal.

Finding a Blog that related to my love of laughing at life's idiosyncrasies was daily medicine for my soul.

Also on the funny side, receiving hugs from others became an occupational hazard as I protected Annie from harm. She even demanded that I change my handbag to the other shoulder and this made supermarket shopping sometimes quite funny as Annie and I shared our little problems.

My 30 radiation sessions were re-named Radiation Therapy Healing Sessions and going to them became a blessing not a chore. Annie and I needed to be reminded of that often. When the hospital green radiation gown got to me, I bought brighter material, copied the design and sewed my own version. All these little things were my way of being an active participant in my healing rather than a passive observer.

On the down side because DCIS is not life threatening, I had days when I felt a Breast Cancer fraud, especially when people called me brave. I was in no danger of dying. So I did not feel brave. It was then I learnt to remind myself that all illnesses require courage and everyday courage is as important as big inspiring acts of courage.

With my strong colouring, pink is something I choose to take in very small doses. Everywhere I turned there was a mountain of pink. At times I found that to be emotionally over-whelming. Even going overseas I couldn't escape Breast Cancer pink. It was just something I had to experience and let it show me my pink lesson.

I am blessed to have had wonderful medical care, a loving husband and supportive family, friends and business associates. DCIS changed me physically. Now it is important for me to decide how I am going to live the rest of my life.

DCIS - what's that? On behalf of Annie, Mitzi and me, I hope this may help you or someone you know who finds it unexpectedly in her life.

Margaret Sims is an Image Consultant and Fashion Translator who was diagnosed with DCIS in June 2009. Read another of Margaret's personal thoughts on DCIS at http://margaretsims.wordpress.com/. Margaret helps women discover their true personality and how to shine as a modern woman over 40 with or without breast cancer. If this interests you, visit http://thefashiontranslator.wordpress.com/ Blog for more fashion tips. Go to the Signup page where you can sign up to get the free twice-monthly newsletter on fashion and life lessons and receive your free eBook and Audio - 'Look Fabulous, Feel Confident Every Day'.

Original article

Common Signs of Breast Cancer

The lack of knowledge makes cancer treatments difficult because the disease goes undetected till it reaches an advanced stage. If breast cancer treatments are done at early stages of the cancer, the chances of complete cure are much higher. Here are some of the signs that one must be aware of:

Lumps - Breast cancer doctors say that even though lumps are the most common and known signs of breast cancer, women often fail to recognize them. A lump is a kind of thickening one may feel near the breast or even in the armpit. They are very small, pea-sized and are generally painless. But one may feel some tenderness or irritation. Such lumps can be easily spotted through a mammogram.
Change in breast size- Changes in breast size is another symptom of cancer. Whether the breast size will increase or decrease will vary from women to women. Some women experience an increase in their breast size and some others find their breast size decreasing. This change is usually not noticeable until the size has changed a lot.
Change in color and texture- Breast cancer may also cause a change in color and texture of the breast. One may notice a marble-like area under the skin. Some areas of the breast may even differ greatly from other areas of the breast. The skin of the breast may also turn pink or red in color. In case of scarring, the skin may also even turn orange. Some tumors can't be seen or felt. In such cases, indentation or flattening of breast is a sure symptom.
Changes in nipple- One of the earliest signs of breast cancer is that one may notice some changes in their nipples. The nipple may get pushed inward and there may be a dimpled look. There may also be irritation and slight pain along with redness of the nipple. Paget's disease, a localized can be recognized by symptoms like itching, scaling of the nipple and ulceration. Discharge of clear fluid or blood is also a common sign of breast cancer.

Cancer doctors say the reasons for this disease are many and varied. Lifestyle and environmental factors are two main factors that play a huge role. Heavy intake of alcohol and red meat, dense breasts and obesity combined with pollution, and food contamination increases the risk of cancer. Apart from these, family history is also important.

It is important that women check themselves for any of the above mentioned signs periodically. If any of the symptoms are observed, a trip to a cancer specialist is mandatory.

Through his articles, youngrin wishes to inform and educate the readers about breast cancer treatments which will benefit those who are looking for useful information, For treatment log on to breast cancer treatments

Original article

Myriad Emotions: Breast Cancer Ordeal

My article relating to breast cancer is one of self-indulgence. I found the writing of it cathartic in that it helped me to come to terms with my illness. It is my heartfelt hope that this article will afford any fellow sufferers some measure of comfort or support. This period was an intensely emotional time for loved ones, close friends, and myself. If you have been affected in, anyway by this health issue I hope that my article can help to bring a degree of solace.

I like many women, and men before me have had a health scare; I was diagnosed as having "Breast Cancer." It is no respecter of gender. I was one of the lucky ones; it could have been a lot worse than it was. I am not after sympathy here - that is the last thing I need. What is required on my part, and that of any other sufferer, is to accomplish something that at the time seems practically impossible; that of positive thinking.

If one dwells too much on this issue, your morale sinks even lower, and the healing process takes longer. So how does one deal with this profound happening? Positive thinking has to be one of the hardest things to achieve. We can all present a brave face when we are required too; but maintaining that "up-beat," when your cosy little world has been shattered into a thousand pieces is one of the hardest things to deal with.

I have found the best thing to do is to talk about it. Unfortunately, some people put up barriers, and treat the topic of cancer as "taboo," and one not to be faced. Some women quickly change the subject, while others talk about it - maybe they have had a similar experience. Alternatively, they may know someone who has been affected by it. Surprisingly enough, I found men could talk relatively easily about the subject, and without embarrassment.

Their interest stems from the concern that it could happen to their wives, loved ones, or someone of their own gender and they feel a need to understand all the facts. I have read books, and gathered information from the Internet, so I feel pretty much informed on the subject. All this information can be somewhat daunting you read about long-term prospects and wonder: "What If?" As always on any health issue, you can read about the good, and the bad.

I have learned to challenge everything that goes on regarding my body. I have had my bad days; however, in the main they are good. You learn to play harder, and laugh more; in fact, you simply get on with living. One of the hardest things is observing the pain on loved ones faces when the topic is approached. Nevertheless, things have to be faced, and each family member or friend copes differently.

Some people cannot come to terms with the situation. I have lost touch with people whom I had termed close friends, and people I thought of as just being acquaintances; have in turn been supportive of me. I have been one of the fortunate ones, with the dedicated guidance and support from a truly loving family. Indeed, they have helped to pull me through this ordeal.

So how do you face these "myriad of emotions" you are going through? You need to take stock. How are you are feeling, not the physical pain, but the emotional. It is difficult to come to terms with - believe me I know. People cannot fully comprehend how you feel, unless they have been through it themselves. I can remember the first time I looked in the mirror thinking I was incomplete. How could my husband still want me - or my children not turn away in disgust at the sight of my body?

It is difficult to remain untouched by it all but remember you are still the selfsame person. Perhaps you are a wife, and a mother. If so, you are loved and needed. If you are single, it is to be hoped that you have loved ones' that understand how you are feeling; besides giving you all the moral support that you need at this trying time.

Initially my feelings where that of self-pity: I could not think clearly or face my future. Talking to fellow sufferers this is something they had all experienced. Yet a few months down the line, I had managed to develop my positive thinking to the full. In truth, I had finally stopped feeling sorry for myself.

I have to admit this was the hardest emotion of all to cope with. The "Why Me" feeling was especially strong. I have wept myself to sleep many a night. However, I quickly began to realize that this kind of behaviour was not being fair on my loved ones, and I had to fight so very hard against it.

I soon realised that you really must make the best of whatever fate throws at you. Live for every moment, and appreciate your life to the full. Try to stop thinking of what has happened to you, "I know it's not easy." Start to think of what you can do with your life. I certainly look at life differently enjoying it for what it is, and what it has to offer me for now, and the future.

It is an appalling thing that has happened to you. However, if you fill your time feeling sorry for yourself you will not only destroy your life: but the lives of those who love, and care for you. My only hope is that if you are troubled with the demons, which this illness brings; my words can be of some comfort to you knowing that you are not alone.

There is always help and support available to you. So please, make use of these organizations. They really can help you in providing strength, and comfort, in your hours of need and support.

Take care of you...Pammie

http://www.pammies.com/

Original article

Breast Cancer Treatment and Fertility

Most women are ill-informed about the questions they must be asking their doctor before the treatment starts. Young women who are yet to have children and mothers who are planning for more children are advised to talk to their physician about how cancer treatment can put their fertility at risk.

Chemotherapy may affect your ability to have children. Many well-informed young women decide to freeze their eggs before the chemo starts, but not all women have sufficient knowledge about how the treatment can affect their fertility or about the options that are available to preserve their fertility.

Fertility issues during breast cancer

Most physicians will advise you that breast cancer treatment must take priority over fertility. Fortunately, breast cancer does not mean that your dreams of becoming a parent are doomed forever. Even with cancer treatment as your first priority, you can still maximize your chances of becoming a parent.

It is important that the physician and the patient work together on this. If the patient is in a relationship, the partner's concerns must be factored in as well. Some of the questions that you need to answer include:
How important is it to have a baby, for you and your partner?Do you have an optimistic prognosis that allows you to plan for your future as a parent?Will it be safe for you to be pregnant?If there is a recurrence or the survival is limited, will the child have enough caretakers in your absence?Are you comfortable with adoption or consider using donor eggs to become a parent?

These are definitely tough questions for anyone to answer, even more so for someone who is already bogged down by the severe emotional toll that cancer can unleash. Nonetheless, it is important that you answer these questions as you prepare for the cancer treatment.

Chemotherapy and fertility

Will chemotherapy make you infertile? The answer to this depends on the woman's age and the type of chemotherapy drugs that are used. The younger you are, the better your chances that the ovaries will continue producing fertile eggs even after treatment. Certain chemotherapy drugs, especially those belonging to the group of alkylating agents, can cause relatively more damage to the ovaries than others. Talk to your physician about the type of drugs that will be used for your cancer treatment.

Preserving fertility

If you have been given a relatively good prognosis by your doctor, you may want to ask a fertility expert about the possible options to preserve your fertility.

Here are some questions you may want to ask your fertility expert:
Should you freeze your eggs now? What does the procedure involve?Should you also consider freezing some of your ovarian tissue?Are there fertility treatments that will be less risky for you?What are the financial, medical, emotional and time-wise costs that each of these options involve?

If your doctor says it is okay to postpone your chemo, you may want to undergo ovarian stimulation during this time to harvest enough eggs. Also consider how safe fertility drugs are. Some hormones in the drugs may encourage breast cancer cell activity and cause it to spread rapidly.

With some soul-searching and discussion with your oncologist and fertility expert, you can come up with a definite plan to become a parent in future.

Through his articles, youngrin wishes to inform and educate the readers about breast cancer treatments which will benefit those who are looking for useful information. For breast cancer doctors visit breast cancer treatment centers of america.

Original article

Breast Cancer Reconstruction With Implants

Breast cancer reconstruction is an option for many women who have had to have a mastectomy. This procedure allows the surgeon to restore the shape of the breasts. This type of surgery is not necessary but many women feel it is a beneficial thing because it gives them confidence. Having the procedure performed can be safe and it can be life changing. Making the decision to go ahead with it is a big one, though.

The Use of Implants

There are many types of procedures for reconstruction. However, breast cancer reconstruction with implants is one of the most common. In this procedure, your surgeon will add devices filled with a silicone or saline solution into the wall of the chest where your breasts were located. These products are filled with a gel-like material, which gives you a natural feel and helps to create a comfortable shape for your body. The procedure is quite similar to having implants for enlarging these tissues.

Risks

As with all surgical procedures, breast cancer reconstruction procedures do have some risks. The worst of these risks involve poor healing of the wound, a rupture of the implant, deflation of the implant or protrusion of the implant through the actual tissue. However, these remain very rare. Other risks include infection, excessive bleeding, changes in the sensations in the breasts and an increased risk of needing additional surgical procedures in the future.

What Are the Results?

Having breast cancer reconstruction can help to provide a patient with a more natural body shape. However, there are risks involved in terms of the outcome of the procedure. Many times, your surgeon will work with you ahead of the procedure to create a plan of action. He or she will discuss size, shape and other implications that could affect the outcome. Generally, though, this procedure can do numerous things to enhance your body.

- It can help to give your body more contour in this area.

- It helps you to avoid the need for any external prosthesis to make a masectomy unnoticeable.

- It can help to improve the symmetry in your breasts so they look more natural under your clothing.

- It can boost your own body image and give you the confidence you deserve.

- It can also help to reduce the physical reminders of your fight against this deadly disease.

Breast cancer reconstruction is something to talk to a cosmetic surgeon about before you disregard it. For many women, it can give them back the same feel and sensations they used to have. They can feel better about themselves and about the way clothing fits on their bodies. For many, this is a very empowering experience.

A breast cancer reconstruction surgery can help you maintain your natural look. Talk to a specialist about the options you have: http://www.breastcenter.com/.

Original article

Control and Prevention of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the women both in the developed and developing countries. The incidence of this is increasing rapidly due to certain reasons such as increased urbanization, adoption of western or modern life style and increase life expectancy, however the risk can be reduced with the help of prevention but elimination of these factors can't reduce the risk of breast cancer in the population with low and middle income countries where women are diagnosed with breast cancer at a late stage. Early diagnosis for improving breast cancer outcome and survival remains the foundation stone of breast cancer control. In the middle and low income countries the strategy for early detection is the awareness of warning signs and symptoms of the breast cancer so that women can notice them as they take place. Women are also advised to go for clinical examination so that the anomalies can be noticed by the health experts in time and treatment can be started as well.

Significance of Early Detection

As mentioned above early detection is of utmost importance to cure the cancer completely so every possible mean should be utilized to make early detection probable. Breast screening is expensive so it is not easy to afford so for this reason it is advised to the women in developed countries with good health infrastructure where it is easy for them to continue a long term program of screening. Screening is one of the most effective methods to catch cancer at initial stage when it is easily manageable and can be treated easily by using a number of treatment options.

Self breast exam is recommended to the women of all ages for being in touch with breasts on regular basis as women breasts are likely to develop the changes over the time due to certain reasons like breasts change due to higher level of estrogen before the periods is natural, but it is also possible for breasts to develop some unusual changes as well that may lead to the development.

What Does Comprehensive Cancer Control Involve?

Comprehensive cancer control involves the knowledge of early detection, prevention strategies, detection and treatment, rehabilitation etc. If a woman is aware of all these things she can take better care of her breasts and she can reduce the risk of death with this most dreadful disease of the women world as woman herself can do it in a well manner.

Breast Cancer Prevention

If a woman takes control of the modifiable risk factors she can reduce the risk of being attacked by the disease to a great extent. Modifiable risk factors include healthy diet, physical activity, alcohol intake; maintenance of the body weight could have a strong impact on the reduction of breast cancer risk. Most of the women are unaware of the fact that these life style factors can have a strong impact on the risk of being attacked by this most common disease of the women world.

James is a blogger and writer. He usually writes about breast cancer, self breast exam and breast screening. You can contact him directly at james@breastlight.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._Blunt

Original article

Natural Therapy For Breast Cancer

Is there a natural therapy for breast cancer that works? Yes there are many, and the reason you may not know about them is that they are suppressed by big Pharma because there is no big money in natural therapy for breast cancer.

I recently interviewed a lady who had stage 4 breast cancer and made a full recovery using natural therapies. So even at these advanced stages a natural therapy for breast cancer can still work and a full recovery can still be made.

It is important to understand and as simple and obvious as it may sound, we must look to nature for a natural therapy for breast cancer. Also remembering that our bodies are self-healing.

For our body's to heal, we must remove the stress, oxygenate the cells, promote blood flow, open the channels of elimination and flood the body with high-grade nutrition. This may seem complex, but it is actually very simple, so let's look at this natural therapy for breast cancer now.

Step 1: Look at your life and see what is stressing you. It may be a toxic relationship, your job, your living environment.... Stress creates acid in the body, which leads to a weak immune system and causes the cells to become cancerous. What ever is causing your stress in life, get rid of it, because this is your life and nothing is more important.

Step 2: With the understanding that cancer cells are anaerobic (meaning without oxygen), we must learn a correct breathing practice that will oxygenate all our cells keeping them healthy and vibrant. This step is not just important it is vital!

Step 3 is all about blood flow, so as well as oxygen we also want the blood to flow to all the cells, as circulation is a key element to activate our self-healing mechanism. Light aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, cycling, or simply bouncing on a rebounder / mini trampet is a phenomenal low impact exercise.

Step 4 is open the 5 channels of elimination so toxins can exit your body.
Spend at least 15 minutes a day with your feet in the sand or on the grass to allow electromagnetic chaos to leave and intake of the earths good energy.Stop using antiperspirants and deodorants and get a good sweat on each day.Keep hydrated so you are urinating at least 10 times a day.Make sure your bowels are functioning well and you are going 2 to 3 times per day.70% of the body's toxins are expelled through the lungs, so that is another reason why correct breathing is vitally important.

Step 5 is to eat a raw vegan diet made up of green juices, fruit smoothies, salads and some nuts and seeds.

This may all seem like a lot of information to take in and will of course bring up more questions. You will find all the answers and support you are looking for as regards to Natural Therapy's for Breast Cancer at http://www.outstandinghealthnow.com/

Matthew Armstrong is a Transformational Specialist and best-selling author. He has interviewed experts in various fields of health and well-being to bring you a comprehensive resource for learning how to recover from any disease and attain vibrant health and vitality. Visit http://www.outstandinghealthnow.com/ to watch video interviews with leading experts in Natural Health, Nutrition and Fitness.

Original article

How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

Are you looking for more information on how breast cancer is diagnosed?

If so, this information should help. Breast cancer is an extremely common type of cancer, especially among females. It is therefore extremely important that, as women, we take the time to get ourselves regular breast exams. If you are interested in learning more about checkups and breast cancer diagnosis, continue reading this article. Throughout the article we will discuss what breast cancer is and how it is diagnosed.

Let's begin by learning what this disease is. Breast cancer is, next to skin cancer, the leading cancer among women. While it is most commonly diagnosed among females, it can also effect the lives of men. Breast cancer is a group of cancerous cells, known as a malignant tumor, that begins in the cells of the breast and can potentially spread into other areas of the body.

While there are some signs that point to breast cancer (swelling of breast, skin irritation, pain, redness, nipple discharge, etc.), most women in the beginning stages of the cancer experience no symptoms at all. It is therefore extremely important that all women have a clinical breast exam performed at least once a year by a medical physician. If this exam is performed, and anything abnormal is found, other tests will be performed to determine if any of the irregularities could be from breast cancer.

What types of tests will be performed?

One of the most common tests used to diagnose this type of cancer is the mammogram. A mammogram is generally used for early detection of the cancer as they can detect anywhere from 85 to 90 percent of all breast cancers. Mammograms can help to detect breast cancer before a lump can even be felt or seen.

Another test commonly used to diagnose cancer of the breast is an ultrasound. Ultrasounds are usually used after a mammogram has already been conducted to help target a specific area of concern (as found by the mammogram). Ultrasounds also help to tell the difference between cysts and solid masses, as well as benign and cancerous tumors.

If a lump is found on your breast, a sample of tissue and fluid will be taken by your doctor and will be sent to be tested by a pathologist. Once you get the results back, your doctor will summarize your diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with cancer, you will be informed of which stage you are at. The stage you are at will determine which course of treatment you will need to seek.

Because this type of cancer is so common, it is very important that you have an annual breast exam completed by your health care professional. It is also suggested that you ask your doctor how to perform a regular breast exam on your own so that you can do regular checks on yourself.

Learn how to get all of the healthy advantages of a well balanced diet, a fun and effective exercise program and a healthier and move active lifestyle go to Health Tips For Women you will get health and beauty tips for today's strong and active women and discover how to live longer and live stronger!!

Discover the advantages of living a healthy lifestyle and see the benefits that a well balanced diet can do for you. For more information about weight loss, healthy living, getting the proper diet and exercise and other useful health tips go to: Health Tips 101

Original article

Nipple Sparing Mastectomy - Breast Cancer Options

A nipple sparing mastectomy is one method of performing this surgical procedure. The surgical term "mastectomy" is used for several variations of the procedure. It may involve removing one or both breasts, portions, or incising regions in the armpits in order to take out the lymph nodes. These operations are done to get rid of breast cancer in the early or later stages. This disease often begins in the milk ducts and is then called ductal carcinoma. Although certain risk factors point to an increased chance of developing this disease, doctors aren't really sure why some women get it and others don't. Here are some different types of mastectomies:

- Nipple sparing: This operation entails removing tissue but leaving the skin, nipple and areola. The chest wall muscles are often left, as well. Biopsies of the lymph systems may be performed simultaneously and the bosom is reconstructed right away.

- Skin sparing: In this version, which is appropriate for small tumors, the nipple and areola are removed as well as tissue but the outer skin is left intact. With this technique, reconstruction would be done at the same time.

- Total: A total or simple version is when the entire breast is removed. Biopsy would be done at the same time in order to examine the sentinel lymph region.

- Modified radical: This is one of the more complete variations of this operation. A surgeon would remove all skin, tissue, nipple, areola, chest muscles and even part of the wall. Lymph systems in the armpits would also be targeted.

Each of these operations would be done in patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. This disease is now considered the most common of cancers in U.S. women besides skin cancer. Other treatments that are often performed simultaneously include chemotherapy and radiation. While a plastic surgeon would perform a nipple sparing mastectomy and reconstructive operations, different doctors would oversee the chemotherapy and radiation. An oncologist is the chemo prescriber and the radiologist would oversee the radiation. Some reconstruction possibilities include:

- Implants: A plastic surgeon can reconstruct the region with medical devices called implants. These are filled with either silicone or saline solution. They may be placed immediately or in a later surgery after an expander has been used to stretch the skin.

- Flap surgeries: There are various flap methods that surgeons use to move skin and tissue from one region to the chest to create mounds that resemble breasts. There are DIEP, TRAM and Latissimus flap procedures. The regions where tissue is brought from may be the abdomen or the back.

- Nipple reconstruction: If the nipple wasn't spared, there are ways to recreate a nipple and areola after the original operation has healed. A doctor may take a tuck with a suture or cut a star-like incision in the area. A tattoo in a deeper skin tone would be applied to create the areola.

When a patient has breast cancer, there are various options for treatment. One of them is the nipple sparing mastectomy; others are more radical. The operation that is chosen will be an individual decision depending on the patients' need.

A nipple sparing mastectomy is a great option for women who would like to retain as much of their original anatomy as possible. If you would like to learn more about this procedure: http://www.breastcenter.com/.

Original article

What Are the Breast Cancer Stages?

Breast cancer stages form the basis for a proper and systematic pattern of breast cancer diagnosis and give a rough idea about the intensity of tumors formed in breast areas. Stages of cancer also help to know the approximate chances of elimination of tumors so that an apt breast cancer cure can be recommended accordingly.

Breast Cancer Stages in Detail

Stages of cancer explain the pattern of growth or tumors in a systematic manner depending upon analysis of various breast cancer causes and the kind of cancer symptoms displayed by the victim. They also help to understand the location of tumors and the damage they may cause to the victim's body in future.

Cancer stages are closely related to chances of survival of the victim. Life expectancy of a person depends mainly upon the stage of the disorder she is suffering from, and each stage has different rates of survival. Also, the form of treatment to be undergone by the victim depends upon the stage of malignant infection. Usually the treatment is light in initial stages while its intensity increases as the victim progresses from lower to higher phase of cancer. A person may undergo high mental and physical sufferings in the final stages as the treatment pattern gets considerably aggressive. Also, the chances of survival are lowest in final stages and a person may also suffer from cancer recurrence.

Cancer stages can be identified on the basis of output obtained in the diagnosis process undergone by victim. The disease can be safely eliminated if a person initiate cure as soon as the tumors get detected. Any delay in the process may allow tumors to metastasize rapidly and make their elimination difficult. Stages also determine the pattern of post-treatment care to be undergone by a victim and the kind of support one needs in future to tackle the disease.

In most of the cases, stages of cancer progress due to faulty treatment pattern or ignorance of victim in following necessary lifestyle and dietary pattern. Strong immune system is the biggest defense to cancerous development and plays a vital role in limiting tumors to a certain stage.

Main Stages of Breast Cancer

Stage 0 is the most basic stage and is a general indication of cell abnormality. It is difficult to judge presence of cancerous growth at this stage.

Stage 1 is a condition in which the infected cells start to invade tissues. Tumor-size is less than 2cm and no damage is caused to lymph nodes.

Stage 2 is a phase wherein the tumors spread to axillary lymph nodes and their size is between 2cm and 5 cm. They also try to invade tissues further.

Stage 3 is a phase of breast cancer in which the cancer moves further from axillary lymph nodes. It spreads to chest walls or breast skin and may also invade lymph nodes near breast bone or collarbone.

Stage 4 displays the spread of tumors in wide areas of the body and metastasis takes place at the maximum possible pace. Tumors may spread to lungs, lymph nodes present at distant locations, liver, abdomen, skin or even the brain.

Breast cancer stages are the main indicators of seriousness of cancerous growth and should be examined carefully. Proper cure pattern should be followed in accordance with the mental and physical condition of the victim.

Original article

Breast Cancer Patient Clears a Conflict With EFT

"Belinda", a woman in her middle years, recently learned that she has breast cancer. She switched to a raw foods diet and immediately started losing weight. She also started seeing different therapists. I explained to her that EFT could help her clear any conflicts that she was having, including any blocks she has to healing.

Though Belinda lives close enough that we could have done a session in person, we decided to do a phone session to save time. The way that I like doing EFT is to get to the biggest underlying issue, and for Belinda her biggest conflict centered around spending so much time taking care of her elderly parents that she hasn't allowed time to take care of herself. The intensity of the conflict was a 10, and when I asked her where it was located in her body, she replied that it felt the most intense in her throat and third eye. Then she noticed that it had become entangled in all of her chakras.

When we did up the set-up phrases we included statements such as, "Even though:

There is a part of me that doesn't think this is going to work, I love and accept myself.I doubt that this will work...It's a juggling act with a few too many balls in the air...I have this conflict with taking care of my parents and not taking care of myself.I haven't been taking care of myself...

During the first round, we used "It's a juggling act" as her reminder phrase. I could hear her laughing when she repeated, "It's a juggling act." After each round of tapping I asked about the intensity level in her chakras, reminding her that it had been a 10 when we started. At the end of the first round, the intensity dropped from a 10 to an 8. We talked a little more, and it seemed that it might have continued to drop, so I repeated my question. It had dropped to a 6.

To determine what her "sweet spots" were, I asked which of the points that she had tapped on felt particularly good. She came up with four points that stood out for her (her collarbone, side of the eye, above the lip and the top of the head). I told her that in the future, when feeling any anxiety or frustration, she can tap or press on her sweet spots for instant relief.

The next round of tapping brought the intensity down to a 4. I could hear her yawning over the phone. I reminded her that yawning is a release. She said that she was feeling more relaxed as she tapped.

On the third round, she tapped on all the responsibilities that she had with her parents, and how she had forgotten about herself. She also shared how she hadn't taken care of herself, and that she would eat a carton of Häagen-Dazs ice cream for dinner. One of her set-up phrases was, "Even though I used to eat a carton of Häagen-Dazs for dinner, I love and accept myself." At one point as we were tapping, Belinda blurted out, "I'm important!" and so we finished the round with her tapping on "I'm important!" Her intensity dropped to a 2.

Belinda shared with me how she was getting other people involved with all of the jobs that she had been doing for her folks. She was going to continue to lessen her load and shifting her focus to taking good care of herself.

With her final round of tapping, we didn't use any set-up phrases (because the intensity was less than 3). We started with, "I am important!" I encouraged her to come up with her own affirmations as we tapped. The affirmations included:

I am importantI remember I am importantI take good care of myselfI countI make time for fun (she really liked this one)The cancer is dissolving as we speakWe have fun at my Titty Party (she had told me she was going to have a breast party)I am healthyI am whole and complete

Belinda was really laughing after this last round. Her intensity dropped down to 0. She said that she was feeling really relaxed. I asked if she was familiar with Louise Hay's work, and she said she had several of her books. I shared this affirmation that Louise uses for breast problems.

Caregivers have to remember to take good care of themselves or they can end up getting sick themselves. It truly is a balancing act to take care of oneself and to take care of parents. Belinda is learning how balance her own life with her obligations of taking care of her parents. Now she has EFT as a tool with which to help herself.

JoAnn SkyWatcher is an energy healer. She uses Spiritual Mind Treatment, Visualization, Conscous Breathing, and Emotional Freedoim Techniques. She is author of Touched by a Miracle: EFT Healing Stories. JoAnn primarily works via phone. For a free 15 minute consultation please call her at 707-462-2501. To learn more about JoAnn visit her website at http://www.joannskywatcher.com/.

Original article

What Are Breast Cancer Wristbands

It has become usual for people to tell the world about the causes that are close to their hearts through jewelry and various forms of accessories. What was once a colored ribbon pin has altered into other decorative yet issue-conscious touches like breast cancer wristbands. A cancer wristband raises awareness and money for the fight against breast cancer. It is one of the best new fundraisers for the said kind of cancer. It's most likely the one you'll see everywhere. It is typically colored pink simply because it is the most appropriate color for a wristband, symbolizing feminine strength.

More than a means to raise money and awareness, a breast cancer wristband is also an emblem of caring. Apart from being a splendid adornment, it is also economical that even kids can afford to purchase them. It only costs a few dollars. No doubt, you'll surely be doing something of brilliant value if you get all of your friends to buy one of these wristbands.

Historically, this style of bracelet began with Lance Armstrong's yellow "Live Strong" design that raised funds for general cancer research, and other styles quickly followed. They became popular for they are cheap, yet stylish and many give one hundred percent of the proceeds to their respective causes. For your convenience, they can now be purchased online or from any trusted retailer. More often than not, they display messages, like "Love - Hope - Faith", "Support Breast Cancer Research and Education" and the like, embossed on them. In addition to pink, they may also come in different colors, depending on the association or charitable trust that promote them.

Just like anyone suffering from any sort of illness, women who suffer from this particular cancer, likewise need all the support they can get. The more people who wear cancer wristbands would mean that more people are aware of the disease and are willing to remember and support all those who have died due to this disease. They pay tribute to all the survivors of this disease; people who have lived through the disease and survived it should never be forgotten. Sometimes they are bought by families in order to support a member of the family who suffers from such disease. With every member supporting a breast cancer patient in a family, a great difference is made in terms of morale on the patient's side as well as the family members'.

In general, breast cancer wristbands are beneficial in two ways, namely:

a. Wearing a breast cancer wristband is a good way to make a statement and help a worthy cause

b. Organizations raise millions of dollars every year to aid win the fight against cancer by selling these wristbands

Indeed, YOU can make a difference; YOU can help! Purchasing and wearing these wristbands imply that there are steps taken and a quest for information on the disease is there, which may favor research. Not to mention, it adds pressure on the government to provide more funds for breast cancer.

If you want to promote breast cancer wristbands in October or around the year but don't know much about cancer awareness rubber bands, visit cancer resources for patients website for detailed information.

Original article

Relationship Between Birth Control Pills and Breast Cancer

Breast cancer and birth control pills seem to be related closely since both are concerned with a common user, women. Many studies conducted the world over claim that the two are related. But so far, no link has been established to support such claims.

Birth control pills are contraceptive pills used by women to put off unplanned pregnancies. The main ingredients of the pill are female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones when ingested work in order to control the function of uterus and ovaries by preventing the process of ovulation. If no eggs are available for fertilization, conception will not occur. The pill also ensures that the mucus lining of the cervix gets thickened and hence, does not permit entry of the sperms into the uterus.

Breast cancer occurs due to multiplication of the cells in the tissues of the breast, thus forming tumors. The contributing factors for this tumor are probably life-style or other genetic factors. The female hormones enhance the multiplication of cells resulting in the formation of tumors.

Birth control pills were introduced as a method of contraception in the 1960s and are still regarded one of the safest means. Studies conducted on oral pills for contraception have brought out contradictory reports. Some doctors believe that the hormones used now as compared to those used in earlier times for preparing these pills are different. These increase the risk of cancer. When the ingestion is stopped, the chances of getting cancer also get minimized.

Chances of occurrence of cancer in women who have a family history of breast cancer are higher. According to a study presented by the American Medical Association, women who take contraceptive pills and have a family history of breast caner are almost eleven times more susceptible of getting breast cancer. Many scientists believe that this could have been true till 1975 since the pills produced till then had high progesterone and estrogen levels.

Some studies state that women aged 35 years and above and consuming these pills have a higher chance of developing breast cancer. Since the pill is hormone based, the side effects of consuming it will exist. In many cases, while the main intent of preventing unwanted pregnancies is achieved, side effects like breast cancer may come by.

Medicines have different effects on different bodies depending on the individual's constitution. Although contraceptive pills have not been proved to cause cancer, it could do so in some women depending on their body reaction to such pills.

About Author:
Kum Martin is an online leading expert in health and fitness. He also offers top quality articles like:
Breast Cancer Signs, Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Original article

Dreaming - the Breast Cancer Vaccine

I have a dream. Well, I have many dreams, but this one is about an easy, almost painless means of ensuring that no woman ever has to face, fight or survive breast cancer again. A vaccine. Am I just dreaming? Maybe. Maybe not.

Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is a proven cause of breast cancer in field and experimental mice. MMTV was discovered way back in 1936. MMTV-like viral genetic material has been identified in human breast tumors, but it's not known whether it actually causes tumor development. Research has uncovered a human mammary tumor virus, HMTV, which is 95-98% similar to the mouse virus (MMTV), so they are believed to be the same virus.

HMTV has been found in approximately 40 percent of all human breast cancer (bc) specimens examined, in 60 percent of pregnancy-associated bc's, and in 71 percent of inflammatory bc's. Women whose tumors show evidence of the virus have antibodies to it 95 percent of the time, whereas normal, healthy women have antibodies to the virus less than 5 percent of the time.

A research team, led by Vincent Tuohy, PhD, at Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute, have developed a vaccine that prevents breast cancer tumors from forming in mice, while inhibiting the growth of existing tumors. The vaccine contains the antigen a-lactalbumin. In the latest study, genetically cancer-prone mice were vaccinated - half with a vaccine containing the antigen and half with a vaccine that didn't contain the antigen. None of the mice vaccinated with the antigen developed breast cancer, while all of the other mice did.

Unlike the FDA approved cervical cancer vaccine and liver cancer vaccines, both of which target viruses (human papillomavirus and Hepatitis B viruses), this mouse vaccine targets cancer formation itself. Tuohy explains that the key in developing a human breast cancer vaccine is therefore to find a target within the tumor that isn't typically found in a healthy person. In the case of breast cancer, they are targeting a-lactalbumin, a protein found in the majority of breast cancers but not in healthy women, except during lactation. The vaccine is expected to stimulate a woman's immune system to target a-lactalbumin, stopping tumor formation without damaging healthy breast tissue.

The hoped for strategy would be to vaccinate women over 40, when breast cancer risk begins to increase and pregnancy becomes less likely. The vaccine would also be an alternative option for younger women with a heightened risk of breast cancer, instead of prophylactic mastectomies.

While there is still controversy over just how many breast cancers contain a-lactalbumin, Tuohy is hopeful that his findings might lead to vaccines for other types of cancer, and so am I. His vaccine is ready to be tested for safety in humans, but guess what. Komen has turned him down for funding 3 times and Avon has refused to even consider it. Hmmmm.... Maybe Mr. Tuohy scared the queens of pinkwashing when he said, ""If it works in humans the way it works in mice, this will be monumental. We could eliminate breast cancer."

I first heard about the possibility of one or more breast cancer viruses from Dr. Kathleen Ruddy, founder of The Breast Health and Healing Foundation. Talk About Health hosted a question/answer session with Dr. Ruddy, which is a great place to start if you're interested in learning more about this topic.

Susan Beausang, 4Women.com

Susan Beausang is President of 4Women.com, Inc. and designer of the patented BeauBeauR head scarf, a fashionable scarf specifically designed for women and girls. The Beaubeau unites the worlds of fashion and medical hair loss. 4Women.com's mission is to help women and girls cope with the emotional upheaval of medical hair loss with dignity and confidence and to advocate for greater understanding of the emotional impacts of hair loss. An Alopecian and a Previvor, Susan is bald but cancer-free. She strives to be a source of strength and hope for women and girls with medical hair loss. Learn more at http://www.4women.com/.

Original article

Recognize Breast Cancer Symptoms Early To Kill Them

Most of us know that the most important creature of the world women are at life-time risk of developing breast cancer due to various factors among them some are in control, but others are not in control and play a vital role to affect the life of women by causing some of the symptoms that don't appear at initial stage.

In most of the cases these symptoms remain passive and appear at later stage when they can't be managed easily with number of treatment options. It is essential to be in touch with breasts for women to catch these symptoms earlier.

How to Recognize Breast Cancer Symptoms?

There are different ways to catch the breast cancer symptoms at initial stage such as self-examination, clinical examination, breast cancer screening etc. Each type has the advantages and the basic purpose of all these methods is the same and that is to detect the cancer as soon as possible after it attacks a woman.

The emphasis on early detection is due to the fact that it is the only way to treat cancer successfully and to raise the survival rate. Self-examination is the most convenient and easy to do method for getting information about the most delicate and important body part breast.

Women can get adequate information about breast by performing regular self-examination at least once a month as information about breasts will be useful not only to detect the symptoms of breast cancer, but also to catch the other abnormalities that can lead to develop breast cancer.

Self-examination can be performed in the privacy of room without seeking the help of any body. The only thing that is required to perform effective self-examination is the women must be keen observer so that they can distinguish normal and abnormal changes. Another benefit of self-examination is that women have clear idea of how her breasts look and feel normally and it is one of the most important things for women to recognize the breast cancer symptoms.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

These symptoms are observed by most of the women during self-examination

· Skin changes such as appearance of wrinkles and puckers on breast skin.

· Changes of size and shape in some cases it is natural for one breast to be larger than the other one, but in case of sudden change it is essential to know the reason.

· Pain in breast that is persistent and does not go away after some medication as well.

· Nipple changes such as inversion or ulceration.

· Fluid discharge from nipple

· Lump formation in the armpit or any area of breast

· Swelling in any part of breast or in the armpit

James is a blogger and writer. He usually writes about breast cancer, breast awareness and breast examination. You can contact him directly at james@breastlight.com.

Original article