BREAST CANCER for Beginners

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.

BREAST CANCER is Cureable!

If the BREAST CANCER tumor is sensitive to hormones such as estrogen and/or progestin, hormone therapy is used. The drugs come in two different forms, pill or injection. Hormone therapy starves the cancer and hinders its growth. Tomoxifen is one such drug under this category, prescribed for women with hormone-receptor-positive BREAST CANCER. Tomoxifen is a hormonal drug (usually the oneof choice for most pre-menopausal women). It has been shown to be less effective in some post-menopausal women versus other hormonal therapies.

Most first-time BREAST CANCER patients generally assume they will end up using some sort of combination of surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation. But there are lesser-known treatment options available, and the drug tamoxifen is one such alternative.

Tamoxifen is a drug used to treat hormone-receptor-positive BREAST CANCER in women of all ages and at all stages. It’s normally taken once daily for up to five years. It’s also used as a preventative measure in women who have no history of BREAST CANCER but who are at a higher risk for contracting the disease. These include older women and women with a family history of BREAST CANCER.

Alternative therapies to treating BREAST CANCER are becoming popular. They are sometimes used instead of or mixed with conventional methods. There has not been sufficient clinical research to support their safety and effectiveness. These alternatives include flaxseed and black cohosh, acupuncture, meditation and/or therapeutic touch, and other special restrictive diets.

It is vital for women to consider alternative therapies for BREAST CANCER. You should research these options as much as possible and consult your health-care provider before trying any of the above-mentioned treatments for your BREAST CANCER.