Today Is Breast Cancer Awareness Day

There are a lot of women who have breast cancer that are still here because their cancer was found early. This is showing that death by breast cancer is falling due to an advanced method of screening and that the treatments available are much better than they were years ago. The best day for breast cancer awareness is today.

We are living in a time of apparent breast cancer, and we should be happy for the progress that has been made against this disease that affects so many people across the world. This also means that progress must be continued to be made if we are going to want to see it stop having such a huge affect on families. This is the most common form of cancer found in women.

The death rate for breast cancer for women has actually dropped since 1986 and that is mainly due to proper screenings and breast examinations, which are the most reliable way of discovering cancer, which in turn leads to a lower number of deaths. Everyone knows that it works, but more work needs to be done to prevent even more women from developing breast cancer and that more will survive from it.

There are certain guidelines that one can follow to be more aware of breast cancer. All women once they reach adulthood should be going for mammograms every few years and more so as you get older, for the older you get the higher risk you have of developing it. You should have a talk with your doctor about any concerns you may have, and only have your breast exams done by a professional. We are all made to be aware of our bodies and how to check for changes, and this is especially true for your breasts. Even if you don't think something you've noticed is a big deal, it is still a good idea to let your doctor know, and let them decide whether further action should be taken.

It is always best to be well informed about the normal and aberrant conditions of your breasts. You may often suddenly find something wrong, and there may be nothing worrying about it, you should take that as a sign and make sure you eliminate the possibility of it being breast cancer. Lumps, in both women and men, are often benign and do not develop cancer cells, but knowledge is never wasted.

When it comes to breast cancer, the only way to overcome it and find a way to prevent more women and men from developing it is to plow ahead with research, and by doing so, hopefully it will show why some people are becoming more prone to developing it and how to combat it in such a way that everyone's quality of life is improved.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

You'll find a variety of stores to be host to a vast selection of awareness jewelry. Some of the most popular items in the collection are those designed to increase breast cancer awareness. Items like bracelets, necklaces, cookies, lollipops are now available to show support. A Breast Cancer Awareness Pin is an excellent example. A sophisticated and elegant lapel pin featuring dozens of beautiful pink Swarovski crystals, the purchase of this item is an excellent way to show your support.

The Breast Cancer Loop is another very popular piece of awareness jewelry. The great thing about this product is its versatility. It can be used as a purse or briefcase charm as well as an ornament for the car, diaper bag or even Christmas tree. Featuring handsome pink and clear Swarovski crystals and a Bali silver awareness ribbon, this tiny bracelet is as practical as it is beautiful.

You will still find, however, the Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet to be the most popular. Featuring sterling silver, pink Swarovski crystals and delicate pearls, bracelets are ideal for the individual who wants to keep the cause close to her heart. Many bracelets include ribbon charms in silver, pink or crystals.

So, whether you are wearing a bracelet to show your support this year or sending of some delicious snacks or treats to a family, friend or loved one, be sure to think pink and help spread the word.

Breast Cancer Stages

Breast cancer is divided into five stages. Stages 0-2 are considered "early", stage 3 considered "advanced", and stage 4 "late". Staging categories are important for predicting future prognosis, and determine optimal treatment recommendations.

Stage 0 is DCIS, or ductal carcinoma in situ. Breast cancer arises from the cells that line the milk ducts. When the cancerous cells are still contained inside the duct, it is diagnosed as DCIS. This can only be determined by a pathologist doctor looking at the tissue under a microscope. In general, when the DCIS lesion is small, there is no need to suspect cancer spread outside the breast.

Stage 1 is invasive or infiltrating cancer. Here, the cancer cells have broken through the duct wall and are found outside the ducts as well. In this case, doctors need to determine whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Stage 1 breast cancer must be equal or smaller than 2 cm in its invasive component, AND have no spread to lymph nodes. Often, the tissue removed at surgery contain DCIS in addition to the invasive cancer. However, only the dimensions of the invasive cancer count. If the patient needs to have multiple surgeries and the invasive cancer is found at more than one operation, usually the dimensions are added together to arrive at the final size.

Stage 2 has two subcategories. In stage 2A, the invasive cancer can be 2 cm or less and has spread to axillary (armpit) lymph node(s), i.e. positive node(s). Also, the invasive cancer can be as large as 5 cm, but has not spread to lymph nodes, i.e. negative nodes. In stage 2B, the invasive cancer is between 2cm and up to 5 cm and has spread to nodes. Here, cancer may measure even larger than 5 cm if it has not spread to nodes.

Stage 3 includes invasive cancer larger than 5 cm that has spread to lymph nodes. Also, cancer of any size that heavily involves the axillary lymph nodes to the point that these nodes are bulky and stuck together or stuck to other structures in the axilla (armpit) are in this stage. Tumor spread to lymph nodes either above or below the clavicle bone, or to nodes underneath the sternum (breast bone), also falls into this category. Furthermore, if the cancer of any size is attached to the chest wall (pectoralis muscle and/or ribs), it qualifies as stage 3. Inflammatory cancer, where the skin of the breast is red and swollen, is classified in this stage, regardless of size.

Stage 4 is invasive cancer found outside the breast and axillary lymph nodes, or "metastatic" to distant sites. At this stage, it does not matter how large the primary cancer in the breast is. Nor does it matter whether axillary/clavicle/breast bone lymph nodes have cancer or not. The most common sites for metastasis for breast cancer are bone and liver, followed by lungs and brain. Standard testing include bone scan and CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. More recently, PET scan is often done to look for cancer spread. Sometimes, a brain MRI or CT is also useful.

Pink Party History, Facts, and Trivia Fun!

Breast cancer is the most common site of cancer, and the second deadliest cancer in women, in the United States, but you can help turn tragedy to triumph, by increasing awareness. Though in the neighborhood of 200,000 to 250,000 new cases are diagnosed every year, the number of deaths from breast cancer has decreased. That decrease is largely attributed to early detection. Hosting your own pink party, complete with a history of breast cancer survivors, breast cancer facts, and trivia games can help increase awareness and knowledge, and we all know knowledge is the key to beating breast cancer, and getting back into the pink of health! Make educating interested parties a game complete with a trivia facts quiz, and prizes for those who have made the decision to fight breast cancer and win!

Declare the wardrobe to be anything pink, or make pink ribbons for everyone to wear. These parties can be held very publicly to enlighten the masses, or very privately to honor those we love who have fought breast cancer. It really is up to you how you celebrate. Just be certain to remain sensitive and open to learn new facts. One great way to learn is to play Breast cancer trivia. Be sure to include breast cancer facts, tips for coping, support group information, and consider running an advertisement in the paper to invite those who might not have found a support group to help educate and encourage them.

Every breast cancer survivor is a hero and has learned some of the secrets of survival. It is important to support those who have just begun the fight and provide advice and support to help them come through in the pink of health! Family, friends, and coworkers who are supportive also bring some wisdom to the fight, so be sure to invite them as well. Dedicate your party to celebrating life and educating everyone by thinking PINK, and reviewing pink party history, facts and trivia!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Take Control of Your Cancer Risk by Eating Super

Early detection, thanks to regular self-exams and mammograms, ups the chances of successfully treating and surviving breast cancer.

While finding the disease early is important, what if you could help prevent it from ever developing?

Research is mounting that women may be able to do just that - or, at least, greatly lower their risk of breast cancer -- by paying attention to what they eat and choosing foods that actually have breast cancer fighting properties.

"These are not exotic, medicinal tasting or hard-to-find items, but foods you can get at the grocery store," says cancer expert and researcher Keith I. Block, MD, medical/scientific director of the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Care and Optimal Health in Evanston, Illinois. "The key is to incorporate them into your diet and eat them regularly."

Dr. Block, Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pharmacognosy (the branch of pharmacology that deals with drugs in their natural state and with medicinal herbs and other plants) has researched data from numerous studies and come up with a list of "super foods" that may hold the key to preventing many breast cancers.

For example, "mangoes are rich in cancer-fighting phytochemicals and spinach contains a carotenoid called lutein that may inhibit breast cancer growth," says Block. "Garlic and onions also contain a host of substances (including flavonols called quercetin and kaempferol and the antioxidant glutathione) that reduce breast cancer risk. Red peppers and tomatoes are loaded with lycopene, a phytochemical that appears to have tumor blocking properties. Other 'super foods' with potent cancer preventing properties include corn, tofu, brown basmati rice, whole wheat, red beans, lemon juice and olive oil. In fact, use olive oil instead of other fats for salad dressing and cooking. According to a study released earlier this year, oleic acid, which is found in olive oil, may help inactivate a cancer gene that is responsible for up to 30% of all breast cancers."

Changing your diet to include foods that may substantially lower your risk of breast cancer is not only a smart choice - it can be a delicious one, according to Penny Block, Co-founder of the Block Center and author of the cook book, A Banquet of Health which features over 200 tantalizing recipes including many of the world's favorite traditional dishes, only with a healthy twist. "The 'super foods' can be incorporated into everything from entrees to dips and salsas and even desserts. How you prepare food can also help lower your cancer risk," Penny adds.

Another reason to pay attention to what you eat comes from a study recently published in the International Journal of Cancer concluded that eating foods that have a high glycemic index may raise the risk of breast cancer among older women. "The glycemic index measures how fast and how high blood sugar rises after you eat foods containing carbohydrates. For example, white bread, sugar and potato chips are high glycemic foods that are converted almost immediately to a rapid spike in blood sugar," Dr. Block explains. "Brown rice and whole wheat, on the other hand, have a lower glycemic index. They are digested more gradually, leading to a lower and more gentle change in blood sugar. These are the kinds of foods you want to incorporate into a healthy and cancer preventative lifestyle."

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), American women have a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer during their lifetime. ACS data show that more than 45,500 Americans, almost all women, died from the disease last year and about three million US women currently have breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Businesses Supporting the Cause

Currently, the month of October is designated as the official National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). For over two decades, NBCAM has successfully educated women of all ages about early detection, treatment, and diagnosis of breast cancer. Non-profit organizations such as Karmanos Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Breast Cancer Foundation are devoted to raising money for breast cancer research and educating women (and men) about the disease, supporting those with breast cancer, and celebrating the individuals who have survived it.

Companies such as Macy's and Target are inviting their consumers to join them in the fight against breast cancer. The "Pink Ribbon Items" are sold to help support breast cancer research. These companies have agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds to breast cancer charities. Most items related to breast cancer awareness can be identified with a pink label or a pink ribbon. Ford Motor Company has supported breast cancer research for over 10 years by donating money and selling pink silk scarves specifically for breast cancer charities. All businesses are invited to invest in unique corporate gifts that help support breast cancer research. There are corporate gifts available that are embellished with the breast cancer awareness "pink ribbon". Some of the other gifts are manufactured in pink and can be personalized with a monogram. These breast cancer awareness business gifts [http://www.corporatesnobs.com/professional-in-pink.htm] range any where from heart-shaped luggage tags to pink leather totes.

Breast cancer awareness is not limited to woman only. Men are encouraged to support the cause as well. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Even the most masculine man should rethink wearing pink when it comes to supporting a great cause.

Although, October is designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, supporting the cause can be a year-round commitment. Those who are unaffected by breast cancer should help join the fight against breast cancer for their loved ones. Whether you decide to participate in an American Cancer Society sponsored walk, donate money to breast cancer charities, or invest in business gifts that help support breast cancer research, you will certainly contribute to saving someone's life.

Breast Cancer Awareness - The Core Ways You Can Create Awareness and Get the Message Across

It is commonly thought that breast cancer only occurs among women aged 40 and above. This is however incorrect as many women these days are suffering from that disease from a very young age. It is then crucial to create awareness among younger adults ranging from 15 to 25 years of age about breast cancer and its impact on personal health and the closely related people. This disease is also the number 1 killer of women in the whole world which explains why organisations and activists are doing their best to create awareness among the youth.

Ways to create awareness among younger women includes:

1) Health advertisement channels on local television network

This is one of the most effective ways to promote awareness as donations or references could be obtained by the backing from non profit organisations or by charitable means. It is also one of the fastest method of gaining public exposure as the television network is proven to be the medium that is mostly viewed by society, for example, associating the month of October with the colour pink to create awareness about the breast cancer

2) Opt for a public service announcement

Public service announcement is created to cater for the needs of advertising for non profit organizations mostly on fields related to health and safety particularly on breast cancer to the without any substantial advertisement charges.The government would certainly support the idea as it benefits the public's interest at large.

3) By word of mouth

By communicating the adverse effects and circularising pamphlets on breast cancer, it would certainly be an effective means of creating attention among the youth as pamphlets designed and created in an attractive way would most certainly grasp the attention among the younger generation today. Apart from that, it would also be cost effective to promote the campaign and the lowest cost possible. Posters can also be used to create awareness throughout the campaign

4) Creating groups that are inclined to the same interests

Connecting with people with similar interests can make the whole awareness campaign a whole lot easier. By organizing a group that is active in such campaigns can also make the process of promoting faster as people interested in a particular subject matter would tend to join a group to obtain more information about the matter.

Breast Cancer Awareness

The breasts are important for the woman. This is how the mother will be able to give milk to her newborn baby. Studies have shown that the nutrients that come from breast mil are better than any solution in the market because this has antibodies which, makes the infant resistant against harmful bacteria and diseases.

When there is an overgrowth of cancer cells in the body, the chances are very high that the patient has breast cancer. When the patient has been diagnosed, action must be taken immediately so that this does not spread to other parts of the body which could already be too late.

Breast cancer is ranked second only lung cancer as the highest number of fatalities among women. Every year in the month of October, the world recognizes those who have fallen to this disease as scientists continue to find a cure.

The organizers of this event want to educate people about the sickness, how this can be detected and the types of treatment available. This drive has been going on for more than 20 years and will continue until breast cancer can be eradicated.

Some shows are done to fund breast cancer research, flyers are given out and organizers also work with various companies like those in the lingerie industry who manufacture and sell bras to women.

One of the best ways to make sure the person is safe is to have at least mammography screening done annually. This has been very helpful since it has increased the survival rate of those who have breast cancer.

Mammography performs two things. The first is to check if tumors are present. The machine is able to detect this even before the woman can feel anything on the breast. The second is to check if there are tiny specks of calcium which is also an early warning for those who are at risk of cancer.

Breast cancer will happen to those who have had this disease in the family. Women who have never bore children or gave birth after the age of 30 are also those who are potentially at risk.

Though this disease happens more to Caucasians than Africans or Asians, women should still do self examinations every so often with regular checkups with the doctor.

Self examinations are effective when the woman feels the breast in front of mirror, while in the shower or lying down in bed. The fingers must go through the area slowly and if there is any pain or lumps noticed, the person should go immediately to the doctor for proper diagnosis.

Breast cancer is classified into stages. This will depend on how large the area of the cancer is.

Breast cancer is not only the problem of those who are suffering from this disease because it is everyone's problem. The person may have a friend, a mother or a sister who is potentially at risk from this disease.

The person can help out by donating a sum to one of the charitable organizations that does its share to fund research, participate in runs or competitions that also raise money and talk to those in government to increase the budget for healthcare.

Everyone should pitch in because until doctors are able to find a cure, women in the 30's and 40's are at risk to succumbing to this disease.

A Guide to the Colors and Meanings of Awareness Ribbons

Although many of the awareness ribbons are known mainly for a single cause, the fact is that nearly all of them can represent a combination of illnesses, ideals, and life events as varied as the people who use them as silent testimony to their beliefs or personal tragedies and triumphs. In fact, very few ribbons have only a single purpose, the most well recognized being the puzzle ribbon which symbolizes autism.

As an example, the pink ribbon is best known as a symbol for breast cancer awareness as well as those who have survived it or continue to struggle against it. However, did you know that the pink ribbon is also used as a symbol of childhood cancer as well as birth parents? As mentioned before, you probably see the yellow ribbon nearly every day, but were you aware that aside from its nationally known symbolic gesture of support for our troops, it is also a symbol for suicide prevention, spina bifida, and several other causes. Another popular ribbon is the red ribbon- most often associated with the fight against AIDS and HIV. Alternately, this ribbon also symbolizes stroke, heart disease, and other causes.

Now that you are familiar with the myriad of purposes behind a few of the most well-known awareness ribbons, you may be surprised to learn that there is an entire rainbow of colors left to learn about. In fact, there actually is a rainbow ribbon which is a symbol of gay pride and support of the GLBT (gay/lesbian/bi-sexual/transsexual) community in their quest for equal rights. Each ribbon from teal to brown holds a special meaning for someone, and often the same color will hold different meanings for different people.

Learn more about the many colors of awareness ribbons and their meanings. Find the color which symbolizes the cause most important to you, and then show its significance in your life with a car magnet, a ribbon attached to your lapel, or an awareness ribbon bracelet.

What Are Some Breast Cancer Early Symptoms?

When you think you may have breast cancer you may experience problems that will let you know. Here are some of the breast cancer early symptoms that may come up to watch for. If you have any of them please set up that appointment with your doctor and get in.

It's always a better idea to go in and find out that your okay than to let it go. Self examinations are a big part of what you need to do to make sure that you don't find any lumps. These breast lumps if you do find them could be a sign of breast cancer.

So as soon as you find that lump you should be calling and setting up an appointment. You may experience some nipple retraction too. This is when you will need to also call and set up an appointment to see the doctor.

You may also experience some swelling under the arm in the armpit area for an early symptom. You lumps if you've noticed them are normally not going to cause you any pain or possible be tender in any way.

Noticing that part of your breast seems to be indenting or even flattening could be because there is a tumor. This may not be able to be felt though by you so get it checked out by your doctor.

Look for any change that has occurred in your breast including the texture, size or even contour. You may see a reddish tint to the skin or possibly even the temperature of your breast may chance.

Finally look for changes in the nipple that include discharge. It may be clear or another color even. Or a part of your breast or near it that seem different than other parts of your body. Look for all of these symptoms and keep an eye out for changes to catch that breast cancer early.

Breast Cancer and Your Subconscious Mind

The nature of our subconscious mind is to be more Positive, Playful, and Visual. The Creative, Intuitive Mind is less discriminating. It absorbs information without questions or analysis. It simply does not have the capacity of calculation.

Let's go back to the concept of the thought being a seed, because it is imperative to clearly understand the importance of what actually transpires.

Does it mean that your breast cancer is a result of seeds that were planted in your subconscious mind through your thoughts?

Every thought is a seed at the conceptual level. When a seed is planted in fertile soil (feelings already established) this seed (thought/feeling) will then - depending upon prior programming and the intensity of the feeling --- create a re-action to that thought/feeling, or create the physical expression of that thought/feeling.

If so, is your breast cancer the physical expression of that thought/feeling in the paragraph above.

Now we have, as it commonly known, an emotion. This emotion then becomes a living vibration, which fertilizes that seed/soil (thought/feeling), and we begin to grow our crop of effects (conditions in our life). In other words, thoughts and feelings create an emotion that causes effects.

Are you with me?

Now, I am thinking maybe my breast cancer is the cause of the seed that fertilized through my thoughts and feelings, way before it manifested in my life physically.

Any word or piece of data chosen by our conscious mind establishes images within our subconscious mind. If we think in a positive manner, visualize what we want, and dare to dream we will get whatever we want.

"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift."

--Albert Einstein

It is that simple!

Breast Cancer - Reverse and Prevent Breast Cancer Using the Food Matters Nutrition Program

The Food Matters Cancer Learning Program made sense to me as soon as I listened to the first 23.5 FREE minutes of its video program. It talks about the anti-oxidants that come from fruits and vegetables, and explains why this is all you need to do to reverse cancer of any form.

Breast cancer starts from malignancy. That is a chunk of cancer cells accumulating in the chest cavity and spreading. So what do you do? You eat right! You stop completely all that chips, red meat, processed food, too much salt, any deep fried food, pizzas, take away and so on. You start cooking at home with fresh ingredients you buy at the super market. you start making your self a lot of vegetable juice, fruit juice and eat fresh salads. Sprout your own at home, or buy sprouts at the store. And more

Why Do I Tell You All That?

The condition of our body is determine by what we eat and who we are. A person who lives life instantly will probably suffer a chronic disease. Instantly means going to the store and buying a pre-made meal, take away, chips, or what ever instant food may be. You do not know how they cooked it, how clean their commercial kitchen is, what are (really) their hygiene regulations and do they actually follow it, when did they last changed the oil they cook in, is it the right oil for cooking?

How Food Can Cause Cancer:

Cancer starts from free radicals. Breast cancer or any other type of cancer stems from free radicals entering our body. They are every where. The air we breath has oxygen in it. Oxygen will oxidize our body, it brings free radicals into it. Smoke, where ever that maybe, has a lot of free radicals. If you are at home sitting by the fire you will inevitably breath in some of it, The smoke from your BBQ is toxic and contain free radicals, cars exhausts, factory chimneys, etc. all smoking free radicals. Because we live in such an industrial age, we inevitably breath a portion of that smoke with its free radicals.

In my next article I will lay out to you what does free radicals do inside our body to our cells, and why anti-oxidants are the only solution for that. Chronic diseases are chronic because it is not curable for 6 months or more. That means you did no t eat properly and exposed your body to toxic environment. It is that simple and that is why the solution is also very simple.

Mammograms Cause Cancer

The United States Preventive Services (USPS) Task Force recently released a recommendation that women in their 40's should NOT have yearly mammograms. This recommendation obviously conflicts with those of the American Cancer Society (ACS) and other groups.

But many people wonder if the ACS recommendations aren't some form of recruitment. After all, five radiologists have served as presidents of the American Cancer Society. The American College of Physicians, however, made recommendations similar to the USPS a couple of years ago and the National Breast Cancer Coalition has routinely warned women of the limitations and potential for harm that mammograms hold.

The USPS Task Force found that "Radiation-related breast cancers occur at least 10 years after exposure. Radiation from yearly mammograms during ages 40-49 has been estimated to cause one additional breast cancer death per 10,000 women."

The National Cancer Institute states that among women under 35, mammography could cause 75 cases of breast cancer for every 15 it identifies. There's really very little reason to have regular mammograms and plenty of reasons not to.

Dangers of Mammography

Mammograms expose your body to radiation 1,000 times greater than a chest x-ray. Alternative Medicine magazine says, "Their ionizing radiation mutates cells, and the mechanical pressure can spread cells that are already malignant (as can biopsies)." Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a type of cancerous cell present in 10% of all women and in 15-60% of women in their 40's. A mammogram might pick this up, but, as Dr. Michael Cohen of Sloan-Kettering says, "It may stay there a women's whole life and never invade surrounding tissue...we don't know how to tell the one that won't spread from one that will."

It's treated as if it will. Surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy...a host of invasive and dangerous steps are taken to treat abnormalities that might never have progressed. Since mammography screening was introduced, DCIS has increased by 328% and some believe that 200% of these findings are due to the radiation and pressure to which women are subjecting during mammograms.

Mammography screenings induce a lot of unnecessary anxiety and unnecessary procedures. A large-scale Swedish study has found that 726 of 60,000 were referred to oncologists for treatment, but 70% were actually cancer-free!

The Lancet reports that of the 5% of referrals after mammograms, 93% are false positives. 90% of false positives are due to unclear readings because of breast density. The creator of the mammogram proclaimed that only about six radiologists in the US could read them correctly.

Another study, conducted by members of the Radiological Society of North America, verifies the fact that annual mammograms may be responsible for causing breast cancer in some women. In those that are predisposed to cancer according to family history, radiation from a mammography increased their risk of developing breast cancer by 150%!

A Canadian study found a 52% increase in mortality from breast cancer in young women that get regular mammograms. Another Canadian study of 500,000 women aged 40-49 found that mammograms found more tumors than unscreened women but no lives were saved because of it. In fact 36% more of the screened women died than unscreened!

All of us have cancerous cells in our body, but our immune system is able to fight them very effectively, provided we don't have nutrient deficiencies or toxicity of some sort in our bodies. It is often the undue stress that occurs when a person believes they have cancer that causes them to succumb to a lack of hope.

Dr. Joseph Mercola agrees, "Just thinking you may have breast cancer, when you really do not, focuses your mind on fear and disease, and is actually enough to trigger an illness in your body. So a false positive on a mammogram, or an unnecessary biopsy, can really be damaging."

Dr. Russell Blaylock estimates that annual screenings increase the risk of breast cancer by 2% each year. The younger a woman is when she starts having mammograms, the higher her risk. Over 10 years, cancer risk rises 20%.

Dr. John Gofman believes that 75% of breast cancer cases could be avoided by minimizing exposure to radiation. Another danger is that the breast tissue of premenopausal women is highly sensitive to radiation. Breast cancer risk increases by 1% for every rad unit of radiation. 10 mammograms increase this risk to 20%, and yet 40% of women over 40 have had mammograms since the 1960's, when the rad dose was 5-10 (rather than the present 2) per screening. This is why Dr. Gofman believes that breast cancer has become the leading cause of death in American women aged 40-55-radiation from mammograms causes cancer.

A Better Option

Thermography is a new technology that does not use radiation or compression to screen breasts, nor does breast density affect its results. This process measures infrared heat from your body and interprets the information in images. Using thermography can help you detect cancerous tumors up to 10 years earlier than mammograms. Yet even after battling breast cancer herself, my mother does not feel the need for routine screening. She understands that while even safe screening tools like thermography can detect cancer, it cannot prevent the cancer in the first place.

Dr. Axe's Action Steps:

I highly recommend that women do NOT receive mammograms at any point in their life. A much safer method of screening for potentially cancerous tumors in the body is through thermography. I periodically invite certified clinical thermographers to offer appointments on location at my clinic.

Breast Cancer Types - Ductal and Lobular Carcinoma

Breast diseases like breast cancer mostly have an effect on women. This is since male breasts are more undeveloped than female breasts, making them more resilient to cancer. It is at times categorized into some 'types'.

Types of breast cancers

There are several types of breast cancer, although a number of them are so uncommon. Sometimes a breast tumor could be a combination of these types or a mix of invasive and in situ cancer.

- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): This is the most widespread type of non-invasive breast cancer. DCIS represents that the cancer is simply in the ducts. It has not extended by means of the walls of the ducts into the tissue of the breast. Almost all women with cancer at this stage could be treated. Frequently the best method to discover DCIS early is with a mammogram.

- Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): This state starts in the milk-making glands but does not go through the wall of the lobules. Even though not a true cancer, having LCIS raises a woman's risk of getting cancer later on. Therefore, it's significant that women with LCIS ensure they have habitual mammograms.

- Invasive (infiltrating) ductal carcinoma (IDC): This is the most widespread breast cancer. It begins in a milk passage or duct, breaks through the wall of the duct, and attacks the tissue of the breast. From there it might be able to extend to other areas of the body. It accounts for roughly 8 out of 10 invasive breast cancers.

- Invasive (infiltrating) lobular carcinoma (ILC): This cancer begins in the milk glands or lobules. It could extend to other areas of the body. Approximately 1 out of 10 invasive breast cancers are of this type.

The most usual types of breast cancer start either in your breast's milk ducts (ductal carcinoma) or in the milk-producing glands (lobular carcinoma). The point of cause is settled on by the growth of the cancer cells under a microscope.

Unusual types of breast cancer consist of inflammatory, phyllodes tumor, angiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, metaplastic, adenoid cystic carcinoma and Paget's disease of the breast. There are uncommon subtypes of invasive ductal carcinoma - tubular, mucinous, medullary and papillary as well.

Breast Cancer Survival Rates - What Does Breast Cancer Survival Rate Tell You

The sad truth is that not everyone, who undergo treatments for breast cancer, are able to survive. A lot of people die every year and there is very little we can do about it. That is why it is necessary to know more about breast cancer survival rates and what treatments you should then choose. The more you know about cancer the better your chances are.

The rates of survival certainly depends on many different factors and the more advanced the cancer is, the lower the survival rates are obviously. The breast cancer stages are the best way to determine the rate of survival for breast cancer patients.

For example Stage 0 means the cancer cells can only be found on the walls of the lump inside the breast and that the cancer is non-invasive. Stage 1 of breast cancer means that the cancer has become invasive already and that the tumor is around 2 cm long. Stage 2A means that the tumor is around 2-5 cm long.

Stage 2B of breast cancer means that the tumor is 2 cm long, but some auxiliary lymph nodes have been affected and if the tumor gets above 5 cm, then the cancer is already reached stage 3A. When the cancer has already reached the skin of the breast, then it has reached stage 3B. When already other organs of the body are affected then the cancer has reached stage 4.

The survival rates from diagnosis for 10-year period is around 76% and 5-year survival rate is 86%. Cancer patients that have metastatic, have a 5-year survival rate of 21% and without metastatic it is 96%. For example Stage 0 has a survival rate of 100%, like Stage 1, Stage 2A has 92%, Stage 2B has 81%, Stage 3A has 67%, Stage 3B has 54% and Stage 4 has only 20% survival rate.

The sooner you have been diagnosed the better you chances will be, as you can see and another way how your chances can be increased is with alternative cancer treatments. There are so many treatments that can either prevent cancer or increase your chances of survival.

Breast Cancer- When Chemotherapy Becomes A Useless And Dangerous Poisonous Cure

An article in a well known German magazine, Der Spiegel (4 October 2004) featured an article with this title: The Useless Poisonous Cures. It says: "Increasingly sophisticated and expensive cellular poisons are being given to seriously ill patients ... patients do not actually live a day longer." At first impression I thought the article was rather rash on the so called "noble" effort of the Vested Interest to find a cure for cancer. My perception has since changed after much reading - I begin to question if the effort is really noble or something else - a deception done in the name of science?

It is well known that breast cancer is a common, much feared disease among women worldwide. In the US alone, it is said that each year 180,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 44,000 will die of it. This works out to be almost 25% death due to breast cancer after diagnosis. Why must 25% of them die? What happen to all the research that are being done and the hype that a cure is around the corner?

In Malaysia and also elsewhere, women with breast cancer undergoes a standard recipe of treatments -- surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal oral drug. I was shocked to be told by a bank executive that the oncologist offered her a $50,000 state-of-the-art-package-deal to cure her breast cancer after finding a lump in her breast. This offer was made even before a surgery was done.

The chemotherapy regimes commonly used for breast cancer are anthracycline-based. Perhaps breast cancer patients are more familiar with these names: AC (Andriamycin + cyclophosphamide), CAF (cyclophosphamide + Adriamycin + 5-FU), CEF (cyclophosphamide + epirubicin + 5-FU). Patients receiving such regimen are told that this is the state-of-the-art treatment. It is scientifically proven. The effectiveness of such a treatment has undergone peer review and is published in peer-reviewed journal. The treatment can prevent further spread of the cancer and patients can be cured.

Naïve patients accept their doctors' words with good faith. In countries where medical treatments are not paid by the government, patients have to find their own money to pay for the medical expenses. Some patients have to sell their house, land or jewellery to finance their hunt for a cure.

It is most shocking to learn that at a closed session of a select group of people during the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting held in Chicago (2007), Dr. Dennis Slamon, chief of Oncology at the University of California at Los Angeles, revealed that his research had indicated that anthracycline chemo-drugs such as Andriamycin, provide no benefit whatever to about 92% of breast cancer patients. Dr. Slamon's research has shown that the most widely used chemo-drug may not benefit most women. To find no benefit is one thing but pay for and receive a drug that causes severe toxicities is another thing. These anthracyclines are notoriously dangerous because they are known to cause damage to the heart or may even cause secondary cancer like leukemia.

The National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) - a grass roots advocacy group in the US released this statement (May 2007) in its website: "NBCC urges the oncology community to reassess the use of anthracycline-based chemotherapy in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer."

The Coalition urged that it "may very well be the time to do away with anthracycline drugs". Such drugs only benefit a very small percentage -- only 8% -- of breast patients whose breast cancer co-amplify the Her2 and TopoII genes. This point is worth repeating: only patients tested positive for Her2 and TopoII benefit from anthracycline-base chemotherapy.

Is the medical community willing to change its ways of treating breast cancer in the light of this research evidence? The NBCC said: "while the medical oncology community is quick to embrace additional treatments, it is extremely cautions toward change in the other direction even when the evidence warrants it. Meanwhile, women with breast cancer are subject to complex regimens of toxic and expensive treatments that they simply may not need."

Comment

The jury is out. The choice is clear. Women have a choice. Make that choice wisely. Learn for yourself if the chemotherapy that is offered to you is going to benefit you or it is just an expensive, useless and dangerous poisonous cure that you do not need.

Introduction of Breast Cancer

Inspired with the month of Breast Cancer Awareness, I decided to write a series about breast cancer research. I will start off with some information on this cancer research in this post. By then, do you know any risk factors that we need to pay attention to? Any prevention step to deal with it?

Firstly, we have to know what the breast cancer exactly is. According to the current cancer research, we can describe that it is an invasive cancer that arises through a series of molecular alterations that occur at the cell level, and consequently causing the uncontrollable growth and spread of breast epithelial cells. This type of cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in most of the countries. Early detection and the recent more effective therapies had led to significant reductions in this cancer related deaths. However, breast cancer remains a major cause of death. Some of the authorities start to worry about the increasing rates of this type of cancer worldwide especially among previously low-risk regions and low-risk populations. This is a particularly worrisome trend as most of these regions are limited with the access of screening and effective therapies. Therefore, prevention of invasive breast cancer remains a major global public health priority.

Like most of the other cancers, once this cancer has been detected there is already the chance that the disease has spread to adjacent cells. Conventional medicine stages the disease based on certain factors like tumor size, involvement of lymph node or distal spread. The suggested treatment depends on the stages of the this type of cancer.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

There are many signs and symptoms of this cancer. It is important that women to be aware of the signs. We can check ourselves whether there are the signs of this kind of cancer.

a) Lumps or thickening in the breast or armpit area

b) Changes in the skin in the breast or armpit area, e.g. dimpling, redness or puckering.

c) Changes in nipple, e.g. a change in the direction or an unusual discharge

d) Changes around the nipple, e.g. an unusual rash or sore area.

e) Changes to the shape and size of the breast

f) Unusual pain or discomfort

If someone discovered that he or she has such symptoms, the person should report to the doctor for further diagnosis. Although it is very rare for men to have breast cancer, there is still possible to occur. Thus, be aware to these kinds of symptoms always. Cancer research on breast cancer is still going on to look through more treatment that can be used.

Do you know that breast cancer is the most commonly cancer diagnosed according to cancer research? Did you and your beloved go for body checking frequently?

Paint Your Plate Pink

In recent years advocates for breast cancer awareness have made pink the color of the month. It's on the fashion pages and websites, flags, and pro football teams. Cities nationwide are illuminated with spotlights to cast a pink glow onto their skylines.

In counseling clients and talking to the wellness groups I work with, I encourage people to eat colorful foods-how about painting your plate pink? Some of the choices to add a splash of pink to the menu include guava, pink grapefruit, and pomegranates.

Guava

Guavas, considered the queen of fruits, were introduced in Florida in the 19th century. The guava is low in calories and contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and flavonoid compounds that play a key role in the prevention of cancers, aging, and infections. It is naturally high in vitamin C, containing significantly more of the vitamin than the orange. This fruit contains protein and is a good source of fiber. A cup of guava contains nearly twice the amount of fiber found in a cup of bran cereal.

The fruit's flesh may be pink, white, yellow or red; pink guava contains nearly twice the amount of lycopene found in tomatoes. Lycopene is a naturally occurring chemical that gives pink guava its color. Studies suggest that lycopene prevents skin damage from UV rays and offers protection from prostate cancer.

Pink Grapefruit

Grapefruits are thought to be the result of natural cross breeding between the orange and pomelo citrus fruits. Also introduced in Florida, grapefruit became a viable commercial crop in the late 19th century. Available year 'round, grapefruit is low in calories and high in vitamin C; one half grapefruit contains 80% of the recommended daily allowance of the vitamin. It is also a good source of Vitamin A.

Pink grapefruit which can range from pale to deep red in color also contains lycopene. Lycopene is the carotenoid responsible for the color and it is an antioxidant. Studies show that lycopene appears to have anti-tumor activity. In several studies consumption of foods high in lycopene have been linked with a decreased risk of prostate cancer.

Although adding grapefruit to the diet is beneficial, it is important to check with your health care provider if you are taking any medications. Grapefuit can interfere with some medications.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates have a rich and ancient history, believed to be one of the first cultivated fruits. Although the baseball-sized pomegranate requires a little work to enjoy, the flavor and health benefits are well worth the effort. They are low in calories, high in vitamin C, fiber, potassium and antioxidants. Pomegranates contain high levels of flavonoids and polyphenols, two antioxidants that protect against heart disease and cancer. A glass of pomegranate juice has more antioxidants than red wine, green tea, blueberries, and cranberries.

Pomegranate seeds are enclosed in juice sacs or an aril (air rill) which is the botanical name for the covered seeds. The entire aril is edible; you can enjoy the juice, membrane, and the seeds or throw the seeds away. Traditionally to relish the goodness of the pomegranate, it was up to you to peel and separate the seeds from the fruit membrane. Today you can bypass the peeling and seeding step-you can buy the arils ready-to-eat.

Every month it is important for your daily diet to include a variety of fruits and vegetables. As you put together the fruit bowl this month, remember, think pink!

The Lung Cancer Ribbon

Many people who have someone in their life that is affected by lung cancer, will often times wear a lung cancer ribbon is a show of support for them, This as a result will lead them many times showing their support to rid the world of this awful disease. The plain pearl color like many others has a special meaning.

The pearl represents the fact that the everyday person can be affected by this disease, this will many times lead a person to make the commitment to support the battle in any way that they are able to. They see these ribbons as serving a duel purpose in the battle.

The first purpose is that the ribbons show that they have awareness of the problem and are interested in helping to find a solution that will one day lead to a permanent cure for this disease. This is the hopes of each and every person that makes the decision to wear one of these ribbons.

The other way that these help is that the purchase price of these often times will be donated to the research in trying to find a cure for this disease and allow people to live as normal of a life as they are able to. While many people will claim that the small amount makes little to no difference, the fact of the matter is that often times these can go a long way in helping in funding the research to rid people of lung cancer.

When a person wears one of these ribbons, it is done so on the left hand side towards the heart and up a little bit. This is often times looked at as being the best place to display this at with the best exposure.

While many of the people that wear these do not know anyone with this illness, they still feel a dedication to the cause and are looking for a way to help in making a difference in the world.

A lung cancer ribbon is a wonderful way for a person to show their support for a person that has been affected by this disease. The more people that show awareness to this issue, the more exposure that it will get and lead to more and more people showing this sup[port for this disease. This is one of the best ways that you can show your support for a person that you may or may not know that is suffering from lung cancer.

Hope For the Journey Through Cancer by Yuonne Ortega

October is breast cancer awareness month and before this month ends I would like to highlight a book I was given. I really don't feel worthy reviewing this book because I do not have cancer nor do I have a family member that has cancer, but I realize I am a minority.

So you might be like me and think, why should I read this book? Well let me give you some information on why this is a must read book.

Who gets breast cancer?

All women are at risk for breast cancer. Known risk factors like having a family history of breast cancer, starting menopause after age 55 or never having children account for only a small number of new breast cancer cases every year. That means that most women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors except being a woman and getting older. (source Koman.org)

So if you are a woman and you are getting older, you have a risk of contacting breast cancer. Ortega's books is a sixty day journey looking for hope in the midst of cancer. But don't be fooled, this book is not just for the one who HAS cancer, but for family members and friends who are helping someone through breast cancer.

Ortega is open and honest about her fears, her pain, depression, and having to relying on others. God took each of these areas and gives Ortega HOPE. Each devotional begins with a "Hope Builder" which is the bible reading for each day. She displays real honesty and humility right from the first page until you finish the last. I found I could not put this book down, I kept it in my car and read it while waiting for my kids to get out of school, it was that good. I strongly recommend each church library to have a copy of Ortega's book, each person who knows someone going through a medical crisis. I promise you this book will bless whoever reads it.

Breast Cancer Symptoms - What to Look Out For?

Cancer is rapidly increasing every day. There are so many different types of cancer that it's almost impossible to not know someone who has been affected by it. One of the most rapidly increasing forms of cancer is breast cancer. It is important for us to know what the breast cancer symptoms are so that we can seek necessary treatments early, thereby increasing our chances of an early recovery.

Breast cancer has steadily been on the rise since the 1970's and its rise often blamed on modern western lifestyles. It's the number 2 most common form of cancer worldwide and is the number 5 most common cause of cancer death. For North American women, it is the number 2 cause of cancer death after lung cancer.

Early symptoms of breast cancer are usually breast pain or a painful lump. Since the invention of breast mammograms, breast cancer is found as an asymptomatic nodule even before any symptoms arise. When the cancer has reached small vessels under the skin, known as dermal lymphatic, it can represent itself as a skin inflammatory. This inflammatory can cause pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and an "orange peel" like texture to the skin.

Cancer of the breast can also represent itself as a metastatic disease meaning that it can spread to other areas in the body. The common places it spreads to are the bones, the liver, the lungs and the brain. Rapid unexpected weight loss can be another symptom of this type of cancer, as well as chills bone and joint pain.

Since this form of cancer is becoming increasingly more common, doctors have encouraged all women to get regular mammogram x-rays. Mammogram x-rays are relatively fast, cheap and accurate and are available in most countries. Mammograms have shown to reduce the breast cancer mortality rate by 20 or 30%.

Because of the increase in the incidence of breast cancer, especially in North America, more and more people are becoming aware of it. It is important for us to know what these breast cancer symptoms are so that we can consult our doctor early. Ironically, although cancer of the breast is most common among women, men can also get this type of cancer. Hence, it is of utmost importance that we should pay close attention to our bodies, especially our breast, and arrest any cancer growth before it becomes a major problem to us. A regiment of periodical self-check of our body, especially our breast, should be encouraged.

My Breast Cancer Scare: Truths or Myths?

Every time I've changed Gynecologists, I filled out the dreaded medical history forms knowing the reaction my new doctor will have once she/he sees that both my grandmothers had breast cancer."Do you examine your breasts often?" "You need to be very careful", "Here put your arms up and let me see" poke poke poke...

Though I am glad for their concern I must admit that it is scary to think that you are considered high risk for breast cancer. In June of this year, I turned 30 and I can't begin to tell you all the weird changes that have been happening to my body. Some are way too weird and personal to mention, but about a month ago I did find a strange mass in my left breast. Now this is not really unusual for me since I normally have quite lumpy breasts, especially as that time of the month gets closer. So I figured it was just my natural lumps just feeling a little extra lumpy and I didn't pay it much mind. Three weeks later however it was still there and even more pronounced. So, to ward off any possibilities that it was my imagination playing tricks on me I asked my mother if she felt anything and she did. I quickly made the appointment to see my gynecologist.

I decided not to become rippled with fear about what the possibilities of an unknown mass in my breast could mean, but my panicky personality got the best of me and at times and I would picture myself losing all my hair which I had been spending so much time and money taking care of, the possibility of not being able to have kids, and worst of all losing my breast which I quickly passified by picturing myself with fake boobs. Vein and shallow!...yes I know. I reprimanded myself for thinking such thoughts and focused on God and life and thinking positive. It may be nothing.

The day of my much anticipated appointment came. As I waited in the examination room for my doctor, I lay on the bed in my robe opened to the front and busied myself with texting and bbm'ing to keep my mind of the negative. Thirty minutes later my doctor walked in with chart in-hand and stated, "What borough do you live in?" I said Queens. She said, "For How long?" Took me a while to think. I was unprepared for those questions. I was expecting something more around "How long have you had the lump?", "Who else in your family has had breast cancer?", "Seen any strange oozing?"

Seeing the confused look on my face, my gynecologist explained that the reason why she asked was because women who have lived in Queens and Long Island all or most of their lives are twice as likely to get breast cancer than women in any other borough in New York City. I was shocked! "I wasn't aware of that at all" I said and told her that I had only been living in Queens for the past 2 years and spent most of my life in the Caribbean. She then began her examination of both my breasts, starting with the right and then the left. She quickly felt the mass as well as another somewhere in the center of my left breast. She had me feel it also and yes! certainly there was something there. Not quite a lump or ball per se but definitely something. She asked me if I drink caffeine. I replied in the affirmative and told her that I had at least one cup a day give and take a few days here and there when I preferred tea. She told me that caffeine has been known to make the breasts lumpy. Again, I was shocked at that.

She also told me that taking 600 mg's of Vitamin E daily will also help prevent breast cancer. Another shocker! She also asked me if I wore wired bras. I told her "All the time" she then went on to say that I needed to get non-wired bras since the wired ones are known to put extra pressure on the glands of the breast and can lead to breast cancer also. Yet another shocker!

She never once mentioned or even brought up my grandparents, so I volunteered the information just in case she missed it. She then asked me at what age they were diagnosed. I wondered whether it mattered, point is they had it and that makes me high risk! I said one was diagnosed at 84 and another at around 60. She nonchalantly shrugged it off saying "OK they were both past menopausal age". I was like "ok", wondering if that now meant that I am no longer high risk. Talk about confused.

By the end of the examination she explained that though I am too young to have a mammogram because of the density of my breast, that she was scheduling one anyway along with a sonogram just to be on the safe side. My heart was beating as she wrote the referral, still nervous and overwhelmed from the confusing information I had just received as well as this pending mammogram which I had heard such horror stories about. Two days later I showed up for my "mamo" and "sono" and though the doctor said that the tests are never 100% percent accurate, I thank God that the results were negative and showed no abnormality.

Though I was relieved, I was still a bit confused and very concerned. Even if the less than perfect results are negative then why do I have a lump? could the test be wrong? and am I really at less of a risk for breast cancer because both my grandparents were diagnosed post menopausal? and do I really have to go buy an entire new collection of wireless bras and take 600 Mg's of Vitamin E? Clearly there were some mixed messages being sent here and we all know prevention is better than cure so it was time to get to the bottom of things. I therefore decided to do some research and here are some of my findings.

I don't know about you, but I always thought a lump in the breast was a sure and definitive sign of cancer. The September issue of Cosmopolitan however, featured a section on finding a lump in your breast and that breast cancer doesn't have to be the diagnosis. According to their source, Marisa Weiss, Breast oncologist and Founder of Breastcancer.org "boobs get lumpy all the time" and although breast cancer is uncommon in young women it is always good to be on the safe side and always check with your gynecologist. She pinpoints a few different types of lumps that can be found in the breast and what it could possibly mean. For instance, if it feels like a painless moveable sphere, it's probably a fribroadenoma which are firm growths common in women in their 20's and are perfectly harmless. If the lump(s) feel small and pebbly or knotty, it's most likely fibrocystic changes related to hormone changes in the body particularly around PMS. If the lump is spongy round or oval it could be a fluid-filled cyst formed when fluid is retained in the breast tissue and has to be drained by a procedure called needle aspiration. So for starters, we know that all lumps don't necessarily mean breast cancer especially if you're still in your child bearing years. Youth however, doesn't necessarily mean that you're not at risk for getting breast cancer either. The only way to be sure is to see your gynecologist.

The October issue of Shape Magazine really goes into dispelling some of the breast cancer myths out there with a great article called "What You Don't Know About Breast Cancer Can Hurt You" by Karyn Repinski. The first myth is: You can't get beast cancer if it doesn't run in your family. Like Sr. Weiss said, anyone can get breast cancer. The true determinants are age, hormones, biopsy history and breast density as well as other factors. According to Repinski, the real danger is in having a false sense of security so always check with your doctor to be on the safe side. The second myth is: Breast cancer always appears as a lump. The truth is signs of breast cancer can come in many ways. For example, a change in the size of your breast like a dimpled area or puckered appearance to the skin, an itchy scaly area, nipple discharge, swelling or redness of the breast or an inverted nipple. The third myth is: antiperspirants and under wire bras cause breast cancer. According to Repinski, the National Cancer Institute has done several studies that shows no correlation between breast cancer and deodorants or under wire bras. Phew! isn't that that's a relief?!

Though Respinski has cleared up a few of the smokey areas I am still confused about the family history theory as well as whether daily intake of vitamins such as Vitamin E lowers one's risk. So we know anyone can get breast cancer, but do persons with a family history of women being diagnosed in the pre or post menopausal stage make a difference in your chances of being diagnosed as well? To answer this question I took to the internet. According to Cancer.org "breast cancer risk is higher among women whose close blood relatives have the disease." If your mother, sister or daughter has been diagnosed, you are twice as likely to be at risk. If two of your close relatives have been diagnosed your risk is essentially tripled! Now interestingly enough, less than 15% of women with breast cancer have a family member(s) who was diagnosed which means that 85% of women who do get breast cancer actually have no family history of the disease. According to Breasthealthlink.com, a person with a familial history of breast cancer is one who has:

A relative who has had breast cancer in both breasts

A relative who was diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 40

A relative who has had both breast cancer and ovarian cancer

A male relative who has or has had breast cancer

Familial factors that affect your risk are:

The number of relatives with breast cancer

The age at which their breast cancer is diagnosed.

The number of first degree relatives with breast cancer

The next step in this myth debunking research is determining whether an intake of 600 Mg's of Vitamin E will really help prevent breast cancer. In regards to diet and vitamin intake, The American Cancer Society suggests eating a healthy diet focused on plant sources such as fruits, vegetables and whole grain and limiting consumption of processed foods and red meats. According to Cancer.org however, studies on the effects of vitamin intake such as Vitamin E on breast cancer are conflicting and inconclusive. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that Vitamin E's antioxidant abilities help to destroy free radicals which can damage bodily cells and DNA. The UMMC Study shows that women diagnosed with breast cancer show low levels of vitamin E in the body. Based on this observation, researchers have felt that vitamin E intake would help prevent breast cancer. However, studies have not been able to prove that intake of vitamins does in fact reduce one's risk.

Though I am more at ease about the myths and truths about breast cancer, I realize that risk factors vary greatly and can range from gender, to age as well as family history, race and ethnicity. Though I didn't touch on this, your lifestyle is also a factor in your risk for breast cancer and includes: oral contraceptive use, hormone therapy, having children, breast feeding, alcohol use and even physical activity. In reality one can never really know definitively what are the causes of breast cancer or what our individual risks are. The important thing is to educate yourself about the disease so that you can look out for any possible warning signs. Know your body. If something feels strange or looks strange be sure to check with your doctor and always get a second, third or fourth opinion.

Based on the information I've learned I understand that I am at risk. Having two second degree relatives affected by the disease increases my awareness as well as my risk. My paternal grandmother was diagnosed in her early post menopausal 60's and succumbed to the disease because of her own lack of knowledge. My maternal grandmother on the other hand was a survivor and was diagnosed in her early 80's with both breast and ovarian cancer. My cousin was also diagnosed in her early 20's. I may not be able to prevent myself from getting breast cancer but I can surely help decrease my risk. Debunking the myths and finding the truths was the first step and puts a more realistic and controlled picture in my mind. Although my "sono" and "mamo" are normal I intend to go get a second opinion being that the lump in my breast is still very much there. I also intend to lower my risk by getting into a more strict exercise routine, as well as eating a more well balanced diet made up of at least 5 grams of servings or more of vegetables and fruits per day. I will not go out and buy a wardrobe of new bras, but I do intend to continue to take my vitamins daily, yes even the Vitamin E. I also plan to continue my routine at-home breast exams. If I were not doing that exam regularly I probably would never have discovered the lump and we all know prevention is better than cure.

Women (and men) need to be aware of this disease. The only way to increase your awareness is through knowledge. There are lots of information on the internet and in your local library and don't be afraid to ask your doctor all the relevant questions. Express your concerns and talk about your personal risk. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in American women, except for skin cancer. Almost a quarter of a million women will be diagnosed in 2011 alone and almost 40,000 will succumb to the disease. At this time, there are over 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone including my grandmother. Thanks to the stellar care she received at the Queens Hospital Breast Service and early detection, she was able to survive both breast and ovarian cancer. Strong family support was also a factor. Sometimes the families of breast cancer victims are forgotten and overlooked, but they also play a very important role in the care and support that they provide to family members. Caring for a family member diagnosed with breast cancer can be extremely stressful. This breast cancer month take the time to learn more about the disease and participate in the fight for the cure.

Natural Cure For Breast Cancer - A Different Approach

Breast cancer is one of the leading killer cancers for women. There is as much need for the cure for breast cancer as the need for emotional bolstering. Everyone needs to educate themselves about this disease.

What is breast cancer?

This is a type of cancer that begins in the breast cells. It is more common in women, but can also happen to men. Women between ages 45 and 55 are more prone to this disease.

What are the symptoms?

The first tell-tale symptoms are a lump that can be felt in that area that is different from the tissues that comprise the breast. There might also be changes in the size and appearance of the breast. It might look dimply with inverted nipples that have fluid discharges.

If there is an inflammation, there might be pain, a warm sensation, redness and swelling in that area.

What are the causes?

In truth there are many factors that can trigger this. Age seems to play a key role, especially to the women past the childbearing age. Other than that, factors such as gender, hormones, diet, obesity, radiation can contribute to the progress of this disease.

Genetics also play a vital role. Those who have a history of this disease in their family are more likely to develop it after the childbearing age.

What are the treatments?

There are many clinical treatments used to treat this condition. Depending on the stage of this disease, your doctor may prescribe you with a series of treatments. It also follows a series of medications.

ILT or Interstitial laser thermotherapy is a new method today that can treat this problem without surgically removing it. Another treatment is with the use of radiation therapy which can destroy the cancer cells. It inhibits the development of the bad cells in the future by 50 to 66%.

Many women have not singled out the treatments for this disease. They have tried many different ways to help them with their condition. Natural cure for breast cancer is one of these alternative treatments.

First, try to adapt a non-carcinogenic diet. There have been many reliable accounting that reports an almost miraculous healing on their health. These women have been eating more fruits and vegetables rather than meaty and fatty foods.

Supplementing with vitamins and minerals has also been proven effective. Ingesting omega-3 supplements has been very effective in either keeping the cancer cells at bay or inhibiting its growth.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids DHA and EPA can be taken from fishes. They are the most abundant source of these nutrients so it is a big help to take fish oil supplements.

There are herbal remedies that are purported to help this problem as well. Dong quai, for one, can help normalize the production of hormones. Black Cohosh has similar benefits.

To help women live a better quality life, there is a natural product that can supplement lost energy. This product is called Fatigue Fighter.

This product can improve the vivacity and the strength of a person suffering from this disease. It can also improve the health of the immune system to hinder the possibility of complications. This product will enable the person to still perform well physically without feeling fatigued.

This is safe to use because it only uses natural ingredients such as Siberian Ginseng, olive leaf extract and centella asiatica.

With all the success stories of women who have tried natural treatments, I think experts should consider doing a bit more research on this method instead of always finding severe methods to kill the cancer cells.

The cure for breast cancer is extensive. It is important to keep an open heart and mind over the many possible treatments that can send you on your way to recovery.

Coping With Breast Cancer - Ten Survival Tips

In Chinese, a crisis is expressed in two characters: danger and hidden opportunity. As a breast-cancer survivor, I have faced many challenges, but God has revealed to me opportunities that translate into incredible blessings. I share some suggestions below for those struggling with this disease.

1. Ponder scriptures

Let biblical passages like Psalm 119:105 (likening the Word of God to a lamp) illuminate pathways for healing and reveal any encroaching thorny thickets. Use verses as your penlight to avoid stumbling around in the darkness.

When I joined the ranks of breast-cancer survivors, I clung to Psalm 23 for solace. During chemotherapy I reflected on how God was comforting me as I walked through my own valley of the shadow. Review the list of common emotions in the front or back of your Bible to locate verses that speak to particular sentiments, such as worry, weariness, or fear. Gideon Bibles found in many hotels contain these sections to ease the troubled traveler's mind.

2. Pray unceasingly

One of my childhood treasures was a book entitled "The Lord's Prayer." Each page was inscribed with a verse from Jesus' model prayer in Matt. 6:9-13. Bright illustrations of kneeling children with uplifted hands accompanied each verse. I was captivated by the images. Although as a child I was not yet ready for Jesus' heartrending prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, this picture book was early preparation for a more mature prayer life.

Prayer is a powerful tool. Like African prayer warriors thriving in the midst of deprivation, during my treatment I lifted prayers to the only One who could take away troubling emotions and side-effects. Lying in bed, I visualized my pallet being lifted to God through the roof in a reverse move from the paralytic brought from the roof to Jesus for healing in Mark 2. I strongly felt God's healing warmth as I prayer-walked upward to meet Him.

3. Treasure fellowship

As a cancer survivor I most assuredly relished the cards, hugs, prayers, and empathy of friends. The blessings of others that dispelled my pouts through bouts of cancer were crucial to healing. Hebrews 10: 24-25 tells us to encourage one another and meet regularly for worship and fellowship. The latter can include simply listening, sharing a meal, or offering a Bible study to encourage camaraderie and spiritual enrichment. My husband and I were blessed by the insights shared at our home Bible study during my cancer treatment.

4. Make church attendance a priority

Ideally, the breast cancer survivor should attend a local church, for reasons extending beyond congregational worship. Shortly after I was diagnosed with cancer, members of a former church we attended rallied around me in prayer for healing. Their love transcended church membership, and coalesced with that of members of our new church. These compassionate individuals provided needed meals and child care as well as spiritual support, something I would have missed had I not attended church.

If your breast cancer has left you home-bound or residing in a facility, you can find other options to connect with a church. Ideas include listening to a radio station offering Bible studies and uplifting choir or praise music, watching a Christian worship service on TV, or enjoying sermons from a visiting pastor.

5. Obtain Biblical counseling

Counseling from a biblical perspective can address many issues with which breast cancer survivors struggle, including guilt, anger, and non-forgiveness. I sought counseling from a local church and a crisis pregnancy center for issues arising from my cancer diagnoses. If these resources are not available, on-line tools are at the disposal of the computer literate. Some people prefer the anonymity of e-mail counseling. Focus on the Family (at (800) A-FAMILY) provides referrals for telephonic counseling sessions.

Financial counseling may be available through a local church, the American Cancer Society, or resources written by Christian financial experts such as Larry Burkett. I learned to organize my bills and health information into labeled file folders, and used my insurance company's website to access histories of appointments and payment records.

6. Recognize life seasons

The time spanning when I was first diagnosed to the end of treatment was only for a season. Recognize with Solomon in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 the times for every activity under heaven. Of all the seasons listed in this passage, "a time to laugh" appeals to me most. Many studies show that humor helps relieve stress, combat depression, and extend quality of life.

My three sons, ranging in age from 3 to 11 when I was diagnosed, reacted to my cancer by watching how I responded. Comic relief went a long way to dispel the tension they felt. I thoroughly enjoy watching these boys laugh at black-and-white slapstick comedians like Abbott and Costello and at modern-day comedies like "Chicken Run."

"A time to dance" is another fun season. Try some salsa dancing, like a survivor I overheard in the chemotherapy infusion room. It will lift your spirits as well as your feet, control weight, and rev your circulation to the max!

7. Witness using personal testimony

While Christians don't always recover from diseases even though prayed for, they can still use their adversity to glorify God in their lives. Jesus modeled that approach when he delayed coming to Lazarus in Bethany until Lazarus died. The story is found in John 11:3-6. When Jesus heard of Lazarus' sickness, he assured his followers that the outcome would be God-glorifying. Often, the more severe the suffering, the more wondrously God works through the power of personal testimony.

On the Titanic, some Christians gladly relinquished their places on life rafts to the unsaved, witnessing powerfully to their faith in eternal life. We've also heard of Christians in the burning World Trade Center on 9-11-01 witnessing in their last moments to non-believers in the midst of unimaginable terror. 2 Timothy 1:8 admonishes us not to be ashamed to testify about our Lord. It challenges me to go forth boldly, knowing that none can take away my personal story.

My husband's emails on God's mercy throughout my cancer ordeal were sent to all who were curious how I was bearing up. God is faithful in fanning the global fire of the gospel through such testimony.

8. Resolve to understand God

Some disasters shake us to our very core. When I felt myself helplessly mired in the muck of cancer, I recalled Jesus' parable in Matt. 7:24-27. He reassured us that we are set on solid ground, not in sinking sand. As I put our Savior's words into practice, God pulled me up and out of cancer-induced depression and into an indescribable joy. He is the Rock upon which I set my hope.

In the midst of the unexpected, God is there. For example, on September 11, 2001 otherwise annoying delays on their way to work saved some employees' lives. Now, when I am stuck in traffic and an ambulance rushes by on its way to the accident ahead, I bow my head in prayer for the ones affected by such tragedy, rather than wallowing in self-pity over the minor nuisance of a traffic jam. We should consciously determine to understand how God is using such seeming disturbances and thank him for them.

9. Find volunteering opportunities

Almost two millennia ago, Paul taught that all the commandments are summed up in loving your neighbor as yourself (Romans 13:9). Breast-cancer survivors are greatly appreciative of all the sacrifices of others from which they have benefited. Below are some ideas for showing love to fellow cancer strugglers.

If there is no breast-cancer support group in your area, start one. The locale might be your own church for women who are most comfortable in a Christian environment. Or you can volunteer for a local American Cancer Society branch, helping women in myriad ways.

Counseling others in person or by phone or email is another viable possibility. Open any Bible and appropriate passages will jump out to address the situation at hand. Courses on training counselors might be offered at a local church or on-line.

In another vein, you can ask your oncologist if you are eligible to participate in a clinical trial. Not only would you receive state-of-the-art treatment, but you would be personally contributing to advancement of breast cancer research. In this way, the survivor can directly make a difference in moving the whole planet Earth to a "cancer-free zone."

10. Leave behind stereotypes

Stereotyping often leads to judgment. People who appear to have their lives together may not. Jesus taught us in Luke 6:37 not to judge, so that we would not be judged. The breast cancer survivor should not presume that a person who avoids her or doesn't laugh at her jokes cares nothing for her. Some people limited their discussions with me because they didn't trust how they would handle difficult emotions. Certain nurses find it hard to identify with patients' humor because they witness daily so much devastation in the lives of others.

From a different perspective, those dealing with cancer survivors should not assume that such survivors can perform all tasks, regardless of their outward appearance. Because of lymphedema that developed in my arm after lymph-node removal and radiation, I do not lift or carry heavy items. I make others aware of this limitation, since it is not obvious. Conversely, one should not place artificial limits on cancer survivors. For example, during cancer treatments I kept up my regular aerobic exercise. I continued my work as an attorney in a high-intensity environment, although I did revert to a part-time schedule for a season. I painted landscapes. While this amazed some people, it is not uncommon for cancer survivors to adhere to old routines for a semblance of normalcy. The bottom line is to endeavor to delve into what makes a person tick before reaching conclusions.

These are some ways I found to fend off the breast-cancer blues. I pray that those facing the crisis of breast cancer will find hidden opportunities and blessings, and hear the Savior say at the pearly gates of heaven, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

Copyright @ 2008 Jan Hasak All Rights Reserved

Breast Cancer - Its Gestation Period - Signs to Watch Watch Out For and What to Do

BREAST CANCER

Break cancer is a disease that is commonly found in women. No woman ever prays for it, because it could lead to death. Yet every woman stands the risk of contracting it.

GESTATION PERIOD

The gestational period of breast cancer can be divided into four stages; the fourth stage constitutes the most horrible because it is the stage at which the disease spreads to other parts of the body. It is hardly noticed at the first stage; but it becomes visible as it progresses. The fourth stage is the last stage, even if the breast is removed at that stage, it does not make any difference, as it must have spread to other parts of the body. Including the blood and the lymph.

SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR

o Change in outline, shape or size of the breast

o Puckering or dimpling of the skin

o Lump or thickening in the breast or armpit

o Flaking skin or discharge from the nipple

o Unusual pain or discomfort in the breast

WHAT TO DO

Even though, it is believed that there is nothing any woman can do to prevent breast cancer, the important thing is to take necessary precaution especially undergoing medical examination from time to time; and checking the breasts for any sign especially if there is a lump somewhere. Lumps can only become visible at the second or third stage of the cancer. But if detected, necessary corrective surgeries can be carried out. If it goes beyond this and spreads to other parts of the body, especially the lymph is nothing anyone can do again.

Breast Cancer Dietitians

One of the largest fears that women have today is the contraction and development of breast cancer. All that can be done in the result of this diagnosis is to fight it in every way that is known to be effective. This frequently means changes in exercise, social activities, and diet.

As for the diet, there is no set food product that must be eaten or must be avoided. In order to optimize the body's ability to fight off the cancerous tissue, there are some suggestions that doctors, scientists, breast cancer dietitians and surviving breast cancer patients have made to make the best of a terrible situation when it comes to food.

There are several categories that dietitians say should be taken into consideration when it comes to the "right" foods. These are minerals, vitamins, fruits, vegetables, beverages, whole grains, flax seeds, and some other miscellaneous food stuffs.

All of these categories have their specifics as to what should be eaten and avoided and in what quantities. When it comes to minerals, the consumption of selenium supplements or items that contain a fair amount of selenium is preferred, as is the consumption of magnesium. Though magnesium is most effective for some types of colon cancer, it has still proven effective for fighting breast cancer. Vitamin D and Folate are also key to the fighting of cancer, though the vitamin D should not be consumed from dairy milk because dairy milk's high concentration of lactose can give speed to the cancerous cells.

It is also suggested on some occasions to consume garlic if breast cancer is contracted. The allyl sulfur that is found in Garlic can help fight cancer infected tissues and can help prevent cancer altogether in some cases.

A breast cancer dietitian may also suggest a large excess of fruits and vegetables. The vitamins and other chemicals that are obtained from fruits and veggies can help the progression of healthy cells and the stopping of cancer infected areas in the body. Tomatoes are one of the key ingredients to helping stave off cancer tissues of many varieties.

Though the high lactose in dairy can help cancer cells grow and reproduce, the calcium found in some of these products can be highly beneficial, so calcium supplements or lactose free dairy can be advantageous.

Breast Cancer - In Denial After Finding a Lump in the Breast

Why is it that when the topic of breast cancer crops up in conversation some women tend to shy away in belief that they personally are exempt from contacting the disease? Listen up ladies breast cancer is serious and can affect any one of us at any time. It is in every woman`s best interest to do regular self breast examinations. Many cancers are curable and the odds get better for survival if the cancer is caught in the early stage.

Ignorance is a deadly concoction for those in denial after finding a lump in their breast or any other type of health abnormality. If you choose to ignore the warning signs on health matters as such then you may be living under threat of a death sentence.

Early detection of breast cancer with the aid of modern medicine will definitely give a woman hope in curing the breast cancer if diagnosis was sanctioned.

Breast awareness should be practised by every female regardless of age. What is meant by awareness is where you are encouraged to get intimate with your self i.e. looking for abnormalities in the breast. Women need to know what is normal and what is abnormal. Change in look and texture of the breasts is a common way that women can tell if something is not right.

Symptoms that you need to check for and may suggest that something is not right are lumps or thickening of the tissue, pain is also another factor that can denote a problem. A common change is discharge from the nipple any unusual appearance or sensation to tethering of the skin. Why cause your self unnecessary stress where you maybe worrying over something or nothing. Only your doctor after giving you an examination is in the position to let you know if any of the above symptoms are caused by breast cancer being present.

As we speak there are no definite causes to blame for the disease, however, certain risk factors have been identified like inheritance i.e. inherited gene mutations. Of course just because you may have had a relative contract breast cancer at some time does not mean that you will.

Life`s natural function of the aging process is another risk factor that sees 80 per cent of breast cancer affect women when in the post-menopausal period. As the woman ages the more genetic damage accumulates in the cells, increasing the risk that the genes which direct growth will go out of control. Other certain risk factors have been labelled as having no children or children late in life, taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and starting your periods early or the menopause late. Once again these are speculative causes believed to be risk factors.

Scientific study has enlightened us that taking the contraceptive pill can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. It is of the utmost importance that you see your doctor or nurse at the clinic if you find an abnormal lump etc. If breast cancer is detected then the right treatment can be carried out or the right medicine administered.

An examination more often than not will include blood tests and chest x-ray. if you have a lump then the doctor may need to take a closer look possibly using an ultrasound, mammogram, needle aspiration and/or needle biopsy. However some tests may need to go further where certain examinations include having liver or bone scans. Some women tend to scare themselves when reading about breast or cervical cancer, and it because of this that they choose to ignore and in some cases dismiss the fact that their problem maybe cancer related. This is not a healthy approach in looking for a cure.

Breast Cancer - Our Journey

I do a great deal of speaking regarding breast health and taking charge of one's life. As a motivational speaker you hope that your message reaches the spirit of your audience to take action regarding their health, particularly their breast health. When it comes to our breast health, or any health issue for that fact, as individuals we must be willing to get to know our bodies and become aware of any change from yesterday, last week, last month or last year.

Often times our body will send us warning signs that we can heed or simply ignore. I believe in the adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." So when I meet women who tell me they have a family history of breast cancer and know they should being doing things to manage their breast health but elect not to, because they prefer not to know if something is wrong, I am left speechless. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, after lung cancer in women. If you had a blister on your foot would you not do something about it instead of letting it fester into a serious wound? Of course you would. That is why it is so important to follow the American Cancer Society guidelines to have annual mammograms after the age of 40 (or younger for women with a family history of breast cancer), have annual clinical exams and even do monthly breast self exams to know your body.

When my friend of thirty plus years told me she had been diagnosed with breast cancer last month my heart stopped. This was the first time someone so close to me had heard those words "you have breast cancer." I asked if she had any indications of something wrong - an unfamiliar lump, skin discoloration, swelling or a strange secretion from the nipples. She told me this cancer was discovered through her mammogram and she was now scheduled for a lumpectomy the following week.

After further discussion she shared that she had not had a mammogram in two years. At a concert on the National Mall grounds she and a stranger discussed a variety of topics and one thing led to another. She told the stranger she had not had a mammogram in two years. This stranger happened to be a double mastectomy survivor and told my friend to schedule her mammogram immediately. I'm listening and thinking "have you not heard anything I've been saying for the past 15 years?" Apparently not, but I'm glad God sent an angel to my friend to get her moving.

She then disclosed to me that she had been diagnosed with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) three years ago. DCIS is the most common non-invasive breast cancer. It is non-invasive because it has not spread outside of the milk duct into the surrounding breast tissue. It is considered a Stage 0 cancer, and treatment is removal of the cancer cells and surrounding margins.

I'm now floored as she continues to tell me she never said anything because she did not want me to worry and make a big deal about it. She is correct, in that I would make a big deal about it. Having been diagnosed with DCIS, her risk factors had increased for breast cancer to reoccur or create a new breast cancer, which is where she now finds herself. Delaying her mammograms was not a good plan of breast health management.

The entire conversation made me realize that no matter how much we preach, teach or reach out to others, the ultimate caretaker of one's health is you. People will only tell you what they want you to know, and will only do what they are not afraid to do. If there is any drop of fear in their mind about a health issue, that drop grows into a puddle, river, of ocean of fear that makes it harder each day to act on what one knows they should do.

Fear is a state of mind that creates a physical reaction of no action. The challenge we as a community face is to defuse the natural fear of hearing the word "cancer." Over 96% of women diagnosed early with no metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has not spread to other organs from the original site) survive 5 years or more. For the hundreds of thousands of women who proudly proclaim "I am a survivor" they are living testaments that there is life after breast cancer. Don't let fear steal your life.

I explained to my dear friend that because she has now been diagnosed with breast cancer, her daughter's risk factors have increased. The women in her family now have a higher risk factor. This information needs to be shared, because so many women believe there is no history of breast cancer in their family. We must be willing to speak openly about breast cancer in order to help others in our family manage their breast health. The time for silence on this issue needs to end.

My friend has just begun her journey with breast cancer. Her journey is now my journey, because she is my sister.

How to Deal With Breast Cancer

Cancer is a life threatening disease caused by rapidly growing atypical cells. In turn, these cells can destroy normal neighboring cells and tissues. What makes cancer so deadly is when it metastasizes or spreads to vital organs like the liver, bones, or lungs. The fast growing cells would grow from there and can eventually compromise the organ that could later lead to death.

In the US, the leading cause of cancer deaths in women is breast cancer. The cancer usually starts at the milk producing ducts hence called ductal carcinoma. These can also occur on the lobes of the breast and this is called lobular carcinoma.

As with all types of cancer, detecting breast cancer at its early stages is the key to a successful treatment. Therefore, regular self breast examination is recommended for all women starting at the age of 20. Clinical breast examinations should also begin around this age, done every three years. On the other hand, yearly mammograms are advocated by age 40.

The first symptom of breast cancer is usually felt as a lump on the breast. About 80% of all patients with breast cancer are discovered this way. Other signs and symptoms are an inverted nipple, irregular breast shape or breast size, nipple discharge, and skin changes referred to as Peau d' orange or orange peel where breast skin resembles the skin of an orange.

Treatment depends on the stage at which the cancer is found. There are 4 stages:

The first stage has the best prognosis because the cancer is still within the breast. Surgical removal of the tumor and the surrounding tissues is done with radiotherapy. Little or no chemotherapy is done and risk of recurrence is minimal.

In stage 2, the cancer may or may have not spread to the lymph nodes. In stage 3, the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Both stage 2 and 3 have poor prognosis. A mastectomy or removal of the whole breast is done combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The risk of recurrence is high.

During stage 4, the cancer has already metastasized or spread to other areas. This stage requires chemotherapy as an initial treatment to shrink the tumor and surgery is done if required.

Women diagnosed with breast cancer are not only concerned about the life threatening disease itself but also losing one or both breasts. Losing a body part is very disheartening. Another main concern is hair loss that is a side effect of cancer chemotherapy. For women, the hair signifies beauty, what more if the breast is removed.

A good way to deal with these difficult times is to prepare the patient's family to encourage a positive atmosphere in their homes. In addition, the patient can join help groups to address emotional and psychological issues. This enables them to mingle with other patients that have a similar condition and share experiences.