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.