Breast Cancer Signs
Women are aware that checking their breasts for lumps is one of the ways they can detect early signs of breast cancer. Early detection is paramount when fighting any type of cancer, so knowing what to look for is vitally important.
Most women know that finding a lump in their breast can be a sign something is not quite right. However, a lump doesn't necessarily mean it's breast cancer. A lump is not the only symptom, there are also many other signs of breast cancer that can manifest.
Here are some of the telltale signs to look for and if you notice any of them, please make sure you see your health care provider immediately.
Most Common Signs of Breast Cancer
" Lumps in the breast - The most commonly recognized sign of breast cancer is detecting a lump in the breast from self-examination or during a doctor's examination. Lumps may occur because of a blockage in the milk ducts of the breast. This causes a distinct lump.
" Blood discharge from the nipple - Blood from the nipple may be caused from non-cancerous growths in the breast's ducts. These ducts become inflamed and a discharge occurs. If a lump or mass is found at the same time of the discharge it may be a sign of breast cancer.
" Visible changes - Swelling of the breast or other visible changes may signal breast cancer. The skin of the breast's nipples may be altered with the onset of breast cancer and tumors may cause changes in the size of the breast and the appearance of the skin.
" Dimpled skin of the breasts - Redness and/or dimpled skin around the breast area is a reason to have your breasts checked. It could be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer, manifesting itself by aching, tightness and burning in the breast tissue.
" Flaking of nipple skin - Flaking or itchy nipples may be caused by irritation from laundry detergent or irritation from clothing. If the symptoms last longer than a few days or become worse, it could be a sign of inflammatory breast disease or cancer.
Basically, any changes you notice in the breast area should be presented to your health care provider for further diagnosis. Although breast cancer is a rarity in men, it can occur and the symptoms are the same.
Treatment for breast cancer depends on which stage it's in when diagnosed. Radiation, surgery and chemotherapy are all methods for eradicating the cancer in the breast. If it's spread to the lymph nodes or other areas of the body, more aggressive forms of treatment or a combination of treatments may be necessary.
Excellent reading - 'Know Your Lemons'
One of the best articles to date about breast cancer was posted by "The Worldwide Breast Cancer Organization" and is titled, "Know Your Lemons." It's a clever article that explains in a visual and simple way, how to recognize 12 signs of breast cancer. The image shows what the different signs of breast cancer might look like on and inside lemons.
The article even presents a checklist that simply explains your risk for breast cancer after you've answered a series of questions.
See the entire article at www.worldwidebreastcancer.org.
It will help you get a better understanding of knowing what the breast cancer signs are to look for.
Most women know that finding a lump in their breast can be a sign something is not quite right. However, a lump doesn't necessarily mean it's breast cancer. A lump is not the only symptom, there are also many other signs of breast cancer that can manifest.
Here are some of the telltale signs to look for and if you notice any of them, please make sure you see your health care provider immediately.
Most Common Signs of Breast Cancer
" Lumps in the breast - The most commonly recognized sign of breast cancer is detecting a lump in the breast from self-examination or during a doctor's examination. Lumps may occur because of a blockage in the milk ducts of the breast. This causes a distinct lump.
" Blood discharge from the nipple - Blood from the nipple may be caused from non-cancerous growths in the breast's ducts. These ducts become inflamed and a discharge occurs. If a lump or mass is found at the same time of the discharge it may be a sign of breast cancer.
" Visible changes - Swelling of the breast or other visible changes may signal breast cancer. The skin of the breast's nipples may be altered with the onset of breast cancer and tumors may cause changes in the size of the breast and the appearance of the skin.
" Dimpled skin of the breasts - Redness and/or dimpled skin around the breast area is a reason to have your breasts checked. It could be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer, manifesting itself by aching, tightness and burning in the breast tissue.
" Flaking of nipple skin - Flaking or itchy nipples may be caused by irritation from laundry detergent or irritation from clothing. If the symptoms last longer than a few days or become worse, it could be a sign of inflammatory breast disease or cancer.
Basically, any changes you notice in the breast area should be presented to your health care provider for further diagnosis. Although breast cancer is a rarity in men, it can occur and the symptoms are the same.
Treatment for breast cancer depends on which stage it's in when diagnosed. Radiation, surgery and chemotherapy are all methods for eradicating the cancer in the breast. If it's spread to the lymph nodes or other areas of the body, more aggressive forms of treatment or a combination of treatments may be necessary.
Excellent reading - 'Know Your Lemons'
One of the best articles to date about breast cancer was posted by "The Worldwide Breast Cancer Organization" and is titled, "Know Your Lemons." It's a clever article that explains in a visual and simple way, how to recognize 12 signs of breast cancer. The image shows what the different signs of breast cancer might look like on and inside lemons.
The article even presents a checklist that simply explains your risk for breast cancer after you've answered a series of questions.
See the entire article at www.worldwidebreastcancer.org.
It will help you get a better understanding of knowing what the breast cancer signs are to look for.
Breast Cancer: An Overview
The body's basic building blocks are cells, they number to the trillions in every human and they live, multiply and die as part of they're life cycle. A cancer is the result of the cells going into overdrive when they need to replace dying cells. It is an abnormality and behaves nothing like a normal cell and they grow, multiply and take over the host tissue forming tumors. Tumors can be of two types; malignant and benign- malignant tumors are dangerous and cancerous, the benign ones are less harmful and can simply be removed without an issue, they may have mostly dead cells in them.
Where does breast cancer start?
Cancers are normally named after the spot in which they originate, so breast cancer is a cancer that starts in the breast tissue. Breast cancer is more likely to affect women than men. Female breasts are made up of glands that manufacture milk, tubes that carry this milk via the ducts to the nipple. In between all of this, there are fat tissues, blood vessels and lymph vessels. The cancers normally start at the cells that line the ducts, just behind the nipples. Cancers at the lobules, the milk production glands are relatively rare.
Major types of breast cancer
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): It is a type of cancer that forms on the outer lining cells of the ducts, but is not invasive, it does not grow into the ducts and so has not invaded the other tissues like the lymph nodes. In many cases, it can be the beginning stage for a more invasive cancer.
Invasive (or infiltrating) ductal carcinoma (IDC): The most commonly seen breast cancer, it breaks into the ducts, spreads through the other tissues, enters the lymph nodes and can possibly move into other parts of the body.
Invasive (infiltrating) lobular carcinoma (ILC): A cancer that starts at the lobules, the cancer grows through the walls of the milk glands, and easily enter other parts of the breasts, even invading the lymph nodes.
Statistics:
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be well over 231,000 new cases of breast cancer this year. The number of those who are likely to be diagnosed with DCIS type are estimated to be over 62,290. Breast cancer in its various forms are estimated to take over 40,000 lives this year. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women apart from skin cancer and the second leading in terms of lives taken after cancer of the lungs.
Where does breast cancer start?
Cancers are normally named after the spot in which they originate, so breast cancer is a cancer that starts in the breast tissue. Breast cancer is more likely to affect women than men. Female breasts are made up of glands that manufacture milk, tubes that carry this milk via the ducts to the nipple. In between all of this, there are fat tissues, blood vessels and lymph vessels. The cancers normally start at the cells that line the ducts, just behind the nipples. Cancers at the lobules, the milk production glands are relatively rare.
Major types of breast cancer
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): It is a type of cancer that forms on the outer lining cells of the ducts, but is not invasive, it does not grow into the ducts and so has not invaded the other tissues like the lymph nodes. In many cases, it can be the beginning stage for a more invasive cancer.
Invasive (or infiltrating) ductal carcinoma (IDC): The most commonly seen breast cancer, it breaks into the ducts, spreads through the other tissues, enters the lymph nodes and can possibly move into other parts of the body.
Invasive (infiltrating) lobular carcinoma (ILC): A cancer that starts at the lobules, the cancer grows through the walls of the milk glands, and easily enter other parts of the breasts, even invading the lymph nodes.
Statistics:
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be well over 231,000 new cases of breast cancer this year. The number of those who are likely to be diagnosed with DCIS type are estimated to be over 62,290. Breast cancer in its various forms are estimated to take over 40,000 lives this year. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women apart from skin cancer and the second leading in terms of lives taken after cancer of the lungs.
Everything You Need to Know about Breast Cancer and Mammograms
Wondering about breast cancer? Need to know what to expect from a mammogram? Want to know how a mammogram is used to help save your life? Read on to find out more. Hopefully this helps you know what to expect.
What Is Breast Cancer
Breast cancer affects the tissues of the breast. There are two main types of breast cancer. The more common form of breast cancer is one which develops in the lobules where the milk ducts are and are the glands that produce the milk. The less common form develops in the stromal tissue which makes up the more fatty fibrous tissue of the breast.
Breast cancer is caused by a genetic abnormality. However, only about 5-10% of breast cancer is actually hereditary. The majority of the time the genetic abnormality is due to the aging process. Just general wear and tear of life causes the cells to mutate.
You can actually limit your risk of getting breast cancer just by doing a few things to keep yourself healthy. Things like eating right, not smoking, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol consumption. This is not to say you definitely will not get breast cancer if you do these things, though - it just helps limit your risk.
Part of the way you can help in the fight against breast cancer is early detection. Doing monthly self-breast exams is key, but you also want to make sure that you get a mammogram as often as your doctor recommends one. This is usually starting by the age of 40 and going once a year thereafter.
Mammograms are nothing to be afraid of. It's no worse than any other procedure you have to have done to ensure you're healthy.
What to Expect out of a Mammogram
To help ease your fears about mammograms, here's what you can expect when you go for one. This is one of the most important tools doctors have for screening people for breast cancer and helping in determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. So once you're of age you don't want to skip this, especially if you're simply missing it because you're nervous about the unknown. Here's what they do:
* You will receive a gown and be asked to remove all jewelry from the waist up as well as clothing from the waist up.
* You will stand in front of a special x-ray machine that has a plate on it.
* The technician will place one of your breasts on the plate and raise or lower the platform to match your height.
* The technician will then have you position your arms, head, and torso in such a way that it will not interfere with the test itself.
* Your breast is then gently pressed down by a large plastic plate.
* You will feel pressure for a few seconds as the breast tissue is spread out to take an image of the breast. This might cause some discomfort, but it's not harming you. If it becomes too unbearable, tell the technician. However, this is needed in order to flatten out and even the thickness of the breast tissue to get a better image of the breast.
* You'll need to hold still and hold your breath for a second.
* Then the technician will do the same thing with the second breast.
* You might be asked to wait after it's all done for the technician to review the images to make sure they are clear. If they are not they might have to repeat the process.
* It usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete the whole process and you are free to resume normal activity once it is complete.
So that doesn't sound too terrible, does it? It's only once a year and if it will detect breast cancer early, then it could really be a life saver.
How a Mammogram Is Used to Help Save Your Life
Mammograms have the ability to check the breast for any sign of disease. A lump can be seen on a mammogram before it can even be felt during a self-exam. And since we know early detection saves lives when it comes to cancer, this is a great early detector that saves lives.
While mammograms can't actually diagnose cancer, they can alert us to problems with the breast which lead to further testing. That might be simply monitoring more closely to see if the calcifications multiply over time. Or it could tell doctors that a biopsy needs to be done. It will show doctors exactly where they need to do the biopsy as well.
So mammograms are very important tools in saving the lives of women (and men) when it comes to breast cancer. Even though a mammogram can't say for sure whether you have breast cancer, it does alert the doctors to a possible problem which might require more testing or closer monitoring.
Have you scheduled your mammogram yet?
What Is Breast Cancer
Breast cancer affects the tissues of the breast. There are two main types of breast cancer. The more common form of breast cancer is one which develops in the lobules where the milk ducts are and are the glands that produce the milk. The less common form develops in the stromal tissue which makes up the more fatty fibrous tissue of the breast.
Breast cancer is caused by a genetic abnormality. However, only about 5-10% of breast cancer is actually hereditary. The majority of the time the genetic abnormality is due to the aging process. Just general wear and tear of life causes the cells to mutate.
You can actually limit your risk of getting breast cancer just by doing a few things to keep yourself healthy. Things like eating right, not smoking, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol consumption. This is not to say you definitely will not get breast cancer if you do these things, though - it just helps limit your risk.
Part of the way you can help in the fight against breast cancer is early detection. Doing monthly self-breast exams is key, but you also want to make sure that you get a mammogram as often as your doctor recommends one. This is usually starting by the age of 40 and going once a year thereafter.
Mammograms are nothing to be afraid of. It's no worse than any other procedure you have to have done to ensure you're healthy.
What to Expect out of a Mammogram
To help ease your fears about mammograms, here's what you can expect when you go for one. This is one of the most important tools doctors have for screening people for breast cancer and helping in determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. So once you're of age you don't want to skip this, especially if you're simply missing it because you're nervous about the unknown. Here's what they do:
* You will receive a gown and be asked to remove all jewelry from the waist up as well as clothing from the waist up.
* You will stand in front of a special x-ray machine that has a plate on it.
* The technician will place one of your breasts on the plate and raise or lower the platform to match your height.
* The technician will then have you position your arms, head, and torso in such a way that it will not interfere with the test itself.
* Your breast is then gently pressed down by a large plastic plate.
* You will feel pressure for a few seconds as the breast tissue is spread out to take an image of the breast. This might cause some discomfort, but it's not harming you. If it becomes too unbearable, tell the technician. However, this is needed in order to flatten out and even the thickness of the breast tissue to get a better image of the breast.
* You'll need to hold still and hold your breath for a second.
* Then the technician will do the same thing with the second breast.
* You might be asked to wait after it's all done for the technician to review the images to make sure they are clear. If they are not they might have to repeat the process.
* It usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete the whole process and you are free to resume normal activity once it is complete.
So that doesn't sound too terrible, does it? It's only once a year and if it will detect breast cancer early, then it could really be a life saver.
How a Mammogram Is Used to Help Save Your Life
Mammograms have the ability to check the breast for any sign of disease. A lump can be seen on a mammogram before it can even be felt during a self-exam. And since we know early detection saves lives when it comes to cancer, this is a great early detector that saves lives.
While mammograms can't actually diagnose cancer, they can alert us to problems with the breast which lead to further testing. That might be simply monitoring more closely to see if the calcifications multiply over time. Or it could tell doctors that a biopsy needs to be done. It will show doctors exactly where they need to do the biopsy as well.
So mammograms are very important tools in saving the lives of women (and men) when it comes to breast cancer. Even though a mammogram can't say for sure whether you have breast cancer, it does alert the doctors to a possible problem which might require more testing or closer monitoring.
Have you scheduled your mammogram yet?
What You Need to Know about Home Breast Exams
Early detection of cancer leads to the best outcomes - especially in breast cancer. You can check your own breasts at home for lumps or abnormalities and call to your doctor's attention concerns you may have so he or she can test further if need be. But do you know how to perform a home breast exam or how often to do it? Do you know what you're looking for? Here's what you need to know about home breast exams.
How to Perform a Home Breast Exam
There are five steps which you should take to do your monthly self-breast exams at home.
1. Look at yourself in the mirror. Keep your shoulders straight and arms at your hips. You want to check to make sure your breasts are the normal size and shape as usual with no visible deformities or swelling. If you see dimpling or puckering of the skin, a nipple which has changed position or is inverted, or a rash on the skin of your breasts, you want to make your doctor aware of these changes.
2. Now lift your arms over your head and look at your breasts in the mirror. Look for the same things as in #1.
3. Check to make sure there is no liquid coming out of your nipples (unless you're nursing, of course). Otherwise any liquid - whether it be milky, clear, yellow, bloody, or watery - should be what you're taking note of.
4. Now lay down and begin feeling your breasts. Use your right hand to feel your left breast and your left hand to feel your right breast. Keeping the fingers flat and together, move the first few pads of your fingers over your breast in a smooth firm fashion. Go in a circular motion around about the size of a quarter. Get the entire breast from top to bottom and side to side. Move from your collar bone to your belly and your arm pit to your cleavage.
Go in a pattern starting at your nipple and work your way out, making larger and larger circles. You could use a vertical method in rows like mowing the lawn, applying different amounts of pressure. Light pressure at the skin and tissue just underneath the breast, medium pressure for the tissue in the middle of the breast, and firmer pressure for the deep tissue at the back of the breast.
5. Now stand or sit up and feel your breasts. A good place to do this is in the shower. Use the same technique as in step 4; be sure to cover your entire breast using the same movements. You are feeling for any abnormalities or bumps in the breast tissue which are new.
You should perform these steps once a month, every month. It's best done about a week after you have your menstrual period. This way your breasts are the least tender and swollen.
Remember, your breasts are always changing in small ways, but you want to be alerted to drastic changes that happen suddenly so you can contact your doctor. Don't wait and tell yourself it's nothing. Err on the side of caution and contact your doctor so they can determine what's going on.
Remember, it's your body and you know it best. If you find any new bumps or lumps, make sure your doctor hears about your concerns. Early detection is the best defense against breast cancer. So it's important to know what you're looking for.
Now go check your breasts!
How to Perform a Home Breast Exam
There are five steps which you should take to do your monthly self-breast exams at home.
1. Look at yourself in the mirror. Keep your shoulders straight and arms at your hips. You want to check to make sure your breasts are the normal size and shape as usual with no visible deformities or swelling. If you see dimpling or puckering of the skin, a nipple which has changed position or is inverted, or a rash on the skin of your breasts, you want to make your doctor aware of these changes.
2. Now lift your arms over your head and look at your breasts in the mirror. Look for the same things as in #1.
3. Check to make sure there is no liquid coming out of your nipples (unless you're nursing, of course). Otherwise any liquid - whether it be milky, clear, yellow, bloody, or watery - should be what you're taking note of.
4. Now lay down and begin feeling your breasts. Use your right hand to feel your left breast and your left hand to feel your right breast. Keeping the fingers flat and together, move the first few pads of your fingers over your breast in a smooth firm fashion. Go in a circular motion around about the size of a quarter. Get the entire breast from top to bottom and side to side. Move from your collar bone to your belly and your arm pit to your cleavage.
Go in a pattern starting at your nipple and work your way out, making larger and larger circles. You could use a vertical method in rows like mowing the lawn, applying different amounts of pressure. Light pressure at the skin and tissue just underneath the breast, medium pressure for the tissue in the middle of the breast, and firmer pressure for the deep tissue at the back of the breast.
5. Now stand or sit up and feel your breasts. A good place to do this is in the shower. Use the same technique as in step 4; be sure to cover your entire breast using the same movements. You are feeling for any abnormalities or bumps in the breast tissue which are new.
You should perform these steps once a month, every month. It's best done about a week after you have your menstrual period. This way your breasts are the least tender and swollen.
Remember, your breasts are always changing in small ways, but you want to be alerted to drastic changes that happen suddenly so you can contact your doctor. Don't wait and tell yourself it's nothing. Err on the side of caution and contact your doctor so they can determine what's going on.
Remember, it's your body and you know it best. If you find any new bumps or lumps, make sure your doctor hears about your concerns. Early detection is the best defense against breast cancer. So it's important to know what you're looking for.
Now go check your breasts!
How Can A Woman Lower Her Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer?
Statistics for women at risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer are staggering. The facts are that approximately one in eight American women are at risk for developing breast cancer during their lifetime.
The risk for ovarian cancer is also troubling, with over 22,000 U.S. women diagnosed each year. It's the fourth deadliest cancer and has the lowest survival rate of all types of women's cancers.
This is partly due to its insidious nature - it often develops slowly but surely, with little or no obvious or specific symptoms. By the time it is diagnosed it is often very hard to treat effectively or safely.
If there is good news, it's knowing that breast cancer is treatable - especially if discovered early on.
Reducing Your Risk of Breast Cancer
Some of the ways you can reduce your risk of contracting breast cancer include:
" Maintain A Healthy Weight - Keep your body at a normal weight by eating a nutritious diet that includes fruits and vegetables. Don't allow yourself to become overweight or obese.
" Stop Smoking - Smoking adversely affects every organ in the body so it's simply common sense to stop smoking immediately if you are a smoker. If you are a non-smoker, move away from other people's smoke too! Don't inhale any smoke at all.
" Limit Your Alcohol Consumption - Women should limit intake of alcohol to only 3 glasses a week to lower their risk of breast cancer. Excess alcohol isn't good for many health reasons.
" Screening - Regular screening for signs of early breast cancer can increase your odds of beating the disease.
" Be Proactive - Is there a family history of breast cancer? If you are not sure, research your family's history for incidents of breast cancer - including your father's family. Being informed is half the battle.
Ovarian Cancer Risks
Ovarian cancer is now officially linked to obesity in women. Some factors to take into consideration when thinking about your risk of ovarian cancer are:
" Age - Ovarian cancer is usually found in women over the age of 55.
" Overweight - Body fat contributes to your risk of developing ovarian cancer.
" Family - If your family history includes women who contracted breast or ovarian cancer, you are at a higher risk.
" Genetic - The mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes raise your risk of ovarian cancer as well as nonpolyposis colorectal cancer.
" Children - If you have had children, your risk is reduced.
Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), using talc, and exposure to fertility drugs may also increase a woman's chances to develop ovarian cancer in her lifetime.
Keeping fit and healthy help lower a woman's risk of cancer. Simple lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can greatly decrease the odds of developing breast or ovarian cancer. Screening and finding these cancers early on can also drastically improve your chances of recovery.
Screening for signs of breast and ovarian cancer is better than ever and progress in this area of women's health is moving forward at a rapid rate. Be sure and ask your physician about proper screening for you as procedures vary from woman to woman according to their risk profile.
The risk for ovarian cancer is also troubling, with over 22,000 U.S. women diagnosed each year. It's the fourth deadliest cancer and has the lowest survival rate of all types of women's cancers.
This is partly due to its insidious nature - it often develops slowly but surely, with little or no obvious or specific symptoms. By the time it is diagnosed it is often very hard to treat effectively or safely.
If there is good news, it's knowing that breast cancer is treatable - especially if discovered early on.
Reducing Your Risk of Breast Cancer
Some of the ways you can reduce your risk of contracting breast cancer include:
" Maintain A Healthy Weight - Keep your body at a normal weight by eating a nutritious diet that includes fruits and vegetables. Don't allow yourself to become overweight or obese.
" Stop Smoking - Smoking adversely affects every organ in the body so it's simply common sense to stop smoking immediately if you are a smoker. If you are a non-smoker, move away from other people's smoke too! Don't inhale any smoke at all.
" Limit Your Alcohol Consumption - Women should limit intake of alcohol to only 3 glasses a week to lower their risk of breast cancer. Excess alcohol isn't good for many health reasons.
" Screening - Regular screening for signs of early breast cancer can increase your odds of beating the disease.
" Be Proactive - Is there a family history of breast cancer? If you are not sure, research your family's history for incidents of breast cancer - including your father's family. Being informed is half the battle.
Ovarian Cancer Risks
Ovarian cancer is now officially linked to obesity in women. Some factors to take into consideration when thinking about your risk of ovarian cancer are:
" Age - Ovarian cancer is usually found in women over the age of 55.
" Overweight - Body fat contributes to your risk of developing ovarian cancer.
" Family - If your family history includes women who contracted breast or ovarian cancer, you are at a higher risk.
" Genetic - The mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes raise your risk of ovarian cancer as well as nonpolyposis colorectal cancer.
" Children - If you have had children, your risk is reduced.
Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), using talc, and exposure to fertility drugs may also increase a woman's chances to develop ovarian cancer in her lifetime.
Keeping fit and healthy help lower a woman's risk of cancer. Simple lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can greatly decrease the odds of developing breast or ovarian cancer. Screening and finding these cancers early on can also drastically improve your chances of recovery.
Screening for signs of breast and ovarian cancer is better than ever and progress in this area of women's health is moving forward at a rapid rate. Be sure and ask your physician about proper screening for you as procedures vary from woman to woman according to their risk profile.
