Breast Cancer Care

breast cancer treatments

2008-12-14T15:18:00.002+08:00

Have you ever heard about breast cancer treatments?. Becoming the diagnosis of cancer is one of the worst things you can find. It is becoming more common today is incredible with people who are infected with all types of cancer. From this, one of the most common type of breast cancer is and it is rapidly becoming more prevalent. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, the next thing you must remember to consult with your doctor about what are the treatments for breast cancer options available to you. This article will talk about some of the ways breast cancer is being treated.

Depending on what stage the cancer is in, surgery or a lumpectomy (removal of the fixed network) may be necessary. Lumpectomy is used for a breast-conserving surgery in which they wish to retain the chest. However, removing the entire affected breast may even be necessary. Surgical removal of the entire breast is known as a mastectomy.

After surgery, radiation therapy is prescribed. Irradiation is used to increase the chance of cancer relapse. The radiation therapy consists of gamma rays that are focused on the tumor, or when the tumor ever was before the surgery. The radiation remove the traces of cancer cells left behind around the area where the operation was performed. Unfortunately, the radiation, the other attacks normal cells in the body so well and can lead to damage to the tissue surrounding the tumor.

There are other ways, as an alternative and complementary of breast cancer treatments above. Chemotherapy can be used before, after and even as an alternative to surgery - it all depends on the type and stage of breast cancer that she is often Hormone treatment is used after chemotherapy. Targeted therapy is also another way for the treatment of breast cancer. With this type of treatment, monoclonal antibodies are used to battle over a plethora of HER2 protein in cancer cells stopped the growth of cancer cells in the process. When used in combination with chemotherapy, this may reduce the chances of cancer returning and improve the health of the patient survival rate.

These are just some of the many ways breast cancer is treated. Incidentally, these are the most widely used and sometimes the most reliable treatment for breast cancer. Much research is being carried out in the world, in the hope of discovering the cure for breast cancer and cancer in general. It is only a matter of time before a new and better treatment or cure is discovered. In the meantime, it is very important for you to be kept informed about breast cancer and the type of breast cancer treatments that are available to you.

The Spread Of Breast Cancer

2008-09-05T11:15:00.001+08:00

The Spread Of Breast Cancer

There was a time when the main victims of breast cancer was white, including women. The disease was only women to suffer in the developed societies. Breast cancer may have had a limited reach in the past, but now breast cancer is changing. In Asia, Africa and the Middle East, breast cancer rates rise in huge levels.

In the last ten years alone, breast cancer rates in these less developed countries have as much as seven times. The large increase in breast cancer rates in the less developed countries, quickly put an end to the fine, white woman stereotype.

By 2020 it is estimated that 70% of the worldwide breast cancer rates of people in developing countries. Some of the reason for this change is because of better sanitation and control of diseases. The technological improvements in these developing countries has the life of the low and middle-class residents.

Because breast cancer affects an older demographic of women, a longer life is part of the reason why breast cancer rates rise in developing countries. Another reason why breast cancer rates in developing countries could rise because of the spread of Western habits. Habits such as fatty diet and lack of exercise can lead to higher rates of breast cancer.

by

Mike Vellucci

Deciding If Breast Augmentation Is Right For You

2008-07-31T13:56:00.002+08:00

Deciding If Breast Augmentation Is Right For You

Thousands of breast enhancement operations are carried out each year around the world, but there are a number of steps to go through before you reach the point effectively with the procedure done.

The most important step of all is the first decision on whether it is indeed the right thing to do for you. All women are different, and they can be very different reasons for the examination of the proceedings in the first place. Some have a mastectomy following breast cancer, or perhaps even a car accident, that it tracks.

Many others are simply dissatisfied with how their breasts look both for themselves and others, and this is the reason the thoughts of each woman, is going ahead with the procedure of the fact that they are not satisfied with the size and shape their breasts.

How can I find out whether breast augmentation is right for you

While breasts are a very important part and female, a woman, it is important to understand your feelings about your own breasts, before you decide whether to go ahead with a Boob job.

Many women, especially younger women feel inadequate because they constantly compare themselves with other women who believe they have better breasts than they do. But that does not mean their own breasts are sub-standard, nor does it mean they should have a breast augmentation to try to solve the problem.

If you feel uncertain about their own breast, and you find you are constantly comparing themselves to other women, its a good idea to consider advice, before you do. Even with the surgery you can never achieve the perfect breasts in the picture you have in mind, because you will always find something better in a person other than yourself.

Are you ready for a lasting solution?

Surgery is something that you can maintain, go back to at least not easily. How would you feel about permanently larger breasts? Some women find that if they think they are in this way, they do not want the operation. For some women it is enough to wear a well-padded bra, if they want additional wealth, without it all the time.

Given the costs in the eye

As with any cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation costs is a reasonable amount of money. You have to ask whether these costs is worth it to you.

Many women are happy to pay for a breast enlargement and are excited about the results, but the women who think they are keen to have it done, but afraid the costs are less likely to make good candidates because they arent as determined Money that they need.

At the end only you know if breast augmentation is right for you. But whether you decide to go through the procedure or not, it is also worth give enough time to really think about the long-term consequences of enlargement your breasts.

article written by Dr Zion Chan. Dr Zion Chan is Sydneyâ€™s leading cosmetic surgeon, specialising in breast augmentation, rhinoplasty and box

Breast Cancer a Big Concern for Women

2008-06-20T09:58:00.001+08:00

Breast Cancer a Big Concern for Women

It is no secret that women are a lot of health problems that men have no idea. This is something you have to do with you when you work them all out, and that is something you want to do.

As a woman you know that you are on the chance to correct things in your life. We can see that we are all aware that we learn from this process. The entire system is one that will help you make a change for the better.

We must be sure that we are all aware that we learn from this deal. The system is in place, will help you make a change in the idea of developing breast cancer. You can see that this is a big problem right now and you have to learn how to avoid.

There is no hundred percent way for you to avoid getting breast cancer, but it is a way you can do some of the risk factors. The idea is that you have to be positive in the way that you are, what we do and that will help you make a change.

We must be sure that we are all aware that we get out of this deal. If you take care of itself then you will have the chance that you will not have to worry about the system in such a way. We can change in the right manner and that promotes a better way of life.

This is something that we have to handle and that will help you make a change in the way we see the system of breast cancer risk factors. You can do this if you try.

Smoking and Drugs The idea of smoking and illicit drugs were associated with the idea of breast cancer and that is something you need to be avoided. Even if you are a social smoker you do some bad things, to say the least. This is where you can be sure that you are working all out as such.

We can see that we are all aware that we learn from this deal, because the fact that we are after work deals in the right way. There is nothing that will be positive about this deal because of the fact that many of the people, the development of breast cancer were smokers and so on in the past.

The diet diet, you have is an important factor. If you eat in an unhealthy way, then you can see that you are in the wrong things. The worse the food the better your chances that you will always start bad things happen.

Of course this is where you can be sure that you work, deals with, and that is where you have to be positive about the methods of hand. You can be sure that everything you can from this one place and this is the best thing you can do.

Silicone versus Saline Breast Implants

2008-04-08T11:20:00.001+08:00

Silicone versus Saline Breast Implants

The silicone gel controversy
Early versions of silicone gel breast implants have been blamed for numerous health problems. These ranged from Rheumatological to neurological problems, particularly due to leaks and ruptures. It was of the view that if the silicone leaked from the implant, any number of conditions that arise from auto-immune diseases to sicken. Headaches, fever and pain in different parts of the body, including the operation were relatively mild complaints that thousands of women.

Because of this many complaints, the Federal Drug Administration banned silicone implants for more than a dozen years. During that time, many studies have been done, and it was concluded that no evidence existed to conclude link silicone implants to the grave, for the conditions € ™ d debt. In the meantime, however, the manufacturers of implants significantly improved the reliability of the shells encasing the silicone. This will ensure that better leaks and ruptures do not occur. Doctors were also instructed to routine checks on the post-surgical implants as an additional precautionary measure.

Now, more sophisticated materials used, together with an improved medical follow-up, silicone gel implants are back on the market, with the approval of the FDA. Some conservative doctors, but still against them and advise patients to use saline breast implants.

Saline Implants
As saline solution is a natural element of this type of implants are considered very safe. Although Shell has rupture and leak, the saline solution dispersed harmlessly whole body. Some critics of saline breast implants, they are not as realistic looking as natural or silicone gel implants and are not as soft as the silicone gel-filled.

Problems
Both saline and silicone gel breast implants are not without problems. Neither lasts forever, and more than an additional operation is in women both with the type of implant. Implants break occasionally, and hardening of scar tissue (fibrosis capsule contracture) also sometimes occurs. Once in a while, the patient is simply not satisfied with the result or the view that the following symptoms may by the implants, bringing the number of surgery to remove it.

The most important element in the decision about breast implants is an open communication with your doctor. Learning about realistic expectations, including the advantages and disadvantages of both types of implants is still a long way to the ultimate satisfaction in this kind of cosmetic surgery.

nflammatory Breast Cancer Survivors

2007-11-29T00:04:00.000+08:00

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Survivors

Inflammatory Breast Cancer news story

2007-11-28T23:51:00.000+08:00

Inflammatory Breast Cancer news story

Just take a look at this news video

Sign and Symptoms

2007-03-23T14:52:00.000+08:00

Sign & Symptoms

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

By Dr. Jeff Patton of Tennessee Oncology

Inflammatory Breast CancerInflammatory breast cancer is a unique and uncommon type of breast cancer. It is unique in that inflammatory breast cancer does not produce a distinct mass or lump that can be felt within the breast. The lack of a lump or mass also makes inflammatory breast cancer difficult to detect by mammograms. Inflammatory breast cancer cells infiltrate the skin and lymph vessels of the breast. When the lymph vessels become blocked by the breast cancer cells the breast typically becomes red, swollen, and warm. The skin changes associated with inflammatory can cause the breast skin to look like the skin of an orange a finding called peau d'orange. The appearance of the breast is similar to other inflammatory conditions such as cellulitis or mastitis. Other possible associate symptoms include enlarged lymph nodes under the arm or above the collar bone on the affected side.

Inflammatory breast cancer is diagnosed based upon the results of a biopsy and the clinical judgment of the treating physician. Typically, inflammatory breast cancer grows rapidly and requires aggressive treatment. There are two aspects to treating all breast cancer, local treatment and systemic or total body treatment. Because inflammatory breast cancer is aggressive, most oncologists recommend both systemic and local treatment. The typical sequence of treatment is to start with chemotherapy, systemic treatment, followed by surgery and radiation therapy, which are the local treatments, often followed by additional chemotherapy and possibly hormone treatments. With aggressive treatment using this multimodality approach, the 5 year survival for inflammatory breast cancer has improved significantly from an average survival of 18 months to an approximately 50% survival rate at 5 years.

How many cases of IBC are diagnosed each year?
The numbers vary, but approximately 1% to 2% of newly diagnosed invasive breast cancers (that have spread beyond the breast) in the United States are described as inflammatory breast cancers.

What are the symptoms of IBC?
Symptoms may include:
# One breast larger than the other
# Red or pink skin
# Swelling
# Rash (entire breast or small patches)
# Orange-like texture (peau d� orange)
# Skin hot to the touch
# Pain and/or itchiness
# Ridges or thickened areas of breast
# Nipple discharge
# Nipples that appear inverted or flattened
# Swollen lymph nodes under the armpit
# Swollen lymph nodes of the neck (sometimes)

What should people do if they have IBC symptoms?

If one or more symptoms continue for more than a week, look for information and talk to a physician with experience with this particular type of breast cancer.

The resources below may help guide you to physicians and centers with this expertise.

How old are typical IBC patients at diagnosis?

The median age range is between 45 and 55 years old, but there may be patients either younger or older. The symptoms must guide the diagnosis, and age should not be used to exclude it.

How well do diagnostic tests work in identifying IBC?

IBC typically cannot be identified through:
Mammogram – Because IBC usually does not occur in the form of a lump (the cancer is spread throughout breast tissue), it is difficult to detect with a mammogram. The most characteristic mammography findings consist of swelling of the skin.
Ultrasound – This test confirms the swelling (edema) of the skin and can better identify breast nodules (if present). It also is the most appropriate test for the evaluation of lymph nodes.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – This is probably the most sensitive test because it includes a functional description of the abnormal findings. It should be included among the diagnostic tests once the pathological diagnosis is confirmed. It is extremely useful in evaluating the clinical response to chemotherapy.

Core biopsy – Typically, fine-needle aspiration or a core biopsy (removal of tissue with a needle) is performed to obtain a pathological diagnosis of invasive disease, but these diagnostic procedures are not appropriate for IBC because of the peculiar growth pattern in the breast lymphatic system.

What diagnostic tests identify IBC?
Surgical biopsy – Most of the time a skin biopsy or a surgical biopsy is necessary. These procedures are able to collect larger samples that include the skin and underlying tissue with higher chances to identify the cancer cells.
PET Scan – In the near future, this could be one of the most important diagnostic/staging tests for IBC, though it still is under study. We have found that with the PET scan we can see more disease.

We can see lymph nodes far from the breast, which tells us we have a metastatic cancer already at the time of diagnosis. If we limit staging to mammogram, CT (computed tomography – computerized X-rays) and bone scans we may miss different components of this inflammatory spreading, which may have significant consequences in the way we treat the cancer and the way we process patients.

What is the survival rate for IBC?

The five-year median survival rate for inflammatory breast cancer is approximately 40%. The main reasons for such a disappointing outcome are multiple and include: a delay in diagnosis, the lack of expertise in treating IBC because it is so rare and the relative resistance the disease has to standard chemotherapeutic agents.

With regard to the first critical issue, it is important to keep in mind that IBC is a fast-growing cancer (it can spread within weeks), and it is often mistaken for something other than breast cancer, such as a rash or infection.

What are common mistakes in treating IBC?

A surgeon might want to remove the breast too early, which would increase the chance of local recurrence (return of the disease).

A radiation oncologist with experience in treating IBC also is important. IBC might require a different schedule than most breast cancers. You might need two treatments a day, instead of one, because this is a highly aggressive tumor. Patients also need a specific chemotherapy dose.

A particular challenge with treating IBC is that it is difficult to measure response since a nodule or mass is usually not present.

If patients have had incorrect treatment, it may be hard to go back and improve the prognosis (outcome).

How is IBC currently treated?

We typically treat IBC with chemotherapy before surgery, and we also are using drugs like Herceptin® (trastuzumab) or TykerbTM (lapatinib) in a subset of IBC patients who have the HER-2 gene. One of our challenges is to improve our current treatments. We are focused on finding ways to eliminate microscopic disease to prolong survival.

Early onset of menses and late menopause: Onset of the menstrual cycle prior to the age of 12 and menopause after 50 causes increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Diets high in saturated fat: The types of fat are important. Monounsaturated fats such as canola oil and olive oil do not appear to increase the risk of developing breast cancer like polyunsaturated fats; corn oil and meat.

Family history of breast cancer: Patients with a positive family history of breast cancer are at increased risk for developing the disease. However, 85% of women with breast cancer have a negative family history!

Family history only includes immediate relatives, mother, sisters and daughters. If a family member was post-menopausal (fifty or older) when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, the lifetime risk is only increased 5%. If the family member was premenopausal, the lifetime risk is 18.6%. If the family member was premenopausal and had bilateral breast cancer, the lifetime risk is 50%.

Genetic testing of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is increasingly being integrated into clinical care for appropriately counseled adults who meet established criteria for this testing. The American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) are among the professional healthcare organizations who have published criteria for genetic counseling/testing and cancer risk management. Increased and earlier surveillance, chemoprevention (tamoxifen, oral contraceptives) and surgical interventions (mastectomy, oophorectomy - removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes) are among the current early detection and risk-reducing strategies discussed with women undergoing BRCA testing. In contrast to breast cancer, there is no reliable early detection for ovarian cancer, which is often fatal due to late stage at diagnosis. Therefore, oophorectomy is generally recommended between ages 35-40 or upon completion of childbearing for women at high risk for ovarian cancer. Despite initial concerns about insurance coverage discrimination, many insurers, including major indemnity plans (BC/BS, Aetna, Kaiser, etc.) recognize the healthcare benefits of this BRCA testing and cover test and genetic counsultation fees when demmed medically necessary. To date, more than 10,000 women and men have had BRCA testing. Similar to other medical tests, BRCA test results are often used to substantiate the need for the early detection and risk-reducing options available for individuals at high-risk for breast and ovarian cancers.

Late or no pregnancies: Pregnancies prior to the age of twenty-six are somewhat protective. Nuns have a higher incidence of breast cancer.

Moderate alcohol intake: Greater than two alcoholic beverages per day.

Estrogen replacement therapy: Most studies indicate that taking estrogen longer than ten years may lead to a slight increase in risk for developing breast cancer. However, these studies indicate that the positive benefits of taking estrogen as far as reducing the risk for osteoporosis, heart disease and now more recently Alzheimer's and colon cancer, far outweigh the slight increase in risk that may be associated with estrogen replacement therapy.

Caution should be exercised in those women with a significantly positive family history of breast cancer or atypical intraductal hyperplasia. Women with breast cancer are not currently give estrogen replacement. There are no scientific studies currently justifying this practice. However, until those studies are available, by convention, women are taken off estrogen.

History of prior breast cancer: Patients with a prior history of breast cancer are at increased risk for developing breast cancer in the other breast. This risk is 1% per year or a lifetime risk of 10%. The reason for close clinical follow-up after the diagnosis of breast cancer is not only to detect recurrence of the disease, but also to detect breast cancer in the opposite breast.

Female: The mere fact that being female increases the risk of developing breast cancer. However, for every 100 women with breast cancer, 1 male will develop the disease.

Therapeutic irradiation to chest wall i.e., for Hodgkins Disease (cancer of lymph nodes): Patients who have had therapeutic irradiation to the chest are at increased risk for developing breast cancer approximately 10 years later and consideration should be given to earlier screening in this population.

Moderate obesity: The relationship of breast cancer to obesity is more complex but associated with an increased risk.

Ductal Carcinoma in-situ: Generally divided into comedo (blackhead, the cut surface of the tumor demonstrates extrusion of dead and necrotic tumor cells similar to a blackhead) and non-comedo types. DCIS is early breast cancer confined to the inside of the ductal system. The distinction between comedo and non-comedo types is important as comedocarcinoma in-situ generally behaves more aggressively and may show areas of microinvasion (small areas of invasion through the ductal wall into surrounding tissue).

The surgical management is the same as for other types of breast cancer except axillary node sampling is not done, as only 1% of these lesions will have axillary metastasis. We recommend, however, that irradiation be given if treated with conservative breast surgery to reduce the recurrence rate from 21% without irradiation, to 5%-10% with irradiation. This is a controversial area of the treatment of breast cancer.

Infiltrating Ductal: The most common type of breast cancer representing 78% of all malignancies. These lesions can be stellate (star like in appearance on mammography) in appearance or well circumscribed (rounded). The stellate lesions generally have a poorer prognosis.

Medullary Carcinoma: Comprise 15% of breast cancers. These lesions are generally well circumscribed and may be difficult to distinguish from fibroadenoma by mammography or sonography. Medullary carcinoma is estrogen and progesterone receptor (prognostic indicator) negative 90% of the time. Medullary carcinoma usually has a better prognosis than ordinary breast cancer.

Infiltrating Lobular: Representing 15% of breast cancer these lesions generally present in the upper outer quadrant of the breast as a subtle thickening and are difficult to diagnose by mammography. Infiltrating lobular can be bilateral (involve both breasts). Microscopically, these tumors exhibit a linear array of cells (Indian filing) and grow around the ducts and lobules (targeting).

Tubular Carcinoma: Orderly or well differentiated carcinoma of the breast. These lesions make up about 2% of breast cancer. They have a favorable prognosis with nearly a 95% 10-year survival.

Mucinous Carcinoma: Represents 1%-2% of carcinoma of the breast and has a favorable prognosis. These lesions are usually well circumscribed (rounded).

Inflammatory Breast Cancer: A particularly aggressive type of breast cancer the presentation is usually noted in changes in the skin of the breast including redness (erythema), thickening of the skin and prominence of the hair follicles resembling an orange peel (peau d' orange). The diagnosis is made by a skin biopsy, which reveals tumor in the lymphatic and vascular channels 50% of the time.

What are the Stages of Breast Cancer
No Matter Your Stage, You Have Many Options for Treatment
There are many different varieties of breast cancer. Some are fast-growing and unpredictable. Some are slow and steady. Some are stimulated by the estrogen in your body; some result from a wildly out-of-control oncogene (a cancer gene). You and your doctors will plan your treatment based on the special characteristics of your breast cancer. To help you understand the traits of your cancer, and your treatment options, here's information from the National Cancer Institute.

Overview: When Cancer Is Found
The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma. It begins in the lining of the ducts. Another type, called lobular carcinoma, arises in the lobules. When cancer is found, the pathologist can tell what kind of cancer it is (whether it began in a duct or a lobule) and whether it is invasive (has invaded nearby tissues in the breast).

Special lab tests of the tissue help the doctor learn more about the cancer. For example, hormone receptor tests (estrogen and progesterone receptor tests) can help determine whether hormones help the cancer to grow. If test results show that hormones do affect the cancer's growth (a positive test result), the cancer is likely to respond to hormonal therapy. This therapy deprives the cancer cells of estrogen.

Other tests are sometimes done to help the doctor predict whether the cancer is likely to progress. For example, the doctor may order x-rays and lab tests. Sometimes a sample of breast tissue is checked for a gene (the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 or HER-2 gene) that is associated with a higher risk that the breast cancer will come back. The doctor may also order special exams of the bones, liver, or lungs because breast cancer may spread to these areas.

A woman's treatment options depend on a number of factors. These factors include her age and menopausal status; her general health; the size and location of the tumor and the stage of the cancer; the results of lab tests; and the size of her breast. Certain features of the tumor cells (such as whether they depend on hormones to grow) are also considered.

In most cases, the most important factor is the stage of the disease. The stage is based on the size of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread. The following are brief descriptions of the stages of breast cancer and the treatments most often used for each stage. (Other treatments may sometimes be appropriate.)

Stage 0
Stage 0 is sometimes called noninvasive carcinoma or carcinoma in situ. Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) refers to abnormal cells in the lining of a lobule. These abnormal cells seldom become invasive cancer. However, their presence is a sign that a woman has an increased risk of developing breast cancer. This risk of cancer is increased for both breasts. Some women with LCIS may take a drug called tamoxifen, which can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Others may take part in studies of other promising new preventive treatments. Some women may choose not to have treatment, but to return to the doctor regularly for checkups. And, occasionally, women with LCIS may decide to have surgery to remove both breasts to try to prevent cancer from developing. (In most cases, removal of underarm lymph nodes is not necessary.)

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) refers to abnormal cells in the lining of a duct. DCIS is also called intraductal carcinoma. The abnormal cells have not spread beyond the duct to invade the surrounding breast tissue. However, women with DCIS are at an increased risk of getting invasive breast cancer. Some women with DCIS have breast-sparing surgery followed by radiation therapy. Or they may choose to have a mastectomy, with or without breast reconstruction (plastic surgery) to rebuild the breast. Underarm lymph nodes are not usually removed. Also, women with DCIS may want to talk with their doctor about tamoxifen to reduce the risk of developing invasive breast cancer.

Stage I and II
Stage I and stage II are early stages of breast cancer in which the cancer has spread beyond the lobe or duct and invaded nearby tissue. Stage I means that the tumor is no more than about an inch across and cancer cells have not spread beyond the breast. Stage II means one of the following: the tumor in the breast is less than 1 inch across and the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm; or the tumor is between 1 and 2 inches (with or without spread to the lymph nodes under the arm); or the tumor is larger than 2 inches but has not spread to the lymph nodes under the arm.Women with early stage breast cancer may have breast-sparing surgery followed by radiation therapy to the breast, or they may have a mastectomy, with or without breast reconstruction to rebuild the breast. These approaches are equally effective in treating early stage breast cancer. (Sometimes radiation therapy is also given after mastectomy.)

The choice of breast-sparing surgery or mastectomy depends mostly on the size and location of the tumor, the size of the woman's breast, certain features of the cancer, and how the woman feels about preserving her breast. With either approach, lymph nodes under the arm usually are removed.

Many women with stage I and most with stage II breast cancer have chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy after primary treatment with surgery or surgery and radiation therapy. This added treatment is called adjuvant therapy. If the systemic therapy is given to shrink the tumor before surgery, this is called neoadjuvant therapy. Systemic treatment is given to try to destroy any remaining cancer cells and prevent the cancer from recurring, or coming back, in the breast or elsewhere.

Stage III Stage III is also called locally advanced cancer. In this stage, the tumor in the breast is large (more than 2 inches across) and the cancer has spread to the underarm lymph nodes; or the cancer is extensive in the underarm lymph nodes; or the cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone or to other tissues near the breast.

Inflammatory breast cancer is a type of locally advanced breast cancer. In this type of cancer the breast looks red and swollen (or inflamed) because cancer cells block the lymph vessels in the skin of the breast.

Patients with stage III breast cancer usually have both local treatment to remove or destroy the cancer in the breast and systemic treatment to stop the disease from spreading. The local treatment may be surgery and/or radiation therapy to the breast and underarm. The systemic treatment may be chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or both. Systemic therapy may be given before local therapy to shrink the tumor or afterward to prevent the disease from recurring in the breast or elsewhere.

Stage IV
Stage IV is metastatic cancer. The cancer has spread beyond the breast and underarm lymph nodes to other parts of the body.

Women who have stage IV breast cancer receive chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy to destroy cancer cells and control the disease. They may have surgery or radiation therapy to control the cancer in the breast. Radiation may also be useful to control tumors in other parts of the body.

Recurrent Cancer
Recurrent cancer means the disease has come back in spite of the initial treatment. Even when a tumor in the breast seems to have been completely removed or destroyed, the disease sometimes returns because undetected cancer cells remained somewhere in the body after treatment.

Most recurrences appear within the first 2 or 3 years after treatment, but breast cancer can recur many years later.

Cancer that returns only in the area of the surgery is called a local recurrence. If the disease returns in another part of the body, the distant recurrence is called metastatic breast cancer. The patient may have one type of treatment or a combination of treatments for recurrent cancer.

Source: National Cancer Institute

Early Detection

2007-03-15T23:23:00.000+08:00

Early Detection

Early signs

* A lump is detected, which is usually single, firm, and most often painless.
* A portion of the skin on the breast or underarm swells and has an unusual appearance.
* Veins on the skin surface become more prominent on one breast.
* The breast nipple becomes inverted, develops a rash, changes in skin texture, or has a discharge other than breast milk.
* A depression is found in an area of the breast surface.

Women's breasts can develop some degree of lumpiness, but only a small percentage of lumps are malignant.

While a history of breast cancer in the family may lead to increased risk, most breast cancers are diagnosed in women with no family history. If you have a family history of breast cancer, this should be discussed with your doctor.

Facts

* Every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.
* This year more than 211,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected in the United States.
* One woman in eight who lives to age 85 will develop breast cancer during her lifetime.
* Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 55.

* 1,600 men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and 400 are predicted to die.

* Seventy percent of all breast cancers are found through breast self-exams. Not all lumps are detectable by touch. We recommend regular mammograms and monthly breast self-exams.
* Eight out of ten breast lumps are not cancerous. If you find a lump, don't panic-call your doctor for an appointment.
* Mammography is a low-dose X-ray examination that can detect breast cancer up to two years before it is large enough to be felt.
* When breast cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is 96%. This is good news! Over 2 million breast cancer survivors are alive in America today.

Detection Plan

An Early Breast Cancer Detection Plan should include:

* Clinical breast examinations every three years from ages 20-39, then every year thereafter.
* Monthly breast self-examinations beginning at age 20. Look for any changes in your breasts.
* Baseline mammogram by the age of 40.
* Mammogram every one to two years for women 40-49, depending on previous findings.
* Mammogram every year for women 50 and older.
* A personal calendar to record your self-exams, mammograms, and doctor appointments.
* A low-fat diet, regular exercise, and no smoking or drinking.

Breast Cancer Myth

2007-03-15T17:57:00.000+08:00

Breast cancel is one of the biggest killer enermy of mankind. Thousand of people have die because of breast cancel. A lot of men still see the cancer is a small problems. Today I would like to reveal the myth of breast cancer

MYTH: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.

TRUTH: Eight out of ten lumps are benign, or not cancerous. If you discover a persistent lump in your breast or any changes in breast tissue, it is very important that you see a physician immediately. Many times fear keeps women from aggressive health care. Sometimes women stay away from medical care because they fear what they might find. Take charge of your own health by monthly self-exams, regular visits to the doctor, and regularly scheduled mammograms.

MYTH: Men do not get breast cancer.

TRUTH: This year 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 43,300 will die; however, 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 will die. While the percentage of men who are diagnosed with breast cancer is small, men should also give themselves monthly exams and note changes to their physicians.

MYTH: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.

TRUTH: An x-ray of the breast is called a mammogram. The x-ray and the pressure on the breast from the x-ray machine cannot cause cancer to spread. Do not let tales of other people's experiences keep you from having a mammogram. Base your decision on your physician's recommendation and ask the physician any questions you may have about the mammogram.

MYTH: Having a family history of breast cancer means you will get breast cancer.

TRUTH: While women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. If you have a mother, daughter, sister, or grandmother who had breast cancer, you should have a mammogram five years before the age of their diagnosis.

MYTH: Knowing you have changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene means you can prevent breast cancer.
TRUTH: Five percent to ten percent of women who have breast cancer are thought to carry the mutant BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Alterations in these genes for men and women can predispose them to breast cancer. If you are a carrier of the genes, you should be monitored closely by your physician. Carriers of the genes have a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.