Breast Cancer Support.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast Cancer is a cancer of the glandular breast tissue. Worldwide, breast cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death (after lung cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, and colon cancer). In 2005, breast cancer caused 502,000 deaths (7% of cancer deaths; almost 1% of all deaths) worldwide. Among women worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death. In the United States, breast cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death (after lung cancer and colon cancer). In 2007, breast cancer is expected to cause 40,910 deaths (7% of cancer deaths; almost 2% of all deaths) in the U.S.
Among women in the U.S., breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second- most common cause of cancer death (after lung cancer). Women in the U.S. have a 1 in 8 lifetime chance of developing invasive breast cancer and a 1 in 33 chance of breast cancer causing their death. A U.S. study conducted in 2005 by the Society for Women's Health Research indicated that breast cancer remains the most feared disease, even though heart disease is a much more common cause of death among women.
Breast Cancer is a cancer that develops in the ducts and lobules of the breast. The breast cells start growing in an uncontrolled manner in this disease which leads to formation of lumps which may or may not be painful in the beginning. This can happen in both males and females, but the male breast cancer is rare. Breast Cancer is the fifth most common kind of cancer today.
The symptoms of Breast Cancer can be something like a lump or some swelling or some skin changes or no visible changes at all. There are no particular reasons as to who can get infected and who cannot get infected. It is more common in women, and being a woman in it self is a risk for developing Breast Cancer. One can always try to prevent this abnormality being eating the right diet, proper exercise, no smoking and keeping unstressed but this disease is never anyone’s fault.
This type of Cancer can be diagnosed through several ways like self Breast exam, clinical breast exam, Mammogram, breast ultrasound etc. While a small cancer may not be felt in the self exam, and on the other hand, every lump being felt in the breast may not be cancerous, so it is always better to get regular breast examinations done after the age of 40 years.
The treatment for Breast Cancer works on two goals- to remove the cancerous cells from the breast and to prevent the recurrence of the cancer. The treatment is done according to the need i.e. it could be done as a regional treatment where only the lymph nodes of the breast are directed, or it could be a systemic treatment which covers the body as whole or it could be an alternative therapy which includes both mind and body.
Recovery from this disease involves a careful understanding of the changes that the body has undergone and changing lifestyle accordingly starting from diet, to getting regular check ups and trying to keep the immune system safe. Apart from the various other factors, the love and support from family and friends also plays a major role in recovery from such a disease.
In 1988, Breast Cancer Support Services was formed by two women who were diagnosed with breast cancer. Both women realized that there was a great need of support for women in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding areas. As a result, the two women decided to start the Breast Cancer Support Services organization.
BCSS is a self-help organization created by women for anyone who has concerns about breast cancer or general breast health. BCSS is also a truly unique organization as it is the only support centre in the Hamilton, Halton area which deals specifically with breast cancer.
BCSS is a volunteer-based centre. Our heart and soul is composed of the women and men who have already walked in the shoes of the newly diagnosed and who understand their need for compassion and support.
We provide current information and education on early detection, various treatment options and the many ways of learning to successfully manage the effects of breast cancer. Our goal, is to be encouraging, enlightening and empowering.
Our center is located at 695 Brant Street in Burlington. You can drop in, phone for support or utilize the free services offered at BCSS. In addition, we provide one on one support , or you can attend our support groups, experience one of our holistic services and programs, or you can simply visit our Serenity Garden which is designed for all Cancer survivors.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Signs of Breast Cancer.
Signs of Breast Cancer.
Why should I be concerned about breast cancer?
It seems like we've all been affected by breast cancer at some point in our lives, whether we have had it, or have had a family member or friend who's battled it. Every woman has a chance of getting breast cancer. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women and the disease we fear most. As scared as we are, you can try to remember that if you find breast cancer early, it can often be treated successfully. Many women have overcome breast cancer and are living life to its fullest!
Why should I do a breast self-exam?
Regular breast self-exam can help you know how your breasts normally feel and look, so you can notice any changes. When you find a change, you should see your health care provider. Most breast changes or lumps are not cancerous, but only a health care provider can tell you for sure. When breast cancer is found early, you have more treatment choices and a better chance of recovery. So, it is important to find breast cancer as early as possible.
Breast self-exam should not take the place of getting regular mammograms. Right now, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early and to improve your chances for survival.
What am I looking for when I do a breast self-exam?
You are looking for a lump or change that stands out as different from the rest of your breast tissue. If you find a lump or other change in your breast, either during breast self-exam or by chance, you should examine the other breast. If both breasts feel the same, the lumpiness is probably normal. As you get to know your breasts better by doing breast self-exams, you should be able to tell the difference between your normal lumpiness and what may be a change.
Besides a lump or swelling, other changes in your breast might be
skin irritation or dimpling
nipple pain or retraction (turning inward)
redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin
a discharge other than breast milk.
If you see any of these changes, you should see your health care provider right away.
Is there a right way to examine my breasts?
Yes. There are several proper ways to examine your breasts. Ask your health care provider to teach you how to do a breast self-exam to make sure you are doing it correctly and thoroughly. The American Cancer Society also provides a document that shows the right way to examine your breasts.
Remember that you should discuss any new lump or change with your health care provider.
How often should I do a self-exam?
A breast self-exam is recommended every month a few days after your period ends. During this time, your breasts are less tender or swollen. It is important to do your breast self-exam at the same time every month.
For more information...
You can find out more about breast cancer in women by contacting the National Women's Health Information Center (800-994-9662)
What is the best method of detecting breast cancer?
A mammogram, or x-ray of the breast, along with a clinical breast exam (an exam done by your doctor) is the most effective way to detect breast cancer early. Mammograms have both benefits and limitations. For example, some cancers can't be detected by a mammogram, but may be detectable by breast exam.
Checking your own breasts for lumps or other changes is called a breast self-exam (BSE). Studies so far have not shown that BSE alone reduces the numbers of deaths from breast cancer. BSE should not take the place of clinical breast exam and a mammogram.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a safe test used to look for any problems with a woman's breasts. The test uses a special, low-dose x-ray machine to take pictures of both breasts. The results are recorded on x-ray film or directly onto a computer for a radiologist to examine.
Mammograms allow the doctor to have a closer look for breast lumps and changes in breast tissue. They can show small lumps or growths that a doctor or woman may not be able to feel when doing a clinical breast exam. "Mammography" is the best screening tool that doctors have for finding breast cancer.
If a lump is found, your doctor may order other tests, such as ultrasound or a biopsy--a test where a small amount of tissue is taken from the lump and area around the lump. The tissue is sent to a lab to look for cancer or changes that may mean cancer is likely to develop. Breast lumps or growths can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Finding breast cancer early means that a woman has a better chance of surviving the disease. There are also more choices for treatment when breast cancer is found early.
Are there different types of mammograms?
Screening mammograms are done for women who have no symptoms of breast cancer. When you reach age 40, you should have a mammogram every one to two years.
Diagnostic mammograms are done when a woman has symptoms of breast cancer or a breast lump. This mammogram takes longer than screening mammograms because more pictures of the breast are taken.
Digital mammograms take an electronic image of the breast and store it directly in a computer. Current research has not shown that digital images are better at finding cancer than x-ray film images.
How is a mammogram done?
You stand in front of a special x-ray machine. The person who takes the x-rays, called a radiologic technologist, places your breasts (one at a time) between two plastic plates. The plates press your breast to make it flat. You will feel pressure on your breast for a few seconds. It may cause you some discomfort; you might feel squeezed or pinched. But, the flatter your breast, the better the picture. Most often, two pictures are taken of each breast--one from the side and one from above. A screening mammogram takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.
What if I have breast implants?
If you have breast implants, be sure to tell your mammography facility that you have them when you make your appointment. You will need an x-ray radiologic technologist who is trained in x-raying patients with implants. This is important because breast implants can hide some breast tissue, which could make if difficult for the radiologist to see breast cancer when looking at your mammograms. For this reason, to take a mammogram of a breast with an implant, the x-ray technician might gently lift the breast tissue slightly away from the implant.
How often should I get a mammogram?
Women 40 years and older should get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years.
Women who have had breast cancer or other breast problems or who have a family history of breast cancer, might need to start getting mammograms before age 40 or they might need to get them more often. Talk to your doctor about when to start and how often you should have a mammogram.
Where can I get a mammogram?
Be sure to get a mammogram from a facility certified by the FDA. These places must meet high standards for their x-ray machines and staff. Check out the FDA's web site on the Internet at: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/mammography/certified.html for a list of FDA-certified mammography facilities. Some of these facilities also offer digital mammograms.
Your doctor, local medical clinic, or local or state health department can tell you where to get no-cost or low-cost mammograms. You can also call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service toll free at 1-800-422-6237 (TTY is 1-800-332-8615).
How do I get ready for my mammogram?
First, check with the place you are having the mammogram for any special instructions you may need to follow before you go. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
Make your mammogram appointment for one week after your period. Your breasts hurt less after your period.
If you have breast implants, be sure to tell your mammography facility that you have them when you make your appointment.
Wear a shirt with shorts, pants, or a skirt. This way, you can undress from the waist up and leave your shorts, pants, or skirt on when you get your mammogram.
Don't wear any deodorant, perfume, lotion, or powder under your arms or on your breasts on the day of your mammogram appointment. These things can make shadows show up on your mammogram.
Are there any problems with mammograms?
As with any medical test, mammograms have limits. These limits include:
They are only part of a complete breast exam. Your doctor also should do a clinical breast exam. If your mammogram finds something abnormal, your doctor will order other tests.
"False negatives" can happen. This means everything may look normal, but cancer is actually present. False negatives don't happen often. Younger women are more likely to have a false negative mammogram than are older women. This is because the breast tissue is denser, making cancer harder to spot.
"False positives" can happen. This is when the mammogram results look like cancer is present, even though it is not. False positives are more common in younger women than older women.
For more information...
For more information on mammograms, call the National Women's Health Information Center at 1-800-994-9662.
Phone Number: toll-free (800) 422-6237 (800) 4-CANCER.
http://THEbreastcancersupport.blogspot.com
Why should I be concerned about breast cancer?
It seems like we've all been affected by breast cancer at some point in our lives, whether we have had it, or have had a family member or friend who's battled it. Every woman has a chance of getting breast cancer. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women and the disease we fear most. As scared as we are, you can try to remember that if you find breast cancer early, it can often be treated successfully. Many women have overcome breast cancer and are living life to its fullest!
Why should I do a breast self-exam?
Regular breast self-exam can help you know how your breasts normally feel and look, so you can notice any changes. When you find a change, you should see your health care provider. Most breast changes or lumps are not cancerous, but only a health care provider can tell you for sure. When breast cancer is found early, you have more treatment choices and a better chance of recovery. So, it is important to find breast cancer as early as possible.
Breast self-exam should not take the place of getting regular mammograms. Right now, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early and to improve your chances for survival.
What am I looking for when I do a breast self-exam?
You are looking for a lump or change that stands out as different from the rest of your breast tissue. If you find a lump or other change in your breast, either during breast self-exam or by chance, you should examine the other breast. If both breasts feel the same, the lumpiness is probably normal. As you get to know your breasts better by doing breast self-exams, you should be able to tell the difference between your normal lumpiness and what may be a change.
Besides a lump or swelling, other changes in your breast might be
skin irritation or dimpling
nipple pain or retraction (turning inward)
redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin
a discharge other than breast milk.
If you see any of these changes, you should see your health care provider right away.
Is there a right way to examine my breasts?
Yes. There are several proper ways to examine your breasts. Ask your health care provider to teach you how to do a breast self-exam to make sure you are doing it correctly and thoroughly. The American Cancer Society also provides a document that shows the right way to examine your breasts.
Remember that you should discuss any new lump or change with your health care provider.
How often should I do a self-exam?
A breast self-exam is recommended every month a few days after your period ends. During this time, your breasts are less tender or swollen. It is important to do your breast self-exam at the same time every month.
For more information...
You can find out more about breast cancer in women by contacting the National Women's Health Information Center (800-994-9662)
What is the best method of detecting breast cancer?
A mammogram, or x-ray of the breast, along with a clinical breast exam (an exam done by your doctor) is the most effective way to detect breast cancer early. Mammograms have both benefits and limitations. For example, some cancers can't be detected by a mammogram, but may be detectable by breast exam.
Checking your own breasts for lumps or other changes is called a breast self-exam (BSE). Studies so far have not shown that BSE alone reduces the numbers of deaths from breast cancer. BSE should not take the place of clinical breast exam and a mammogram.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a safe test used to look for any problems with a woman's breasts. The test uses a special, low-dose x-ray machine to take pictures of both breasts. The results are recorded on x-ray film or directly onto a computer for a radiologist to examine.
Mammograms allow the doctor to have a closer look for breast lumps and changes in breast tissue. They can show small lumps or growths that a doctor or woman may not be able to feel when doing a clinical breast exam. "Mammography" is the best screening tool that doctors have for finding breast cancer.
If a lump is found, your doctor may order other tests, such as ultrasound or a biopsy--a test where a small amount of tissue is taken from the lump and area around the lump. The tissue is sent to a lab to look for cancer or changes that may mean cancer is likely to develop. Breast lumps or growths can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Finding breast cancer early means that a woman has a better chance of surviving the disease. There are also more choices for treatment when breast cancer is found early.
Are there different types of mammograms?
Screening mammograms are done for women who have no symptoms of breast cancer. When you reach age 40, you should have a mammogram every one to two years.
Diagnostic mammograms are done when a woman has symptoms of breast cancer or a breast lump. This mammogram takes longer than screening mammograms because more pictures of the breast are taken.
Digital mammograms take an electronic image of the breast and store it directly in a computer. Current research has not shown that digital images are better at finding cancer than x-ray film images.
How is a mammogram done?
You stand in front of a special x-ray machine. The person who takes the x-rays, called a radiologic technologist, places your breasts (one at a time) between two plastic plates. The plates press your breast to make it flat. You will feel pressure on your breast for a few seconds. It may cause you some discomfort; you might feel squeezed or pinched. But, the flatter your breast, the better the picture. Most often, two pictures are taken of each breast--one from the side and one from above. A screening mammogram takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.
What if I have breast implants?
If you have breast implants, be sure to tell your mammography facility that you have them when you make your appointment. You will need an x-ray radiologic technologist who is trained in x-raying patients with implants. This is important because breast implants can hide some breast tissue, which could make if difficult for the radiologist to see breast cancer when looking at your mammograms. For this reason, to take a mammogram of a breast with an implant, the x-ray technician might gently lift the breast tissue slightly away from the implant.
How often should I get a mammogram?
Women 40 years and older should get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years.
Women who have had breast cancer or other breast problems or who have a family history of breast cancer, might need to start getting mammograms before age 40 or they might need to get them more often. Talk to your doctor about when to start and how often you should have a mammogram.
Where can I get a mammogram?
Be sure to get a mammogram from a facility certified by the FDA. These places must meet high standards for their x-ray machines and staff. Check out the FDA's web site on the Internet at: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/mammography/certified.html for a list of FDA-certified mammography facilities. Some of these facilities also offer digital mammograms.
Your doctor, local medical clinic, or local or state health department can tell you where to get no-cost or low-cost mammograms. You can also call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service toll free at 1-800-422-6237 (TTY is 1-800-332-8615).
How do I get ready for my mammogram?
First, check with the place you are having the mammogram for any special instructions you may need to follow before you go. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
Make your mammogram appointment for one week after your period. Your breasts hurt less after your period.
If you have breast implants, be sure to tell your mammography facility that you have them when you make your appointment.
Wear a shirt with shorts, pants, or a skirt. This way, you can undress from the waist up and leave your shorts, pants, or skirt on when you get your mammogram.
Don't wear any deodorant, perfume, lotion, or powder under your arms or on your breasts on the day of your mammogram appointment. These things can make shadows show up on your mammogram.
Are there any problems with mammograms?
As with any medical test, mammograms have limits. These limits include:
They are only part of a complete breast exam. Your doctor also should do a clinical breast exam. If your mammogram finds something abnormal, your doctor will order other tests.
"False negatives" can happen. This means everything may look normal, but cancer is actually present. False negatives don't happen often. Younger women are more likely to have a false negative mammogram than are older women. This is because the breast tissue is denser, making cancer harder to spot.
"False positives" can happen. This is when the mammogram results look like cancer is present, even though it is not. False positives are more common in younger women than older women.
For more information...
For more information on mammograms, call the National Women's Health Information Center at 1-800-994-9662.
Phone Number: toll-free (800) 422-6237 (800) 4-CANCER.
http://THEbreastcancersupport.blogspot.com
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