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Below, you'll find extensive information on leading
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What You Really Need To Know About Breast Cancer
By Larry Denton, Thu Dec 8th
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women inthe United States (other than skin cancer). Each year, in theUnited States alone, approximately 220,000 women are told theyhave breast cancer. Upon hearing this unexpected andoverwhelming news, a woman is faced with having to maketreatment choices within a very short period of time. Whilecurable if detected early, is the leading cause ofdeath for women ages 35 to 54. Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases. Canceroccurs when, for unknown reasons, cells become abnormal andmultiply without control or order. All parts of the body aremade up of cells that normally divide to produce more cells onlywhen the body needs them. When cancer occurs, cells keepdividing even when new cells are not needed. There are several types of breast cancer. The most common isductal carcinoma, which begins in the lining of the milk ductswithin the breast. Another type, lobular carcinoma, begins inthe lobules where breast milk is produced. If a cancerous tumorinvades nearby tissue, it is called invasive cancer.
Cancer cells may spread beyond the breast to other lymph nodes,or the bones, liver or lungs. When spreads, it iscalled metastatic even though it is found inanother part of the body. For example, that hasspread to the liver is called metastatic breast cancer, notliver cancer. Doctors can not always explain why one person gets cancer andanother does not. Medical researchers are, however, learningabout what happens inside cells that may cause cancer. They haveidentified changes in certain genes within breast cells that canbe linked to a higher risk for breast cancer. Genetic changesmay be inherited from a parent or may accumulate throughout aperson's lifetime. usually begins with a singlecell that transforms from normal to malignant over a period oftime. Presently, however, no one can predict exactly when cancerwill occur or how it will progress. Every woman has some chance of developing duringher lifetime. As women get older, those chances increase.Overall, a woman's chance of being diagnosed with breast canceris
1 out of 8. Even though is more common in olderwomen, it also occurs in younger women and even in a smallnumber of men (1,300 cases per year in the U.S.). While there is yet no preventive to stop breast cancer, earlydetection is vital to surviving the disease. There are threethings women can, and should do. Get an annual mammogram(special X-ray screening) after the age of 50; regular (yearly)breast examination by a doctor; and breast self-examination(BSE) at least once a month. If is detected, it is important to remember thereis no single treatment that is "right" for all women. As withmost medical conditions, there is no "one-size-fits-all"treatment or cure. And all breast cancers are not alike. Breastcancer is a complex disease. Once has been found,more tests will be done to find the specific pattern of yourparticular cancer. This is an important step called staging. Knowing the exact stage of your disease will help your doctorplan your course of treatment. Your doctor will want to know:the size of the tumor; if the cancer has spread within yourbreast; if cancer is present in your underarm lymph nodes; ifcancer is present in other parts of your body. There are many options available and you can always ask morethan one doctor about your diagnosis and treatment plan. Yourbest start is to gain as much knowledge about the disease andthe treatments as possible. Find answers to your questions andgain assistance in your fight against a terrifying enemy.Remember, there are no "dumb" questions when you are faced withcancer. Most women who are treated for early go on to livehealthy, active, productive lives. The best chance of survivalis early detection, so plan for mammograms, have yearly visitswith your doctor, and use self-examination frequently. Bestwishes for years of good health! About the author:Larry Denton is a retired history teacher having taught 33 yearsat Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently VicePresident of Elfin Enterprises, Inc. an Internet businessproviding valuable information and resources on a variety ofimportant topics. For a recovery room full of accurate anduseful information about visit, http://www.BreastCancerAide.com
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