Breast Cancer

Years ago a breast cancer victim wrote, 'First you cry.' These poignant words speak for every woman who has ever been diagnoses with breast cancer. Because breast cancer affects a part of a woman’s body that is part of the core of her femininity, breast cancer is particularly difficult to accept.

Breast cancer affects the tissue in the breast. Because this type of cancer is the most common among women, they need as much information as possible so that early detection of this disease is possible. If breast cancer is detected early, the survival rate is very high. If breast cancer isn’t detected early, the death rate is second only to lung cancer. Even though women have the higher risk factor for breast, men may also be affected.

One of the major risk factors of breast cancer is age. The older a woman’s age, the more prone she is to getting breast cancer. Other risk factors are exposure to environmental chemicals, diet, a woman’s genes, estrogen, smoking, and obesity. Any and all of these can lead to the tissue in a woman’s breast starting to mutate into cancer causing cells, Some of these risk factors are preventable by life style changes. Obviously, one cannot change her family history, but steps can be taken to lessen the risk of inherited breast cancer.

Most everyone in developed countries know that screening for breast cancer is essential for early diagnosis. The American Cancer Society advises women to have a mammogram ouch) each year after the age of fifty. Before that, a woman should have a base line mammogram at age 35 and should have a mammogram every three years before fifty. The society also urges women to do self-examination every month and on the same day each month.

An actual diagnosis of breast cancer can only be done after a biopsy. Depending on the stage of breast cancer, survival rate varies. There are eight stages of breast cancer with 0 being the lowest and IV being the highest. In the later stages, the cancer has migrated to other parts of the body making treatment much more difficult.

There are several treatment options for people with breast cancer. For centuries surgery was the only option. It is still the first foray into getting rid of the cancer. If the cancer is localized, then surgery is highly successful even if only the lump or tumor is taken. Other surgical options are mastectomy. Even the word strikes fear into the hearts of women. Losing a breast is like losing part of our felinity, but given the choice, women will choose life. If a woman has a mastectomy, she can have breast reconstruction at the same time or later.

Radiation and chemotherapy are the next options if necessary. Radiation will target any area deemed dangerous. Microscopic cells may remain after surgery; therefore, radiation is necessary to eradicate them. Chemotherapy is necessary if the breast cancer is more advanced.

Early detection of breast cancer is so important. The earlier breast cancer is found, the higher the survival rate. That says it all. Early detection spells life.

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