The Truth About Breast Cancer and Mastectomies

While breast cancer may be on the rise and is currently ranked as one of the most common and potentially deadly forms of cancer in the United States, many people are still not aware of what their procedure options are and what those procedures may entail. Understanding the procedures often employed in the treatment of breast cancer is critical to overcoming and recovering from this difficult condition.

One of the most widely recognized procedures used in the treatment of breast cancer is the mastectomy. This procedure is a surgery in which one or both of the breasts are removed from the body as a means of eliminating cancerous cells and tumors.

In terms of the amount of mastectomy procedures done, roughly 77% of all women who get cancer in Europe will have a mastectomy performed. This number is compared to only 56% of women in the United States who will undergo a mastectomy procedure as a treatment method for cancer.

While breast cancer is a highly treatable form of cancer with a very high rate of successful diagnosis and treatment, it's remains to be a deadly condition. Early detection is the best way to ensure the highest odds of successful treatment, yet many people do not regularly check themselves for the signs of breast cancer.

In a study performed in 2004, roughly 216,000 people were diagnosed with breast cancer. Of those people, 40,000 were fatal. Depending on the treatment used and the early detection, the successful survival rate of this rype of cancer varies widely from 98% to 10%. The variables involved in the treatment of cancer can sway the odds in extreme ways.

While it is true that cancer of the breast may occur in both men and women, it is statistically over 100 times more likely to be diagnosed in women than men. For this reason, constant and thorough self-examinations are critical to early detection.

The most effective way to detect and treat breast cancer is to begin by understand the treatment options available and to give yourself routine self-examinations on a regular basis. The earlier that cancer is detected the more likely and more varied the effective treatment options will be.

Breast cancer is a very serious and potentially deadly condition that can manifest in anyone. Plan ahead and check yourself out often so you don't become one of the many breast cancer patients to suffer at the hands of a late diagnosis. There's no reason to become part of a statistic. You can find many different mastectomy bras online, most of which will be covered by mastectomy medicaid.

Breast Cancer Survival Rates - What is This Rate All About?

Survival rates of breast cancer patients alter and it would depend upon the phase of the cancer you are presently going through. What is this rate all about? You will be able to distinguish the breast cancer survival rates in a lot of methods such as:

1. Time - abreast of diagnosing, a patient is rendered 5-10 years to live on.
2. Return - there are moment when return of the cancer happens after the cancer cells were previously removed.
3. Dying risk as equated to others with the identical health precondition.

Survival rate is normally classified established upon the breast cancer phases. Phase '0' signifies that the cancer is even so noninvasive. The cancerous cells could just be detected in the walls of the swelling or mass within the breast.

As you progress to Stage 1, the tumor gets already developed approximately 1 inch long and it represents to be regarded fast-growing. Phase 2A occurs as the tumor is already 1 to 2 inches extended.

The phase 2B relates to tumors approximately 1 inch stressed just a few of the secondary lymph nodes are already stricken. As the tumor extends to preceding 2 inches and has already affected the lymph nodes, it is already classed as phase 3A of cancer; and as the tumor encroaches upon the skin of the breasts, the breast cancer is in phase 3B. The elevated breast cancer is categorized below phase 4 wherein additional organs of the physical structure are already contaminated with the cancer cells.

The assorted phases could as well be split up into the early on phase (0 to 2A), the future phase (2B to 3A and B), and the upgraded phase (phase 4). The treatment program is normally established upon the phase of the breast cancer.

Nowadays, the survival rates are 86% (for the 5-year time period after diagnosing) and 76% (for the 10-year time period). Cancer patients without metastatic holds a survival rate of 96% when those with metastatic has got a rate of 21%. The percent is supported upon the 5-year time period after diagnosing.

There are as well accomplished breast survival rates for every phase of breast cancer inside the 5-year time period. The accompanying are the rates: phase 0 - 100%, phase 1 is 100%, phase 2A is 92%, phase 2B is 81%, phase 3A is 67%, phase 3B is 54%, and phase 4 is 20%.

Insuring Against Breast Cancer and Problems With Breasts With Homeopathic Remedies

The best insurance against breast is regular self examination. Undress to the waist and stand in front of a mirror. Look for differences in the breasts when you lean forward, lift breasts upward and stretch your arms above head then lower and place them on your hips. Then re-examine looking for differences in hang or swing and observe areas of dimpling and flattening. Then lie in bath or bed and feel each breast for differences. Check the nipples for discharge or inversion. Is there is a change you may have a breast abscess or infection in the breast.

Instead of rushing to a medical doctor for a mammogram try homeopathy self help first:

To be taken every hour for up to ten doses:

· An abscess is brewing with hardening of breast tissue and pain with slightest movement. Bryonia 6C

· Symptoms as above with red streaks on affected breast. Belladonna 6C

· Pain localized, extremely tender, irritability. Hepar Sulph 6C

· Armpit glands swollen, looking pale and feeling shivery. Phytolacca 6C

· Nipple cracked and discharging pus, general exhaustion. Silicia 6C

At first sign of pain bathe the breast in hot water. For a sore nipple apply Calendela ointment. Specific breast treatments are outlined in homeopathic books and literature. Homeopathy remedies are effective in many cases and are completely safe. Homeopathy has no side effects. It has been in service for more than 200 years.

The fear of breast cancer is on the mind of every woman and I have read about nutritional and holistic cures that are more effective than chemotherapy. One in particular comes from Brazil where a simple mixture of baking soda and maple syrup cured 80 of 100 breast cancer patients. Look for: Winning the War on Cancer, Mark Allen Sircus AC, OMD

Are You at Risk For Breast Cancer? Here is How to Tell

To determine the answer to question, you need to evaluate your risk factors. Risk factors come in two different types those that you can change (and should as soon as possible) and those that you cannot.

Eight Risk Factors That You Cannot Change

1. Being female
2. Aging
3. Having a blood relative that has had cancer (specifically breast)
4. Race
5. Whether you or your mother had treatment with DES (this drug was given between 1940 and 1960 to pregnant women to lower their chances of miscarriage).
6. Any exposure to radiation in the chest area
7. Menstrual history - if you have started your periods before that age of 12 or went through menopause early (before the age of 50).
8. Having no children or had a child after the age of 30

Six Risk Factors That You CAN change

So, you want to reduce your chance of getting breast cancer. Change those factors that you can by:

1. Lose weight
2. Exercise
3. When you have a child, breastfeed them.
4. Reduce or eliminate alcohol intake
5. Use methods of birth control that do not include any kind of hormones
6. Discus the risks vs. the benefits of hormone replacement therapy. There may be alternatives that do not involve any kind of hormones.

Breast Cancer Facts

Each year more than 186,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 25% of them will die from it.

Each year 1,800 men are diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 21% of them will die from it. So men, it is important that you examine your breasts also.

If detected early, 95% of breast cancer is curable.

Number One

The number one thing you can do to detect breast cancer early is to do monthly breast self-exams. This exam is done in the privacy of your own home and more importantly in today's economic environment is that it is FREE!

How to Defend Yourself Against Breast Cancer

Early detection is so far the best defense against breast cancer attack. The reason is not far-fetched as early detection enhances timely treatment of infection. This can be done through regular breast examination.

These days, a lot of information are found in different publications on breast self examination. Women are advised to make use of information from health care professional This notwithstanding, the following guidelines are in agreement with the American Cancer Society's recommendations.

1. By getting a mammogram done annually if you are over 40 years of age.

2. Through proper annual clinical breast examination (CBE) by a health care professional if you are over 40 years of age - preferably around the time that you receive your mammogram.

3. By having a CBE done once every three years if you are 20 to 39 years of age.

4. Conducting monthly breast self-exam if you are over 20 years of age.

5. Reducing cigarette intake - according to research statistics, nearly 50 percent of women are sensitive to the carcinogens in tobacco, which implies more risks of developing breast cancer.

6. Increasing the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables intake: This is because they contain antioxidant vitamins and other nutrients that can help in cancer prevention.

7. Eating foods high in phytoestrogen, a chemical found in soy products, flaxseed and whole grains.

8. Reducing alcohol intake: High alcohol intake has been statistically linked to an increase in the risk of breast cancer.

9. By exercising regularly and maintaining a normal body weight: These two factors help in breast cancer prevention.

Natural Treatment For Breast Cancer - Is it Effective?

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death for women. It occupies the 2nd slot in the most common cancer cause of death in the US. This is why there is every need in utilizing every treatment for breast cancer.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the abnormality of the cells found in the breasts. A majority of cases of breast cancer are diagnosed through a mammogram where there are lumps or sudden abnormalities occurring in the breast tissues.

Symptoms of breast cancer

The symptoms of breast cancer are characterized by changes of the nipples and how it feels. There can also be a lump growth in and near the breast or in the underarm.

The physical look of the nipple also changes. The nipple might turn inward. There is also a sudden change in the size and shape of the breasts. The breast may also look red, swollen and pitted and may eventually look like the skin of an orange

The diagnosis of breast cancer is done through a couple of clinical examinations. People diagnosed with this condition can choose to undergo chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy and biological therapy sessions.

The treatment greatly depends on how severe the condition is. You should also be prepared that these treatments can greatly affect your current lifestyle. These treatments can also change your physical appearance as these may cause side effects such as hair loss and weight loss.

Natural treatment for breast diseases can also be used to reduce the side effects of medications. Herbal remedies are your best ally in strengthening your immune system and over all health condition against the adverse effects of chemotherapy sessions.

However, it is also important to inform your doctor about your decision to include herbal remedies for your treatment as the use of herbs can clash with the medication you are taking.

Essiac is an herb that has been researched for its potential in treating cancer cells. Many experts believe that with ample studies, they will be able to find out how Essiac can help women suffering from breast cancer.
Fish Oil has also been given careful consideration. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that are essential in the whole systemic functioning of our body. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risks of inflammations caused by cancer.

Chinese Ginseng is an herb that can help normalize our hormones, and can restore harmony and equilibrium in our body. Astralagus is another herb that can up the defenses of your immune system during the times that your chemotherapy sessions are taking its toll on your immune system.

It has been hypothesized that one factor that triggers breast diseases is the imbalance in estrogen and progesterone level of a person. To decrease your risk of cancer, try taking a natural remedy that is especially designed in promoting stronger immune system and maintaining hormonal balance and harmony in your body.

How to Detect a Lump in Your Breast That Could Be Cancer

About 25% of all Americans (and not all of them are women) diagnosed with breast cancer will die of it.

But with early detection, nearly 95% of all cases of breast cancer can be cured. The best early detection method of breast cancer is one that does not cost anything - a monthly breast self-exam.

The best way to remember to do your exam monthly is to do it about three or so days after your period ends. If you do not have regular cycles or are post-menopausal - pick a date on the calendar and write it down each and every month (the first day of the month is a good choice).

There are two types of exam you can do on your breasts. The first is visual and the second is tactile (or by touch).

Visual Exam

Stand in front of a mirror with your hands laced together behind your head. Look for any changes in size, any signs of puckering, scaly skin, rash, nipple discharge, or reddened spots.

It is important to know what is normal for you. Breasts may be uneven in size normally for you. But if they are normally even in size and now they are not, this is a change that you should make note of (and an appointment with your health care provider).

Still standing in front of the mirror, change positions to your hands at your sides. Inspect your breasts again.

And lastly, change to the final position (for in front of the mirror) - bend forward at the waist with your hands on your hips. Look again in the mirror for anything unusual. Then let your hands hang loosely at your sides. Look again the mirror.

Tactile Exam

It is important to not be shy about this part and to know what is normal for you. The object of this exam is to find any changes. That is why it is so important to perform this step every month.

This step can be done either lying down or standing in the shower (with soap and water on your breasts).

In the tactile exam you are feeling for any lumps, tenderness, or thickening. If you find any of these, you should make an appointment with your health care provider. Most lumps are not cancer and you should not be afraid. You never be afraid of bringing any concerns to your doctor.

There are four areas that you need to palpate. They are the:

1. Breast itself 2. The underarm area 3. The area between the underarm and breast 4. The area above the breast to the collarbone

There are three different patterns for palpation:

1. Spiral 2. Pie - shaped 3. Up and down

Spiral is a series of concentric circles. You begin in the area around the nipple and gradually move outward in small circles gradually becoming larger circles.

Pie - shaped is to divide your breast into pie shapes beginning at the nipple. Examining each wedge then moving to the next.

Up and down is using a zigzag pattern going up and then down the next section.

Conclusion

This may the most important exam of your life. And in today's current economic climate, it is nice to know that it is FREE. So do not neglect this monthly breast self-exam.