Thursday, July 10, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Breast Cancer Symptoms
Breast cancers in their early stages are usually painless. Often the first symptom is the discovery of a hard lump. Fifty percent of such masses are found in the upper outer quarter of the breast. The lump may make the affected breast appear elevated or asymmetric. The nipple may be retracted or scaly. Sometimes the skin of the breast is dimpled like the skin of an orange. In some cases there is a bloody or clear discharge from the nipple. Many cancers, however, produce no symptoms and cannot be felt on examination. They can be detected only with a mammogram.
What to look out for
Changes that could be due to a breast cancer are
• A lump or thickening in an area of the breast
• A change in the size or shape of a breast
• Dimpling of the skin
• A change in the shape of your nipple, particularly if it turns in, sinks into the breast or becomes irregular in shape
• A blood-stained discharge from the nipple
• A rash on a nipple or surrounding area
• A swelling or lump in your armpit
Like breast lumps, these signs don't necessarily mean cancer. Inverted nipples, blood stained nipple discharge or a rash can all be due to other medical conditions. But if any of these things happen to you, you should get it checked out. It may be nothing and seeing the GP will put your mind at rest. It may be a benign condition that can easily be treated. Or at the very worst, if you have a cancer you give yourself the best chance of successful treatment by going to the doctor early on.
If you spot a lump and notice anything unusual about your breast, please see your doctor straight away. Make sure you check your breast monthly and it should include visual inspection (with and without a mirror) to note any changes in contour or texture, and manual inspection in standing and reclining positions to note any unusual lumps or thicknesses.
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Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Breast Cancer- Top Ten Things Every Woman Should Know
Breast cancer is a reality many women will have to deal with. Statistics show that one woman out of nine will develop breast cancer in her life. Whether it be a dear friend, a close family member or herself, every woman will be touched by breast cancer in one way or the other. Breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all cancers.
Every woman should be aware of the risk factors and change those she can to lower her risk of developing breast cancer in her life.
Women who are not active physically, smoke or consume a lot of alcohol are at higher risk to develop breast cancer.
Women who have their first child at a later age or have never given birth are at higher risk to develop breast cancer.
Women who had their first period at an earlier age (less than 12 years old) are at higher risk for breast cancer.
Woman who have close family members who had develop breast cancer are at higher risk for themselves.
Women who are older. The further a woman advances in life, the higher her probability of developing breast cancer.
Women who experience a late menopause (after 55 years old) have an increase risk of developing breast cancer.
There is hope however and certain measures have proven to help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer for a woman. It is recommended to exercise regularly, lose any excess weight, lower alcohol consumption and stop smoking. It is also proven that women who breastfeed their babies are at lower risks to develop breast cancer.
Certain measures, by finding breast cancer at an earlier stage can lower the complication rate and morbidity associated with this condition. The two most recommended measures are to do a mammogram exam every two years after the age of 50 (or earlier if a woman has risk factors) and doing a breast self-examination. It is also recommended for a woman to visit her doctor regularly. One has to know that about two thirds of breast tumours are found by the woman herself upon doing her self-examination.
Many organizations and industries have joined forces to push back breast cancer and one can only encourage them by donating time or money for this worthy cause. There are many researches on breast cancer conducted worldwide and it is expected that the near future will see the decline of this devastating affliction.
by : Nathalie Fiset
Read more...
Every woman should be aware of the risk factors and change those she can to lower her risk of developing breast cancer in her life.
Women who are not active physically, smoke or consume a lot of alcohol are at higher risk to develop breast cancer.
Women who have their first child at a later age or have never given birth are at higher risk to develop breast cancer.
Women who had their first period at an earlier age (less than 12 years old) are at higher risk for breast cancer.
Woman who have close family members who had develop breast cancer are at higher risk for themselves.
Women who are older. The further a woman advances in life, the higher her probability of developing breast cancer.
Women who experience a late menopause (after 55 years old) have an increase risk of developing breast cancer.
There is hope however and certain measures have proven to help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer for a woman. It is recommended to exercise regularly, lose any excess weight, lower alcohol consumption and stop smoking. It is also proven that women who breastfeed their babies are at lower risks to develop breast cancer.
Certain measures, by finding breast cancer at an earlier stage can lower the complication rate and morbidity associated with this condition. The two most recommended measures are to do a mammogram exam every two years after the age of 50 (or earlier if a woman has risk factors) and doing a breast self-examination. It is also recommended for a woman to visit her doctor regularly. One has to know that about two thirds of breast tumours are found by the woman herself upon doing her self-examination.
Many organizations and industries have joined forces to push back breast cancer and one can only encourage them by donating time or money for this worthy cause. There are many researches on breast cancer conducted worldwide and it is expected that the near future will see the decline of this devastating affliction.
by : Nathalie Fiset
Read more...
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