Everything About Breast Cancer

Regular breast self-exams (BSEs) have been key to early detection of breast cancers. Breastcancer.org advocates this 5-step BSE:

Step 1: Look at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor’s attention:

* dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin
* a nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out)
* redness, soreness, rash, or swelling

Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes. (more…)

Ironically, breast cancer is more inclined to affect women in the first world than anyone else in less developed nations, probably because the “instant” life style is less popular among third world countries. Latest statistic shows the number of fatalities induced breast cancer: in Eastern Asia, 18; South Central Asia, 22; sub-Saharan Africa, 22; South-Eastern Asia, 26; North Africa and Western Asia, 28; South and Central America, 42; Eastern Europe, 49; Southern Europe, 56; Northern Europe, 73; Oceania, 74; Western Europe, 78; and in North America. The study was done per 100,000 set of the women population. As you can see, there is a tremendous difference in fatalities between poor and richer continents.

Next to Lung cancer, Breast cancer is the second most notorious serial killer in the country. It is by far, the number one most wanted killer among women. It has twice the incidence rate of cervical cancer and lung cancer combined but thankfully with a mortality rate of 25% greater than the said two. Last 2005, 502,000 breast cancer induced deaths have been reported world wide. This is a significant leap compared to the rather marginalized fatality rate it caused during the 70s. There are many factors why breast cancer has suddenly become one of the leading causes of death among women but the unhealthy modern life style is taking most of the blame for it.

No one knows exactly how breast cancer is developed, or acquired. Some say it’s hereditary, but the truth is, we all have a cancer gene in our bodies waiting to be awakened. Activation is the key for a tumor to run wild in our bodies, the key is to avoid its awakening. Unfortunately, no one knows how to do that so the least any of us can hope to do is to just be cautious and be aware of the symptoms so that we can detect it early and therefore survive it.
When it comes to breast cancer, it is much more vital to be paranoid if your family has a history of it. In this case, we recommend a mammogram annually. Also, women become more susceptible to breast cancer as they age, women who are 30 and above should go for occasional check-ups. Menstrual cycle is also a factor, if you started and therefore ended too early, you might want to be more attuned to risk factors.

The same gene which may hold the key to life, causing cells to divide and multiply is responsible for the progression of cancer. This is the result of research from the Northwestern University who have found the said protein going mad, inducing abnormally fast cell division. Scientists who found the existence of high levels of the said protein in cancer cells have successfully reduced the ability of these afflicted cells to divide by removing it form the cells, effectively controlling the disease. Genes and proteins interact to dictate the way cells divide and can even turn into cancer cells. (more…)

Elastography is an imaging technology that examines the mechanical properties of materials, in this case breast tissue which tends to have an altered state when afflicted by breast cancer. The lumps you feel out of place when you do a home exam may be proof oh having the disease but without a professional to verify it, it’s still a hunch. Ultrasound has been the norm of the screening process for years and it relies on the different ways tissue reacts to ultrasound waves that is interpreted and displayed as images on the screen. The technology uses sound to diagnose and verify the elasticity of tissue, an abnormality would reflect as an area of unusual density. The tests conducted to far by researchers on the said new screening tool has been at an impressive 100% with only less than 90% success rate for ultrasound scans. (more…)

Recent studies show that women who have breast cancer increases the likelihood of a sister to get the disease even after 20 years of that sibling being diagnosed. This heightens the need for regular check-ups which would allow proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications. Breast cancer is a treatable disease with early detection as key. Advents with newer digital scanning technology have increased the speed of detection and has greatly increased the ability of treatment in many women. For women who have had relatives with breast cancer, no worry for your likelihood of contracting the deadly disease is highly unlikely yet not impossible. Vaccines and other preventive measures have been in effect for many years now and has been impacting the lives of many afflicted women. Just hope a better treatment would be found to increase the chances of preventing recurrence of the cancer which in many cases does indeed return.

Breast cancer is benefiting from some of the latest research into the mechanisms of the disease and one such breakthroughs that is set to make a difference is the isolation of a signal gene. Researchers have found that it is the presence or absence of this specific gene that can tell weather the breast cancer spreads or maintains its inert state as a mere lump. It has also been found that all humans have a cell or two of cancerous categorization and the many factors that makes it blow off into a full blown disease is also being studied.
On the other hand, imaging scientists are trying to develop faster screening technology that assesses the density of tissue obtained from a biopsy getting the results faster making treatment possible as soon as possible.

image source:www.cancerinfo.ws

Here are some crucial information about the disease that usually triggers a woman. A woman’s risk for developing breast cancer increases as she ages but breast cancer rarely strikes a woman in her 20’s. According to studies, less than five percent of all breast cancer cases occur in women under 40. It usually hits after menopause; nearly 80 percent of cases are in woman over 50. Sometimes, gynecologist don’t always take symptoms seriously because breast cancer is so common on younger women, the doctor may blow-off a lamp or other worrisome sign like bloody nipple discharge. Insist that she perform a clinical breast exam and a needle biopsy or ultrasound. It is also important to trace our family history since it puts younger women at risk. When a 20 to 30 something women develop the disease, they may have gene mutation. Ask your gynecologist about your risks of getting breast cancer so that it can help you to prevent it.

A mammogram is a type of x-ray that will detect any abnormalities in your breasts to ensure proper health. After 40 years old, a woman should make sure that she gets two mammograms every year. This is because breast cancer is still the number two cause of deaths of women all over the world. Regular mammograms usually detect cysts, tumors and calcifications.

When a doctor investigates these abnormalities, they can properly address the problem. Most of these lumps are benign, and there is no need for worry if that’s the case. However, if it is cancerous, then early treatment is best to prevent future worsening of the condition.