Saturday, October 10, 2009

Breast Cancer and rememdies

Breast Cancer and RemediesBreast cancer was regarded as a dreadful disease in the past especially by those who were diagnosed and agonized not only those affected but also their close relatives like husbands, parents and children.Today,even if a diagnosis is made,there are several methods available to seek remedy for the disease.The important thing is to detect early for signs of the disease.Women by the age of 29 must go for early detection of their breast ,using the mammography tests.Mammography is the process of using low-dose amplitude-X-rays to examine the human breast and is used as a diagnostic as well as a screening tool. The goal of mammography is the early detection of breast cancer, typically through characteristic masses and/or microcalcifications.Breast cancer occurs when tumour cells in the breast grow out of control causing damage to other neighbouring cells in the body making it malignant.As it takes a long time time for the tumour to grow it may be difficult to detectand without consistent mammography checks the growth may become too late to effect control and cure of the disease.Once the breast cancer is detected ,doctors will be able to fight the cancer with the resources and knowledge presently available and can effect a remedy for the disease.By the age of 29,all women should start Breast Self Examination ( BSF)as it is the best and easiest way of detecting cancer.Checks should be made once a month and carried out after the monthly periods.When doing BSE, individuals should look out for the following signs: i) change in the size and shape of the breast ii).whether there is any lump noted in the underarms or around the nipple iii) nipple discharge or nipple turning inward iv).Redness of skin v) Formation of dimple or change in skin texture The following are some of the causes of breast cancer : 1. Men may suffer from this disease, but being a women is one of the common reasons for suffering from breast cancer. 2. Age –as we get older,the likelihood of the disease is greater.3. Hereditary-If a member in the family suffers from the disease,the chances of a person in the family being affected increase4. Overweight may be a cause of the disease.5. Lack of exercise is another factor that can affect the disease 6. Drinking of alcohol can also lead to the disease Some of the methods for the prevention of breast cancer is often in. the eating habits of a person For example,it is recommended that a person should take in more vegetables and avoid red meat and . processed foods Avoiding alcohol is one of the factors in preventing the disease and the diet should include wheat,bran and cabbage.Eating more garlic,ginger,cilantro and parsnip provides some of the highest cancer fighting nutrients.

Breast Cancer Affecting The Young

Breast Cancer Affecting The Young

While it is not common for breast cancer to strike younger women, the fact remains that all women are at risk. For those of childbearing age, the first sign and symptons of breast cancer can be upsetting but complicated as well.

When diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age,40s, 30s, even 20s will mean difficult decisions have to be made much sooner than originally expected.

For those developing breast cancer during pregnancy, which may be rare, can still happen. In this scenario, the treatment chosen will not only affect the patient and her body, but the growing baby inside her as well. It will depend on what stage of pregnancy she is in and what stage her cancer is in such as whether or not it�s advanced.

Generally pregnant women can have treatment for their breast cancer without affecting the baby. But some might be advised by their obstetrician or health-care practitioner to terminate the pregnancy, more so if the pregnancy is in its earlier stages, in order to receive certain treatments that would be too risky otherwise. However,this is left to the individual to decide.

Generally speaking, tamoxifen, chemotherapy, radiation, and other drug-related therapies are avoided if the woman is pregnant because of their associated risks with birth defects. Tamoxifen, especially, is considered very unsafe because it is a hormonal therapy and is never recommended if the woman is pregnant or planning on conceiving.

Surgery either a lumpectomy or mastectomy is the most common and preferred method of treatment for breast cancer in pregnant women.

Another concern is whether or not breast cancer survivors can or should go on to have children after treatment and recovery. It s a very controversial issue with firm advocates on both sides of the debate.

Two crucial issues remain , for both the medical and health community and breast cancer survivors wanting their own children: a) certain breast cancer treatments may affect fertility and b)whether it is safe to conceive and carry a baby to term following breast cancer and breast cancer treatments?

In so far as fertility is concerned, there is no definite answer here. For chemotherapy, it depends on the age and what specific drug was used. Some affect fertility more than others and taking tamoxifen after chemotherapy to prevent recurrence is not recommended if the woman desires to become pregnant right away. Although tamoxifen is sometimes used as a fertility treatment, there is evidence to suggest that it damages developing embryos, and therefore is not considered safe to use.

Generally doctors caution these women to procrastinate for several years to ensure receiving the best breast cancer treatment possible and to go past the point of the biggest threat of breast cancer recurrence. Howe