Breast Cancer

It used to be that a diagnosis of breast cancer or cancer in general was like hearing about the end of the world. For many, it was--and sometimes still is. But thanks to new and improved surgery, radiation techniques, chemotherapy, and recent research into immunotherapy, every day produces more survivors than ever before.

Breast cancer was always a particularly frightening diagnosis for many women (as well as some men and even a few children). It meant losing a breast no matter how they looked at it. Nowadays, however, there are many new ways to deal with this disease. Here are a few of the options women have now, as well as ways to help prevent this type of cancer.

Simple Anatomy Lesson

The breast is comprised of lobes (sections), ducts, vessels for blood and other fluids, and glands. Although the details are much more complicated, any and all of these parts can suddenly begin an overgrowth of cells--a tumor forms and cancer is diagnosed by a doctor, the sooner the better.

Although there are many factors involved in one's chances of getting breast cancer, there are a few that are high contributors: family history, age, hormonal conditions, smoking, and drinking. Exposure to radiation, menstrual history, whether or not a woman has had children, and other factors also contribute to this cancer--if you are in doubt, speak with your doctor immediately about your personal risk factors.

Old Dog, New Tricks

Mastectomy. No woman ever wanted to hear that word. Beyond surgery and doctors, it meant prostheses, special bras, and self-consciousness. Today, women sometimes have the option of having only the tumors removed, and other therapies are often not as invasive as before.

Surgery--instead of losing an entire breast, some women today have the option of partial mastectomies and lumpectomies.

Breast Cancer Chemotherapy--Often used as a companion therapy to surgery, chemotherapy is not always delivered intravenously anymore. Some women get intramuscular injection (just a shot), and still others simply pop a pill one to several times a day. Some chemo is even delivered directly into the organ or cavity that is affected.

Radiation--Also gone are the days when one had to be exposed to damaging rays from a machine. Today these machines can pinpoint treatments areas, and some radiation is even delivered by a pellet that is inserted into the body.

Hormone Therapy--Because some tumors are dependent upon hormones, blocking those hormones is often a critical addition to other breast cancer treatments. Tamoxifen is one such blocking drug, and has achieved high acclaim.

In addition, new research is being done to investigate the effectiveness of new therapies, including stem cell and immunotherapy. If you have been diagnosed with cancer and would like to participate in clinical trials, talk to your doctor about the possibilities.

But Can't I Just Prevent Breast Cancer?

The short answer is that you can reduce your chances of getting cancer of any kind by not engaging in activities that contribute to it, and getting the proper periodic diagnostic tests done. If you have a hereditary tendency to get cancer of any kind, do your research and find out what you can do to lessen the chances of actually getting the disease.

For breast cancer, early detection is crucial to a good recovery. Do your monthly self exams. If you have trouble remembering to do it, use the buddy system that many women employ to help them help each other. Also try writing it in your appointment book if you use one, or putting it into your calendar on your computer or cell phone.

Also never miss your mammogram. Many women avoid this test because they have heard that is it uncomfortable. First, it is not that bad, only a little pressure on the breast. Nothing more. Second, compare the discomfort of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and the disfigurement of surgery and you will find that a mammogram pales in comparison.

Short on cash? There are many charitable organizations that provide mammograms for free. There is no excuse--just do it.