Mammogram Details and Diagnosis
Your mammogram report includes many technical details, and one section will show you a BIRADS score. This indicates the radiologist's opinion of the absence or likelihood of breast cancer. Understanding this score is important to your diagnosis and treatment, if any is needed. Discuss your results with your doctor to make sure you understand what it means for your breast health.

BIRADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) was developed by the American College of Radiologists as a standard of comparison for rating mammograms and breast ultrasound images. It sets up a classification for Level of Suspicion (LOS) for the possibility of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a largely unknown disease until today, despite the fact that it affects almost ten percent of the women above the age of forty years all over the world. The causes of this killer cancer are not known even after decades of research into it. Similarly it is unknown why some women have higher chances of getting breast cancers than others.

Though the causative factors are not known, some risk factors have been identified. There is no medical proof why these factors make the disease more probable, but this is a study of observation. In a vast cross-section of women with the observed risk factors, it has been found that the chances of getting breast cancers are very high.

The various risk factors for breast cancer are as follows:-

(1) Family History of Breast Cancer

If a near relative like a mother or a sister has had breast cancer, then there is a very high chance that the cancer will occur sometime in life. This propensity is observed even if far relatives such as cousins and aunts have had breast cancer, though the chances are lesser as the relatives are more removed. Even if a male relative has had breast cancer or prostate cancer, then there is a chance of getting breast cancer. This clearly indicates that breast cancer runs through family lines through inheritance. Certainly the chances are very high if more than one family member has had breast cancer.

(2) Personal History of Breast Cancer

If a woman has had breast cancer in the past, then there is a great chance that the breast cancer may recur. This is true even if the cancer had been removed in its benign stage itself. Sometimes the cancer cells spread into the nearby lymph. This makes a possibility that the cancer will occur in the opposite breast. In fact, women who have had cancer in one breast have 50 to 75% more chances of developing the cancer in the other breast.

(3) Diseases of the Breast

Several breast diseases can increase the chances of having breast cancer. Changes in the cells of the breasts can lead to atypical hyperplasia. This condition can cause a three to fourfold increase in the possibility of getting breast cancer in the later years. This risk also exists if the atypical hyperplasia has occurred in other women of the family. Another such condition is the benign breast tumor condition known as fibro adenoma. However, women with fibrocystic breasts generally do not have any added vulnerability to breast cancer. Yet, such conditions could make the breasts lumpy and hide the real tumors (if any) during mammography.

(4) Lifestyle

In today’s world, lifestyle is the single largest contributing factor for the proliferation of breast cancer among women. Several elements of the lifestyle have been found to be directly accordant with the prevalence of breast cancer. Smoking and alcoholism in women are among the chief factors. Even diet has been pointed out as an important risk factor. Women who consume a diet with more high-cholesterol fats in them have higher chances of breast cancer. At the same time leading a sedentary lifestyle without indulging much in physical activity are also potentially dangerous.

(5) Radiation

It has been found that women who undergo radiation therapies in their chest region at a young age have an increased risk of developing breast cancer in their later lives. Radiation therapy is generally prescribed for women with conditions like Hodgkin’s disease or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. So women who have undergone such treatments may get breast cancer in their later years.

(6) Hormonal Imbalances There are several factors that can change the hormone balance of the body. Some of them are:- a) Beginning the menstrual cycle early, i.e. before the age of twelve years, b) Having the first pregnancy after the age of thirty years, c) Having no pregnancy at all, d) Having a late menopause. All these conditions can increase the level of estrogen in the body. This increases the risk of getting breast cancer to a mild extent. Apart from that women who take regular birth control pills, breast enhancement supplements, antidepressants and antihistamines and hormone modifying supplements stand at a higher risk to get breast cancers.

The above are the major risk factors for breast cancers. But since the study on breast cancers is not yet complete, the above is by no means a complete list. There are several other indications of breast cancers, like breast implant operations; but these have not yet been confirmed. The implants used in the earlier days were made of silicone gels. These were riskier in terms of breast cancer. However, nowadays the silicone gel implants have been replaced by saline implants. This has reduced the risk to a great extent.

It must be also noted that women have much higher chances of getting breast cancer than men. In fact, most people think that breast cancer is a disease that affects only women. This is not true. Men also get breast cancers, but to a much lesser degree than women. Also, age is a very important factor. The chances of getting breast cancer are much higher when the woman has crossed the age of 50 years.

The importance of a healthy diet in preventing breast cancer has been often stressed by doctors and health journals alike. But what exactly is a healthy diet that is conducive to breast cancer prevention? This article tries to explain – in layperson’s terms – what kind of diet is beneficial in preventing breast cancer.

Foods that Help Preventing Breast Cancer

(i) Vitamins of the B-Complex

Independent researches have shown that Boston and Shanghai have shown that a diet that is rich in vitamins of the B-complex is very ideal in keeping breast cancer at bay. The most powerful of the B-complex vitamins for the prevention of breast cancer are the vitamins B6 and B12 or folic acid. Folic acid has been linked with breast cancer prevention in women who are regular consumers of alcohol. Higher levels of vitamin B12 are more effective in preventing breast cancers in women who have not yet had their menopause.

(ii) Carrots

Carrots contain beta-carotene which is a precursor for the formation of vitamin A, chemically known as retinol. A research in New York has proved that women who include carrots on a regular basis in their diet have low chances of getting breast cancers. It has been found that a regular intake of carrots in the form of salads reduces the risk of breast cancers by half in women who have crossed their menopausal age.

(iii) Fish and fish oils

Fish could be the most important foods in the prevention of breast cancer. It has been found that fish oils are very beneficial in keeping breast cancer away in women who have crossed their menopause. Fish oils are effective even with risk factors such as age during the first full term pregnancy, age at first menses, age at menopause, other breast disorders, etc. Moreover, a diet that contains of a combination of fish and carrots is found to be much more highly effective than fish alone. Fish contain the omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids which are good combatants of breast cancer, as they reduce the levels of the harmful omega-6 fatty acids, which in fact promote the growth of the cancerous tissues. Thus people subsisting on a fish diet are also consuming a low fat diet. Fish is known to reduce the cases of obesity. This has been seen in people living near coastal areas whose diet consists predominantly of fish. Obesity is one of the major risk factors of breast cancer.

(iv) Vegetables

Several vegetables are identified to be anti-cancer agents. Vegetables such as parsley, cilantro, cabbage, soy, celery and parsnip have anti-cancer properties. Garlic is known to be effective in breast cancer prevention as well. Tomatoes and onions may have mild cancer preventing properties.

(v) Fruits

Many fruits have anti-cancer properties. Some of these are papayas, oranges, mangoes, apricots, blueberries, persimmons, grapes, lemons, peaches, strawberries, tangerines, etc.

(vi) Flax

Flaxseeds are slowly becoming very popular in cancer prevention. They have two important ingredients that are known to fight cancer. One is the omega-3 fatty acids and the second is lignan. Flaxseeds in ground form are better than the flax oil, because they contain the necessary fibers which help in easy digestion.

Foods that can Promote Breast Cancer

There are several foods that have been identified to be responsible in promoting breast cancer. The following is a list of some of these foods:-

(i) Fatty Acids

There are some fatty acids that promote the growth of breast cancer, while some others retard it. Generally, the omega-6-polyunsaturated fatty acids are proven to increase cancer risks. Such fats are present in coconut oil and butter. At the same time, oils such as castor oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil or corn oil contain the omega-3 acids which in fact retard the formation of tumors. Hence, the diet must contain more of the omega-3 acids and less of the omega-6 acids in order to prevent breast cancer.

(ii) Red Meats

Red meats are known to cause almost all types of cancers if taken in excess. Hence, in the diet the amounts of red meats must be reduced and white meats must be increased. Red meats are mutton, beef and pork; while white meats are chicken and poultry.

(iii) Smoking and Alcoholism

Smoking is the single largest risk for breast cancers today. Women who begin to smoke early in their lives and continue on a regular basis stand at a much higher risk. Similarly, alcohols are also to be avoided. Yet, recent researches have shown that alcohol taken in conjunction with a folic acid diet may actually help in the prevention of breast cancer.

Sticking to a good dietary regime could be very well the best way to prevent breast cancer. But the importance of physical activity should not be ignored. A woman can go a long way in preventing breast cancer if she takes a healthy diet and couples it with a physically active lifestyle.

I have to wonder just how many women get unnecessary mammograms? I've had some scares already in my 49 short years and frankly am somewhat hesitant about believing that the high technology today is so wonderful!

Early last week I dutifully got my annual mammogram although it was about a month past due. Hey, I don't like going 3 days before Christmas, just in case it is bad news! It went surprisingly quick and without a lot of wait in the waiting room. I noticed an improvement there as well. They removed that huge poster about Women and Heart Disease displaying horrible statistics. I remember thinking last year how ironic it was. So we women, waiting to hear the outcome of our diagnostic X-rays could figure if the cancer doesn't kill us, heart disease will.

Last Thursday, two days later I got a phone call about coming back in. I had pretty much forgotten about it and was a bit surprised by the call. I was told they wanted to get another mammogram of my left breast. I asked why as my right one was the one previously diagnosed with micro calcifications after which having a botched up needle biopsy, appear to not be an issue any longer. The reason given to me was that there was a shadow seen on the left one and that it may just have been the way it was taken (such as overlapping tissue or some such thing), but they wanted to be sure.

My heart started pounding and I was thinking "Oh no, I may have cancer". It doesn't matter how lightly the pleasant lady on the phone put it, I was being called BACK and that couldn't be a a good thing. I was told that they would take a core mammogram of my left breast and also set up an appointment for an ultrasound in case they determined that I needed to have that done right away after that. No matter how much I tried to reassure myself nothing was there because for the umpteenth time I didn't feel any kind of lump or anything unusual, the fear was right there not very far from my thoughts for the next week.

When I arrived today I was told they were going to take a bilateral of each breast and then two of the left again. I challenged the technician because I was told I would only need the left one done. I have learned to not just trust anyone wearing a white (or pink for that matter) lab coat. Why should I subject myself to more radiation and a higher medical bill that was surely going to be given to me - mistake or not? Turns out I was right and just the left breast was doomed to being painfully squished and flattened this time around.

Luckily I didn't have to wait very long for the results when the technician called me back in. She told me that my left upper breast was more dense than the right one when I had my mammogram, which I am guessing was a more dense shadow and so they wanted to take a closer look at the left one. When they did, there was nothing suspicious there. My thinking is the density got thinned out from the x-ray machine grabbing just that section and smashing it as thin as possible and nothing suspicious was found. I didn't need an ultrasound and could call the nurse later if I wanted to have the official report (but she had heard the radiologist reading the films and that is what he said).

Later I decided to call and got a nurse who although was extremely nice, was skirting my question. She was explaining how if they had seen something I would have needed an ultrasound to explore it further, but they did not need one. I guess she was waiting for me to say "Well that's great news, thanks" and hang up. But I wanted to know more than that. I asked if my left breast then showed that it was more dense than the one they took a year ago? She couldn't really answer me. She just said the left had more density than the right and so again I asked, "So it was more dense that last year's mammogram?". Her response was "It must have been".

Well that is baloney. I have no solid proof that the radiologist first compared this year's mammogram to the ones done a year ago (as a diagnostic mammogram no less). For all I know just this year's were viewed and since the left didn't match the right one in density, another one was ordered.

Don't get me wrong. I am completely ecstatic that I don't have breast cancer! But I would have been happier getting a form letter that nothing was found. Just how many other women go through needless second mammograms on a daily basis. I'm sure some of those turn out to be actual findings that do need to be diagnosed and treated. But for every one that truly have something for the poor woman being clamped down by the x-ray machine to worry about, how many more are called back for follow up mammograms that really aren't necessary. But who cares right? Better to be safe than sorry, right? While that is certainly true, it still causes me to ponder how many women are needlessly subjected to the added gray hair, stress, anxiety, radiation exposure and medical fees when they already have enough to worry about with caring for their family, home, work and who knows what else is on their plate! At least I can happily say I don't have to deal with all this again for another year.

Q. I am undergoing treatment for breast cancer at the moment, I am really keen to keep fit during this difficult time as a way of being focused and positive and coming out of this a new me. I am a little unsure as to what exercise plan I should use.

A. It is amazing how many lives and conditions can be positively affected by exercise and activity. Cancer is no exception and although a serious illness, which is often aggressively treated, the careful introduction of exercise can be a powerful aid to a full and healthy recovery. Of course, exercise is something all women should try to include in their life as although several risk factors for breast cancer cannot be altered, research from the national cancer institute in America has shown that a lack of physical activity is a strong predictor of risk for breast cancer in young women. For those in remission from cancer, exercise can help return them to their former level of physical and psychological function. However, exercise can also help those who are undergoing treatment by maintaining endurance levels and the ability to carry out everyday tasks.

It is not just physical benefits that can be gained from exercise. Cancer treatment can be emotionally exhausting and draining, and exercise has been shown to have profound psychological benefits for people in cancer therapy. There is strong evidence that has shown reduced levels of depression and anxiety in female cancer patients. Interestingly, much of this research has been carried out with women suffering from breast cancer.

Making an exact recommendation on what exercise you should do is very difficult. There is very little research to tell us if there is an optimal level of intensity or frequency to train at. Of course, everybody is affected differently and at different stages of treatment so each person’s capacity for exercise is different. Developing a safe and effective programme of exercise should be done in careful consultation with your doctor and a skilled personal trainer. There are also many different side effects from the various drugs used to treat cancer, these can include anaemia, and damage to muscle and nerves. Some of these side effects can happen months and even years after treatment and need to be given consideration before starting a programme of exercise.

What we can be pretty sure of is that your exercise programme should try to incorporate several different activities, and given that most cancer patients tend to suffer from reduced strength and endurance, these would seem like good places to start. Aerobic training such as swimming and walking can help improve fitness and endurance, strength exercises can improve daily function and help maintain muscle, while activities such as yoga or pilates can help to improve balance, strength and flexibility. Remember, as cancer treatment can be a complicated area, you should always consult with your doctor before beginning anything. If possible seek out a trainer who can work with you to help get things started.

I strategically use humor. I have romance party plan business. I ask ladies to get their friends together so that I can sell them "romance items." Many women are intrigued by the idea but extremely nervous at being embarrassed too. To make them comfortable, I liberally sprinkle my presentation with humor. The idea is to make them laugh so much they forget to be embarrassed. I want them to have fun and forget to be nervous. And let's face it. So many of those "romance items" are just begging for a joke. The best part of these parties is that so many of the guests are incredibly witty ladies that crack me up, too. I tend to get my best jokes from party goers and bless them for it.

Janet attended one of my parties several months ago. I was holding up one of my newest products called "Tasty Pastease," showing that they come in black or white flower shapes or a cherry, heart shaped version. They have candies on dangling strings (think candy necklace type candies) and are worn, well, where a topless dancer who doesn't want to be completely topless would wear them. At a presentation, I usually just hold up the package and indicate that really there is no need for explanation here (since there is a picture and everything). Janet started giggling. Of course, so was everyone else, but Janet continued to giggle as though she was enjoying a private joke. I watched her throughout the rest of the presentation a little intrigued and decided I would have to figure this out.

Once my presentation concludes, I invite the ladies individually into a separate room to do their shopping. This offers them a little privacy and the opportunity to ask embarassing questions without an audience. When Janet came into the shopping room, I asked her if she had especially liked any of the items I showed her. (I do try to be subtle.) Janet immediately volunteered that she had to have a couple sets of the Tasty Pastease. She is a nurse just like many of the other guests that evening. She had also recently had a mastectomy, but she had not yet had the reconstructive surgery that follows. It was scheduled with a surgeon she knows pretty well. And, giggling, she told me that she had decided that a set of Tastee Pastees would be the perfect thing to wear into the OR. The more she thought about the look on her surgeon's face, the harder she laughed.

I was shocked since her situation was not one I usually heard about in my shopping room, but I couldn't help but laugh with her. What a wonderful way to approach a difficult situation. I bet she really brightened up the day of that OR staff.

A person suffering from breast cancer is more often thrown into distress, self pity and depression. Nobody wants to wake up one day with the realization that she is suffering from breast cancer.

Here are some preventive measures we need to follow in order to limit our risk of developing breast cancer.

Diet is an import factor in reducing a person's risk of breast cancer. We should be choosy about the food we eat especially fats. Studies show that there are certain types of fats that seem to raise the level of estrogen thus increasing the risk of breast cancer. Monounsaturated fats may seem to reduce the risk while polyunsaturated fats may increase the risk according to a Swedish study. Olive oil, canola oil and omega 3 fatty acids that are mostly found in sardines, salmon and herring are rich in monounsaturated fats. Try to use oils from these sources. As much as possible stay away from trans fats that are usually found in margarine, baked goods and some snack foods. Get into the habit of reading labels and know what goes into the pack of goodies that you eat. Corn oil, sunflower and safflower oils are rich in polyunsaturated fats, be sure to limit your usage of these types of oils.

Take in a lot of fibers. These bind with excess estrogen and carry estrogen through the intestinal tract for elimination. Beans, whole-grain breads, cereals, fruits and vegetables are some of the good sources of fiber. Have enough in your diet.

There are vegetables that are known to fight against cancer by boosting the cancer-fighting enzymes in our body. These include cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli.

Estrogen is believed to contribute to breast cancer. Take in soy foods that contain isoflavones. Isoflavones are weak estrogen-like compounds. These compounds are believed to block the action of estrogen. Good sources of soy are tofu, soybeans and soy milk.

Try to avoid additives. When you buy your meat, poultry and dairy food, choose those which are hormone free and organic products. Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly to get rid of any pesticide residue. Remove peels if possible.

Exercise is also a good way to prevent breast cancer. Less active women are exposed to higher risk of cancer than active women. Studies show that women who exercise at least four hours a week have 37 percent lower risk of acquiring breast cancer. Estrogen production may also be lowered through exercise by reducing fat and burning calories. Breast cancer can be detected early through mammogram. It is said that breast cancer can be detected two to five years earlier by undergoing mammogram before any lump is felt. It is suggested that women ages 50 and above should undergo mammogram and clinical breast exam annually. For those who have a family history of breast cancer, it is suggested that you start regular mammograms at the age of 40. It is also a good practice to do monthly self-breast examination 7 to 10 days after the beginning of your menstruation. For post menopausal women, do your self-breast exam the same day every month. It is estimated that around 15,000 lives will be saved from breast cancer each year in the United States alone if only every woman will examine her breast periodically and will have mammograms during the recommended periods.

Take vitamin E supplements. One study shows that people with family history of breast cancer can actually lower their risk of developing the disease up to 80 percent if they have at least 10 or more IU per day of vitamin E in their diet.

Finally, a healthy lifestyle will considerably help prevent breast cancer. Avoid too much alcohol intake. Too much alcohol intake is associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer. You should have no more than two or three drinks a week.

Is anyone in your family suffering from breast cancer? Are you worried that you might suffer the disease yourself? Do you know the factors that put you at greater risk of developing breast cancer?

Early detection and treatment are the best ways to combat breast cancer. Here are several factors that put a person at greater risk. These factors are divided into two groups; those which you cannot control and those which you can control. You should be diligent about self-examination and mammography if you have several of the factors found in the first group and your doctor can help you take some preventive medications. On the other hand, if you have several factors that are found in the second group, you can take specific steps to eliminate the risk.

The breast cancer risk factors that you cannot control include:

1. Advancing age. The risk of developing cancer increases with age. According to studies, your breast cancer risk is 1 in 19,608 if you are at the age of 25. However, by age 40 it becomes 1 in 217. Once you reach the age of 65, your risk of developing cancer increases dramatically and it can be 1 in 17.
2. Family history. You have a higher risk of suffering breast cancer if you have one or more family members who have developed breast or ovarian cancer themselves. The more members of your immediate family suffering from breast cancer, the greater your risk of developing the disease. If this is the situation, be keen on doing monthly self examination.

3. Women who had their first menstruation before the age of 13 are at higher risk. Equally exposed to higher risk of breast cancer are women who reached menopause after the age of 51.

4. Reproductive history. A Woman who gave birth to her first child after the age of 30 has a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Women who have few or no children at all are also at greater risk of contracting the disease.

The breast cancer risk factors that you can control include:

1. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Your risk of developing breast cancer is slightly raised with HRT although cessation of the treatment will restore your level of risk prior to treatment.

2. Person's weight. Overweight individuals have higher risks of breast cancer than normal weight individuals. The risk usually increases especially for women after menopause. Restoring back to a normal weight by eating healthy foods and engaging in worthwhile healthy activities and exercise routine will usually lower the risk.

3. Alcohol consumption. Higher alcohol consumption increases a person's risk of developing breast cancer. Studies show that a person who drinks alcoholic beverages three or more times a day doubles her risk of breast cancer. By limiting alcohol consumption, a person will also lower her risk of developing breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a spiteful disease. It is therefore beneficial to know your level of risk so that you will be able to make the necessary steps to lower it. In cases where the risk cannot be controlled, proper preventive measures should be done with the help of your doctor to live a healthier and breast cancer free life.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. In the US, about 180,000 women develop it each year. The disease can also occur in men, although cancer of the male breast accounts for less than 1 in 100 cases. The risk of it increases with age, doubling every 10 years.

The disease is most commonly diagnosed in women over age 50. Very few women under age 30 develop it. Despite the rise in incidence, there has been a small drop in the number of deaths in the recent years and only about one-fifth of cases prove fatal. This reduction is due to improvements in treatment and the increased use of mammography for screening, which means that tumors can be detected early, when they often respond well to treatment.

Screening may reduce the number of deaths in women over age 50 by up to 4 in 10. In the US, many doctors recommend that women over age 40 have a mammogram every 1-2 years and every year over age 50. A cancerous tumor may first develop in the breast lobules (the structures in the breast that produce milk). A tumor that originates in the milk ducts may lead to Paget's disease of the breast. Tumors may spread to other organs, such as the lungs or the liver, before being detected.

It is a cancer that originates in the breast tissue of women and men. It can spread to the lymph nodes under the arm before diagnosis. With advanced disease, metastasis can be seen in many body organs, including bone, brain, lung, liver and skin.

Causes:

The underlying cause of most is unclear. However, some risk factors have been identified, many of which suggest that the female hormone estrogen is an important factor in the development and progress of the disease. It is known that women who have their first menstrual period before age 11, or who have a late menopause, seem to be at increased risk of developing this cancer, probably because they are exposed to high levels of estrogen for longer. The number of menstrual cycles before a first pregnancy is also significant. And a woman who has her first child before age 20 has chances. Breast feeding is thought to have an additional protective effect.

Risk factors for developing it include

. Early onset of menses or late menopause
. First pregnancy after age 30
. Family history of the disease
. Radiation exposure

Possible risk factors include

. High fat diet
. Excessive alcohol intake
. Estrogen replacement therapy
. Oral contraceptive use

Symptoms:

It is usually manifest as a painless lump anywhere in the breast or under the arm. Occasionally, its symptoms can be more subtle, such as:

. An inverted nipple
. Bloody discharge from the nipple
. Changes in the skin overlying the breast making it resemble the skin of an orange.

Diagnosis:

Any Breast pain or lumps felt on physical examination by a woman or her physician and any lumps found on mammography (Radiography) should be considered for biopsy. Lumps seen on mammography, but not palpable on examination can be located by ultrasound or mammogram for biopsy. If a diagnosis of it is established, staging tests include:

. Liver function tests
. Alkaline phosphates test to check for bone disease
. Chest X-ray (Radiography)
. Bone Scan (Nuclear Medicine)

Complications:

Complications of it are related to areas of metastasis:

. Metastasis to bone can cause pain, bone fractures or elevated calcium levels in the blood.
. Metastasis to the brain or spinal cord can cause seizures, headaches, weakness, numbness or confusion.
. Metastasis to the lungs can cause breathing difficulty, chest pain or swelling of the face and neck.

Treatment: Self Treatment:

. A well balanced diet should be maintained. Once a diagnosis of it is made all estrogen medication should be stopped, including birth control pills.

Medical Treatment:

Many women will require additional drug therapy after surgery to prevent it from returning. Either tamoxifen (a hormonal pill) or chemotherapy (intravenous medication) may be recommended, depending on the type of tumor. More advanced case is also treated with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy.