Breast Cancer | Breast Cancer Treatment Information and Pictures | Breast Cancer Symptoms

Four Hundred Natural Therapies for breast cancer

2010-12-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

Yes! You heard right cancer has more than four hundred natural remedies that has been used by millions of people to beat cancer, if I may ask what is wrong about one using natural foods, fruits, vitamins and a lot of other in expensive and readily available substance and ingredients in reversing, stopping or preventing cancer.

Why is it that most of us don't want to hear anything about alternative treatments? A times when we do, it is only when the conventional medicine has passed death sentence on us; it is only then we turn to alternative treatment grudgingly and a times by then we are weak and fragile without determination or faith to fight cancer.

Make hare white the sum shines, if you or your loved one is diagnosed of cancer, the first thing to do is to summon up courage, refuse to be devastated or depressed, know that you are not the first to pass through this road, others have and they are living evidence of people who has beaten cancer, go ahead and find out how they did it, and how do you find out? Of course, by searching for information, the whole world is now a global village and there are thousands of books on the subject of cancer.

Do your own diligent search, read as much cancer books as you can, this will enable you make informed decisions, from informed choices.

Many are of the opinion that the cancer Establishments is designed to protect the monetary interests of Chemotherapy, Radiation and Surgery, so all you need to do is keep an open mind about all the natural options or alternatives open to you.

The advice I have to give you is that you should not surrender your independent thinking, you have to reason things out and take your own independent decisions. Keep in contact with other patients,or survivors, better, there's need for networking with cancer survivors.

Get in touch with genuine cancer researchers and seek out positive opinions. Read and read and read, there are more than 10,000 books an the subject of cancer, look for some relevant ones to your situation, not knowing where to get some good cancer books, you can look up:

you can also read the articles "Cancer Therapies That Works" in the blog.

Try to find out how others cured their cancer, and remember, what worked for me, may not work for you due to differences in our genetic make up.

Go ahead! Take Control of your own health. No one on earth has more interest in your well-being than yourself, you got to take control of our own destiny and not leave it in the hands of those with vested interest.

Mine is to give you the privilege of having access to informed choices or options, while yours is to make informed and tested decisions that will survive the test of time.

Cheers! As you try to make up your mind to beat cancer.

Remain blessed

Dr. Chukwu Innocent O.

http://www.allspiritualsolutions.com

Make hare while the sun shines, if you or your loved one is diagnosed of cancer, the first thing to do is to summon up courage, refuse to be devastated or depressed, know that you are not the first to pass this road, others have and they are living evidence of people who beat cancer, go ahead and find out how they did it, and how do you find out? Of course by searching for information, the whole world is now a global village and there are thousands of books on the subject of cancer.
http://www.homeofallspiritualsolutions.blogspot.com you can also read the articles "Cancer Therapies That Works" in the blog...

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chukwuh_Innocent

Are There Foods To Prevent Breast Cancer

2010-12-09T06:33:00.002-08:00

Breast cancer is contracted by more women in the US than any other cancer. It is estimated that around 50,000 women will die each year from it. So the question how can you prevent breast cancer is one close to the heart of many women.

It has long been known that certain foods, or that a diet in general, can have an impact on our health, and so for that reason there has been study undertaken on foods to prevent breast cancer, as well as other cancers.

And whilst there may well be a whole range of lifestyle factors which may combine to affect our health, today our brief is to look at foods that prevent breast cancer, or at least help prevent it.

A study published in September of this year in the International Journal of Cancer examines the role of the essential fatty acids in preventing cancer of the breasts.

Around 72,000 Chinese women were followed for a period of 8 years to collect the data for the study.

The conclusion was that women with a high intake of Omega 6 fatty acids, and a low intake of Omega 3 fatty acids, were roughly twice as likely to contract breast cancer as those with a low intake of Omega 6 fats and a higher intake of Omega3 fats.

Omega 6 fats come primarily from vegetable oils in our diet. These are the cheap and plentiful vegetable oils that are found in our pantry for cooking as well as in much of our processed foods.

Omega 3 fats come primarily from seafood and in particular from the oil in fish.

Over the last century our Omega 6/Omega 3 ratio, or the ratio of our intake of each of these fatty acids, has seen a huge increase, resulting from the fact that our diet has seen a massive increase in cheap vegetable oils and a massive decrease in seafood and in particular oily fish.

And scientists have long considered that this change in the ratio is the cause, or at least a contributing factor, in a range of lifestyle diseases.

And it now seems, from the results of the study, that Omega 3 essential fatty acids could be essential foods that prevent breast cancer, when taken in conjunction with a reduction in the intake of various vegetable oils.

The question of how to prevent breast cancer is a complex one, and this is probably only one part of the equation. But it seems clear, not just in regard to this cancer, but for cancer generally, that there are certain foods which, if eaten in greater quantities, can help prevent cancer, and others which should be reduced in the diet.

The best way to increase your intake of the Omega 3 essential fatty acids is to take daily fish oil supplements. High quality fish oil supplements are very cost-effective to take daily and are free from the toxic contaminants commonly found in fish, including dioxins and PCBs.

But not all fish oil supplements are high quality.

To find out more about foods to prevent breast cancer, or to learn more about high quality fish oil supplements visit my website.

Want to find high quality Omega 3 supplements? Or do you want to learn more about getting foods to prevent breast cancer? Visit Peter's Website Healthy Omega 3 Fish Oil.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Leigh

3 Healthy Habits Reduce Breast Cancer

2010-12-09T06:33:00.001-08:00

Even if you have a close relative with breast cancer you'll want to know about the results of a new study. It appears you can reduce breast cancer risk by sticking to three simple habits - being physically active, keeping your weight under control and drinking in moderation, if at all - are keys to protecting yourself.

Even if you have a family history, these three behaviors were found to lower your risk, compared to women who don't do these things.

The team wanted to examine the effects of lifestyle habits on breast cancer risks in an effort to show those with a strong family history of the disease that there were things they could do to impact their own risk.

The team analyzed data on women aged 50-79 from the Women's Health Initiative study that began in 1993. During 5.4 years of follow up, just under 2000 of those women were diagnosed with invasive cancer of the breast. Women were excluded from the study who had a personal history of breast cancer, or who had a family history of early onset cancer (before age 45) so the team could look at the impact of lifestyle factors on cancer risk.

Following all three healthy habits brought down risk of cancer of the breast for women with, and without, a late onset family history. If you had a family history yet did all three of the healthy habits, six out of every 1,000 women would get breast cancer in a year. In contrast, about 7 of every 1,000 women developed breast cancer each year if they had a late onset family history but did none of the three healthy behaviors.

If a woman didn't have a family history, and still followed all three healthy habits, about 3.5 of every 1,000 were diagnosed with breast cancer each year, compared to almost 4.6 per 1,000 per year for those who didn't have the history and followed none of the good-for-you behaviors.

For the study, regular physical activity was 20 minutes of heart rate raising exercise at least five times each week. Moderate alcohol intake was considered less than one drink each day. Body weight was measured according to body mass index (BMI), with anything from 18.5 to under 25 being considered a healthy weight.

The good news for anyone with a strong family history of this devastating disease is that you can do something to reduce your own risk. You don't have to follow in family members' footsteps... this research shows it's up to you, and what you do for your body.

It seems any woman can reduce breast cancer risk by keeping herself at a healthy weight, being active (45 to 60 minutes of intentional activity per day) on a regular basis, and keeping your intake of alcohol in check.

FREE Bonus Secret Health Reports - For a limited time you can grab 5 FREE essential health reports from Daily Health Bulletin and click the link now to discover more on reducing breast cancer risk through natural means.

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Eat as many fruits and vegetables and prevent breast cancer

2010-12-09T06:31:00.002-08:00

To get rid of the breast cancer, we should be health conscious, knowing all the do's and don'ts in our health is really a good help. Given below are the steps in getting rid of this kind of disease.

· Healthy body weight maintenance, your body mass index (BMI) should be less than 25 all through your life. The independency of the body mass index has been shown importantly in increasing the risk of breast cancer. And in addition to this, the elevated BMI has been certain to increase the post menopausal breast cancer risk.

· Reduce or avoid alcohol. The use of alcohol is the most well determined risk of dietary factor for breast cancer. It is said in the research that if you consume more than one alcoholic beverage a day, the risk of breast cancer may increase by as much as 20 - 25%.

· Eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible. Eating 7 or more servings daily is a good habit. Bear in mind that the cruciferous vegetables are the best cancer protection, this vegetables includes broccoli, cabbage, sprouted Brussels, cauliflower. And also the dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, collards. And as well as the tomatoes and carrots. The fruit includes berries, cherries, and citrus. And take note that it is best to eat the cruciferous vegetables lightly cooked or raw, because some of the phytochemicals that are believed to offer protection against breast cancers are heat destroyed.

· Exercise regularly. Regular exercise is the best key that provides protection that is a powerful protection against breast cancer. A 30 minute or more average aerobic activity for 5 or more days a week is a good thing to do. The consistency and the duration are the key, not the intensity.

· Right Fat diet. Your diet fat type can affect your risk of breast cancer. Reduce your consumption of the mega 6 fats, such as corn, sunflower, cottonseed oils and safflowers. Also the saturated fats and the Trans fats. But put in mind that taking in more of the omega 3 fats especially those from the oily fishes like salmon, tuna mackerel, sardines and lake trout is good. Also, consume a monounsaturated oils like the canola, olive oil, nuts/ seeds and avocados, and let these be your source of primary fat because these types of foods has a potential properties of anti-cancer. The good source of omega 3 fats is the canola oil, a potent source of antioxidant polyphenols that includes squalene is the extra olive oil. Also, nuts and seeds provide you with the selenium, the cancer protective mineral.

· Right carb intake, lessen your consumption of the high glycemic index or the great white hazards, these are the white flour, white potatoes, white rice, sugar and of the other products containing such. These foods can trigger a hormonal change that promotes cellular breasts tissues' growth. Instead, replace this wrong carbohydrates with beans/legumes and whole grains. This is because of the high fiber that the beans/legumes give the body.

· Eat whole soya food products often such as tofu, roasted soy nuts, soy milk and miso, because these reduce the risk of breast cancer.

E. Carla d.G. Mangila

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What will you be wearing for Wear it Pink day next year

2010-12-09T06:31:00.001-08:00

What will you be wearing for Wear it Pink day next year? With 2010's occasion well over a calendar month old now, you'll have quite a long time for you to gear up for next year's fun.

A pink wig is an good strategy to complete your all pink ensemble or just to put on on its own, in case you don't have plenty of pink clothes to go for the head to toe style.

For the fellas we've got something that will offer you a funky look directly out from the 1970's. The 70's Afro wig is shocking pink in colour and would not look out of place in any fashionable discotheque world wide.

Add some stylish shades and you'll appear every inch the fashionable, seventy's gentleman. It will be like you just stepped out of a catalogue!

For ladies who need to have pink hair for a day, there is certainly lots of choice on offer. Do you fancy some thing sleek and sexy or bright and sparkly? We will take a look at some different products for the two styles and you'll be able to choose the one which best suits your entire costume.

The Babe Wig is a smooth bob style, in a soft pink colour. The wig has a well defined fringe that frames your face nicely and is ideal for any fashion conscious wig wearers out there!

The Babe Wig is ideal for either a modern dress or if you're going to be wearing Sixties fashion fancy dress. It is a popular product and for under a £10.00, great value for money.

One more very stylish hair piece in the vital pink hue is the Cheerleader Wig. It is the same shade of pink as the Babe wig but is shoulder length. The same defined fringe is still present, but this wigs flowing locks are perfect for anyone who wants to swish their hair shampoo advert style in the office on Wear it Pink day.

A wig with a little bit more pizazz and extra fun factor is the Pink Metallic Cyber Tinsel Wig. The wig is in a bob style with fringe and is made from metallic strips of pink tinsel. It's a real eye catcher and glints and shines as you move around and the light catches it.

It can be an excellent accompaniment to fancy dress or if you would like to make sure you stand out. If you are fundraising in a office then it will definitely grab people's interest - we couldn't say for sure that it's going to help raise your total, nonetheless it couldn't hurt!

Hopefully these wigs should complete off your outfit and at the very minimum offer you a number of ideas about the varieties of pink wigs it is possible to buy to add to your garb for the day.

You might want to take into consideration a few other accessories for making you a little different on the day and there are loads of pink themed merchandise to choose from.

How about some pink fairy wings or even a feather boa? Or you could possibly look at a pink cowboy hat to sit on top of your wig - nobody could say you weren't pink enough with all these extras!

There are even products to help you express your support in a more business-like manner if dressing down is not an option - bear in mind some Neon pink braces - ideal for a business woman with a full day of meetings ahead.

Pink Party Props donates 10% of all sales to the Wear it Pink day campaign.

Go to their webpage and choose from a superb range of pink accessories ideally suited for you to wear and show your support for the breast cancer campaign.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Garfield_Andrews

A Focus on Prevention best cancer

2010-12-09T06:21:00.000-08:00

According to the Center for Disease Control, "Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women." Nearly 200,000 new cases of breast cancer will be reported this year. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women and results in 500,000 deaths every year. The more developed the country, the greater the incidence of breast cancer.

Since 1960, approximately one million women-double the number of Americans (male and female) who died in World Wars I & II, and in the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf wars combined-have died from breast cancer.

Unfortunately, breast cancer screening and prevention leaves something to be desired as mammograms, thermography and self-examinations statistically don't fare very well. The best way to be safe is to focus on true prevention which can be done safely and effectively. It's hard to believe that 1/3 of Americans will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime and that statistic is rapidly increasing. Risk factors for breast cancer include:

* Conventional hormone replacement therapy
* Birth control pills
* Alcohol
* Not having children or having your first child after the age of 35
* Menstrual periods before 12 or menopause after 55
* Hair Dyes
* Underarm Deodorants
* Vitamin D Deficiency
* Radiation exposure
* Tobacco
* High fat diet
* Dense breasts
* Overweight
* Toxic chemical exposure
* Xenohormones - plastics, pesticides etc.
* Antioxidant deficiencies
* Silicon implants
* High blood pressure medication

According to the world-renowned and brilliant immunologist Dr. Aristo Vojdani, "You and I can be exposed to exactly the same amount of chemicals and our response will differ, perhaps by a hundred fold. Therefore, carcinogenic agents in the environment are more harmful to certain members of society than others who are similarly exposed and significant gains in cancer prevention will come only from ensuring that these more vulnerable people are protected. It has been estimated that in the absence of environmental exposure to toxic chemicals, cancer incidence would be reduced by 90%.

Prevention of cancer is the best treatment, avoiding even 20% of cases in the U.S. Would translate into more than 270,000 people spared from the disease." I hope this illustrates how important it is to avoid products that contain chemicals including skin care, make-up, bathing supplies, dental products etc. Many people go about their daily lives using toxic chemicals on themselves and in their homes completely unaware of the devastating effects they have on the human body. Visit the Environmental Working Groups cosmetic database to see the potential toxicity of the products you are using.

Let's discuss what actually causes cancer. This has been known for quite some time yet it has been ignored due to a long and dirty money trail. Cancer is the most profitable disease in the history of the world so it is very difficult to make inroads with traditional medicine. Cancer is basically a deficiency of DNA repair enzymes due to an intracellular antioxidant deficit and/or insufficient immune system function. This basically means that your cells can no longer repair themselves resulting in mutation. A cancer cell was basically a normal cell that could not be controlled by your immune system. Cancer cells thrive in an anaerobic metabolism meaning they do not require oxygen whereas healthy cells thrive in an oxygen-rich metabolism. We all have cancer cells in us right now but our immune system metabolizes them because we are healthy and have a surplus of antioxidants.

The first test you should have done is a hormone profile that measures the estrogen metabolites 2, 4 and 16 hydroxyestrogens. This will give you your 2:16 ratio which is a risk factor for estrogen dependent breast cancers. If the ratio is off, there are simple steps you can take to optimize your estrogen metabolism. The first is to eat 3 servings of cruciferous vegetables every week. These include broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and cabbage to name a few. These contain the compounds indole-3-carbinol and diindolelylmethane or "DIM" which optimize estrogen metabolism. Obesity is a factor in estrogen metabolism as the more body fat a woman has, the more imbalanced her estrogen metabolism will be to the more toxic estrogen metabolites. Essential fatty acids from fish oil such as EPA and DHA will help healthy estrogen metabolism. And lastly, toxic chemicals such as pesticides that accumulate in the body from conventional food will result in unhealthy estrogen metabolism. Seasonal detoxification/cleansing programs will rid your body of these chemicals and this is one more reason to eat organic foods. The hormone profile will also give you progesterone, DHEA, testosterone, all 3 estrogens and cortisol levels all of which interact in their own unique way.

The second thing you can do to prevent breast cancer is to be evaluated for iodine deficiency. Iodine is a vital nutrient for the health of not only the thyroid, but the breast as well. In fact, when you ingest iodine the body prioritizes all that the thyroid needs and anything left over goes directly to the breast. Iodine works in two ways to prevent breast cancer: It directly destroys breast cancer cells. It optimizes estrogen metabolism shunting the more potent estradiol and estrone to the weaker, yet more protective estriol. You may have an iodine deficiency if you have any of the following symptoms or diseases:

* Fatigue
* Cold hands and feet
* Fibrocystic breasts (lumps or lumpy breasts)
* Hair loss
* Constipation
* Depression
* Heartburn
* Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
* Uterine Fibroids
* Endometriosis
* Dry skin, nails and hair
* Any and all thyroid disorders
* Prostate problems (let's include the guys here since 2% of all breast cancers occur in men)

It's important that you are sure you do not have autoimmune thyroid disease before supplementing with iodine as it can potentially make this condition worse. The form of iodine to ingest is extremely important as well. Iodine supplements come in the form of iodide and iodine. Iodide mainly fortifies the thyroid gland and iodine the breast. It's best to take a compound of both of these types of iodine. I use drops and capsules depending on the patient and the dose needed.

I have written extensively on Vitamin D and it's connection to nearly all types of cancer. There are many, many papers that have been published connecting vitamin D deficiency and breast cancer. Vitamin D is not actually a vitamin but a pro-hormone produced when sunlight contacts your skin. 93% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D so there is a good chance you are as well. Unless you are getting 30 minutes of sunshine on your entire body every day, you are probably deficient. There is no way to get enough vitamin D from food so you must supplement. I test almost every patient for vitamin D in our basic work up and you should be tested as well. Don't rely on the laboratory ranges to gauge your optimal levels. I like to see vitamin D levels between 50 and 100 as opposed to the lab range which states you are sufficient if your levels are greater than 32. I recommend 2-10,000IU/day depending on the patient as each person has different requirements. Make sure your vitamin D supplement also has vitamin K in it and that you also take vitamin A because vitamin D supplementation can cause deficiencies in these fat-soluble vitamins.

Antioxidants come in many forms and are best taken in combination instead of in isolation. EGCG (green tea extract) has been shown to directly inhibit breast cancer cell growth. Resveratrol which is the red pigment found in red grapes has been shown to inhibit breast cancer cell metastasis. When EGCG and curcumin were combined they actually directly inhibited breast tumor cell growth. Diindolylmethane (DIM) as mentioned previously not only enhances healthy estrogen metabolism, but it also inhibits breast cancer cell growth. Coenzyme Q10 is an intracellular antioxidant that has been shown to inhibit breast cancer cell growth. CoQ10 is found in every cell in the body and is important for energy production and DNA repair. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to inhibit the growth of all forms of cancer including the breast. It is extremely important that you take vitamin E in the form of "mixed tocopherols." If your supplement just says, "alpha tocopherol" then you may actually increase your risk of cancer. So many supplements only contain this form and millions of Americans are ingesting it unknowingly. Other antioxidants to choose from include quercitin, vitamin C, vitamin A, alpha lipoic acid, selenium, ginger, grape seed extract and melatonin.

A study published in the British Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2006 found that the fatty acid conjugated linoleic acid or "CLA" found in beef directly inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells. I need to make a very important point on meat and breast cancer. Conventional meat is loaded with hormones, toxins and pesticides that significantly contribute to cancer cell growth. Whatever you do, avoid conventional meat like the plague. Grass-fed beef that is free-range and organic does not contain these harmful compounds and it is loaded with CLA. CLA is a potent anti-cancer fatty acid and will also increase your muscle mass and decrease your body fat. Grass-fed beef also contains quite a bit of CoQ10, vitamin A, B-vitamins and essential minerals such as selenium, zinc and magnesium. Grass-fed beef actually has the same essential fatty acids as fish called EPA and DHA which provide all the benefits we read so much about from fish consumption and fish oil supplementation. Remember, it is conventional meat that you must avoid at all costs and not organic, grass-fed, free-range meat. Vegetarians are fine continuing their avoidance of meat.

Lastly, you should be following an alkaline-forming diet which as you know, if you are a patient of mine, this is a fundamental of health that we should all adhere to. An alkaline-forming diet is a diet rich in buffering minerals magnesium and potassium. Alkaline-forming foods are plant-based including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lentils, legumes etc. Your diet should consist of 60-80% alkaline-forming foods and the other 20-40% can be acid-forming. Acid-forming foods are meat, dairy, and grains. You can test your first morning urine with pH paper looking for the optimum range of 6.4-7.5. Cancer cells have a difficult time surviving in an alkaline pH so maintaining an alkaline-state will give you excellent protection from developing cancer.

In conclusion, since 90% of cancer can be avoided by the avoidance of toxins in our environment, it's so important to take a look at your own environmental space. Make changes to non-toxic products when you can. Exercising 3 days/week has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer. Optimize your vitamin D levels and get evaluated for iodine need. Use some of the antioxidants mentioned in this article for extra protection. If you have a family history of breast cancer then get your hormone levels checked to see if you are at risk. I recommend doing a cleanse at least twice a year to rid your body of excess toxins that may have built up in your system. Alkalize your body and if you need resources for this we have an eBook called the Alkaline Way which we can provide for you at your convenience. I hope this helps you have a clearer picture on the causes of breast cancer and how to prevent it!

Dr. Nikolas Hedberg is a holistic physician specializing in thyroid disorders, hormone imbalances, allergies, chronic fatigue, digestive disorders and fibromyalgia. His truly unique and innovative practice is in Asheville, NC where patients travel from all over the world to seek his services. Dr. Hedberg uses state-of-the-art scientific laboratory diagnostic testing to uncover the underlying causes of disease. He utilizes a variety of natural medicines, nutrition and lifestyle modifications to correct the imbalances found on testing. His goal with each patient is to find the underlying cause, correct it without harmful drugs and teach each patient how to maintain an optimal state of health and well-being. Dr. Hedberg has appeared on television, radio and has been published in many journals, magazines and newspapers distributed all over the world. To find out more visit http://www.drhedberg.com or call 828-687-2344.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month Early detection is key

2009-10-22T05:38:00.000-07:00

Harris, CEO of the Rural Health Group, shared his story during the second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month observance held at The Centre on the campus of Halifax Community College Tuesday. The event had a health fair and several other activities. “It is our responsibility to our wives, mothers, sisters, aunts and friends to get the message out,” he said.

Harris said he lost his mother to “this awful disease.” “And it is not just women who have a responsibility,” he said. “We men have a responsibility to get the message out there. Breast cancer should not kill anymore. Please get the message out.”

The event was sponsored by the Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund, Carolina Community Network and Halifax Community College. Contributors included Enfield-Roanoke Rapids Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Lake Gaston Area Chapter of LINKS Inc., Belk Department Store at Premiere Landing and the HCC Student Government Association.

Patricia J. Peele, health education coordinator for the Rural Health Group, said there was a two fold purpose for the event. “We are trying to create awareness for the early detection of breast cancer and to celebrate survivorship,” Peele said.

She noted it is a known fact with early detection, survival rate for breast cancer is 98 to 100 percent. “We hope to create awareness and get people involved,” Peele said.

In his welcome on behalf of HCC, Dr. Stanley Edwards, chair of the HCC board of trustees, said he has had friends and relatives who have suffered from breast cancer.

“I applaud the Rural Health Group for what they are doing across the county,” he said. “The information given is prolonging lives.”

Halifax County Manager Tony Brown presented a proclamation on behalf of the county commissioners. Since last year’s program, he said, he had a new experience. About two months ago, a male friend of his had undergone treatment for breast cancer. “I had never met a male who had breast cancer,” Brown said. “It affects men as well and it is just as terrifying.” He urged males to also get checked as well.

Dr. Carolyn Smart, mistress of ceremony for the event, noted breast cancer does not discriminate. “It’s male or female,” she said. “It’s young and old. It’s black and white. There is no one person that is breast cancer is more friends with than another.”

Everyone was told to stand and walk past a mirror set up by the stage. As the Michael Jackson’s song “Man in the Mirror” played those in attendance walked past the mirror. “As you look in the mirror, you are looking at the face of breast cancer in the room,” Smart said. “The change starts with the man in the mirror. You can no longer wait for someone else to tell you what to do.”

During the Bells of Remembrance Ceremony, three lay health advisors lit candles and rang bells. “It is our hope as a result of today’s effort the lives of many women and men are spared,” said Doris Davis.

Three candles were lit by Charlene Brown, Dorothy Cannon and Damion Jones. The first candle lit by Brown was to let those in attendance be reminded about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Cannon’s candle was for the survivors of breast cancer. And the third candle lit by Jones was for the family members of those who had lost the fight.

Sharon D. Jefferson, of Littleton, won the card design contest. Her card, which on the outside reads “You’ve traveled the road to a successful healing.” The card was on the display for all to see at the event. On the inside, it says “You went the distance. I knew in my heart you could do it. You taught me the strategies of being a winner; I’m so thankful and proud to have you in my life.”

Her inspiration for the card came from her aunt, who is a breast cancer survivor. “I wanted to make a card to heal someone and let them know they have made it,” she said.

It only took her one night to design and come up with the words of the song.

Peele presented two area organizations with community health service awards. The first went to the Gregory B. Davis Foundation and the Halifax County Branch of the National Association of University Women.

N.C. House of Rep. Angela Bryant congratulated all of the groups involved in putting together with the event. “I am so proud of the work being done in our region,” she said.

She encouraged everyone to do what they could for breast cancer awareness at a personal level. Bryant said she would be starting with herself. She had put off having a mammograms three times because of her busy schedule.

“If others of you are busy or doing things for others,” she said. “We all need to make a commitment to make sure we get the screenings we need.”

After the program, a 300 balloon release for raising awareness was held, afterwards a survivor reception ensued.
http://www.rrdailyherald.com/articles/2009/10/21/news/doc4adf45a751246116717027.txt

What to Do After a Radiation Treatment

2009-08-12T21:54:00.001-07:00

Radiation therapy, which destroys cancerous cells, is probably the biggest single treatment method of cancer in the world today. Sufferers of breast cancer can actually be free of cancer after receiving radiation treatment. Radiation therapy can be given alone or as part of a sequence of treatments such as chemotherapy or operational surgery.

It is vitally important as a patient to understand radiation therapy, the uses it has, the side effects it can cause and what will happen after treatment.

All cells, either cancerous or healthy, continually split to make new cells. Cancerous cells go through this process significantly quicker than normal cells which allows the disease to spread.

Radiation therapy involves the accurate delivery of high energy particles or waves in large doses to the cancerous cells to stop them multiplying by causing irreversible damage to them. The radiation breaks a strand within the DNA molecule inside cancerous cells to prevent growth. This will have an effect on healthy surrounding cells but these seem to fully recover from the effects of radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is different in that the whole body is exposed to agents that fight cancers whereas radiation therapy can be performed on a more local area of the body.

As far as side effects go, breast cancer patients can experience several things either during or after treatment. These may include fatigue, difficulty or pain when swallowing, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, coughing, changes in the pigmentation of the skin, swelling or loss of hair in the treated area. Some patients suffer no side effects whatsoever.

After radiation therapy, a patient must undergo fairly extensive follow-up care. This will include regular visits to the Doctor to check the day-to-day progress of the patient as well as managing any problems that arise.

In some cases, medical care being administered before or during radiation therapy will need to continue such as dietary needs, exercise plans or medicine.

Some patients may continue to experience continued discomfort of the skin around the treated area. This must be looked after gently with no tight clothes or dressings worn around it, with the area to be lightly padded dry after washing instead of wiping. Patients should rest often while the body works to build up healthy supplies of skin tissue again.

For patients that continue to experience prolonged period of fatigue, rest should once again be on the agenda and this can last for several months after treatment. Patients that continue to feel pain will need to visit a Doctor who may refer them back to the hospital if it fails to subside.

There is also an emotional price to be paid after having breast cancer and radiation therapy. This can lead to patients suffering from depression, anger, grief, anxiety, stress and many other strong emotional feelings. If these feeling become overbearing, seeking the help of trained mental health care specialists is an absolute necessity.

Recovering from cancer can be a long, tiring, painful and emotionally exhausting experience. However, radiation therapy can frequently kill the cancerous cells on a long-term basis with patients living long, happy and pain-free lives for many years afterward.

To learn much more about the different types of radiation procedures, visit AllAboutRadiationTreatments.com where you'll find this and much more, including the effects of radiation therapy, and breast cancer medication.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_J._Higgins

Mastectomy Bras Are a Step Toward Recovering More Than Your Shape

2009-08-12T21:53:00.002-07:00

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is the last thing any patient wants to hear. The impacts of breast cancer on someone's life can be devastating. Undoubtedly upon receiving this diagnosis a patient will be immediately swarmed with questions and decisions that may leave them with a sense of uncertainty and confusion. By researching your options in advance and understanding the implications of each type of procedure you can give yourself a much-needed sense of empowerment and security.

The first step to getting a grip on the decisions that any breast cancer patient will face is to understand the treatment options and their advantages. Each kind of procedure will have a set of pros and cons that will better suit different patients. By thoroughly researching these options you can give yourself the most available information to make informed decisions that will benefit you in the long-term.

Firstly, a mastectomy is the most traditional and harsh procedure available for breast cancer patients. The procedure does not involve radiation therapy but consists of the removal of the entire breast tissue. This procedure has the least chance of the cancer returning and tends to be the most thorough option available. It is however a painful and mildly disfiguring surgery.

While many women have opted against a complete mastectomy, they remain a popular choice because of how effective and thorough they are. Additionally, the recovery process is much easier thanks to modern fashion advances offering mastectomy bras in a variety of styles and materials.

The other common procedure choice is a lumpectomy. This procedure consists of the removal of the tissue around the cancerous tumor but spares much of the overall breast tissue. The main fault of the lumpectomy is that it requires radiation therapy after the surgery itself to ensure that all of the cancerous cells are killed.

This kind of a procedure is beast suited for those who have smaller or more isolated tumors in their breast. It is worth noting however that a lumpectomy has a higher chance of the cancer returning in the future than the complete mastectomy. Even with radiation therapy it is possible that the remaining breast tissue may need to be removed at a later date.

With a comprehensive and encompassing understanding of the options available to you, you'll find that you are better able to make these tough decisions with confidence. Understanding these procedures and how they can both help and hurt your lifestyle is important to your wellness and recovery.

Nobody asks to get breast cancer but when this unfortunate illness befalls someone they are forced to decide whether they will be lost in confusion or to rise above their condition. Empower yourself to recover and lead a healthy life with knowledge of breast cancer and its treatments. You owe it to yourself and your family to be strong as you sift through the decisions and trials that face any breast cancer patient and to seize the healthy recovery waiting for you on the other side. Medicare and Medicaid Medical Products are numerous and should a mastectomy be necessary, quality Bras After Mastectomy can be found from many sources.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morgan_Le_Fay

A Radically Different Approach to Treating Early Breast Cancer

2009-08-12T21:53:00.001-07:00

According to the June 18th report from the online cancer journal, The Annals of Oncology, the international panel of experts that assembled for the 11th St. Gallen Health Conference in March, proposed a potentially radically different approach when it comes to deciding upon the best treatment options for early breast cancer.

While the panel still agrees that no case of breast cancer is exactly the same and each patient should received personalized care, it has put forward a new, more standardized approach when it comes to assessing disease risks and appropriate treatment strategies.

They go on to suggest that these vital clinical systems must address three distinct questions: "(i) what justifies the use of endocrine therapy, (ii) what justifies the use of anti-HER2 therapy, and (iii) what justifies the use of chemotherapy." This is a change from the traditional method of identifying a single-risk category and then a subsequent and separate therapy recommendation.

Furthermore, the panel gave a new algorithm for clinicians to use when they are attempting to decide what will be the most effective treatment approach for their patient. As one of the members, Professor Richard Gelber of Harvard University said, "We have identified 'thresholds for indication' of each type of systemic treatment modality (endocrine therapy, anti-HER2 therapy, chemotherapy) based on criteria specific to each modality. We expect the refined algorithm to change clinical practice because it clarifies the indications for each treatment modality available today."

The panel's report emphasizes the importance of identifying which type of breast cancer a patient has and which treatment, or combination of treatments, are most likely to be successful. They recommend the increased use of genetic profiling using microarrays as a means for improved identification, especially for the forms that have been more difficult to analyze. Additionally, the panel discussed the importance of conducting extensive clinical trials because they can "provide essential information on the safety and efficacy of treatments."

Yet, while their discussion highlights the importance of standardization from medical professionals, the panel knows who will make the final call. Professor Alan Coates of the University of Sydney expressed how the patients must be at the center of all treatment decisions saying, "We recognize the importance of quality of life, supportive care and patient preference in the treatment decision-making process."

More specific treatment recommendations and further details can be seen in the original Annals of Oncology doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdp322

Susan Hardwicke, Ph.D. is a cognitive psychologist who has pioneered the field of neuro-nutrition. S08-1956.he has recently published an ebook on titled The Chemo Brain Report, which is available through http://www.vabion.com, http://www.healthafterchemo.com, or calling the office at (804) 308-1956.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Hardwicke,_Ph.D.

Breast Cancer and Genetics in Hispanic Women

2009-08-12T21:50:00.000-07:00

Breast Cancer is found to be one of the leading causes of death among Hispanic women and various reports reveal that breast cancers are more aggressive in the Hispanic population. The study of the role of genes and its effect on the activity of drugs began when two distinct reactions were observed on administration of a probe drug within the Hispanic group. While some people were able to metabolize the probe drug, some people developed indications of not being able to metabolize the drug at all. This began the study of the prominent role that genes play in drug metabolism.

CYP2D6 is a group of liver enzymes which have been found to metabolize or break down 25% of all clinically available medications. The CYP2D6 gene located on Chromosome 22 is responsible for the production of this enzyme in our body. A wide spectrum of drugs employed in the treatment of cancer are metabolized by this enzyme. The most relevant medication for breast cancer is Tamoxifen and has been used for many years as an endocrine treatment for hormone-positive breast cancer with indications in the metastatic, adjuvant and preventive settings. The lower level of toxicity in Tamoxifen treatments when compared to chemotherapy helps patients maintain quality of life and delay the use of cytotoxic treatments (causing destruction of cells) for as long as possible.

Tamoxifen is metabolized by the enzyme CYP2D6 and it is converted into its active form called Endoxifen which then acts on the body. However the CYP2D6 gene exhibits variability across population and among various ethnic groups. This results in variations in the levels of CYP2D6 enzyme in the body which leads to the difference in a person's ability to react to the drug, Tamoxifen. Variability ranges from Poor Metabolizers who have zero enzyme levels to Ultra-rapid Metabolizers who have very high levels of the enzyme in the body.

Recent research shows that 5-10% of Hispanic women are Poor Metabolizers. They are characterized by slower metabolism of the drug, due to the absence of adequate quantities of the enzyme. This might result in the build-up of Tamoxifen as the body lacks an efficient mechanism to eliminate the drug. Overall the slower metabolism of Poor Metabolizers may have a cascade effect when multiple concomitant medications that are metabolized by the CYP2D6 enzyme are administered, increasing the potential for Adverse Drug Reactions. Poor Metabolizers may thus be recommended to switch to an alternate method of treatment as they lack the ability to convert Tamoxifen into its active form, Endoxifen. They have been shown to have about three-fold risk of relapse than normal metabolizers.

Ultra-rapid Metabolizers constitute another 5% of the Hispanic population. They are characterized by higher than normal conversion of Tamoxifen to its active form, Endoxifen which results in high therapeutic effect of the drug. Although this population can experience the same benefit from a lower than standard dose of the drug, they face the possibility of serious side effects.

Genetic testing has been recently recommended by the FDA resulting in a label change for Tamoxifen which plays an important role in preventing the recurrence of breast cancer. Accredited DNA testing laboratories like Genelex offer tests on receipt of a physician prescription and delivers secure customized reports on the effect of your genes on the drugs.

Visit http://www.tamoxitest.com for more information on Tamoxifen testing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sruti_Mohandas

Breast Cancer Survival Rate - Stage 1 Breast Cancer

2008-09-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

With very early detection, the breast cancer survival rate is excellent. The American Cancer Society reports a 5-year survival rate of 98% to 100% for Stage 1 breast cancer after treatment.

Stage 1 breast cancer is less than 2 centimeters in diameter and has not spread beyond the breast tissue itself.

Currently, 63% of breast cancer for U. S. white women is detected and diagnosed while it is still localized to the breast tissue as Stage 1 breast cancer. Only 53% of breast cancer in U. S. black women is diagnosed while the breast cancer is still localized.

The difference in early detection rates between white women and black women is usually attributed to economic disparity and the lack of health insurance. It also helps explain the fact that in the U. S., breast cancer incidence for black women is 11% lower than for white women, but the breast cancer death rate for black women is 35% higher (NCI, SEER, 2007). The death rate increases when breast cancer detection and diagnosis are postponed while the cancer spreads.

The U.S. National Cancer Institute predicts that approximately 178,480 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2007. The annual death rate from breast cancer is around 41,000 in the U.S. North American white women have the highest rate of breast cancer in the world.

Improving breast cancer survival rates by early detection requires regular observation, monthly self-examinations, and following medical recommendations for examinations and testing.

Monthly self-examinations should be done at the same time each month. Clinical examinations by a health care provider should start by the time a woman is 20 years old and continue at least every three years until age 40. After age 40, the clinical exams should be included in the annual health check-ups. Annual mammograms after age 40 will help detect breast cancer at the earliest stages.

Since 1 in every 8 women will face a diagnosis of breast cancer in their lives, improving the breast cancer survival rate should also include breast cancer prevention by reducing risk factors. Some breast cancer risk factors like genetics and family history can’t be changed, but they account for only a small percentage of breast cancer cases. Factors that have shown an increase in breast cancer include overweight, hormone therapy, and increased alcohol consumption. Factors that may help breast cancer prevention include breast feeding, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular exercise.

For more information on research showing increased breast cancer survival rate, see http://www.green-tea-health-news.com/breast-cancer-survival-rate.html

You can also learn about three healthy habits that have shown a 50% decrease in breast cancer recurrence at http://www.green-tea-health-news.com/breast-cancer-recurrence.html

Sharon Jones has over 40 years training and experience in science, mainstream health care, and alternative health care. Her website is http://www.green-tea-health-news.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_A_Jones

Genetic Testing of Breast Cancer - BRCA1 and BRCA2

2008-09-15T00:04:00.000-07:00

If you are concerned about familial breast cancer, the first step is to talk things over with your GP or Genetic Counsellor.

You will be asked about your family history and ethnic background, as well as any blood relatives, on either side of your family, who have had breast or related cancers.

If a faulty breast cancer gene has already been identified in a family member, you may be referred directly to a specialist genetic service.

Once your GP or Genetic Counsellor has taken a full family history, your risk of developing breast cancer can be assessed.

Most women will be at no greater risk than any other woman.

If this is the case your counsellor should discuss this with you and provide you with some written information on being breast aware and lifestyle risks.

However, if you develop any breast changes or if your family history or circumstances alter, it is important to go back and see your GP.

An increased risk

A small number of women may be viewed as having a greater risk of developing breast cancer on the grounds of a strong family history.

If this applies to you, you will be classified as having one of the following:

• a moderate risk
• a high risk.

You will then be referred to either a family history clinic or a specialist in cancer genetics. The type of care you receive will be depending on your risk level.

Screening

Depending on your age, you may be offered a mammogram.

Women between the ages of 40 and 49 will normally be offered annual mammograms.

However, it is currently unclear how effective mammograms are in detecting breast cancer early in women at increased risk - clinical studies are currently researching this issue.

Because of this, women aged 30 to 39 will be offered mammograms only as part of a research study rather than as a matter of routine.

Women under the age of 30 are unlikely to be offered mammograms, as younger women's breast tissue is too dense to produce a clear mammogram picture.

Genetic counselling

If you are considered to be at high risk of developing breast cancer you will be offered specialist genetic counselling.

This will give you more information about your family history, how your lifestyle may affect you, what having a genetic test means, and the options available to you if you choose to go ahead with the test.

You may feel anxious about finding out about your risk of developing breast cancer, but remember that your counsellor is trained to deal with these issues.

Testing

The test (Screening of BRCA1 and BRCA2) is done by Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences, Dubai on a blood sample from a living relative who has already developed breast or ovarian cancer.

The results can take many months to complete, as it is technically very difficult to identify the faulty gene.

If it is found that you do carry the faulty gene, although you will not necessarily develop breast cancer, you do have a higher risk of doing so.

In Ashkenazi Jewish women, specialists already know that there are three specific gene faults in a large proportion of the families where breast and ovarian cancer is common.

This means that testing may be offered to relatives at high risk without needing to carry out the gene search.

Pankaj Sohaney is working as Manager in Eastern Biotech & life Sciences, UAE and involved in Genetic Testing for various disease.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pankaj_Sohaney

Cathy Goodman Willed Cancer Out of Her Body Using the Secret

2008-09-15T00:03:00.001-07:00

Cathy's story is one that could be considered beyond uplifting or inspirational -it is an out-right miracle! If you log on to her spouses website (Morris E. Goodman) at themiracleman.org you will see that before she received the blessing of Healing in her own life -she herself was the spectacular miracle in Morris' life after he recovered from a plane crash that left no hope for restoring his beaten and broken body from the paralysis and internal injuries that accident left him with. She and Morris were married on November 10th 1990 and little did they know at that time that Morris' story of positive and forward thinking would some day be re-awakened and prove invaluable in Cathy's life as well.

As told by Cathy she was diagnosed with breast cancer and her response was to go home and NOT think about the illness at all. She states in the movie The Secret that instead of concentrating on the cancer she put her attention elsewhere and that she truly believed in her heart with her strong faith that we had already been healed and that in her mind she saw herself as if cancer had never been in her body to begin with. She tells how she would walk around the house saying out loud "Thank you for my healing" over and over again. As she continues her story she explains to viewers that she and her husband would only watch funny movies because they believed that laughter would be an important part of her recovery and if she was laughing she wasn't thinking about anything to do with the diagnosis.

In just 3 short months Cathy got the word that the cancer was gone. The miracle here is that Cathy had decided early on not to take the conventional route and so this healing took place without any radiation or chemotherapy whatsoever! By sheer mind power and force of will Cathy was able to put the cancer behind her. Because her husband was able to heal himself from the massive injuries that the doctors believed would take his life Cathy knew first hand the valuable instrument the mind itself can play on the body and its own ability to heal itself. Because she accepted it for truth -her thoughts were able to work in harmony with her immune system and rid the cancer from her body entirely.

Cathy and her husband Morris are great examples of the old adage "Mind over matter!" After all what else sustains our current sense of reality if it is not our mindset? Isn't it in the mind that we control the power over our own circumstances? Can we be hurt by someone's unkind words without first accepting in our mind to perceive the insult as "personal" if it isn't taken as a personal blow to our character how can we accept it as an insult? Until we welcome something can it really be real? These are the kind of insightful ideas a movie like The Secret is meant to provoke. It gives value and merit to opening ones mind and looking outside the confines of our ordinary day to day approach as well as our normal take on the world.

All in all, if nothing else, we can begin to at least consider what an invaluable asset the mind can be. More importantly still, we can evaluate the benefits of learning how to live in harmony with our thoughts in order to live a happier, healthier existence. What (or who) would that hurt...I'd wager on it hurting no one -and if that alone resulted in a peaceful resolve -maybe eventually somewhere down the line we could look at getting along with everyone around us as an option to entertain in our minds as well! Now what could (or would) that thought mean to the entire planet in the end? Cathy herself probably has a lot to say on these issues -I'd be willing to bet on it!

Karen Giardunio is an Internet Expert Author in the area of Internet/Network Marketing & Personal Development. She's mastered Free Forms of Traffic Generation Online and learned form some of the best Internet Gurus smart ways to get to the top of the search engines without spending any money. She earns multiple streams of income using a completely FREE Marketing System that pays her to simply refer people to free community sites online. Go to http://thespiderwebsystem.com/affluencenow to join!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Giardunio

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Following Mastectomy - Why the Hype and Finding a DIEP Flap Surgeon

2008-09-15T00:03:00.000-07:00

If you are a woman facing mastectomy you have a decision to make: do you want breast reconstruction? If the answer is "yes", plastic surgery holds the key. Although reconstruction cannot replace the breast(s) you were born with or allow you to breastfeed, it can restore your natural silhouette and make you feel "whole" again following mastectomy.

Depending on your health, breast reconstruction can be performed immediately after your mastectomy surgery so you can wake up with new breasts already in place. While the cosmetic results with immediate reconstruction are generally superior, breast reconstruction can also be performed at a later time once the cancer treatment has been completed ("delayed reconstruction").

The DIEP procedure is today's gold standard in mastectomy reconstruction. Advances in breast reconstruction have made it possible to use excess skin and fat from the abdomen (rather like the tissue removed during a tummy tuck) to construct a new breast without the need for implants or the sacrifice of abdominal muscle. This procedure, known as the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap, is a sophisticated modification of an existing procedure known as the TRAM (Transverse Rectus Abdominus Myocutaneous) flap.

TRAM flap surgery is a common breast reconstruction technique that requires the rectus abdominus (sit-up) muscle to be sacrificed and relocated to the upper abdomen. Unfortunately, this technique can be associated with significant post-operative pain, prolonged recovery, loss of abdominal muscle strength (up to 20%), abdominal bulging (or "pooching"), and even abdominal hernia.

DIEP flap surgery is similar to TRAM flap surgery but spares the rectus abdominus muscle. SKIN AND FAT ONLY are removed from the abdomen, transplanted to the chest and connected using microsurgery to create the new breast. NO MUSCLE is sacrificed. As the sit-up muscle is left behind in its natural place many of the above complications are avoided and the patient essentially receives a tummy tuck at the same time as the breast reconstruction. There also tends to be far less pain following the DIEP procedure, and a quicker recovery time.

Knowing the significant advantages of the DIEP flap it is easy to understand the reason for all the hype, especially for active individuals who don't want to sacrifice the strength of their abdomen. A breast that has been reconstructed with fat and skin will also look and feel more natural than an implant reconstruction and will last longer. Unlike an implant, the reconstructed breast also ages like a natural breast.

As with all types of breast reconstruction however, 2 or 3 procedures performed a few months apart are often required to complete the reconstruction process and to obtain the best cosmetic result. Unfortunately, due to the complexity of the DIEP procedure very few centers in the US perform the surgery so many patients will have to travel for the procedure. The good news is that many of these specialist centers will accommodate out-of-state and even international patients.

To learn if a breast center or plastic surgeon near you offers this advanced form of microsurgical breast reconstruction, please check the following websites:

www.diepbreastreconstruction.org

and www.breastrecon.com

The lists on these websites seem fairly thorough but there are plastic surgeons out there who perform DIEP breast reconstruction that have not made the lists (for whatever reason). Having said that, currently there are only about 40 plastic surgeons in the US that routinely perform the DIEP flap procedure. Before choosing a plastic surgeon ensure that he/she is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has extensive experience with the procedure. Ask about the success rate of the procedure in their hands (most specialists boast a flap survival rate of at least 97%) and how many DIEP flaps they have performed.

Insurance companies are federally mandated to pay for the cost of breast reconstruction. Unfortunately, some patients will still face difficulties in gaining access to a DIEP flap surgeon and the procedure. Here again it pays to seek out plastic surgeons who specialize in the procedure as typically insurance specialists are available to help patients with insurance issues.

Minas T Chrysopoulo, MD.
Plastic, Reconstructive & Microsurgical Associates (PRMA),
9635 Huebner Road,
San Antonio, TX 78240.
Tel: (210) 692-1181,
Toll Free: (800) 692-5565.
Dr Chrysopoulo is board certified in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and specializes in DIEP flap reconstruction surgery after mastectomy for breast cancer. He and his partners perform over 300 microsurgical breast reconstructions with perforator flaps each year.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Minas_Chrysopoulo,_MD

How to Fight Breast Cancer With Green Tea

2008-08-17T21:41:00.003-07:00

There are many options when you are attempting to fight breast cancer. From, keeping fit, to eating right to various medicine there is no shortage of choices. However, there is one that you may not have considered - green tea.

"Green tea?," you ask. "Green tea," says I. And here's why: green tea contains antioxidants, flavonoids and polyphenols which aid in preventing the formation of cancer cells, and will also kill existing cancer cells and stop their progression, and will aid in lowering breast cancer risk and in preventing it entirely. In fact in one study, taken using women with varying stages of breast cancer, it was found that those that drank the most tea, experienced the least amount of cancer progression.

Recent studies have also shown that green tea is effective in fighting off other forms of cancer as well. It has been found that men you drink green tea dramatically reduce their risk of prostate and breast cancer, compared with men that do not. Studies also showed that women that had ovarian cancer and who drank green tea consistently were able to live longer than those that did not.

Green tea has been found to slow the growth of colorectal, esophagal, and stomach cancer cells and stunt the development of skin, bladder and pancreatic cancer cells. In each case, the subjects that drank green tea invariably lived longer than those that did not.

Is green tea a miracle cure? There is no such thing however it can significantly help reduce the risk of developing many different types of cancer. Along with a preventative plan, you can decrease your chances of developing any form of cancer and increase your survival chances as well.

Laura Guthrie is a former cancer patient who successfully recovered. She now shares her best of the best information to give back.

She's put together a website simply to give back to people just like you with tons of free information, you can get free instant access at http://www.savemefromcancer.com

We hope you got lots of value from this article, good luck in your journey.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Guthrie

Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Young Women

2008-08-17T21:41:00.002-07:00

It is widely recognized that breast cancer mostly affects those women fifty or over. However, there is precedent for young women to develop the disease. There are a few reasons for this including:
Change in hormone levels. Younger women tend to experience widely varying hormone levels that fluctuate far more than older women, and this can put them at greater risk for breast cancer and the need for treatment.

Environmental changes such as pollution, pesticides and food contamination as well as use of antiperspirants can also have an effect. Lifestyle changes may also be considered. Another thing to think about is breast enhancement. This is usually done to increase one's self confidence and self image. However what is generally not considered it the fact that breast enhancement methods can rely on hormone manipulation or excessive hormones.

Lifestyle choices can also play apart. These include mental or emotional stress as well as poor diet and sleep patterns, smoking or eating genetically enhanced foods.

Late childbearing can also be considered as a risk factor as is lack of breast feeding. Not only does this pose a risk to the mother, it can be considered unhealthy for the baby as well, though at this time there is no conclusive proof of an increase in breast cancer risk.

In short, although the highest level of risk is still seen in older women, there is significant chance for younger women to develop the disease due to rapidly changing lifestyle choices. The best way for younger women to prevent breast cancer is to ensure rest, eat healthy, exercise and make sure that their stress level in within manageable limits.

Laura Guthrie is a former cancer patient who successfully recovered. She now shares her best of the best information to give back.

She's put together a website simply to give back to people just like you with tons of free information, you can get free instant access at http://www.savemefromcancer.com

We hope you got lots of value from this article, good luck in your journey.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Guthrie

What Causes Breast Cancer?

2008-08-17T21:41:00.001-07:00

Recent breast cancer statistics state that one in eight women is at risk to develop breast cancer in their lifetime and that women over fifty have the greatest risk for developing breast cancer. Breast cancer can be detected via mammograms or self-diagnosis. Self-diagnosis is no replacement for a doctor.

Pinpointing the exact cause of breast cancer remains very difficult, as each person's cancer may be brought on by totally different causes. In general, cancer is caused by a free radicals, also known as deformed cells, which attach to good cells. There is also a link to high estrogen levels. High estrogen levels may be caused by hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, and high levels of preservatives found in herbicides and pesticides.

We can classify the causes listed above as generally beyond our control. However, there are other things that can put one at risk for breast cancer that are within our control. These include:

- Excessive alcohol intake.
- A diet high in fat.
- Pregnancy after 30.
- Oral contraceptive use.

Unfortunately, our society teaches us that most things can be fixed with a pill. However, to truly help prevent cancer, you can do some or all of the following: Exercise regularly. This could be as simple as a 30 minute walk each day. Eat a diet high in fiber and vegetables and low in fat. Eat fruit. Always ensure you get the proper amount of rest specific to you. You may need 7 hours of sleep, you may need more or less. Listen to your body as it will tell you. Make sure you self-diagnose and stick to a schedule. You may also want to consider progesterone cream as well. What this does is essentially regulate your body's hormones so that the estrogen level does not get too high. Doing these things will go a long way to helping prevent breast cancer and lowering your risk of developing it.

Laura Guthrie is a former cancer patient who successfully recovered. She now shares her best of the best information to give back.

She's put together a website simply to give back to people just like you with tons of free information, you can get free instant access at http://www.savemefromcancer.com

We hope you got lots of value from this article, good luck in your journey.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Guthrie

Breast Cancer Facts - You Should Know the Symptoms of Breast Cancer

2008-08-12T01:40:00.001-07:00

Breast Cancer Facts
Breast cancer is malignant cells formed in the tissues of the breast. The disease is predominantly found in women, and is much more aggressive in younger women, but it can also be found in men too. The disease is different from woman to woman and age to age, which is considered a heterogeneous disease.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer
A number of conditions, other than breast cancer, can cause a change in size or feel of your breast. Fibrocystic changes, cysts, fibroadenomas, infection or injury are possible causes of non-cancerous (benign) breast changes, but more commonly, changes in breast tissue happen naturally during pregnancy and your menstrual cycle. Symptoms include:

* Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange
* A spontaneous clear or bloody discharge from your nipple, often associated with a breast lump
* A change in the size or contours of your breast
* Any flattening or indentation of the skin over your breast
* Retraction or indentation of your nipple

Generally, early breast cancer does not cause pain, and often breast lumps aren't cancerous, but the most common sign of breast cancer, for both men and women, is usually a thickening or lump in the breast.

Some Risk Factors Associated with Breast Cancer
The exact causes of breast cancer are unclear, but we know the main risk factors. Among the most significant factors are advancing age and a family history of breast cancer. Generally, women over 50 are more likely to get breast cancer than younger women, and African-American women are more likely than Caucasians to get breast cancer before menopause. Early onset of menstruation, before 12 years of age, as well as late menopause, after age 55, increase risk. Many studies have shown that women whose diets are high in fat are more likely to get the disease. Alcohol consumption in quantities more than two drinks daily increases risk.

Preventative Measures
Men and women can reduce their risk of getting breast cancer by reducing the amount of fat in their diets. They can also limit the amount of alcohol they consume. Studies are showing that the nutrient Resveratrol, may play a factor in preventing breast cancer. Resveratrol, a naturally occurring antioxidant, can be found in in the skins of red grapes, red wine, and red or purple grape juice. Since red wine is a dietary source of Resveratrol and is an alcoholic beverage, a dietary supplement with Resveratrol is a better choice.

Genesis, a good supplement choice by Symmetry Direct, contains in just one serving the amount of Resveratrol equivalent to one bottle of wine. You can find Genesis at http://www.symmetrydirectgenesis.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_J._Banks

Persistence and Determination Made Her Survive Breast Cancer

2008-08-12T01:40:00.000-07:00

Az-M380 is a 52-year-old female from Indonesia. About seven years ago (in 2001) she detected a lump in her left breast. She refused medical treatment and opted for jamu instead. This treatment with the local Indonesian herbs was not effective. By 2003, the lump grew bigger. Az underwent a mastectomy in a private hospital in Medan. This was followed by six cycles of chemotherapy. No radiotherapy was indicated. She took tamoxifen for a year and then gave it up.

Barely three years later (in 2006) there was a swelling on her left neck. Az did not seek further medical help. She went to see a sinseh (Chinese physician) instead and was on his treatment for six months. The treatment was not effective.

Az went to Bogor, Java, and was treated by another alternative practitioner for six months. This treatment too was not effective. Az had a new swelling in her arm pit. Her left arm became swollen. There was also a small lump in her right breast. An X-ray done in October 2007 indicated the cancer had spread to her bones.

Not wanting to give up alternative treatments, Az again went to Sukabumi, in Java, and received treatment from an alternative practitioner. She was given herbal extract through infusion and also took some herbal drink. This treatment required that she stay in Jakarta for the entire duration of her treatment.

Az told us that she refused to seek further medical treatment because the doctor wanted her to undergo chemotherapy again. She was not willing to receive anymore chemotherapy due to the side effects.

Az heard about us and decided to fly to Penang to seek our help on 6 June 2008. She presented with the following:

1) She had pulling pains at the left collarbone area. This area was also swollen.

2) Her left breast was also swollen.

3) She had pains in her right thigh.

Az was prescribed Caspsule A, Breast L Tea, Breast M Tea, Bone Tea, Pain Tea and Upper Edema Tea.
After five days on these herbs, Az and her husband reported the following:

1) She started taking the herbs on Friday evening. The next two days - Saturday and Sunday, she suffered the most severe pains in her entire life. She thought she would die and requested her husband to bring her home to Medan.

2) Az persisted in taking the herbs. The pains subsided and after five days, 80% of the pains were gone. The pulling pains in the collarbone which she suffered earlier were also gone.

3) Her swollen left arm became softer.

4) There was less pain in her right thigh.

Az continued to take the herbs and returned to Medan. A month later, 6 July 2008, Az came back and reported the following progress:

1) Generally there was much less pains.

2) The swelling of the left arm was about 70% gone and on some days it was not swollen at all.

3) The swelling in her left collarbone seemed to be smaller and softer.

The results of her blood test done on 9 June 2008 were: ESR = 46 High, RBC = 4.3, Haemoglobin = 13.2, Platelet = 204, WBC = 6.6 and CA 15.3 = 15.2

The liver function test done on 7 July 2008 showed: Albumin = 42, Alkaline phosphatase = 81,
AST = 113 High, ALT = 96 High, GGT = 37 High. In view of the elevated liver function values, Az was prescribed additional herbs for her liver.

Comments

There are many things we can learn from this story.

1. Does surgery and chemotherapy cure breast cancer? The answer is NO. Barely three years after the treatment the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes at the collarbone region. (Caution - since no biopsy was done to confirm this, we can only assume that the cancer had spread).

2. Az did not want to see her doctor anymore. If she were to see her doctor, what do you think the doctor would do to her? Answer: More chemotherapy - what else? The big question is: What do you think would have happened to Az after more chemotherapy? This is a million dollar question! Would Az be still alive today? No one can say for sure.

Let me quote what Amy Soscia, a breast cancer patient said: "There is no cure for metastatic breast cancer. It never goes away. You just move from treatment to treatment".

An Oxford University professor, Michael Gearin-Tosch was diagnosed with cancer. The oncologist told him: "No cure. But we have treatment". Professor Tosch wondered: "Why treat if you cannot cure?" He did not see the logic of it all and declined chemotherapy and lived to write a book, Living Proof.

Professor Tosch also recalled the experiences of his friend Rosemary and many others like her. They were "never told what would happen. They had ghastly treatments. Then more ghastly treatments. And in the end? The hospital turns around: Nothing more we can do for you. Go home and die". (Living proof, pg. 31, 32).

3. It is indeed unfortunate that Az liver function has deteriorated. What do you think is the reason? Is it due to the cancer per se or the treatment that she had received earlier? Does any want dare to ask if the six cycles of chemotherapy and/or the tamoxifen that she had earlier, had contributed to this deterioration? No one dare to ask or ever bother to want to know! And most often the finger is pointed to the taking of herbs or supplements.

4. Az was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was forty-five years old. It has been more than seven years now and she is still alive. I have come across many patients who died two, three or four years after their diagnosis, in spite of the fact that they had undergone the best medical treatments. I told Az and her husband: "Let us all be grateful that Az is still alive - in spite of failures of alternative therapies!" From here, we hope to be able to help Az live a little more longer.

5. Az suffered a healing crisis after taking the herbs. Many patients would have cursed Chris Teo for this suffering. Patients should learn from Az's experience. Below are excerpts of our conversation about the healing crisis that Az had gone through. This was recorded on 11 June 2008, five days after she started taking the herbs.

Chris: Did you take the herbs after seeing me last Friday?

Az: Yes - for five days now. Oh, I suffered so much pain after I started taking the herbs.

Husband: Since 2001 up to this day, my wife suffered the most severe pain in her entire life during the past few days.

Az: The pains were so severe that I was not able to sleep.

Husband: I too was unable to sleep because of that. She was so restless - moved here and there. She had to put her hands against the wall and she wanted me to bring her home to Medan that very night.

Az: I told my husband that I might die here that night.

Chris: Very good, very good. If you take the herbs and you did not suffer such "healing crisis" then the herbs are not doing anything to you. They are not effective! So I am glad to hear this! Good for you. Okay, tell us what happened. On the first day, did you suffer any pain?

Az: On the first day - a few hours after I took the herbs, I started to feel the pains. Then the pains continued to the second day. On the third day the pains were just as severe. But on the fourth day the pains was less.

Chris: Good. After taking the herbs, generally you would suffer pains. These pains become more severe. Then after a few days, the pains gradually decrease. So, tell us when was the most painful experience after taking the herbs?

Az: I took the herbs on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday the pains were really severe. By Monday the pains had decreased.

Husband: The pains started in the left collarbone area, than they moved down to the left breast and then the whole left arm. We could not even touch her arm. It was so painful.

Az: I really do not know how to describe such pains.

Chris: While suffering such pains, did you ever feel of wanting to throw away the herbs and give up? You have lost confidence in the herbs?

Az: No! I told my husband that this could be the reaction from the herbs. I would continue taking the herbs.

Chris: Did you stop taking the herbs during those five days?

Az: No, I continued taking them.

Husband: I told her. Continue taking the herbs. Believe in the herbs! We have been to so many other alternative healers and we believe that the "real" doctor is here.

Chris: (Checking through her medical history). Oh, you have gone to so many alternative healers before. Let me ask you - after receiving their treatments, did you ever experience such pains or healing crisis like you had just experienced in the past few days?

Az and husband: No, no - never!

Husband: As I have said earlier, since 2001 - when she first had this problem, she had never suffered such severe pains before. The pains on that Friday night were the start of the Mother of All Pains.

Az: I had never suffered such pains before.

Chris: Most patients would have given up or stop taking the herbs after such pains.

Az and Husband: No, no, we did not do that.

Chris: Yes, I would predict that such reaction would happen to you. Today is the fifth day - have the pains become much less?

Az: Yes, very much less. If Friday was a 100 point, today it is only 20 points.

Chris: I am predicting that in the next few days you would be much better and you will suffer much less pains.

Husband: Tomorrow we plan to return to Medan.

Chris: Okay, after all that experience, do you still believe in the herbs?

Az: Yes!

For more information about complementary cancer therapy visit: http://www.cacare.com, http://www.BookOnCancer.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Teo,_Ph.D.

Breast Cancer - Signs and Treatment

2008-08-12T01:39:00.002-07:00

Frequently asked questions about breast cancer are the following: What age does a breast cancer be diagnosed to woman? What are the signs and symptoms of it? Can it be treated?

Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers that strikes women aside form cervix cancer. This is not frequently diagnosed to women aged 29 and below. It usually women aged 35 above that shows signs of breast cancer. Most of the time cancer like this almost had no symptoms. There is a high percentage that a woman can have breast cancer in the future, if she belongs to a family that has a history of cancer, especially from the first degree like her mother or aunt, sister or first cousins.

The possibilities of malignancy is very high for women who have been diagnosed on her other breast or if her family has a history of this kind. Or woman who already had breast cancer. If your suspecting that you may have breast cancer, you must see these signs and findings:

* If you can feel any lump in your breast that is unclear of the shape and it seems like a small crab size.
* If you can feel any lump in your armpits.
* If there are changes in the appearance of your nipple.
* If your breast is swollen and your skin look like orange skin.

Physical examination of the breast is one way to find breast cancer. But even if you have one or more of these signs, it still doesn't mean you have breast cancer. Remember that most breast lumps turn out to be benign (not cancerous). So no need to worry so the best thing you can do right now is to see a doctor

Now, if the breast cancer is in the advance stage the moment it was diagnosed. A combination of operation and radiation is needed. Radiation therapy is use to kill those cancer cells that may still be left in the body after an operation.

This is written by Ivy Cruz a mother of two wonderful kids and a loving wife to her husband

You can check all her works at http://www.informationonhealth.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ivy_Cruz

Breast Cancer,Tamoxifen and Hair Loss "One Woman's Solution!"

2008-08-12T01:39:00.001-07:00

On what should have been a beautiful late spring day two years ago, soon turned into tragedy for two women (Helen and Denise) in their early 40's when they both were diagnosed with invasive-
hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.They were very much alike, these two women. Both were happily married. Both had three children and both held down full time jobs. They were two bright and ambitious women who without realizing it, entered into a bond on that numbing, spring afternoon.

Both underwent several lymph node removals and a lumpectomy. Both endured the effects of 6 weeks of radiation therapy. Neither had to endure the grueling effects of chemotherapy. Both were determined to beat this monster that had invaded their bodies. Both bonded as close friends and when the feelings of hopelessness began to creep into their thoughts they had each other as confidants to lift up their spirits. They stood together, without ever having to alarm their families of their inner fears that their cancer would return.

With the conclusion of their treatments they both resumed their everyday routines and tried to reclaim a sense of normalcy back into their lives. They both were prescribed Tamoxifen for the next five years. Tamoxifen is very effective in preventing reoccurrence in invasive hormone-receptor-positive breast
cancer. Unknown to Denise, she was not yet finished with the challenges that this demon called cancer forced her to face.

Although, Tamoxifen does have some side effects it is relatively safe and thousands upon thousands of women take it daily without experiencing any side effects at all. Helen scarcely noticed any changes while taking the drug. She returned to work part-time at first, but quickly resumed her role as wife, mother and full time employee. One would scarcely believe that she had ever undergone cancer treatments and she glowed once again with signs of good health.

Denise on the other hand didn't fair quite as well. She noticed immediately that her hair was starting to fall out. Sometimes averaging 200 strands a day. After two weeks of being on Tamoxifen and experiencing this rapid hair loss she was seriously considering discontinuing its use. The radiation therapy that was used to spare her life had left her tired and listless. Tamoxifen that was used to prevent the cancer from returning, was thinning her hair and most of all destroying her self esteem.

She researched the prescription medication Rogaine, but found the chemical name (minoxidil) had side effects as well. Rogaine was also very expensive and time consuming. She had contemplated ovary removal. Her reasoning being, she was positive that her family was complete. She quickly dismissed that thought not wanting to undergo anymore surgeries.

She then looked into Aromasin an FDA approved aromatase inhibitor. Aromasin was given to women with early stage disease, but who had already undergone 2 to 3 years of Tamoxifen. The next inhibitor that she looked into was Femara. Although, FDA approved for early stage breast cancer she needed to have completed 5 years of Tamoxifen. The third inhibitor was called Ariminex. This is given to patients with early stage disease and directly after surgery. After discussing this with her Doctor, she immediately switched from Tamoxifen to Ariminex.

Hair loss was the primary reason Denise switched from Tamoxifen to Ariminex. She had no other side effects with this drug, but as vanity would have it she just didn't want to become bald. After taking Ariminex for just under four months she realized that she had traded one cosmetic side effect for another that was physical. Denise was still experiencing slight hair loss, but was now suffering from excruciating joint pain.

Her Doctor explained that by taking Tamoxifen, her continuing hair loss just might have been caused by the drug giving her a nudge into menopause. Women who enter menopause, because of the lower estrogen sometime experience hair loss. He also explained that everyone's tolerance was different for these drugs and he could prescribe Femara for her instead of Ariminex. By this time Denise was taking extended release Tramadol for joint pain and felt exhausted and defeated. She was still not capable of returning to work, even though it had been almost a year since she had been first diagnosed with breast cancer.

Financially Denise and her family were barely making ends meet. Without her much needed paycheck, the household bills were accumulating. Her once vibrant marriage was suffering and the talk of their separation was only silenced by the tears in their children's eyes. In one year everything she and her family had worked for appeared ready to come crashing down!

Denise was still contemplating whether she should begin taking Femara or stop taking all drugs altogether.

That morning she received a phone call that would change her life. It was Helen. Her confidant through the worst of times had called to find out how she was doing. It wasn't long before Denise's emotions came spilling out. Through tears and laughter Helen and Denise were once again reunited, and Denise was no longer fighting this battle, seemingly alone.

Helen who did and continues to work in the organic and natural food business, was saddened that Denise had not confided in her earlier on her struggles. She was delighted with the thought that she may be able to help her ailing friend.

Upon hearing Denise's story it was clear to Helen that the only side effect that Helen's brief taking of Tamoxifen had was hair loss. Because of those two simple four letter words (hair loss) the past year for Denise and her family had turned into a roller coaster of spiraling downward turns.

After a very long in depth discussions with Helen, Denise decided to take her advice and begin taking Shen Min. Shen Min is an herbal product that has literally changed Denise's life. She discontinued Ariminex, and immediately felt a difference with her joints.She was then able to discontinue the use of Tramadol for joint pain, because she no longer suffered pain. She chose not to begin taking Femara, but instead decided to resume taking Tamoxifen, since other then hair loss there were no other side effects.

As Helen explained it to Denise, the Shen Min Advanced Formula for Women was actually extending her hairs growth phase, therefore reducing the amount of hairs that were in the resting and fallout phase. This herbal supplement had no side effect and the results were noticed within a month. It seemed like such a simple solution, yet Denise had suffered miserably for almost a year, by taking medications that lead to side effects without realizing that there are natural products that can be taken with conventional medication.

Helen's introducing Denise to Shen Min literally changed her life. She is doing very well on Tamoxifen with no side effects. Her hair loss is at an acceptable normal rate and she is now back to work full time. She is no longer on any pain medications and her marriage is becoming stronger and back on the right track.

Although, this cancer/hair loss story does get somewhat complicated, it is insightful. If Denise had known about Shen Min when she first started on Tamoxifen she would have spared herself months of suffering with severe joint pain because of the Ariminex. Although aromatase inhibitor Ariminex is side effect free for the majority of its prescribed patients, Denise's body for what ever reasons was unable to tolerate this medication.

The bottom line is that there is help for anyone who has unwanted hair loss. Shen Min has natural products consisting of capsules, topical formula's and even herbal shampoo's that can help hair loss in both men and women. If you or someone you know is suffering from hair loss, even if it is through genetics Shen Min just might be your answer to thinning hair.

Kimberly enjoys studying numerology,astrology,parapsychology and experimenting with herbal remedies. She has been a canine stylist for over 10 years. She is a strong advocate for pancreatic cancer research and helping people become aware of the torture that dogs endure in puppy mills. Stop puppy mills http://holisticdogandcat.blogspot.com

To review the Shen Min Hair Loss Products page http://shenminhair.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Cierech

Fight Like a Girl - Share Our Stories, Share Our Strengths

2008-08-12T01:39:00.000-07:00

Traveling while working in Colorado this summer I got to renew my relationship with some high school friends. I was in Kris & Steve's wedding, we were inseparable in high school. Aside from yearly Christmas letter exchanges and a few reunion rendezvous back home in San Diego over the years, we were off living our own lives. I am questioning how that happens, that we become disconnected and also realizing that in the growing and changing, perhaps it is inevitable that we need to go in our own directions for a time. I am sensing another "book" just on this ebb and flow of relationships but won't diverge down that road right now. I had no idea at the time how the impact of what seemed like a chance connection, would continue to grow. We had a great couple of days spent catching up and feeling like there had not been this distance of some 20 years since our last face to face. Kris has always been, in my mind, an "akuna matada" kind of gal. I don't think she would argue with me in saying that she has always been easy going, content to be an Indian, never aspiring to be the chief. Don't be mislead, this is not say that she is or was a pushover, she's just... Kris. Fun, easy to be with, interesting and interested but not one that you'd find at the front of a picket line, she is a kind of anti-drama Queen, if you will. Kris was diagnosed with breast cancer several months ago and opted for a radical route; both breasts were removed. When a well meaning friend compassionately expressed her sorrow at her loss, Kris's attitude was a straight forward, resounding, "heck they served their use and there is something wrong with them, what do I want to hold onto them for?" We all do and say what we can. The community outreach has been astounding.

Both she and Steve have spent their working lives in the respective elementary school's where Steve is a Principal and Kris works in administration. Between their two schools, the organization of meal deliveries and support has and continues to be an awesome thing to behold. Karma at its best. They have given a lot to their community and it is being returned twofold. The numbers of women who have and are intimately involved with this "fight" seem to come out of the woodwork. This is a disease that is truly at epic proportions, simply mention the words, "breast cancer," and listen to the stories unfold.

This disease touches every single one of us. A good reason to stand at the front of some picket line, I am just not sure quite yet where that line is, but you can bet I 'll be the one up at the front when I find it. In the meantime, there is something we can all do. Please add www.thebreastcancersite.com to your favorites and click to give free mammograms. It is free, it is easy, make it a part of your daily routine. After her first chemotherapy session she called for a party to shave her head. Kris sent me "the photo" this week. She is calling herself "GI Kristina Jane." She takes my breath away. I cried until there were no tears left. I'd been slammed straight in the gut with the cold hard reality that my friend is un-deniably, no way around it, battling cancer. As I find my breath again I am so struck by her clear and present beauty. I want to say it is her eyes, or maybe her smile, her radiant face that is now un-obscured with hair and I know that's not it. It is simply her presence. And she is present, meeting this disease on her terms, with a tenacity that I would put up against Demi Moore's character of GI Jane any day.

The story goes; a daughter visits her mother, she is distraught with how her life is going, she is tired of fighting and struggling and is ready to give up. Her mother takes her into the kitchen and proceeds to fill three pots with water, placing them each on a high flame. As the pots come to a boil she places carrots in the first, eggs in the second and coffee beans in the last. Without saying a word they sit and watch them boil. After 20 minutes, her mother shuts the stove off. She fishes the carrots out and places them in a bowl. She does the same with the eggs and then ladles the coffee into its own bowl. She turns to her daughter and says "tell me what you see?" A little confused she says, "carrots, eggs and coffee." At this point, she brings the bowls closer to her, and asks her to "feel" the carrots, which she notes are soft. The mother then asks the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observes the hard-boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asks the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter, smiling as she tastes its rich aroma asks, "What does it mean, mother?" Her mother explains that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? I am still finding my way in and out of that hot water and I stand in awe as I have the honor and the distinct privilege of witnessing my friend Kris, be the coffee, sharing her story in how she is "fighting like a girl", giving all she's got and then some. As women, we share our strengths when we share our stories, allowing others to stand on our shoulders.

Please add your voice by helping to provide free mammograms. It is free, its easy, add the breast cancer site to your favorites and make it a part of your daily routine, click to give free mammograms.

http://www.onthelevelbuilder.com

(c) copyright-Kimberlee Carter. All rights reserved worldwide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberlee_Carter

Breast Cancer Survival Rate - Stage 3 Breast Cancer

2008-02-29T22:42:00.000-08:00

The breast cancer survival rate for Stage 3 breast cancer depends on the degree of cancer metastasis and the individual health of the patient. The 5-year survival rate can vary from 49% to 67%.

Stage 3 (or III) breast cancer is usually divided into two categories: Stage IIIA and Stage IIIB.

Stage IIIA is breast cancer that is larger than 5 centimeters in diameter and has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm (axillary lymph nodes). It can also include any size of breast cancer that has spread extensively to any of the lymph nodes.

The breast cancer survival rate for Stage IIIA breast cancer will vary from 56% to 67% (American Cancer Society).

Stage IIIB can be any size cancer that has spread to other tissue near the breast. It may or may not have spread to the axillary lymph nodes or other lymph nodes.

The survival rate for Stage IIIB breast cancer varies from 49% to 54%.

The sharp decrease in women’s survival from almost 100% survival for Stage 1 breast cancer to approximately 50% survival for Stage 3 breast cancer is controlled by one factor only: early detection. Treatment is most successful for women when the breast cancer is small and localized to the breast tissue only.

Almost 40,000 women die of breast cancer every year in the United States alone. Using early detection procedures to detect breast cancer when it is still at Stage 1 could bring the survival rate back up to almost 100%.

Early detection procedures emphasize monthly self-examinations done at the same time each month. Clinical examinations performed by the health care provider should begin no later than age 20. For women in good health, a clinical exam should be performed every three years from age 20 to age 40. After age 40, clinical breast exams should be part of the annual health check-up, along with the annual mammogram or recommended diagnostic procedures.

Chemotherapy For Lymph Node Negative Breast Cancer - Who Needs It?

2008-02-29T22:33:00.000-08:00

Why do people with breast cancer need chemotherapy? The reason is that despite the best efforts of the healthcare team to remove all traces of the tumor, breast cancer can still recur. Even early stage breast cancer can return months to years after the original diagnosis and treatment.

It can come back as a local recurrence (in the treated breast) or as a distant recurrence, also known as metastatic disease, elsewhere in the body, such as the bones, lungs, liver, or other organs. Due to this concern, many oncologists prefer to err on the side of over treating their patients with chemotherapy, lest the person be under treated and sustain a recurrence.

There are certain traditional prognostic factors that influence a doctor’s decision to prescribe chemotherapy. These include the age and general health of the person as well as the size of the breast tumor, the status of the lymph nodes (positive versus negative), and the presence or absence of estrogen receptors on the tumor. Small tumors with positive estrogen receptors and negative lymph nodes tend to be less aggressive.

Examining the statistics, perhaps up to 15 out of 100 (15%) of patients with less aggressive tumors will develop a recurrence. Until recently, to save the lives of those 15 people, medical oncologists needed to treat all 100 patients, as they did not have the tools to identify which of the 100 patients were the 15 who were bound to recur. This meant that 85 out of the 100 people were over treated with chemotherapy.

The question then arises: which of these people can be comfortably spared chemotherapy, as well as its side effects? Also, of those people who undergo a lumpectomy and need breast radiation therapy, who can avoid the delay in radiation therapy imposed by the need to complete chemotherapy first?

To answer this question, a new diagnostic test that measures the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence has been developed. It also assesses the benefit from chemotherapy. The test is called Oncotype DX™ and it is appropriate for breast cancer patients who are: · Newly diagnosed · Stage I or II (early stage) · Lymph node-negative · Estrogen receptor positive and · Those who will be treated with tamoxifen, an oral medication that interferes with the harmful effect of estrogen on breast cancer cells.

All breast cancer tumors are genetically unique. Many of the genetic differences between individual tumors influence the likelihood that the cancer will recur. These differences are associated in part with the level of expression of a certain group of cancer-related genes. Oncotype DX™ is the first cancer test that uses the unique genetic expression the patient's tumor to quantify the likelihood that breast cancer will recur.

Oncotype DX™ examines the expression of the aforementioned specific group of genes and uses a mathematical equation to translate it into a Recurrence Score™. The Recurrence Score™ accurately quantifies the likelihood of distant recurrence, and its predictive power exceeds that of the previously described standard prognosticators.

The results are scored in the lowest, intermediate, and highest risk range. Oncotype DX™ results increase confidence that the treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient by helping physicians determine who will benefit the most from chemotherapy.

Clearly, the highest risk people will be advised to accept chemotherapy. The lowest risk group can forego chemotherapy. The greatest controversy lies with the intermediate risk group.

Therefore, a randomized clinical trial is currently examining what is the best approach for the intermediate risk population. The study will accrue nearly 10,000 people and participants will be followed for at least five years.

The good news is that with the advent of this new diagnostic test, people can be selected more carefully for chemotherapy. These people can then have the peace of mind of knowing that they are not leaving any stone unturned and are doing the best they can to minimize the likelihood that their cancer will recur. On the flip side, low risk people can be advised to waive chemotherapy and have a greater comfort level that their disease won’t be likely to recur as a consequence.

Breast Cancer Survival Rate - Stage 1 Breast Cancer

2008-02-20T03:48:00.003-08:00

How Do You Protect Yourself From Breast Cancer

2008-02-20T03:48:00.001-08:00

Human breast cancer can be traced from the reproductive history. Studies have severally showed that early age of first full-term pregnancy is a strong protective factor against breast cancer and it provides a physiologically operative model to achieve a practical mode of prevention.

Sun as a matter of fact scares many people but women who stays out of the sun are increasing their risk of developing breast cancer. Most food like milk, eggs, fortified margarines, oily fish and green vegetables contains vitamin D but a significant part of the vitamin D the body need is manufactured in the skin by exposure to sunlight. If this should be the case, you as a woman should be fearless of the sun and try to expose your body to the sun.

Breast cancer is not common among women that lives closer to the Equator ther the sin is much stronger. Findings of decreased in cancer risk with improved vitamin D status are consistent with a large and still growing body of observational data showing that cancer risk is inversely associated with solar exposure, or vitamin D status.

Breastfeeding also may offer broad protection against breast cancer that extends to women who delay having children Giving birth before age 25 and having many children protects against certain types of breast cancers, while delayed childbirth is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. Since most women choose to delay pregnancy until after 25, it is important to note that breastfeeding provides protection against progesterone receptor positive and negative tumors.

To protect yourself from breast cancer, stay under the sunlight more than any other place or eat most of the food that contains vitamin D, try to use most of the fertility pills and also breast feed your baby if you are still under the age of child bearing.

Can Breast Cancer Be Detected Earlier?

2008-02-19T03:31:00.000-08:00

Breast screening can be referred to as the test or examination of breast which is used to detect any type of disease, such as cancer, in people who do not have any such symptoms. The aim of breast screening test for early breast cancer detection is to find out or detect if there is any atom of cancer before it starts causing any symptoms.

Self examination and physical examination of the breast is also another way to detect breast cancer earlier and constant checking will help to detect breast cancer earlier.

Most breast cancers that are detected is just because it can be felt tend to be larger and are more likely to have spread beyond the breast. In other hand, breast cancer that is been found during screening examinations is likely to be small, still confined to the breast and can be treated.

More women are surviving this deadly disease called breast cancer just because of routine screening and early detection and improved treatments. Breast cancer does not have any outward signs which can be seen or feel. If there is an outward sign, the more common ones should include: a dimple in the breast or a lump that is an area of thickening but the common signs include breast swelling and redness or an enlarged underarm lymph node.

If it happens that you have more of these signs, it does not mean that you have breast cancer. Have in mind that most breast lumps turn out to be benign and not cancerous but it is important for you to see your doctor immediately to avoid unnecessary worry that might have breast cancer. For your doctor examine you will ease some if not all your worry, and if anything is found, you will be able to take care of it as soon as possible.

Breast Cancer Survival Rate - Stage 2 Breast Cancer

2008-02-19T03:29:00.000-08:00

The 5-year breast cancer survival rate for stage 2 breast cancer diagnosed in the U.S. varies according to size of the tumor and whether or not cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

If the breast cancer is under 2 centimeters in diameter and has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm (the axillary lymph nodes), it is stage IIA breast cancer and the survival rate is 88%-92% (American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute).

If the breast cancer is between 2-5 centimeters but has not spread, it is also called stage IIA.

If the breast cancer is between 2-5 centimeters in diameter and has spread to the lymph nodes, it is called stage IIB breast cancer and the 5-year breast cancer survival rate is 76%-81%.

If the breast cancer is larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread beyond the breast, it is also called stage IIB

Up to 29% of diagnosed breast cancer is Stage 2 breast cancer for white women and 36% for black women. An average of 62% of all breast cancer is diagnosed when it is still localized to the breast area or Stage 1 breast cancer. If the cancer is detected early enough, such as Stage 1 breast cancer, then the 5-year breast cancer survival rate is as high as 98%-100%. Early detection is the most important way to save the lives of cancer patients.

Fortunately for breast cancer patients, there has been a great deal of effort put into providing information about early detection. Early detection and improved treatments are the primary reason for increasing breast cancer survival rates.

Women can help themselves with monthly self-examinations done at the same time every month. When a woman is 20 she should make sure that she gets a clinical examination at least every three years. After the age of 40, the clinical exams should be part of her annual health check-up, along with her mammogram.

Women can also help themselves with healthy habits that may help breast cancer prevention, such as regular moderate exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding excessive alcohol. These, and other healthy habits should be maintained for life since the risk of breast cancer increases with age.

Diet and Breast Cancer

2008-02-13T03:57:00.002-08:00

Breast cancer is a cancer of the glandular breast tissue. Breast cancer affects one in eight women during their lives. Breast cancer may be one of the oldest known forms of cancer tumors in humans. Breast cancer kills more women in the United States than any cancer except lung cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. While the majority of new breast cancers are diagnosed as a result of an abnormality seen on a mammogram, a lump or change in consistency of the breast tissue can also be a warning sign of the disease. Breast cancer is the most common cause of death in women between the ages of 45 and 55. Although breast cancer in women is a common form of cancer, male breast cancer does occur and accounts for about 1% of all cancer deaths in men. Breast cancer usually begins with the formation of a small, confined tumor. Some tumors are benign, meaning they do not invade other tissue; others are malignant, or cancerous. Malignant tumors have the potential to metastasize, or spread. Some risk factors, such as your age, and family history, can't be changed, whereas others, including weight, smoking and a poor diet, are under your control.

A woman's risk of breast cancer is higher mother, sister, or daughter had breast cancer. The risk can actually be lower if you have a short menstrual life, large family or first child before age 18 years. Men have a lower risk of developing breast cancer (approximately 1.08 per 100,000 men per year), but this risk appears to be rising. Other risks include being overweight, using hormone replacement therapy, taking birth control pills, drinking alcohol, not having children or having your first child after age 35 or having dense breasts. Alcohol appears to increase the risk of breast cancer, though meaningful increases are limited to higher alcohol intake levels. Breast cancer constitutes about 7.3% of all cancers. Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from a nipple. Most breast lumps are benign, that is, they are not cancer. Benign breast tumors are abnormal growths, but they do not spread outside of the breast and they are not life threatening.

Treatment of breast cancer include Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, and Immune Therapy. Certain foods, vitamins, or minerals may interfere with cancer treatment. Drink plenty of fluids but avoid drinks during meals because they may cause a bloated feeling. Proteins: May provide protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Meats, beans, nuts, and seeds provide these benefits. Some seeds, like almonds, are good sources of vitamin E. Dairy products: Milk and cheese provide calcium, protein, and vitamin B12. Grains: Breads, pasta, rice, and cereals provide carbohydrates and B vitamins. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy. Eat cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, bok choy, and brussel sprouts - which contain plant phytochemicals that lower blood estrogen levels by increasing the estrogen detoxification capacity of the liver. Try cool foods. Warm foods may worsen nausea. Do not eat or drink until vomiting is under control.

Breast Cancer Treatrment and Diet Tips

1.Eat a diet lower in fat, ideally no more than 18% of your daily caloric intake.

2. Use "good" fats -- monounsaturated and omega-3 fats - from olive oil, flax seed oil, almond oil and canola oil, as well as fats from deep-sea fish.

3. Eat cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, bok choy, and brussel sprouts.

4. Eat a diet high in fiber, with plant-based sources of protein.

5. Soy, aim for 1 to 2 servings of soy products per day.

6. Tea (black or green), aim for 3 to 5 servings per day.

7. Nitrates and nitrites, avoid cured meats when possible.

8. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy.

The Hazards Of Breast Cancer

2008-02-13T03:57:00.001-08:00

Cancer can be defined as a disease that is characterized by uncontrolled cell division and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue or by migration of cells to distant sites As many women as have developed breast cancer have no identifiable hazards other than their gender. When you are been diagnose to have been a breast cancer patient, the question that normally crop up is “I have no family history of breast cancer or any risk and hazard factors, where did this come from”.

Family history is just one of the risk factors for male breast cancer but to that of a woman, there are several hazards and risk factors that boost the chances of having breast cancer, which is complex; hence the need to promote awareness and take steps for prevention.

The hazards of breast cancer, which is a disease tragically known to be common among women may have overlooked the most obvious cause of all: the wearing of bras (tight bras).

The cuff link between Breast Cancer and Bras is based on personal experiences. It happens that when the breast is chronically restricted by a bra, the lymph system that surrounds it may become blocked thereby preventing the lymph from carrying out its function of removing toxins from the area, thus making cancer to be more likely.

Women who wore their bras more than 12 hours a day or so tightly as to cause red marks on their skin are much more likely to have contracted breast cancer. They're really invested in wearing bras; women identify with their breasts so much. Can they stop wearing bras if it meant saving their lives, if this is the case, one’s life matters a great deal.

New Breast Cancer Awareness And Information

2008-02-12T02:14:00.003-08:00

Breast cancer can be said to be one of the oldest known type of cancer tumors in humans mostly in women. The oldest description of this deadly disease, though the term cancer was not used, was discovered in Egypt years ago.

The most prevalent cancer in women is breast cancer, it is also the second most common cause of death in women apart from lung cancer. Because the breast is composed of identical tissues in males and females, breast cancer also occurs in males though it is less common.

In the olden days before technology starts in earnest, there is a believe that there is no treatment for cancer. For years, many physicians in their practices, described similar cases with the same sad conclusion that there is no treatment for cancer.

The story remained the same until some doctors achieved greater understanding of the circulatory system that a link between breast cancer and the lymph nodes in the armpit can be established and be removed at the same time.

The first attempt to remove the lymph nodes, breast tissue, and underlying chest muscle was successful, which removed the fear that there is no treatment for the deadly disease called breast cancer.

Most breast pain or painful breast lump can be a case of early breast cancer. Since breast mammography started, breast cancer is most frequently discovered as an nodule that causes no symptom on a mammogram, before any symptoms are present.

The probability of breast cancer rises with age, but breast cancer tends to be more aggressive when it occurs in younger people

Fruits and Veggies No Match For Breast Cancer - Texas Survivors Analyze The Data

2008-02-12T02:14:00.001-08:00

Diets low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables apparently have no effect on the return of breast cancer, according to a seven-year government study released earlier this month. The study is of particular importance to the 2.4 million breast cancer survivors, and to states like Texas, where over 12,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with the disease this year and over 25% of the population is going without health insurance.

Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on July 18th, the study focused on over 3,000 women successfully treated for early-stage breast cancer. Average age of participants was fifty-three, and ten percent died within the course of the study, mostly due to a recurrence of the disease. The cancer returned for approximately the same number of individuals in each group.

Diets assigned to 1,537 of the participants exceeded the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of five fruits and vegetables per day, and consisted of five daily vegetable servings, three fruit servings, sixteen ounces of vegetable juice, and thirty grams of fiber. A "serving" was to equal one-half cup, French fries and iceberg lettuce could not be counted, and only fifteen to twenty percent of calories could be derived from fat. Control groups were given educational literature on the importance of eating at least the RDA of fruits and vegetables.

But the study is already undergoing criticism from healthcare professionals and researchers, many of whom believe the causes of serious diseases like cancer are multi-dimensional, and that studies focusing on a few macronutrients or food groups -- with few other controls -- may be unable to yield the intended data with accuracy. Previous studies on the link between healthy diet and the prevention of breast cancer have returned mixed results at best.

Susan M. Gapstur, of the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, is one of those asking pointed questions. "Should we really have focused on dietary components like fruits, vegetables, and fat? Or should we be focusing, in addition to diet, on lifestyle factors including physical activity and weight?"

The call to approach nutritional studies differently from studies on pharmaceutical medicines is growing stronger. Steve Mister, President and CEO of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, urged colleagues during this May's symposium, The Workshop, to consider alternative methods for studying nutrition and the effects of dietary supplements. "…nutrients have beneficial effects on multiple body tissues, and interact in a dynamic fashion with other nutrients," said Jeffrey Blumberg, Ph.D., of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, and a Workshop attendee.

In other words, simply linking one nutrient -- let alone entire food groups -- with a particular outcome, without taking into account this complex interaction, may yield inaccurate or incomplete results. The government study did not control for organic, versus conventionally-grown foods, nutrient levels, source of nutrients (which have been linked with osteoporosis in studies focusing on calcium), or lifestyle factors (including physical activity, weight, calorie consumption, other food consumption, and stress). Nor did it control for environmental factors, or other variables associated with breast cancer, including obesity and exposure to certain chemicals linked with breast cancer.

Texas has a particular interest in the accuracy and proper portrayal of such studies, as breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Texas women. An Ecological Study of the Association of Environmental Chemicals on Breast Cancer Incidence in Texas by Y.M. Coyle and colleagues, found that twelve toxicants released into the environment by industry were positively associated with breast cancer in that state. Those twelve were Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) "chemicals designated as carcinogens or had estrogenic effects associated with breast cancer risk." The release of these chemicals, furthermore, was "consistently reported to EPA TRI for multiple counties in Texas during 1988 – 2000," which included years for which the study used data.

Some of the chemicals associated with breast cancer rates were formaldehyde, methylene chloride, styrene, tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, chromium, cobalt, copper, and nickel. Styrene was the "most important" chemical linked with the disease, affecting men and women of all ages, commonly used for food storage and preparation, and released from building materials, tobacco smoke, and industry.

The government study has been further criticized for not highlighting the many beneficial effects of better eating habits, including fewer incidences of other cancers, and improved overall wellbeing. One fear is that consumers, including breast cancer survivors, will read abstracts of the report and begin to believe that high intake levels of fruits and vegetables are simply unimportant.

If these fears were to come to fruition, and the study was to have a negative effect on the population's eating habits, the healthcare and health insurance industries of Texas could be devastated with higher incidences of diseases already at epidemic levels in the state, including obesity and diabetes. Even a slight increase in rural, uninsured residents seeking care in the larger cities of Dallas, Houston, and Austin, could add enough weight to functionally collapse those cities' healthcare systems.

What many don't know, but should, is that the release of such results must be analyzed within their appropriate context, not sensationalized by high-impact headlines or incomplete reports. Common sense, overall, should take hold. Fruits and vegetables have always been good for the human population -- throughout cultures, throughout technological eras. In other words, until we can alter our very DNA, keep eating those salads.

Breast Cancer - When Chemotherapy Is Necessary

2008-02-11T02:21:00.002-08:00

Anna /M241, is a 50-year-old female from Acheh, Indonesia. She had a lump in her right breast sometime in 2000. She refused medical treatment. Instead she went to Jakarta to seek alternative treatments. These did not help her. The breast lump grew bigger and in December 2004, it developed into a lacerated wound and bled. She went back to Acheh and enlisted the help of a medical doctor to take care of her wound. At the same time she continued with other alternative treatments. Unfortunately, this doctor had been swept away by the tsunami that struck the city not long ago.

In February 2007, Anna came to Penang to seek medical treatment. Due to the advanced stage of the disease, no radiotherapy or surgery was indicated. Anna was asked to undergo chemotherapy. She underwent four cycles of chemotherapy at a private hospital. She suffered total hair loss but no other adverse side effects. Each cycle of chemotherapy, given at three-weekly interval, costs RM 3,000. However, each trip to Penang for this treatment would come to about RM 7,000. It is indeed difficult to imagine such financial burden endured by a family who had lost their home to the tsunami. Because of this, Anna’s husband explained that they could NOT effort further chemotherapy and asked if they could turn to our therapy instead.

Anna came to see us on 5 August 2007. She appeared healthy and did not have any problem. The chemotherapy had helped her. Her lacerated wound had dried up and the tumor had shrunk significantly. The pains that she suffered earlier had subsided. She had gain weight and felt much better than before the chemotherapy.

A CT scan done on 9 May 2007, however, was most disappointing. It showed extensive metastasis to the pectoralis muscles and ribs. There were numerous well defined 4 to 25 mm nodules scattered in both lungs. The cancer had also spread to the lymph nodes. I asked Anna if the oncologist had told her the results of the scan. Her husband replied: “No. The hospital gave us the films and we went home. We did not understand what it was all about.”

I asked them: “What did you expect when you came to the hospital for chemotherapy?” Both of them replied: “I expected to be cured.”

Comment

It took me a while to regain my composure after looking at her scan. I was unsure if I should explain the results. I did not want to make her life miserable by telling her the bad news – after all, is this not the responsibility of her oncologist? I hesitated but her husband probed me to tell them the truth, which I did. The metastases in Anna’s lungs were too numerous to count. While chemotherapy had helped her with the lacerated wounds, it was obvious that the treatment did not help her lung metastases.

Chemotherapy had helped make Anna’s life better. The lump has also shrunk. If four cycles were good for her, does it mean that more chemotherapy (up to eight cycles) would be better? Indeed this is debatable – more does not necessarily mean better! While chemotherapy did not hurt Anna, it certainly hurt the pocket – I would not say “bank balance” because I am not sure if there was any bank left after the tsunami.

I pointed out to Anna that it was a mistake not to remove the lump (or her breast) when she first detected it. Surgery could have saved her all the miseries that followed. In this regard, I would advise women to have the lumps in their breasts removed if possible. I asked Anna’s husband why they still continued with the ineffective treatments after knowing that the lump had gone bigger. Why wait for so long? Common sense should tell us that if after trying an alternative therapy for a month or two and it does not work or the condition deteriorates, patients should reevaluate their strategies – move on to something that is more effective or evidence-based.

However, I also highlighted the good side of what she did. I know of numerous patients who died within two to three years after doing what their doctors told them to do -- mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Some even suffered severe pains and had bloated stomach before their death. So, undergoing medical treatment would not guarantee that everything would be fine.

Anna had breast tumor in 2000 and it is now 2007 and she is still alive and did not suffer any difficulties. She ought to be grateful for this blessing. I am reminded by what I have read. At a lecture at the American Cancer Society Conference in New Orleans on 3 July 1969, Professor Hardin Jones, University of California, Berkeley, was supposed to have said: “My studies have proved conclusively that untreated cancer victims live up to four times longer than treated individuals. If one has cancer and opts to do nothing at all, he will live longer and feel better than if he undergoes radiation, chemotherapy or surgery.”

In Malaysia, like elsewhere too, doctors often blame the herbs when things go wrong. Doctors want to have the first shot at cancer using their chemotherapy or radiotherapy. And if these fail they advise patients to go home and seek “hospice help” or go for herbs. Over the past decade, CA Care is the recipients of these terminally ill and medically give-up cases. I began to have the impression that going for invasive treatments at the first sign of cancer need not be a wise move. Sometimes, patients die because of the treatment rather than the cancer. Anna took the less traveled road. She sought alternative treatments and when these failed she turned to the invasive, toxic medical intervention – perhaps dealing out her last card. It has been seven years and she is still alive. I repeat, many who took the well-trodden road barely manage to live three to four years. So, Anna’s adventure is not wrong, no matter how “foolish” doctors may think it is.

Should All Women Have Routine Mammography Screenings?

2008-02-11T02:21:00.001-08:00

The answer is still uncertain. A team of researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research in London tracked 160,900 women for an average of 11 years. The participants were divided into two groups: Women in the study group were offered annual mammography screenings beginning at age 40, while those in the control group were offered annual screenings beginning at age 50.

Deaths resulting from breast cancer among the younger women decreased by only 17 percent, a figure considered by researchers to be not statistically significant. However, the study also found that in this group of women 23 percent had at least one false-positive result, compared with 12 percent of older women. (A false-positive result is an irregularity in the screening process that later turns out not to be breast cancer.)

Regular screening also increases the risk of radiation-induced breast cancer, a risk that many endocrinologists believe outweighs the benefit in a small percentage of women.

The researchers concluded that annual mammography screenings remain too uncertain to conclude that a net benefit accrues to women in the below 50 age-group. Another study conducted by researchers at France's National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, or INSERM), found that chest X-rays may actually raise the risk of breast cancer in women with the breast cancer gene mutations BRCA1 or BRCA2.

Researchers studied 1,601 European and Canadian women with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, which greatly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. The group included 853 women with breast cancer.

The results show that the women who reported having chest X-rays were 54% more likely to have breast cancer, compared with those who reported having no chest X-rays. That outcome was more prevalent among women up to 40 years old and those who reported having had chest X-rays before age 20.

According to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's web site, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are carried by an estimated 250,000 women in the U.S. These inherited gene mutations account for 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers diagnosed in the U.S. A woman’s odds of developing breast cancer, assuming that she lives to the age of 85, are about 13 percent if she has no BRCA2 mutation, 60 to 80 percent if a woman has a BRCA1 mutation, and 30 to 85 percent if she has a BRCA2 mutation.

It is known that radiation exposure can increase the risk of cancer. However, it should be noted that X-rays typically use low levels of radiation that are generally considered to be safe. It is also known that the younger the age at first exposure to radiation the greater the risk of breast cancer.

The timing of exposure can be as important as the dose. When exposure occurs during the time of greater cell growth of the breast, vulnerability to the cancer-causing effects of radiation is increased. Even in older women who are still having a menstrual cycle, the timing of exposure is very important. The cumulative dose as in annual mammography screenings starting below the age of 40 in a woman with the breast cancer gene mutations BRCA1 or BRCA2 significantly increases the risk.

Breast cancer takes years to develop from the first genetic event or exposure to the point when a lump is seen on a mammogram or felt during a breast exam. It is possible that the initial genetic damage may have occurred very early in life. It is difficult to pinpoint when the initiating event occurred.

Although the medical establishment takes to avoid exposing a woman who might be pregnant to X-rays, a woman should also avoid having a mammography screening towards the end of a menstrual cycle because that's the time when the breast cells are reproducing most rapidly.

Since young women and women who are genetically at high risk for breast cancer are more affected by X-ray radiation, exposure to radiation should be limited and alternatives should be used in emergencies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses imaging technology different from X-rays, could be a good alternative to X-rays and mammography.

It is the responsibility of each woman to decide for herself (after research) whether she should risk developing breast cancer as a result of routine mammography screenings or risk having the complications of late-diagnosed breast cancer that could have been avoided if detected earlier by screening mammography.

Ways To Prevent Cancer - Best Way To Beat Cancer

2008-02-09T04:37:00.002-08:00

Many people ask if cancer can be prevented. Is there a way of beating cancer, that is making sure it will never even affect us? The case of Chinese people in Hong Kong in succumbing to cancer after the introduction of fast food is well documented in medical research. Their previous diet of soya and other vegetables would suggest that a healthy diet is key in preventing and beating cancer.

Preventing cancer is easier than you may think and is very important for your health, quality of life and longevity. Preventing cancer is a serious business for all of us. Preventing cancer is possible if you keep your body healthy and free of toxins. Stating that vitamin D has no useful role in preventing cancer is as hopelessly outdated as claiming the Earth is flat. A diet with the aim of preventing cancer is generally the same as a diet to prevent heart disease and other diseases

What Are the Ways Of Preventing Cancer?

Prevention is the only real solution. The only way out of this cancer madness is through prevention. The Canadian Cancer Society is launching a program to make sure every Canadian citizen receives a level of vitamin D sufficient to prevent most cancers, including breast cancer. New research shows vitamin D slashes risk of cancers by 77 percent; cancer industry refuses to support cancer prevention. The American Cancer Society, however, seems stuck in the nutritional dogma of the 1950's and continues to claim that only drugs, radiation and surgery can treat cancer, and that nutritional supplements have no role to play whatsoever in cancer prevention.

What Is The Best Way To Beat Cancer?

The best way of all is to ensure a healthy diet, eg. reduce sugar and salt intake and eat more fibre, fruit and vegetables. A great way to get all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients we need is to eat healthily. That means a variety of foods. Ask yourself if you can reduce sugar, fat and salt intake while increasing fruit and vegetables. What about your intake of alcohol?

There other ways of preventing cancer. For more information on the best way to beat cancer, click on the link below to learn from an expert who has dedicated most of his life to preventing cancer.

Show Your Pink Ribbon!

2008-02-09T04:37:00.001-08:00

You’ve seen them on the lapels of celebrities at awards shows. You’ve seen them as jewelry, as magnets, as pictures on grocery items. They’re those little ribbons that show the wearer is a supporter of the cause the ribbon represents.

It all started with the red ribbons in support of the fight against aids. Now we’ve got yellow ribbons and blue ribbons and purple ribbons. Today, we will talk about pink ribbons – those that show your support in the effort to find a cure for breast cancer.

The breast cancer ribbon is a favorite among women. This is because this disease has hit home to almost everyone. If you don’t have a family member affected by breast cancer, you have a friend or co-worker who has. You’d be hard pressed to find anyone in America who doesn’t know someone who has had breast cancer. Unfortunately, it’s almost as hard to find someone in America who hasn’t known someone who DIED from breast cancer. Breast cancer occurs in more people than any other cancer except skin.

This is especially difficult, because we know that early detection might very well have saved our loved ones. This is what the pink ribbon is really all about. Yes, maybe we’ve lost someone. Maybe we just had a close call. Maybe we’re concerned for someone or ourselves right now. But the point is, wearing the ribbon might just remind another woman to get that mammogram she’s been putting off. If just one woman did a self examination because she saw a pink ribbon pin on a co-worker that day, it was the most successful clothing choice ever made!

Wearing a pink ribbon might just save a life.

The pink ribbon is an international symbol for breast cancer awareness. You can wear your pink ribbon in any country; it has universal meaning. No one or no company owns the rights to the pink ribbon. In fact, companies who use this symbol each add their own flair. Avon’s pink ribbon doesn’t look exactly like Estee Lauder’s. But they’re both recognizable as symbols of support for breast cancer issues, treatment and especially for finding a cure. And portions of the sale of each go to breast cancer research.

National breast cancer awareness month is October. “Pink Ribbon Day” is always on the fourth Monday. This is the culmination of the month and is the biggest day of activities, education and fundraising, all in support of breast cancer research. You can help by wearing your own pink ribbon. Let your community know you care. When people ask, tell them all about the great work that is being done to cure breast cancer, the second biggest killer of women. Make sure they know that they can do their part in this great cause just by buying a pink ribbon of their own.

So this October, buy a pink ribbon or make a pink ribbon. Wear it proudly as you contribute to this very worthy cause. Stamp out breast cancer in our lifetime and do it with a pretty pink ribbon!

What To Expect When You Suspect Breast Cancer

2008-02-08T02:29:00.003-08:00

Breast cancer can be frightening, but knowledge is power. If you've been vigilant in your personal breast exams and mammograms there may come a time when a lump or suspicious area is found. The first thing that will probably happen is you'll get another mammogram. This time it's called a diagnostic mammogram and it will concentrate on the suspicious area. You may also get an ultrasound, with is painless and can often tell the difference quickly between benign and malignant growths.

Depending on the results of the previous tests, the doctors are likely to recommend a biopsy next. A biopsy takes a small piece of the lump for examination under a microscope. It is the best way to make sure if breast cancer is present. The biopsy can take many forms from a surgical procedure to a fine needle, which isn’t much worse than getting a shot. It depends on the type and location of the mass. Your doctor will decide which type of biopsy is best in your case.

Once the biopsy sample is retrieved, a pathologist will study and characterize it. If it is found to be cancerous, it is further classified in various ways to identify its size and strength. The mass will be tested for the presence of special estrogen and progesterone receptors. If present, the cancer can be treated with hormone therapy. Another receptor called the HER-2/neu is also sought. Other therapies are directed and cancers containing this receptor.

At this point the patient is “staged”. The stages of breast cancer are complex, but here is a simplified description:

Stage 0 – Abnormal cells are found in the lining of a gland within the breast. This is indicative of a future cancer, but not representative of present cancer.

Stage I – The earliest stage where the tumor is less than 2 cm across and is contained within the breast.

Stage II – Early stage where the tumor is either: a. Less than 2 cm. across and in both the breast and the lymph nodes under the arm b. between 2 and 5 cm. and may be in breast or breast and lymph nodes under the arm c. More than 5 cm. and only in the breast

Stage III - Advanced breast cancer where: a. The tumor is less than five cm. across, in both breast and lymph nodes under the arm b. The cancer is extensive in the lymph nodes under the arm. c. The cancer is in the lymph nodes or other tissues located near the breastbone. During stage III your doctor will be checking to find signs of metastatic disease. When cancer has “metastasized,’ it has spread from the breast/lymph node areas into other distant organs of the body. These tests will take the form of chest x-rays and CT and bone scans.

Stage IV – Metastatic breast cancer, where the cancer has spread to other organs.

Almost all breast cancer victims will have some type of surgery to remove as much of the cancerous growth as possible. No matter how successful, most will probably undergo a regimen of chemotherapy as well. This kills off any microscopic scraps of the disease that may remain to grow into full-fledged cancer again. Other therapies such as radiotherapy (radiation therapy), hormonal therapy, or biologic therapy may be proscribed.

Once treated, breast cancer patients need to be monitored for recurrence. At first this means every 3-4 months. These become less and less frequent, but annual mammograms are even more important for former breast cancer patients than for the normal population.

How to Avoid Hearing, "You Have Breast Cancer..."

2008-02-08T02:29:00.001-08:00

Breast cancer strikes fear in the hearts of all women. Most of us have known someone–a friend, a family member, a co-worker, a neighbor–who has been treated for breast cancer or worse, has died from the disease. Historically, breast cancer was diagnosed after a woman sought medical attention for soreness or a palpable mass. Annual mammograms became the "gold standard" for breast cancer screening; the goal has become to find tumors before they can be felt.

However, mammography is a late test. It does not prevent cancer; it detects cancer. Women place unreasonably high hopes on the ability of the technology to reduce their risk of cancer. A recent study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, reported that women typically overestimate the risk reduction capability of a mammogram by more than 100-fold.(1)

Mammograms give a false sense of security about a clean bill of health. The sensitivity, or the number of women who have cancer and also have a positive mammogram, ranges from 54%–58% among women under age 40 to 81%–94% among women over 65. In women 40 to 65, the ability of a mammogram to identify a tumor depends on many variables: The size the lesion, hormone use, breast tissue density, the overall image quality and the interpretative skills of the radiologist.

Cancer is identified in only a small fraction of women (0.1%–0.5%, depending on age) who are screened. Studies have demonstrated that for each death prevented by screening, there are at least 200 false-positive results.(2) The number of follow-up procedures generated by cancer screening programs, such as repeat mammograms, ultrasounds and MRI, exponentially increases the cost of the disease. In the United States, biopsies that turn out to be benign cost the healthcare system more than $1 billion annually.(3)

Screening has another potentially harmful effect. Women are psychologically damaged by the stress of an abnormal mammogram that turns out to be a false alarm. A new survey developed by Brodersen and colleagues and released this month (7/07) measured six psychosocial dimensions: anxiety, behavioral impact, sense of dejection, impact on sleep, breast examination and sexuality. The survey showed that women who have an abnormal screening mammogram that is later confirmed to be a false-positive are negatively impacted in all six categories.

What else can be done?
Digital infrared imaging (digital IR), also called thermography, has been FDA-approved for breast health screenings since 1982. It is painless, non-invasive and uses no radiation. The scan detects and records thermal patterns on the skin not seen with any other tool.

Abnormal cells require large quantities of nutrients for rapid growth. Through a process called angiogenesis, new blood vessels are drawn in the direction of the atypical cell. Coupled with the release of cytokines and nitric oxide, additional blood flows into the area that increases heat in the tissues that can be detected by thermography.

Normal skin surface temperature is symmetrical and deviates less than 0.3C from side to side. New digital IR cameras can detect differences as small as 0.1C. Temperature variation of more than 1.0C suggests the presence of abnormal, possibly pre-cancerous, cells. These subtle changes can be detected seven to eight years before a mass becomes palpable or can be detected by mammography.

What is a thermogram procedure like?
After disrobing to the waist, approximately 15 minutes is needed to equilibrate to room temperature. An experienced technician performs three scans—front, left and right—with arms extended over the head. Both hands are then placed in cool water for exactly one minute. When the sympathetic nervous system is chilled, normal vessels constrict; abnormal vessels remain the same size or dilate. A second set of scans is taken for comparison. When the scans are completed, the exam is over.

Why isn’t everyone doing this test?
Why aren’t doctors routinely recommending this test? Why don’t they offer it in their office? An abnormal scan cannot be corrected with a drug. Conventional doctors are not trained to use vitamins, supplements and detoxification, essential tools for repairing damaged physiology. If a woman has a normal mammogram, the abnormal thermogram is dismissed by physicians as a false positive. This is a missed opportunity for true cancer prevention.

Despite the current status of breast thermography, it has been researched for over 30 years. More than 800 peer-reviewed studies on breast thermography exist in the index-medicus. The data base represents more than 250,000 women and the number of participants in many studies ranged from 37,000 to 118,000. Some of women who had a positive thermogram were followed for up to 12 years; 35 percent of those who had a positive thermogram went on to develop breast cancer.

What you can do
If an abnormality is identified on your thermogram, pro-active steps can be taken to heal the breast tissue and progress can be monitored non-invasively through serial scans. If you don’t have access to a physician who has digital IR equipment, you can take important steps toward breast health:
• Diet: Eat organically grown foods. Pesticides collect in fatty tissue, and the breast can become a reservoir for estrogenic chemicals. Eliminate all caffeine, chocolate, MSG, aspartame, and herbs that have estrogenic properties, especially soy. Studies found that soy supplements can increase breast cancer risk, especially in post-menopausal women.
• Exercise: Walking and arm swinging will get the lymphatics moving. Decongesting breast tissue will reduces the risk of cancer.
• Eliminate hormones: Discuss options with your physician to eliminate birth control pills and synthetic hormone replacement. The link between hormones and breast cancer has been confirmed.(5)
• Supplements: Many supplements have been shown to have a positive effect on breast tissue. Here are a few examples:
1. DIM (diindolylmethane) the phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables, has anticancer activity and also works to repair damaged DNA.
2. Tumeric (curcumin) kills cancer cells and has strong properties against angiogenesis
3. Drinking green tea or taking green tea extract capsules has been associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. All of these are available at your local health food store.

The Basics Of Breast Cancer

2008-02-06T03:57:00.001-08:00

It's a fact that every day, cells in your body divide, grow and die. Most of the time they do it in an orderly manner. But sometimes they grow out of control. This type of cell growth forms a mass or lump called a tumor. Tumors can either benign or malignant.

Benign tumors are not cancerous. But left untreated, some can pose a health risk, so they are often removed. When these tumors are removed, they typically do not reappear. Most importantly, the cells of a benign tumor do not spread to other parts of the body or invade nearby tissue.

Malignant tumors are made of abnormal cells. Malignant tumor cells can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. A malignant tumor that develops in the breast is called breast cancer.

To continue growing, malignant breast tumors need to be fed. They get nourishment by developing new blood vessels in a process called angiogenesis. The new blood vessels supply the tumor with nutrients that promote growth. As the malignant breast tumor grows, it can expand into nearby tissue. This process is called invasion. Cells can also break away from the primary, or main, tumor and spread to other parts of the body. The cells spread by traveling through the blood stream and lymphatic system. This process is called metastasis.

When malignant breast cells appear in a new location, they begin to divide and grow out of control again as they create another tumor. Even though the new tumor is growing in another part of the body, it is still called breast cancer. The most common locations of breast cancer metastases are the lymph nodes, liver, brain, bones and lungs.

There are genes that control the way our cells divide and grow. When these genes don't work like they should, a genetic error, or mutation, has occurred. Mutations may be inherited or spontaneous. Inherited mutations are ones you were born with — an abnormal gene that one of your parents passed on to you at birth. Inherited mutations of specific genes, such as the BRCAI and BRCA2 genes, increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.

Spontaneous mutations can occur within your body during your lifetime. The actual cause or causes of mutations still remains unknown. Researchers have identified two types of genes that are important to cell growth. Errors in these genes turn normal cells into cancerous ones.

You need to be aware that cells may be growing out of control before any symptoms of the disease appear. That is why breast screening to find any early changes is so important. The sooner a problem is found, the better a your chance is for survival.

Experts recommend that women 40 years and older have a mammogram every year. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, talk with your doctor about risk assessment, when to start getting mammograms and how often to have them. If your mother or sister had breast cancer before menopause, you may need to start getting mammograms and yearly clinical breast exams before age 40. It is important for all women to have clinical breast exams done by a health care provider at least every three years starting at age 20 and every year after age 40 and to do breast self-exams once every month starting by age 20.

PANDORA is pleased to announce its support of Susan G. Komen For The Cure. For 2007, a guaranteed minimum contribution of $25,000 and a portion of the sales from the pink ribbon charm will go to the organization.

For each pink ribbon charm sold, PANDORA will donate a percentage of the proceeds to Susan G. Komen For The Cure to help eradicate breast cancer through research, education, screening, and treatment.

The Facts About Breast Cancer

2008-02-06T03:56:00.000-08:00

The causes of breast cancer are not completely understood, although it is clear that a woman’s age, gender and lifetime exposure to estrogen and her age at the time of her first childbirth can play an important role. Because no one knows exactly what causes breast cancer, there is absolutely no way to prevent it. However, there are steps that every woman can take that may make developing breast cancer less likely.

Any woman can get breast cancer. For example, did you know:
 The older a woman is, the more likely she is to get breast cancer?
 White women are more likely to get breast cancer than women of any other racial or ethnic group? They also have a better chance of survival, primarily because their cancer is usually detected earlier.
 African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer than white women.
 Men can get breast cancer too, although it is rare. Less than one of every 100 cases of breast cancer in the U.S. occurs in men.
 In 2006, it is estimated that men will account for 1,720 cases of breast cancer.1

All women are at risk for breast cancer. Known risk factors like having a family history of breast cancer, starting menopause after age 55 or never having children account for only a small number of new breast cancer cases every year.

That means that most women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors except being a woman and getting older.

Typical questions you might have about breast cancer include:
I have a family history of breast cancer. Does that mean I’ll develop breast cancer, too? Just because other family members have had breast cancer doesn’t mean that their disease was inherited. Only about 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers occur because of inherited mutations.2

If I am diagnosed with breast cancer, what are my chances for survival?
The 5-year survival rate for all women diagnosed with breast cancer is 90 percent.2 This means that 90 out of every 100 women with breast cancer will survive without a recurrence for at least five years.

Most will live a full life and never have a recurrence. Your chances of surviving are better if the cancer is detected early, before it spreads to other parts of your body. In fact, when breast cancer is confined to the breast, the 5-year survival rate is 98 percent.2

The best way to find breast cancer, especially in its earliest stages, is to routinely check your breasts for signs and symptoms of the disease.

There are three basic methods:
Mammograms. These are X-ray pictures of the breast. They can find breast cancer in its earliest stages, even before a lump can be felt. All women 40 and older should have a mammogram every year. If you are younger than 40 with either a family history of breast cancer, or other concerns talk with your health care provider about when to start getting mammograms and how often to have them.

Clinical breast exam. This is performed by a health care provider who carefully checks your breasts and underarm areas for any lumps or changes that may be present. Many women have a clinical breast exam performed when they get their Pap test. Women should have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years between the ages of 20 and 39 and every year starting at 40.

Breast self-exam (BSE). This involves two main steps: looking at and feeling your breasts for any change from normal. If you notice any change in the normal look or feel of your breasts, see your health care provider. All women should perform monthly BSE by age 20. BSE should be done once a month, a few days after your period ends. If you no longer have periods, do BSE on the same day each month. At your next appointment, ask your health care provider to show you the steps for BSE.

Simply being a woman is the most important risk factor for breast cancer. But remember, there is no one cause of breast cancer. If you are concerned about your breast cancer risk, discuss your options with your doctor.

Known, probable breast cancer risk factors:
 Being a woman
 Getting older
 Having a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 breast cancer genes
 Having a previous biopsy showing hyperplasia or carcinoma in situ
 Having a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer
 Having high breast density on a mammogram
 Having a personal history of breast or ovarian cancer
 Starting menopause after age 55
 Never having children
 Having your first child after age 30
 Being overweight after menopause or gaining weight as an adult
 Having more than one drink of alcohol per day
 Currently or recently using combined estrogen and progestin hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
 Having your first period before age 12

Breast Cancer - Radiation-induced Agony and Metastases - Part 3

2008-02-05T05:49:00.001-08:00

The wife of a friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago. She underwent mastectomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. She was well after that. She was a pride of the medical establishment and was invited to the “Celebration of Life” party. But it was not to be. Soon after receiving the invitation she did not feel well. Her arm swelled and the doctor said this could be due to the effect of radiotherapy done NINE years ago. In November 2002, she was hospitalised and diagnosed as having metastasis of the brain. She underwent radiotherapy. After the tenth treatment she developed severe lung infection and her white blood counts dropped drastically. Further radiation treatments (twenty more sessions) were abandoned. She remained immobilised in the hospital for more than two months. After that, she developed bladder infections. She was discharged from the hospital at the end of January 2003. In mid-March 2003, she passed out stools with blood and her blood pressure dropped (internal bleeding?). On 17 March 2003, my friend called to say that his wife had died that afternoon.

My experience in cancer work has shown that death and suffering do not come suddenly following the appearance of a small lump in the brain. Then, what about the blood in the stools? Could this be another of the effects of radiation? I have once said: “In serious cancer cases, even doing nothing could be better than taking the so-called scientific, proven heroic path.”

Stories from England

The Daily Mail of 31 March 1995 carried an article entitled: “Cancer Deception” by Paul Eastham. Four angry members of RAGE (Radiotherapy Action Group Exposure) told the Members of Parliament’s Health Select Committee that “thousands of breast cancer victims were ‘fooled’ into having needless radiation which left them crippled and in agony.” They said doctors had assured them that radiotherapy was needed only as a precautionary measure after “their breast surgery and did not warn that their bones could crumble and they could lose the use of limbs.”

RAGE was founded by Lady Ironside who suffered paralysis of the arm after having undergone surgery and radiotherapy because of breast cancer. Her bone became brittle after radiotherapy and she suffered repeated fractures to her injured arm, collar bone and four ribs.

Lady Ironside said: “The radiographers weren’t frank with me. All of us in RAGE were told that there would be no profound side effects. We would suffer perhaps temporary nausea and exhaustion but no permanent injury ... Perhaps I was trusting and foolish. Now I suffer severe pains and paralysis. If I had been properly informed about the dangers, I would have walked away and said, “No, thank you”, and taken my chances.”

Later, Lady Ironside discovered that nearly one in five breast cancer patients irradiated at one London hospital suffered severe injuries which would steadily get worse.

The suffering of Lady Ironside is not an isolated case of radiation side effects. Many others have also suffered like her. RAGE represents 1,000 breast cancer radiation victims and is in touch with 2,000 more.

Former art historian Lorna Patch, 72, was forced to stop working after her right arm was paralysed following radiotherapy. She said: “I was never warned about the risks. I am in constant pain. The condition is quite irreversible and progressive.”

Jan Millinglon is a 55-year-old headmistress. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1982. She had a lump removed and then underwent radiotherapy. Jan Millinglon claims that the hospital distributed leaflets at the time of her treatment declaring that the side effects were short-lived. Her right arm, however, is paralysed as a result of radiotherapy.

Breast Cancer - Radiation-induced Agony and Metastases - Part 2

2008-02-05T05:48:00.000-08:00

I have related the sad but not unusual case story of Gene in Part 1 of this three-part article. What had happened to Gene is what I have been seeing happen all too often. After chemotherapy and radiotherapy the cancer spread to the bone. I have often wondered if the treatments had anything to do with the metastasis. Not much information can be obtained from the medical literature. It appears that such question is not important? Or is it a matter of “natural course of event”? I tend to think otherwise.

Read about radiotherapy in any standard textbook and it is acknowledged that radiation itself can cause cancer. In Gene’s case, it is even acknowledged that the increased uptake of tracer seen in L3, L4 and L5 vertebrae is most likely due to DXT. Medical people use medical terms that may be hard for a layperson to understand. So the information written in a medical report often goes unnoticed or not understood. DXT is medical abbreviation for deep X-ray treatment or radiotherapy and this statement above explicitly implicates the disastrous role of radiotherapy in treating Gene’s breast cancer. It has done much harm.

Are we to believe that Gene is just one rare unfortunate victim. I don’t believe that this is so.

Dr. Richard Evans (in The Cancer Breakthrough You’ve Never Heard Of) wrote: “It is my opinion that adjuvant radiation is used more often than necessary … The long-term risks of radiation therapy have not been completely determined.” John Robbins has to say in his book (Reclaiming Our Health) “Radiation is routinely recommended for cancer patients despite the fact that there is no proven benefit to survival … Although cancer specialists know that very few cancer patients are cured by radiotherapy, they continue to recommend it widely because they consider it to be a relatively harmless procedure.”

In the booklet, Radiation Therapy and You, published by the US National Cancer Institute, the following assurances are given: “Although some normal cells are affected by the radiation, most of them appear to recover more fully from the effects of radiation than the cancer cells. Doctors carefully limit the intensity of the treatment and the area being treated so that the cancer will be affected more than the normal healthy tissues. Radiation therapy is an effective way to treat many kinds of cancer in any part of the body.”

This is the official version of the “goodness” of radiotherapy. Do you believe it? Hear what other doctors have to say about radiotherapy.

John Cairns, a professor at the Harvard University School of Public Health (in Scientific American, November 1985) said: “The majority of cancers cannot be cured by radiation because the dose of X-rays required to kill the cancer cells would also kill the patient.” John Lee et. al. (in What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer) wrote: “Radiation reduces (breast cancer) death by 13.2 percent, it increases death from other causes, mostly heart disease by 21.2 percent. The obvious conclusion is: the treatment was a success but the patient died!”

Dr. Seymour Brenner, a radiologist from Brooklyn, New York, said: “After thirty-nine years, I have see no significant progress … I see millions of people dying in five years … I am tired of watching people come to my office and plead for their lives and I have nothing to offer them.

Dr. Ralph Moss (in The Cancer Industry) wrote: “Radiation therapy appears to be of limited value in the treatment of cancer. There is little controversy over the number of patients being cured by radiotherapy – it is small … Some researchers believe that the use of radiation is not only ineffective but also is possibly harmful ... It is part of a disastrous national policy that has always downplayed the hazards of radiation, while promoting its spread to every corner of the country.

Dr. Francisco Contreras, director of the Oasis of Hope Hospital described radiation as an act of desperation. In his book, Health in the 21st Century: Will Doctors Survive? he wrote: “Radiation therapy, in which we placed so much faith a few decades ago, has proven to be another medical blunder. My brother, Dr. Ernesto Contreras Jr., an oncologist and radio-therapist said, after twenty-five years of medical practice, “It is really frustrating ... The effectiveness of the treatment against cancer is doubtful. I have treated thousands of patients … and I can’t say that more than fifteen percent of them have positive response to an orthodox treatment.”

How Effective Is Chemotherapy For Breast Cancer?

2008-02-01T05:58:00.002-08:00

After mastectomy, women are sent to see the oncologists, and they are often told to go for chemotherapy. This treatment is like an “insurance” against future problems. Chemotherapy can kill all the remaining cancer cells in the body. In this way the cancer can be cured. Chemotherapy can also stop cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. Or at the very least it slows the cancer growth. To the oncologists, chemotherapy is the proven way to go, other ways are hocus pocus!

These points are often well taken by women in general. The fear of recurrence is sufficient enough to make women go through chemotherapy. To them, the sufferings of the treatment are worth enduring for the promise of cure at the end of the adventure. What some oncologists don’t tell their patients is that not all the cancer cells are killed by the treatment. There is no way that a hundred percent of the cancer cells can be wiped by chemotherapy. Add to that, even the good healthy cells are killed and the immune system destroyed.

Patients, on the other hand don’t ask these questions: Will there truly be a cure? If indeed the promise of cure is real, can we put it in terms of real numbers or percentage? To put it bluntly, how effective is chemotherapy for breast cancer? I wonder how many women ask their oncologists these questions, and if they do, what would the answers be like?

a) Without chemotherapy what percentage of people died or would die from breast cancer?

b) With chemotherapy what percentage of people are cured or would be cured?

c) What is meant by cure?

Try and search the answers from the internet and see if you can get anything. There is a great chance that you will go on a merry go round trip! I experienced exactly just that and was terribly disappointed. Thousands of articles are written about breast cancer but I fail to find the clear-cut answers to the above questions. Perhaps they are not important? Or something that women do not need to know before they embark on their treatment? Women just need to have full faith and trust in the experts and everything would turn out fine. Few women realize that such attitude may just be the beginning of more problems to come.

Let me try to share what I have gathered from the medical literature.

Karin Stabiner in her book (To dance with the devil) wrote: “Breast cancer takes the life of an American woman every twelve minutes. There is no sure cure for the disease, no known way to prevent it and no means of predicting.” With all the advances in science and technology, may I ask, how could this be? Why such high degree of uncertainty?

Chantal Bernard-Marty, Fatima Cardoso, Martine J. Piccart of Jules Bordet Institute, Brussels, Belgium (The Oncologist 9: 617-632, Nov. 2004) wrote: “20%–85% of patients … who are diagnosed with early breast cancer will later develop recurrent and/or metastatic disease. Despite more than 3 decades of research, metastatic breast cancer remains essentially incurable.” Women are told that “catching” breast cancer early is a sure way of saving life. But how is it that even after early detection, twenty to eighty-five percent of patients still go on to develop more serious cancer that is incurable? Has the treatment protocols got anything to do with such failures?

How effective is chemotherapy?

Writing in Clinical Oncology (2004. 16: 549-560), three Australian doctors: Graeme Morgan, Robyn Ward & Michael Baton noted that in Australia, of the 10,661 people who had breast cancer only 164 people survived five years due to chemotherapy. This works out to 1.5% contribution of chemotherapy to survival. In their paper, they concluded that “overall contribution of curative and adjuvant chemotherapy to five-year survival in adults was estimated to be 2.3% in Australia and 2.1% in the USA.”

Professor Michael Boyer, head of Medical Oncology of the Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital disputed this 2% figure. He said: “It’s not correct for a number of reasons. The 2% figure is achieved by including a whole series of diseases in which chemotherapy would never be used.” To the professor the more “correct” figures should be 5% or 6%. Okay, let us accept that new figures -- how do women feel about it -- going for chemotherapy to achieve a five to six percent success?

In the editorial of the Australian Prescriber (2006. 29:2-3), Eva Segelov wrote: “Chemotherapy has been oversold. Chemotherapy has improved survival by less than 3% in adults with cancer.”

Veroort et al. from the Netherlands (British J. Cancer. 2004. 91: 242-247) in their study on the role of tamoxifen and chemotherapy for breast cancer concluded that “breast cancer mortality reduction caused by present-day practice of adjuvant tamoxifen and chemotherapy is 7%. Tamoxifen contributes most to the mortality reduction. The overall effect of chemotherapy on mortality is very small.” Take note that the contribution of chemotherapy to breast cancer survival is very small – what is very small? To be sure it has to be much, much less than 7%.

Guy Faguet, after spending numerous years of research on cancer, came to this startling conclusion (The War on Cancer: An anatomy of failure, a blueprint for the future. Springer, 2005): “An objective analysis of cancer chemotherapy outcomes over the last three decades reveals that, despite vast human and financial expenditures, the cell-killing paradigm had failed to achieve its objective … the conquest of cancer remains a distant and elusive goal.” Chemotherapy for cancer is based on “flawed premises with an unattainable goal, cytotoxic chemotherapy in its present form will neither eradicate cancer not alleviate suffering.”

Cured of Breast Cancer?

In a study of 1,547 breast cancer patients at the University of Chicago Hospital, USA, from 1945 to 1987, Theodore Karrison et al. (J. Nat. Cancer Inst. 1999. 91:80-85) observed that for patients who underwent mastectomy but without chemotherapy or radiotherapy, most recurrences occurred within the first ten years after mastectomy. Recurrences were rare after 20 to 25 years. Patients surviving to this time without evidence of recurrence are probably cured.

Women are often told that if they survive five years after their diagnosis of breast cancer, they are considered cured of breast cancer. Based on the work of Karrison et al. this assumption is presumptuous and is not true at all. Women perhaps need to be reminded of what Guy Faguet wrote: “We must recognize that “cure” is not an absolute term because minimal residual or slowly recurrent disease that causes no symptoms can persist and remain undetected for years.” Take note, the cancer can remain dormant in the body for years not just five years!

Breast Cancer- When Chemotherapy Becomes A Useless And Dangerous Poisonous Cure

2008-02-01T05:58:00.001-08:00

An article in a well known German magazine, Der Spiegel (4 October 2004) featured an article with this title: The Useless Poisonous Cures. It says: “Increasingly sophisticated and expensive cellular poisons are being given to seriously ill patients … patients do not actually live a day longer.” At first impression I thought the article was rather rash on the so called “noble” effort of the Vested Interest to find a cure for cancer. My perception has since changed after much reading – I begin to question if the effort is really noble or something else – a deception done in the name of science?

It is well known that breast cancer is a common, much feared disease among women worldwide. In the US alone, it is said that each year 180,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 44,000 will die of it. This works out to be almost 25% death due to breast cancer after diagnosis. Why must 25% of them die? What happen to all the research that are being done and the hype that a cure is around the corner?

In Malaysia and also elsewhere, women with breast cancer undergoes a standard recipe of treatments -- surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal oral drug. I was shocked to be told by a bank executive that the oncologist offered her a $50,000 state-of-the-art-package-deal to cure her breast cancer after finding a lump in her breast. This offer was made even before a surgery was done.

The chemotherapy regimes commonly used for breast cancer are anthracycline-based. Perhaps breast cancer patients are more familiar with these names: AC (Andriamycin + cyclophosphamide), CAF (cyclophosphamide + Adriamycin + 5-FU), CEF (cyclophosphamide + epirubicin + 5-FU). Patients receiving such regimen are told that this is the state-of-the-art treatment. It is scientifically proven. The effectiveness of such a treatment has undergone peer review and is published in peer-reviewed journal. The treatment can prevent further spread of the cancer and patients can be cured.

Naïve patients accept their doctors’ words with good faith. In countries where medical treatments are not paid by the government, patients have to find their own money to pay for the medical expenses. Some patients have to sell their house, land or jewellery to finance their hunt for a cure.

It is most shocking to learn that at a closed session of a select group of people during the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting held in Chicago (2007), Dr. Dennis Slamon, chief of Oncology at the University of California at Los Angeles, revealed that his research had indicated that anthracycline chemo-drugs such as Andriamycin, provide no benefit whatever to about 92% of breast cancer patients. Dr. Slamon’s research has shown that the most widely used chemo-drug may not benefit most women. To find no benefit is one thing but pay for and receive a drug that causes severe toxicities is another thing. These anthracyclines are notoriously dangerous because they are known to cause damage to the heart or may even cause secondary cancer like leukemia.

The National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) – a grass roots advocacy group in the US released this statement (May 2007) in its website: “NBCC urges the oncology community to reassess the use of anthracycline-based chemotherapy in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer.”

The Coalition urged that it “may very well be the time to do away with anthracycline drugs”. Such drugs only benefit a very small percentage -- only 8% -- of breast patients whose breast cancer co-amplify the Her2 and TopoII genes. This point is worth repeating: only patients tested positive for Her2 and TopoII benefit from anthracycline-base chemotherapy.

Is the medical community willing to change its ways of treating breast cancer in the light of this research evidence? The NBCC said: “while the medical oncology community is quick to embrace additional treatments, it is extremely cautions toward change in the other direction even when the evidence warrants it. Meanwhile, women with breast cancer are subject to complex regimens of toxic and expensive treatments that they simply may not need.”

The Breast Cancer Roller Coaster Ride

2008-01-31T02:04:00.003-08:00

Having breast cancer is not an automatic death sentence, but it does put a person on an emotional roller coaster. I speak from personal experience.

In 2001, I went for my standard mammogram. A suspicious area reveal the same mass as last year’s test, so another ultrasound was ordered. This time the doctor advised me to schedule a biopsy even though I felt well and had no pain. I was positive the doctor was wrong, but I made the appointment anyway.

At work, I scheduled time off, including an extra day so I could go to the last Diamondback baseball home game to see if they would advance to the playoffs. I was positive the test would reveal I was all right, without cancer.

Back at work, I got the test results of an infiltrating carcinoma stage 2/3 via a phone call. I turned so white, my co-workers wanted to know if I was all right. I mumbled I was okay and gave my primary care doctor the name of the surgeon I preferred for treatment. This surgeon had removed a lump in 1998 and tests showed it was benign and I had full confidence in his skills. Later, I realized this was the beginning of denial, a common experience.

My surgeon went over the potential treatment, but I knew I really had only one option if I truly wanted to get well, a modified mastectomy. Fear now set in.

At first, I refused to talk about my disease or try to put a support group in place. I was going to “tough it out.” Finally I realized I needed an outlet and began gathering my personal cheerleaders from family, friends, church members, and e-mail contacts I had never met. This was the beginning of reality for my life as it was and dealing with my emotions instead of stuffing them inside. On the third day after I received my cancer news, the beginning of my healing began. My mantra became, “this is only a bump in the road.”

I even reached out. I went to a nurse friend and had her talk to me about my upcoming surgery. A mastectomy was similar to peeling an onion. Visualizing a peeling onion made me laugh. It was a good way to combat nerves. I felt ready. Surgery was scheduled for October 30, 2001.

Back home after surgery, I healed. My husband even allowed me complete control of the TV remote. Wow! I also started following my dream of becoming a writer. I kept notes of my feelings, which eventually led to a 22-page booklet titled, Breast Cancer Survivor Year One published by Elan Press. I sold it for cost ($5) to my friends or to people who needed help with cancer, either for themselves, or for their friends or family.

My five years of follow-up treatment (taking tamoxifen only, no chemo or radiation) have passed and my life goes on with writing dominating my life. Cancer became the turning point for me to follow my lifetime dream.

Points to understand to help you recover:
1. Support group are the first line of defense. They can be found online and locally.
2. Make sure you have developed relaxation techniques for yourself. Choose something easy to do that really takes tension away for you. Some suggestions are watching funny movies at home, listening to music, or reading a book.
3. Understand what drain tubes are, why you need them, and most of all, make sure someone shows you how to keep them in place by fastening the tubes to a shirt or a nightgown. Your doctor can explain all about drain tubes and some hospital nurses can usually show you how to fasten those tubes to a shirt.
4. Take lots of time to decide to wear prosthesis (fake boob) or to have reconstruction if you have a mastectomy.
5. Have someone show you what prosthesis looks like (check with a cancer support group or someone who has gone through this process; hospitals often can help you make this connection). Hold it to see how it feels and ask about the type of special bra you will need to wear if you choose to wear a prosthesis.
6. Ask about buying special bras for prosthesis (usually checking with your insurance gains this information, although cancer support groups and hospital cancer help can give you information to get you started) and know what a fitter does to ensure you are fitted correctly for these items.
7. See if you can find someone who sews to see if they can convert the bra portion of a regular swimsuit with pockets to hold a prosthesis. That’s cheaper than buying a commercial suit at $100! I now take the soft, stretchy cloth covering for my prosthesis and pin it to the swimsuit bra portion to hold my prosthesis in place.
8. Make sure you understand your doctor’s instructions for caring for your arm if lymph nodes are removed to check for cancer cells. Sometimes you may be limited for lifting a number of pounds, and after a healing time, you will need to do exercise to ensure you have mobility for future arm use.

Breast Cancer Risks Experts Dismiss as Unproven

2008-01-31T02:04:00.001-08:00

A great stir was caused by the recent statement by Sheryl Crow on national television that a doctor told her that women should not drink bottled water that has been left in a car, because the heat causes toxins from the plastic to leak into the water. She also said the doctor told her that the chemicals have been found in breast tissue and these chemicals can lead to breast cancer.

Articles on the Internet referenced the websites of organizations that had previously addressed this concern, including Breastcancer.org and Plasticsmythbusters.org, which is affiliated with the American Chemistry Council. Both organizations considered the connection between plastic water bottles and breast cancer risk to be “an urban myth” and say the theory is unproven.

The fact that a direct causal connection has not yet been proven beyond a shred of doubt does not mean that the theory is a myth.

It has been proven that phthalates, which are compounds used as softeners and plasticizers for products made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) accelerate breast cell growth in animal studies. These chemicals have also been found to adversely affect the reproductive and endocrine system, especially in baby boys. In a recent study, phthalates were recently linked to low testosterone levels which appears to cause increased belly fat and pre-diabetes in men.

These softeners and plasticizers are used in a variety of consumer and personal care products including food packaging materials, toys, and medical/pharmaceutical devices and drugs. The most commonly used phthalate is DEHP. Food contamination has definitely been found to occur when plastic food packaging materials are made from PVC that was treated with phthalates. As a general rule, we should not cook or heat foods in most plastics. This caveat is especially applicable to old plastic containers in which the surface is eroding the concern being based upon the fact that plasticizers are released during heating. Not all plastic containers are microwaveable. Look for directions regarding this on the packaging.

According to a panel doctor on Breastcancer.org, scientists make sure that during animal studies they don’t contaminate experiments with plastics by using old plastic equipment that have been used and washed many times. Don’t you think you should be a little more concern about contaminating your body? It is possible that water left in the car where the temperature can almost reach the boiling point may be cause for similar concern. It may not be one incident of drinking water from a heated plastic bottle that leads to increased cancer risk, but an accumulation of several risky behaviors or exposure related to plastics just may promote cancer.

We don’t know definitively all the causes of cancer, but we are exposed to so many possible agents that may contribute to cancer, some of them are naturally occurring and some are man-made that there will never be ample epidemiological human studies or data that prove or disprove these “myths.” Some of these agents may not directly cause cancer alone, but they can cause direct damage to genes or disrupt the immune system or alter the hormone balance in such a way as to create a fertile environment for cancer cells to grow.

Another of these “myths” that have circulated on the Internet for several years is that using underarm deodorants or antiperspirants that contain parabens can cause breast cancer. And the consensus among scientists is there is no connection between antiperspirants and breast cancer.

Nevertheless, researchers found six different kinds of parabens in the breast cancer tissue samples of women who were being treated for breast cancer. All of the samples contained some parabens. The amount of parabens in the samples was about equal to the amount that had caused breast cancer cells to grow in test tubes in earlier studies.

The researchers concluded that these chemicals enter breast tissue from outside sources and accumulate in levels high enough to trigger the growth of breast cancer cells. Parabens are also used to preserve foods, medicines, and cosmetics. So there are lots of opportunities for exposure to these chemicals.

Another contributor to breast cancer was recently reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Cadmium, a toxic heavy metal that can build up in the body over time was linked to increased breast cancer risk.

Researchers measured cadmium levels in the urine samples from a group of women and found that women with the highest cadmium levels had twice the breast cancer risk of those with the lowest levels. People may be exposed to cadmium from tobacco smoke and some foods such as liver, kidney, crustaceans (lobsters, crabs, and shrimp), and canned fish. People who work with cadmium or in refining and smelting are also exposed, but the U.S. government limits such on-the-job exposure. But once again, we have the usual disclaimer: “The study doesn't prove cadmium exposure causes breast cancer. It will take more research to figure that out.”

There will never be ample animal studies, much less human epidemiological data that prove or disprove definitively that any specific product or chemicals cause breast cancer in humans. I think it is wise to avoid suspect materials whenever possible. There is usually enough data to conclude whether or not a substance presents a risk that is harmful to your health and may contribute to breast cancer.

Many of these suspect chemicals do not affect only breast cancer risk; they are frequently harmful to the cardiovascular system and overall health.

Consumer reaction that should result if the available data were widely publicized could force consumer product manufacturers and food packagers to search for alternatives.

Breast Cancer - Radiation-induced Agony and Metastases - Part 3

2008-01-30T02:20:00.003-08:00

Breast Cancer - Radiation-induced Agony and Metastases - Part 2

2008-01-30T02:20:00.001-08:00

Breast Cancer - Radiation-induced Agony and Metastases - Part 1

2008-01-29T04:58:00.000-08:00

Gene (not real name) is the fifth child in a family of six girls and two boys. Her eldest sister, the first sibling in the family, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of twenty-seven. Unfortunately, Gene was also diagnosed with breast cancer at twenty-seven years old.

Gene’s problem started in mid-December 2002, when she found a lump in her right breast. She went to see a surgeon in a private hospital and did a lumpectomy. Gene was given the good news that the lump was not malignant. The histopathology report dated 17 December 2002, stated: “Sclerosing adenosis of the breast with atypical ductal hyperplasia. Advised periodic follow up.” The immuno-histochemical stains were negative for ER, PR, c-erbB2.

About a year after the surgery, Gene noticed that the surgical wound became rather hard and with time started to grow in thickness. Gene consulted another surgeon in another private hospital. An ultrasound of her right breast done on 9 June 2005 showed two lesions, one of which was 9 mm x 7.5 mm x 10 mm in size. The radiologist concluded that these could be malignant and suggested a FNAC study. An ultrasound of the left breast showed a 7 x 2 mm simple cyst.

A tru-cut biopsy was done to the right breast lump on 18 June 2005 and it confirmed the clinical suspicion of malignancy. The lesion was an infiltrating, poorly differentiated mammary ductal carcinoma, probably Grade 3. An ultrasound of the abdomen and chest X-ray did not show any abnormality.

Gene went back to the first surgeon who did her lumpectomy and underwent a right mastectomy with axillary clearance. The subsequent histopathology report dated 24 June 2005, confirmed previous diagnosis of infiltrating ductal carcinoma – Schirrhous type with tubular pattern, Grade 2. The cancer was staged as T1bN1Mo. The adjacent breast tissue was found to be fibrocystic with sclerosing adenosis. The resected margins, areola and nipple were clear of any tumour tissues. One of the ten axillary lymph nodes was affected. The axillary fat was also found to be infiltrated by malignant tumour.

Gene underwent adjuvant chemotherapy in mid-July 2005. The first four cycles consisted of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide. This treatment, completed in mid-September 2005, was followed by four cycles of Formoxol (an international brand name of paclitaxel, marketed in Malaysia). Each cycle of chemotherapy was given every three weeks. Gene suffered severe side effects such as vomiting, breathlessness, lack of strength and pains throughout her body. When asked if she would want to go for more chemotherapy, Gene shook her head vigorously with disapproval. She had developed a phobia for injection.

After the completion of chemotherapy on 7 December 2005, Gene underwent twenty radiation treatments onto her chest well. This treatment started on 29 December 2005 and lasted until 27 January 2006. Gene felt “hot” inside her body during the radiotherapy. Fortunately she did suffer much side effects during chemotherapy.

With the completion of the above treatments, Gene was happy believing that the cancer has at last been “conquered.” She went back to her oncologist and surgeon for routine check up. Ultrasound reports of 9 May 2006 and 8 November 2006, confirmed absence of any abnormality in her abdomen. A bone scan report dated 28 August 2006, confirmed “no evidence of MDP avid skeletal metastasis.” Blood test results of 8 November 2006 and 13 February 2007 showed CEA, CA 125 and CA 15.3 to be within normal limits. Her liver function values done on 8 November 2006 showed normal values.

However, Gene started to sense problem by February 2007 – barely a year after her apparent “successful” treatment. Both her buttock and backbone were hurting. An ultrasound on 2 April 2007 showed a 5 mm x 6 mm nodule at 9 o’clock position of her left breast. The surgeon proceeded to remove this lump and found it not malignant.

CT scan done on 16 June 2007 showed disturbing and distressing features. There was a 0.5 cm nodule in the left thyroid. There were also hypodense lesions seen in the posterior aspect of the right 6th rib, vertebral body of L2, left iliac crest, left iliac bone and the neck of the right femur.

MRI of the pelvis on 18 June 2007 indicated lesion in the mid 3rd medial right ilium, left anterior superios iliac spine, right and left body of S2 vertebrae, head of right femur and intertrochanter region of left femur.

The general impression of the CT scan and MRI finding was that of multiple bony metastases. This was further collaborated by a bone scan report dated 19 June 2007 which reads: “Increased uptake of tracer in the L2 vertebrae is due to MDP avid skeletal metastasis. Increase uptake of tracer seen in L3, L4 and L5 vertebrae is metabolically active lesion, most likely due to DXT. Increased uptake of tracer seen in left anterior superior iliac spine is likely due to muscle attachment.”

Since Gene suffered pains, she underwent palliative radiotherapy. After seven treatments, there was less pain. She has five more radiation sessions to go. The oncologist wanted to give Gene more chemotherapy but she declined and came to seek our help. Gene came to our centre on a wheel chair since she had difficulty walking due to pains. She was prescribed Capsule A, Breast M, Bone tea and Pain Tea.

Herbs Made Her Well

It was indeed a big surprise for me to see Gene walking into our centre on her own without the need of a wheelchair just five days after her fist visit to us. Gene told us that after taking the herbs for three days, she felt better and had more energy. The pains had lessened significantly to enable her to walk by herself.

Three weeks after her first visit to us, I asked Gene if she was just “play-acting” when she came to see us on a wheelchair. I wanted to know if she was trying to gain “sympathy” from her sisters and husband who came along with her. Gene said that even after seven radiation treatments she had pains that made it difficult for her to move. The pains were real!

Gene came to see us again after three weeks on herbs. She looked radiant. She was getting better! Gene told us that she was able to sleep well. Previously, her sleep was difficult and she was not able to turn her body to the right or left. After the herbs, she was able to turn her body without any problem. Previously, Gene was not able to lean forward when sitting down, after the herbs that problem too went away. Gene said she is getting better with each day. She decided not to go for any more radiotherapy.

What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer

2008-01-29T04:57:00.000-08:00

Your body is made up of cells, which are the main elements in the tissue that your body uses to create and maintain your organs. When some of these cells grow and divide in improper ways, they can turn cancerous and form into a mass called a tumor. As cells grow old and die within your body they’re replaced with new ones. At least, this is what happens when cells behave as they’re meant to.

When this process of cellular regeneration falters for whatever reason, the cells have nowhere to go and that’s part of the reason they form into these growths. The tumors can be classed as either benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancerous although they’re just as scary when found in your body. They aren’t life threatening and can usually be removed easily. Benign tumors do not spread or invade the cells around them. Malignant tumors on the other hand, are cancerous and are definitely bad for your health in all cases. Though they can generally be removed, they sometimes grow back or invade other nearby organs or tissue. This spreading of the malignant cancer cells to other parts of the body is called Metastasis.

With breast cancer, the diseased cells are usually located within the lymph nodes near the infected breast. Breast cancer can spread to other areas of the body as well, with the most common areas being the liver, lungs, brain or bones. This is known as metastasic breast cancer and the cells in the other infected areas are still composed of breast cancer cells. Doctors generally term this sort of tumor migration as, distant metastasic cancer.

Breast cancer has no set type of woman that it attacks. Doctors have no explanation for why some women get the disease while others don’t. However, women with certain risk factors are more likely to develop cancer than women without these factors. Some of these factors can include:

1. A woman’s age is directly proportionate to her chances of developing cancer. Older women are at greater risk, while younger women rarely develop the disease before they reach menopause

2. A family history of cancer will raise the risk factor of developing the disease

3. If a woman has already had the disease in one breast, the chances are high that she will develop cancer in the other one

It is important to remember that women with high risk factors do not always get cancer, just as women who develop breast cancer may not fall into any of the high risk groups. This is why it’s hard to predict who will get this terrible disease and who will be spared. Other than those in higher risk groups, there’s no real way to tell. It’s very important to have yourself screened for the disease before any symptoms develop. The earlier that this cancer is caught, the sooner it can be treated and the more likely it is that you’ll survive the disease. If you have any breast pain or any other symptom of the disease, don’t panic. Many similar symptoms are attributed to many other problems and are generally not cancerous.

Why The Opposite Breast Should Be Evaluated With MRI?

2008-01-25T05:36:00.003-08:00

Breast cancer is a worldwide problem with which causes 502,000 deaths per year worldwide. In the United States breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in women. Every year more than 40,000 women in the United States die of breast cancer. It is estimated the a woman living in the United States have one in eight chance of developing breast cancer and one in thirty three chance of dying from the disease.

Incidence of breast cancer shows a dramatically increasing trend since 1970s and this increased incidence is thought to be related to the changes in life style. Compared to 1970s more women are now delaying their first pregnancy and have relatively smaller families. These factors have an effect on the level of hormonal exposure during life time and this is considered to be a major factor in the increasing breast cancer incidence in the western world.

With breast cancer being so much of a prevalent disease everything should be done to prevent the occurrence of the breast cancer and to detect the breast cancer early once it develops.

Mammogram is a technique that is very commonly used to screen women for early detection of breast cancer. Mammogram helps to detect breast cancer at a very early stage when it is more likely to be cured by surgery with or without chemotherapy and radiation therapy. MRI is a better technique to detect breast cancer early and it is proven to be more sensitive and effective in detecting breast cancer early. However this technique is not very widely available and is much more expensive compared to mammogram. Because of this reason MRI is not routinely recommended for the purpose of screening for breast cancer. However MRI is widely used in cases where the women in question are high risk for the development of breast cancer or when the mammogram result is inconclusive.

A recent study that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that women who are diagnosed with breast cancer on one breast have high risk of having breast cancer on the other breast at the time of diagnosis. This study showed that more than 3% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer had another cancer in the other breast. These were not detected by mammograms and if mammogram alone was used these 3% of women would not have found out that they have cancer in the other breast. Because of this finding it would be best if every woman with diagnosis of a breast cancer try to obtain an MRI of the opposite breast to evaluate for small breast cancer that may be present in the opposite breast. Mammogram is not enough in this setting.

One Voice, One Hand, One Heart

2008-01-25T05:36:00.001-08:00

SUPPORTING A CAUSE… JUST BECAUSE

It’s a good thing to do!

This week a friend is having a “Mystery Auction” on eBay with 100% of the proceeds being donated to the American Breast Cancer Foundation.

I see this as an act of love and compassion – started by one caring person and others joining in to support her! The Kool In Pink Gang was formed: Many people = One voice, One hand, One heart to support the American Breast Cancer Foundation.

This auction started out as whim to make a Pink Thong for a male blogger, and many of eBay’s finest sellers joined forces and donated PINK items to be included in this auction. As this whim picked up steam and really got moving, it was decided that the charity auction would be for the American Breast Cancer Foundation.

So far the auction has 42 watchers, 25 bids, and the bidding is up to $230.04.

On a personal note, the eBay seller for this auction, has a dear friend who has breast cancer and is now in Stage IV.

I’ve got to tell you, the strength of character and unconditional love shown by this seller to her friend is overwhelming and contagious!

Please join me in watching this auction, bidding on it if you can, but most of all help me get the word out about the American Breast Cancer Foundation.

Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer- Coping with Skin Reactions

2008-01-18T05:50:00.003-08:00

Radiation therapy is a simple, painless, and generally well-tolerated tool for treating and even curing breast cancer. One of the most common side effects of radiation therapy to the breast (after a lumpectomy) or to the chest wall (after a mastectomy) is skin irritation. The reaction and its extent differ for every woman. Because radiation therapy is often such an important part of breast cancer treatment, it is important to know how to mitigate its side effects in order to gain the greatest benefit from the therapy.

Coping with Skin Irritation

Radiation-induced skin reactions are more likely to occur in people who received chemotherapy shortly before or during radiation therapy and in women who have a prominent fold under the crease of the breast. In fact, this area and the underarm are the most common areas of the breast to sustain a skin reaction. Most skin reactions resolve within a few weeks of completing radiation therapy.

Skin reactions are almost inevitable for women receiving radiation to the chest wall after a mastectomy. As a result, many radiation oncology facilities give such women a one-week prophylactic break halfway through the course of treatment, to reduce the severity of skin reactions.

The severity of a skin reaction varies from person to person. It can become more noticeable as the course of treatment progresses. Faint pinkness of the skin, brisk redness, sun burnt sensation, dryness, itching, peeling, darkening like a suntan, blistering, and moist oozing can occur.

When the reaction is severe, such as a brisk redness that evolves into blistering and moist weeping of the skin, women receive a treatment break, usually lasting a week or two. This rest is usually sufficient to alleviate the worst symptoms. When necessary, doctors can prescribe therapeutic creams. Radiation can be resumed once the reaction resolves.

Treating the Reaction

During radiation therapy, women can avoid chafing the irradiated skin by going braless or by wearing a cotton sports bra without an underwire that fits well below the crease of the breast or the irradiated skin of the chest wall. Women who can go braless altogether, should. If that is not a comfortable solution, women should wear a bra as infrequently as possible to reduce the likelihood and/or the degree of a skin reaction. Also, aerating the irradiated skin helps minimize skin reactions.

Over-the-counter moisturizing creams without alcohol and fragrance can reduce the extent of a skin reaction. Often, radiation oncology teams prescribe these creams at the beginning of radiation therapy.

Women should also try to be kind to the irradiated skin, which can be easily inflamed. Radiation oncologists suggest:

• Do not rub, scrub, or scratch the skin in the treatment area; instead, pat the skin dry and massage physician-prescribed anti-itch creams or ointments onto the affected area.
• Avoid sun exposure to the irradiated skin. When going outdoors, wear protective opaque clothing such as a cotton tee shirt.
• Steer clear of tight-fitting blouses and bras over the area unless instructed otherwise.
• Use only lukewarm water and mild soap recommended by the radiation oncology team on the treated area.
• Avoid using ice packs or heating pads on the treated skin.
• Steer clear of commercial deodorants and skin care products not endorsed by the treatment team.
• Do not shave the underarm on the treated side with a non-electric razor.
• Avoid skin care products for at least two hours before radiation treatment.

Although a number of people who undergo radiation therapy do experience skin reactions, most get past this temporary side effect. By working with their radiation oncology teams, people pass the metaphorical finish line of the course of radiation therapy, usually victoriously. Most importantly, they derive substantial benefits from radiation therapy and move on to leading productive, cancer-free lives.

6 Steps To The New You!

2008-01-18T05:50:00.001-08:00

The first few minutes of meditation allows you to be aware of all what is being filtered through your mind. Meditation doesn’t cause you to think;it allows you to step outside of yourself and practice being an observer. Through meditation, you will be able to calm your mind, you will notice the mental and physical benefits.
Steps to Meditating:

1.

Sit in a comfortable position, with your back straight, feet crossed or flat on the floor(if you are sitting in a chair). Ancient theories suggest that we sit on the ground to make a connection between heaven and earth. Traditional postures for meditating are the lotus, tailor’s and Burmese. However, if you are just starting out, the discomfort of sitting in a position that you are not use to will override your focus for meditating. Therefore, choose to sit in a way that is comfortable for you then gradually move to a more traditional posture.
2. Take one deep breath in preparation. Hold it, then slowly release.
3. You will notice that if you keep your eyes closed, that it will be easier for you to fall asleep and/or daydream. If you choose to meditate with your eyes open, it is best to face a wall to minimize distractions.
4. Focus on breathing. When you sit in silence, you are sitting on the legacy that you have created thus far; not from an egotistical point of view but from a historical one. What do you feel most? Do you feel the rising of your chest cavity or the movement of your diaphragm? Is your breathing silent, heavy, irregular?
5. Focus on the area between your nose and upper lip; where you can feel your breathing.
6. Become aware that you’re job on earth is not yet finished; let go of any limitations, breathe out your fears, breathe out any feelings of lack, fear, guilt, misery and become lighter with every breath.

N.B. It is recommended that you meditated first thing in the morning when your energy has not yet fallen prey to outside distractions. It might take a couple of minutes for your mind to settle. Start with as little as 5minutes in the beginning, then try and increase your time.

When you are used to doing a gazillion things at once, your mind will fight the state of stillness. That is why it is recommended to start with short periods. Set an alarm clock if you must. With time, you will strengthen your will to sit for longer periods. You might notice familiar songs pop up in your head, allow, take notice, return your focus on breathing. Deep seated thought or buried emotions might surface. Again, allow, take notice and return your focus on breathing.

Remember that when you are in meditation mode that you are an observer. You will remain a stranger to yourself until you learn to become an observer. Try not to identify the cause of or source of noises taking place around you; it will only cause your thoughts to interlink with other thoughts.
Is Your Mind Wasting You Time? Once you start meditating, you’ll notice that instead of daydreaming at work or behind the wheel that you can be mindful of your thoughts by planting a seed and awaiting a response.

Plastic Surgery Breast Enhancement

2008-01-10T01:57:00.000-08:00

Plastic surgery breast enhancement was done on 212,500 women in the year of 2000. Breast surgery is the fourth most popular procedure done on women with the exception of cosmetic surgery. This information has been provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Meanwhile, millions of women have been subjected to the ill effects of these modern day vanity contraptions that were bought in good faith. Even though surgery is meant for the good of women who want larger breast, there are many who have suffered and have had bad side effects from breast enlargement surgeries.

Also remember this!

In 1992 the FDA put a banned on silicone gel implants.

Another thing for women to remember is, you will be denied health coverage if you have had a ruptured breast implant.

Silicone implants are a lot better product than Saline filled implants, because Saline implants are more likely to leak, which leads to corrective surgery and replacements. Not to mention, you will have to spend more money to have surgery done again.

Dr. Lori Brown says: "That the incidence of implants rupture are a lot higher than most people suspected." Dr. Brown is a member of the FDA "Food and Drug Administration."

Women with implants have a chance of getting cancer. Studies have shown that there is a 21% chance of women with breast implants to get cancer. This is compared to women of the same age group.

More than 8,000 women have died as a result of having breast implant surgery. This includes silicone and saline breast implant surgeries. Women who have breast implants have a much higher chance dying from pneumonia, cancer, and emphysema. The studies were based on death certificates and medical records provided by the National Cancer Institute of Boston University. ABT Associates,and the FDA.

There is a safer way for women to enhance their breast with out the dangers of plastic surgery breast enhancement. Breast Actives is a all natural breast enlargement supplement with no side effects. Breast Actives are made from herbs that helps women enlarge their breast naturally without the risk of plastic surgery breast enhancement.

You Too Can Prevent Cancer, Including Breast Cancer

2008-01-10T01:41:00.000-08:00

Cancer, breast cancer and breast cancer symptom can be prevented and may be cured with out any magic bullet according to two time Nobel Prize winner DR. OTTO WARBURG.

In 1931, DR. OTTO WARBURG who won his first Nobel Prize for his work on the cause of Cancer, claims that cancer begins to thrive in your body due to a lack of oxygen respiration in cells. DR. WARBURG'S research proves that cancer is no longer mystical, but infact occurs when any cell is denied 60% of it's oxygen requirement needed to produce energy.

According to DR. WARBURG, cancer unlike other diseases, may have many other secondary causes, but there is just the one prime cause, which relates to the oxygen requirement for cellular respiration.

He continues to explain that all normal body cells meet their energy needs by aerobic cellular respiration, whereas cancerous cells can only meet their energy needs in great parts through the process of fermentation, or anaerobically.

Cellular respiration, being a normal every day process of your healthy working body is required by every cell in order to produce energy for your body to function effectively, or you may experience breast cancer or breast cancer symptom.

As the blood picks up oxygen from the lungs, this oxygen must be efficiently circulated throughout the body to distribute nutrients and to produce energy in the cells. Any obstruction due to the clumping of plaque, from free radicals oxidation of LDL cholesterol, toxins and carcinogens, or from unhealthy blood platelets activities, inhibits the needed oxygen requirement of 60% for optimum cellular respiration according to DR. WARBURG, thus creating the formation of malignant cells.

Women's Struggle With Breast Cancer

2008-01-03T00:15:00.001-08:00

This disease is caused by an abnormal growth of cells. If someone in your family has breast cancer, there may be a chance that you will have it as well. Women twenty-five and up have a higher risk of developing this disease. There is no way of preventing cancer. Women need to go to the doctor regularly for check ups. They must learn to recognize the symptoms and know the causes and treatments available for breast cancer.

We do not know exactly what causes breast cancer, but there are several risks that we need to be aware of that may cause cancerous cells. You need to investigate your family’s history with breast cancer: early menstruation, and late menopause, and breast exposure to radiation are factors may affect your health.

If you begin to notice abnormalities on your breast, you need to get checked. Know your body so you can give yourself self-examinations. A sign of breast cancer is a lump in the breast or armpit area. Sometimes these lumps are the beginning of breast cancer, but may or may not be cancerous yet. These lumps may be removed by a simple operation. Other symptoms that may be detected during the self examination are the following: thickening in the breast or arm pit area, a change in the size, shape or color of the nipples, dimples or redness of the skin on the breast, or changes in the size or shape of the breast.

The treatments needed in case you have this disease will depend on how serious and developed the breast cancer is. The simplest treatment is the lumpectomy that consists of removing the cancerous lump. During this process they also remove some of the lymph nodes in the arm. Another treatment which is a more serious one is known as mastectomy. In this process, the doctor needs to remove the whole patient’s breast because the lump has become very large and cancerous and the patient runs the risk that the cancer will spread all over the chest muscle. In some occasions, the chest muscles that are around the breast and the lymph nodes of the arm are removed. This is called a radical mastectomy. If the doctor finds cancer cells on the lymph nodes, this means that the cancer has spread throughout other parts of the body. When this occurs, the patient will require a more aggressive treatment. There are three common forms of treatment for breast cancer: radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

In conclusion, breast cancer is very common in women of all ages. For doctors, it is important that the patient knows her body and knows how to conduct self-examinations, and be aware of any changes in her breast area. Women need to take extra precautions if they have any history of breast cancer in their family. Make sure you examine yourself regularly to prevent any surprises. Remember that the lumps may or may not be cancerous, but to make sure you should go to the doctor and have a mammogram done before it is too late.

Nine Ways to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

2008-01-03T00:14:00.000-08:00

Mutation in either the BRCA1 or the BRCA2 gene, excess estrogen levels in the body, diet, excess weight, alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking are all risk factors for breast cancer. While there's almost nothing we can do to change hereditary gene mutation, it is within our power to control the other factors and protect our breasts.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

A recent American Cancer Society study of more than 62,000 women found that the more weight women gain after age 18, the greater their risk of developing breast cancer during menopause. Extra pounds increase estrogen production, which can fuel cancer growth. On the other hand, even if you are heavier regular exercise will reduce your risk significantly.

“Physical activity is thought to lower the amount of estrogen in the body, thereby lowering your breast cancer,” explains Dr. Debbie Saslow, PhD, Director of Breast and Gynecologic Cancer at the American Cancer Society. So get moving. A brisk 30-minute walk five days a week can reduce breast cancer risk by 18 percent, according to a study of more than 74,000 women ages 50 to 79.

Eat Good Fats

High levels of polyunsaturated fat and saturated fat have been linked to breast cancer, so limit these fats in your diet. Opt for more monounsaturated fat, such as olive and canola oils. A study in Sweden of more than 61,000 women between the ages of 40 and 76 showed that consuming an additional 10 grams of monounsaturated fat reduces breast cancer risk by an estimated 45 percent. On the other hand, the study also showed that every extra 5 grams of polyunsaturated fat consumed, increased breast cancer risk by 69 percent. Breast cancer rates are low among women in Spain, Greece, and Italy, and the fact that people in these countries use olive oil as their primary source of fat undoubtedly is a factor in this beneficial result.

Eat Fruits and Vegetables

Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants that protect against cancer, and these are found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Researchers at New York University compared blood samples from 270 women who subsequently developed breast cancer to samples taken from 270 women who did not. They found that women with the lowest levels of carotenoids had twice the risk of breast cancer as found in those with the highest levels. Try to eat five to nine servings (one-half- to one cup) daily of fruit and vegetables, especially carrots, tomatoes, watermelon, and spinach.

Add Flaxseed to Your Diet

These seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support cardiovascular health as well as lowering the risk of all types of cancer. Flaxseed also contains high levels of a compound called lignans that may reduce estrogen activity in the body. Studies on rats show that lignans actually shrink breast tumors. To eat flaxseed, sprinkle two to three tablespoons of ground flaxseed on your cereal, add to smoothies, or use flaxseed oil in salad dressing.

Learn to Like Soy

Women in Asia have one-fifth the breast cancer rate of Western women. Scientists believe that the reason is their soy-rich diet. A Japanese study showed that women who ate three or more bowls of miso soup (made with fermented soybeans), reduced their risk by 50 percent over those who had less. Soy foods contain phytoestrogens, compounds that are weak forms of estrogen and may protect against breast cancer. Add one to two servings of soy foods daily to your diet - a cup of soy milk, a half cup of tofu, tempeh, or soy nuts.

Limit Alcohol Intake

Alcohol intake is linked to increased levels of estrogen which fuels cancer. It is recommended that if you drink alcohol occasionally, take 400 micrograms of daily folic acid (the amount found in most multivitamins). A Mayo Clinic study showed that women with the lowest folate (folic acid occurring in fruits and vegetables) intake who drank even a small amount of alcohol daily -- even half a drink -- had a 59 percent increased risk of breast cancer, but a high intake of folate cancelled out the increased risk among moderate drinkers. How folate reduces the risk is not clear, but experts agree that most Americans are not getting enough.

Quit Smoking

Studies show that the younger women are when they first start smoking, the greater their risk of developing breast cancer before menopause. Other studies suggest that women with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer may increase their risk if they smoke. Also current and past smokers who develop breast cancer are twice as likely to get an aggressive form of the disease that is not estrogen-dependent. Similar risk applies with second-hand smoke.

Limit Use of Antibiotics

New evidence suggests that the more often you take antibiotics, the higher your breast cancer risk. A study of more than 10,000 women revealed that the risk of breast cancer is doubled among those who took antibiotics for more than 500 cumulative days (the equivalent of about 25 prescriptions) over an average of 17 years compared with women who never took antibiotics. Researchers caution, however, that other factors, such as underlying illness, weakened immune system, or hormonal imbalance, could account for the increased risk.

Opt to Breast-Feed

Not only is it good for your infant, but lactation also suppresses ovulation and the production of estrogen. Researchers compared the birth rates and breast-feeding practices among women in developed countries with women in developing nations in Asia and Africa and found that the breast cancer risk in developed countries could be cut in half if women had as many babies and breast-fed each child for an average of 30 months per child as women in developing countries. Breast-feeding alone would reduce the risk by two-thirds. They also found that for each year a woman breast-feeds, her breast cancer risk dropped 4 percent.

Alternative Treatments for Breast Cancer

2008-01-02T23:02:00.004-08:00

It is shocking to live with breast cancer statistics rising to 1 in 8 women developing some form of breast cancer in their lifetime. Women 50 and older are at the greatest risk. Breast cancer is usually detected with mammograms or self breast exams. About 200,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year. While the survival rate is increasing, it is important to note the increase in occurrence over the last 50 years. Let’s examine what causes breast cancer so we can prevent and deal with breast cancer naturally.

Causes of Breast Cancer
Everyone’s cancer is caused by something different, and so pinpointing the cause of breast cancer usually isn’t high on the list of priorities once a woman is diagnosed with the potentially deadly disease. But, in general cancer is caused by free radicals, or deformed cells, that attach themselves to your good cells.

Breast cancer specifically has been linked to too much estrogen found in the body. There are several reasons why women have too much estrogen. The birth control pill increases the amount of estrogen in the female body. Hormone replacement therapy also has been shown to cause breast cancer because of its tampering with hormone levels.

High levels of preservatives, herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals used to treat food contribute to breast cancer. And estrogens found in dairy and meat can be overwhelming to the body.

Holistic Treatment of Breast Cancer
Plant estrogens like soy are a great way to combat breast cancer. These plant estrogens give the female body everything it needs without the harmful effects. Women with breast cancer should increase their intake of soy foods. When possible they should try to reduce the amount of dairy in their diet and replace it with soy.

Eating whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and fruit also give the immune system a boost and enable the body to wage its own war against cancer. Vitamin and mineral supplements help to fill in the gaps of nutrition you may miss from your diet. Antioxidants counteract the free radicals floating around your body, bind with them, and the body flushes them right out so they can do no harm.

Mental and spiritual well being is also important in a holistic approach to fighting breast cancer. Meditation, stress reduction, improved outlook, and positivity all help improve your mental well being. And as many of us realize, you are what you think about. So change your focus, look for the beauty in life, and take care of yourself, inside and out.

Exercise is a fantastic way to improve your immune system, build a physically healthy body, and improve your mental well being at the same time. Yoga, Tai-Chi, and walking are all beneficial ways to exercise the body and mind without overdoing it and causing damage.

Progesterone cream delivers the hormone, progesterone, to the body in the fastest way possible - transdermally, or through the skin. Progesterone helps to regulate the other hormones in the body, especially estrogen levels. As a woman ages, her natural progesterone levels decrease leaving her exposed to excess estrogen. In research conducted in 1995, progesterone was shown to have protective effects on breast tissue because it inhibits the growth of more breast cancer cells. Estrogen does the opposite and encourages breast tissue growth. Pro-Gest is a good progesterone cream for women with breast cancer.

What You Should Know About Breast Cancer

2008-01-02T23:02:00.003-08:00

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and the second leading cause of cancer death, exceeded only by lung cancer in 1985. One woman in eight who lives to age 85 will develop breast cancer at some time during her life.

At present there are over 2 million women living in the United States who have been treated for breast cancer. About 41,000 women will die from the disease. The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 33. However, the rate of death from breast cancer is going down. This decline is probably the result of early detection and improved treatment.

Breast cancer is not just a woman’s disease. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1600 men develop the disease yearly and about 400 may die from the disease.

Breast cancer risk is higher among those who have a mother, aunt, sister, or grandmother who had breast cancer before age 50. If only a mother or sister had breast cancer, your risk doubles. Having two first-degree relatives who were diagnosed increases your risk up to five times the average.

Although it is not known exactly what causes breast cancer; sometimes the culprit is a hereditary mutation in one of two genes, called BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes normally protect against the disease by producing proteins that guard against abnormal cell growth, but for women with the mutation, the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer can increase up to 80 percent, compared with 13 percent among the general population. In effect, more than 25 percent of women with breast cancer have a family history of the disease.

For women without a family history of breast cancer, the risks are harder to identify. It is known that the hormone estrogen feeds many breast cancers, and several factors – diet, excess weight, and alcohol consumption – can raise the body’s estrogen levels.

Early Signs

Early signs of breast cancer include the following:

- A lump which is usually single, firm and most often painless is detected.

- An area of the skin on the breast or underarm is swollen and has an unusual appearance.

- Veins on the skin surface become more prominent on one breast.

- The affected breast nipple becomes inverted, develops a rash, changes in skin texture, or has a discharge other than breast milk.

- A depression is found in an area of the breast surface.

Types and Stages of Breast Cancer

There are many different varieties of breast cancer. Some are fast-growing and unpredictable, while others develop more slowly and steady. Some are stimulated by estrogen levels in the body; some result from mutation in one of the two previously mentioned genes - BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ (DCIS): Generally divided into comedo (blackhead), in which the cut surface of the tumor shows extrusion of dead and necrotic tumor cells similar to a blackhead, and non-comedo types. DCIS is early breast cancer that is confined to the inside of the ductal system. The distinction between comedo and non-comedo types is important, as comedocarcinoma in-situ generally behaves more aggressively and may show areas of micro-invasion through the ductal wall into surrounding tissue.

Infiltrating Ductal: This is the most common type of breast cancer, representing 78 percent of all malignancies. On mammography, these lesions can appear in two different shapes -- stellate (star- like) or well circumscribed (rounded). The stellate lesions generally have a poorer prognosis.

Medullary Carcinoma: This malignancy comprises 15 percent of breast cancers. These lesions are generally well circumscribed and may be difficult to distinguish from fibroadenoma by mammography or sonography. With this type of breast cancer, prognostic indicators estrogen and progesterone receptor are negative 90 percent of the time. Medullary carcinoma usually has a better prognosis than other types of breast cancer.

Infiltrating Lobular: Representing 15 percent of breast cancers, these lesions generally appear in the upper outer quadrant of the breast as a subtle thickening and are difficult to diagnose by mammography. Infiltrating lobular can involve both breasts (bilateral). Microscopically, these tumors exhibit a linear array of cells and grow around the ducts and lobules.

Tubular Carcinoma: This is described as orderly or well-differentiated carcinoma of the breast. These lesions make up about 2 percent of breast cancers. They have a favorable prognosis with nearly a 95 percent 10-year survival rate.

Mucinous Carcinoma: Represents 1-2 percent of carcinoma of the breast and has a favorable prognosis. These lesions are usually well circumscribed (rounded).

Inflammatory Breast Cancer: This is a particularly aggressive type of breast cancer that is usually evidenced by changes in the skin of the breast including redness (erythema), thickening of the skin and prominence of the hair follicles resembling an orange peel. The diagnosis is made by a skin biopsy, which reveals tumors in the lymphatic and vascular channels about 50 percent of the time.

Stages of Breast Cancer

The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma. It begins in the lining of the ducts. Another type, called lobular carcinoma, arises in the lobules. When cancer is found, the pathologist can tell what kind of cancer it is - whether it began in a duct (ductal) or a lobule (lobular) and whether it has invaded nearby tissues in the breast (invasive).

When cancer is found, special lab tests of the tissue are usually done to learn more about the cancer. For example, hormone (estrogen and progesterone) receptor tests can help determine whether hormones help the cancer to grow. If test results show that hormones do affect the growth of the cancer (a positive test result), the cancer is likely to respond to hormonal therapy. This therapy deprives the cancer cells of estrogen.

Other tests are sometimes done to help predict whether the cancer is likely to progress. For example, x-rays and other lab tests are done. Sometimes a sample of breast tissue is checked for a gene, known as the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2 gene) that is associated with a higher risk that the breast cancer will recur. Special exams of the bones, liver, or lungs are done because breast cancer may spread to these areas.

A woman's treatment options depend on a number of factors. These factors include her age and menopausal status; her general health; the size and location of the tumor and the stage of the cancer; the results of lab tests; and the size of her breast. Certain features of the tumor cells, such as whether they depend on hormones to grow are also considered.

In most cases, the most important factor is the stage of the disease. The stage is based on the size of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread. The following are brief descriptions of the stages of breast cancer and the treatments most often used for each stage. Other treatments may sometimes be appropriate.

Stage 0

Stage 0 is sometimes called non-invasive carcinoma or carcinoma in situ. Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) refers to abnormal cells in the lining of a lobule. These abnormal cells seldom become invasive cancer. However, they are an indicator of an increased risk of developing breast cancer in both breasts. The treatment for LCIS is a drug called tamoxifen, which can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. A person who is affected may choose not to have treatment, but to monitor the situation by having regular checkups. And occasionally, the decision is made to have surgery to remove both breasts to try to prevent cancer from developing. In most cases, removal of underarm lymph nodes is not necessary.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) refers to abnormal cells in the lining of a duct. DCIS is also called intraductal carcinoma. The abnormal cells have not spread beyond the duct to invade the surrounding breast tissue. However, women with DCIS are at an increased risk of getting invasive breast cancer. Some women with DCIS have breast-sparing surgery followed by radiation therapy. Alternatively, they may choose to have a mastectomy, with or without breast reconstruction (plastic surgery) to rebuild the breast. Underarm lymph nodes are not usually removed. Also, women with DCIS may want to talk with their doctor about tamoxifen to reduce the risk of developing invasive breast cancer.

Stage I and II

Stage I and stage II are early stages of breast cancer in which the cancer has spread beyond the lobe or duct and invaded nearby tissue.

Stage I means that the tumor is about one inch across and cancer cells have not spread beyond the breast.

Stage II means one of the following:

The tumor in the breast is less than 1 inch across and the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm. The tumor is between 1 and 2 inches (with or without spread to the lymph nodes under the arm). The tumor is larger than 2 inches but has not spread to the lymph nodes under the arm. The treatment options for early stage breast cancer are breast-sparing surgery followed by radiation therapy to the breast, and mastectomy, with or without breast reconstruction to rebuild the breast. These approaches are equally effective in treating early stage breast cancer. (Sometimes radiation therapy is also given after mastectomy.)

The choice of breast-sparing surgery or mastectomy depends mostly on the size and location of the tumor, the size of the breast, certain features of the cancer, and how the person feels about preserving the breast. With either approach, lymph nodes under the arm usually are removed.

Chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy after primary treatment with surgery or surgery and radiation therapy are recommended for stage I and most frequently with stage II breast cancer. This added treatment is called adjuvant therapy. Systemic therapy sometimes given to shrink the tumor before surgeries called neoadjuvant therapy. This is given to try to destroy any remaining cancer cells and prevent the cancer from recurring, or coming back, in the breast or elsewhere.

Stage III

Stage III is also called locally advanced cancer. In this stage, the tumor in the breast may exhibit the following:

More than 2 inches across and the cancer has spread to the underarm lymph nodes. The cancer is extensive in the underarm lymph nodes. The cancer is spreading to lymph nodes near the breastbone or to other tissues near the breast.

Inflammatory breast cancer is a type of locally advanced breast cancer. In this type of cancer, the breast looks red and swollen (or inflamed) because cancer cells block the lymph vessels in the skin of the breast.

Patients with stage III breast cancer usually have both local treatment to remove or destroy the cancer in the breast and systemic treatment to stop the disease from spreading. The local treatment may be surgery and/or radiation therapy to the breast and underarm. The systemic treatment may be chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or both. Systemic therapy may be given before local therapy to shrink the tumor or afterward to prevent the disease from recurring in the breast or elsewhere.

Stage IV

Stage IV is metastatic cancer. The cancer has spread beyond the breast and underarm lymph nodes to other parts of the body.

The treatments for stage IV breast cancer are chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy to destroy cancer cells and control the disease. Patients may have surgery or radiation therapy to control the cancer in the breast. Radiation may also be useful to control tumors in other parts of the body.

Recurrent Cancer

Recurrent cancer means the disease has returned in spite of the initial treatment. Even when a tumor in the breast seems to have been completely removed or destroyed, the disease sometimes returns because undetected cancer cells remained somewhere in the body after treatment.

Most recurrences appear within the first 2 or 3 years after treatment, but breast cancer can recur many years later.

Cancer that returns only in the area of the surgery is called a local recurrence. If the disease returns in another part of the body, the recurrence is called metastatic breast cancer. The patient may have one type of treatment or a combination of treatments for recurrent cancer.

Three Simple Steps Toward Breast Cancer Prevention

2008-01-02T23:02:00.001-08:00

Three main lifestyle habits lay the foundation for breast cancer prevention. They include:

• Staying physically active
• Limiting alcohol
• Eating right

The evidence so far tells us healthy eating and regular exercise really does contribute to breast cancer prevention. Plus, if you limit your exposure to substances that promote breast cancer, you will benefit even more.

There are some risks toward a higher incident of breast cancer that you cannot control. These include:

• Your age
• Genetic make-up

Although these two factors may loom against you there are still steps you can take on your own to prevent breast cancer. They provide no guarantee that you still will not develop the disease. They will give you a start toward breast cancer prevention.

Some of the easiest things you can control is what you eat and drink and how much exercise you get.

There remains a strong link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer. Seems that it does not matter the type of alcohol one consumes, whether it be wine, beer or mixed drinks, there does not seem to be a difference according to researchers. A step toward breast cancer prevention would be to limit your alcohol to less than one drink per day or to avoid alcohol completely.

Researchers tells us there is also a clear link between obesity or weighing more than is appropriate for your age and height and breast cancer. This is especially true if you gain the extra weight late in life or after menopause. The reason for this is that excess fatty tissue is a source of circulating estrogen in the body. Breast cancer risk is linked to how much estrogen you are exposed to during a lifetime.

If you stay active with a regular exercise regime you are better able to maintain a healthy weight. This one accomplishment alone lowers your risk of breast cancer regardless of age or genetic make-up. We are consistently told to aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week. Always try to include weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging or aerobics, which have the added benefit of keeping your bones and joints strong and healthy.

To date studies suggest a slight decrease in risk of invasive breast cancer for women who eat a low-fat diet. The effect is modest. It is probably a good idea to eat a low-fat diet anyway because it reduces your risk of other diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke. A low-fat diet also can help you maintain healthy weight, which in turns, will help you in taking steps toward breast cancer prevention.

For the greatest benefit limit fat intake to less than 35 percent of your daily calories and restrict foods high in saturated fat.

Researchers have discovered two promising agents to help us prevent breast cancer. They are:

1. Retinoids
2. Flaxseed

Retinoids are natural or synthetic forms of vitamin A. Retionids may have the ability to destroy or disturb the growth of cancer cells. Retinoids may also be effective in premenopausal women and in those whose tumors are not estrogen-positive.

Flaxseed is quite high in one phytoestrogen, which is “lignan.” Phytoestrogens are compounds that occur naturally and lower circulating estrogens in the body. Lignan appears to decrease estrogen production and may help to inhibit the growth of some breast cancers.

Research continues, however, any woman at any age or genetic make-up can start today toward breast cancer prevention simply by staying active, watching what you eat and limiting intake of alcohol.

Breast Cancer - Prevent With Healthy Living

2008-01-02T05:07:00.001-08:00

Generally speaking, breast cancer can be explained as an abnormal growth or a mass of cells, also known as a tumor, anywhere within the breast or immediate surrounding area. Usually the breast tumor is felt to be a lumpy mass during the early stages of breast cancer. If a woman feels a lump or abnormality of the breast of any kind, she should see a doctor immediately. In many cases, there is no cause for alarm, but because breast cancer can be a killer, medical attention is highly recommended.

When breast cancer is detected early, it can be treated quickly and effectively - usually with excellent results. Quick treatment is essential because all breast tumors start off benign initially. If the tumor has not begun to grow abnormally and is removed during the benign stage, the cancer may not spread. If the cancer does not spread, the woman is able to lead a normal, cancer-free life from that point on.

As with most cancers, the exact cause of breast cancer has not been pinpointed. However, there are many risk factors applied to many women. There are many arguments that breast cancer is hereditary, so if there is a history of the cancer in a woman’s family, she should see a doctor regularly for preventative measures. While heredity may play a role, life choices do as well. For instance, women who smoke cigarettes and consume alcohol regularly are at a higher risk for breast cancer than those who do not. Additionally, obese women that do not engage in regular physical activity are at an elevated risk for breast cancer.

It has been found, however, that altering the levels of hormones in the body can lead to different forms of cancer, breast cancer included. Many women take drugs and supplements that have estrogen as a main ingredient. These medications are used to increase sexual drive, assist in lactation, or deal with menopause. There are studies currently underway to help determine the influence of increased levels of estrogen on the development of breast cancer.

Despite the exact causes of breast cancer being unknown, there are many resources explaining and suggesting how a woman might prevent it. While much of this literature is purely speculation, there are precautions all women can take including maintaining a healthy body weight. Because overweight women have a higher chance of developing breast cancer, it is a good idea to lose the fat. Also, regular visits to the doctor are recommended. However, one of the best ways a woman can monitor her breast health is by conducting the at-home exam once a month.

In addition to regular doctor visits and maintaining a healthy body weight, a healthy diet and plenty of exercise can also influence the onset, or not, of many types of cancers. Foods that contain nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants essential to preventing breast cancer include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and legumes. Other good foods are any type of citrus, tomatoes and soy products. A diet low in carbohydrates may also be helpful.

Combining the healthy diet with regular exercise, a positive attitude and an overall healthy lifestyle may dramatically reduce a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer. By no means are these suggestions the only answer, but should be followed as part of an overall attempt at living as healthy as possible.

What Are The Available Breast Cancer Treatments

2008-01-02T05:06:00.000-08:00

The terrible long wait is over and the bad news has been delivered-you have breast cancer. Now what, are you going to die? What happens next? There are literally dozens of questions and fears bouncing around in your head and you might be frozen with fear. Remember that you are not alone and that literally thousands of other women have already dealt with this terrible disease and survived to live many long and productive years.

The road to getting better is a long one that you must endure, but it is not one that you will travel alone. Your family, friends, and doctors will be there to help you and do not be afraid to reach out and ask for help. You are not weak or helpless, you are sick and people want to help but they just do not know how-so be ready to ask!

Work with your doctor to come up with the medical treatment that best fits your needs and that will help cure your type of breast cancer. Most breast cancers will be treated with surgery to remove the tumor and all, or part, of the breast tissue may be removed. Excluding the surgery, there are three primary treatments being used today as a breast cancer treatment and they include chemotherapy, hormone therapy and radiotherapy.

* Chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously or in tablet form. Chemotherapy given intravenously usually requires the patient to be at the doctor's office for several hours as the medication is slowly administered. The treatment is on a schedule determined by the doctor and a rest period of a few weeks between sessions is usual. This allows your body to recover from any side effects of the treatment.

* Radiotherapy treats cancer by using high-energy rays to destroy the cancer cells, while doing as little harm as possible to the healthy cells. Radiotherapy is often used after surgery but may occasionally be used before, or instead of surgery.

If part of the breast has been removed, radiotherapy is usually given to the remaining breast tissue, to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back in that area. After a mastectomy, radiotherapy to the chest wall may be given if your doctor thinks there is a risk that any cancer cells have been left behind.

* There are many different types of hormonal therapy and they work in different ways. They are often given after surgery and radiotherapy for breast cancer, to reduce the chance of the cancer coming back. Hormonal therapy is usually given after chemotherapy.

While your options may appear to be limited, they are not. There are dozens of variation of medications being used today to work with your body to help destroy the cencer cells. If one treatment is not working, another treatment may be used. Remember to be honest with your doctor about how you are feeling. Your doctor is the second most important person in helping you get better but they can not do their job if you do not talk to them.

Now, who is the most important person when it comes to getting better? You are! Take care of yourself, realize that you are sick, need help and support. If you hate asking for help, just remember that when you are better, the opportunity may come up that you can help someone else—and that is what it is all about!

A Brief History of Breast Cancer

2008-01-01T06:35:00.001-08:00

Ancient Egyptians first noted and recorded the disease as tumors, or ulcers, of the breasts, concluded that there was no real cure and that the only form of treatment was cauterization with a tool called the “fire drill”. Since then, there have been many similar cases described by doctors throughout history that concluded that there was no cure; or really effective treatment.

When doctors started to understand the human circulatory system in the seventieth century, they also managed to establish a link between breast cancer and the lymph nodes in the armpits. Between the seventeen and eighteen hundreds, the French surgeon Jean Petit and Scotsman Benjamin Bell were the first ones to remove the lymph nodes, breast tissue and chest muscle in an effort to save woman from breast cancer.

By the 1880s, William Halsted started performing mastectomies. His procedure became known as the Halsted Radical Mastectomy and it remained a popular procedure in the fight against breast cancer right up to the 1970s.

Breast cancer is a cancer of the glandular breast tissue and is found in both male and female patients. Worldwide breast cancer accounts for almost 1% of all deaths, is the fifth most common form of cancer and the most common form found in women.

Although breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women in the United States, it is only the second most common cause of cancer death in women (after lung cancer). U.S. women have a one in eight lifetime chance of developing invasive breast cancer and an almost 3% chance of breast cancer causing their death. Due to our modern lifestyle the ‘experts’ claim and have also noted, a significant increase in the number of cases since the 1970s.

The breast is composed of identical tissues in males and females. Therefore breast cancer also occurs in males, though it is less common. Although men have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, this risk appears to be rising. There seems to be an increased incidence of breast cancer in men with prostate cancer.

The notable point about male breast cancer is that the prognosis is worse in men than in women and treatment of men with breast cancer is similar to that of the treatment given to older women. Because the male breast tissue is confined to the area directly behind the nipple, treatment for males has usually been a mastectomy.

On a more positive note, most breast cancer symptoms do not turn out to represent underlying breast cancer. These normally turn out to be benign diseases of the breast and only represent the more common symptoms similar to breast cancer itself. However, any appearance of new breast symptom should be taken very seriously by patients and doctors; because of the possibility of an underlying breast cancer that can develop at any age.

Should You Wear A Breast Cancer Bracelet

2008-01-01T06:34:00.002-08:00

Chances are that you know someone that has been touched by breast cancer and that you want to find a way to get involved. In today's busy world, it is hard to find the time to volunteer to help others so many of us just write a check and hope that the money will help to find a cure for this disease. While giving money is noble, there are just times when you should a stand and show that you care.

One way to demonstrate your devotion for the cause is to wear a breast cancer bracelet. It shows everyone that you care and that you are a participant in the war to find a cure. Now you are thinking about whether or not the bracelet will be an odd shade of pink, match your clothes, look appropriate for the office and be a pleasure to wear. Vanity can creep in, but your choices for a breast cancer bracelet are almost unlimited.

Well, you are correct in your thinking that most of the breast cancer bracelets are pink, but they are not just an odd shade of pink. Their color varies and can be intertwine with other beads to create a beautiful piece of jewelry that will compliment your wardrobe.

You can purchase a pink tourmaline set with sterling silver, a solid sterling silver bangle, a Swarovski crystal and hematite, a stretchy bracelet with a crystal angel, or a mother of pearl bracelet. Just go into Google and type in breast cancer bracelet and you will be offered over 900,000 different places where you can go and look at the jewelry. Almost anything you can imagine is available. And, if you can not find exactly what you want, you can work with a company to have a special bracelet designed to your specifications.

If you are actively involved in the movement and are part of a group of ladies that get together often, you may want to have a special bracelet that all of you wear. This shows your unity and spirit when it comes to fight against breast cancer. People notice special jewelry and may even ask about it. This will give you an opportunity to tell them about the special significant of it and why you support such an important cause.

Another way to spread the news and to gain more support from the community might be to give away Pink Camo Rubber Bracelet. These can be purchased on the internet and are a great way to enlist younger supporters-those young women still in high school and college. What better way to educate them about the potential dangers of this disease and get them activity involved in working with other women and in support the cause.

No matter what type of breast cancer bracelet you choose, it should be significant for you. Maybe you wear it because you are a survivor of breast cancer or because you lost someone close to you from this disease. Why you wear it should be important to you!

Breast Cancer - When Medical Treatment Failed, She Turned to Herbs

2008-01-01T06:34:00.001-08:00

Siew (not real name), 44-year-old-female, is a radiographer in a hospital in Hong Kong. In July 2002, Siew faxed me this message:

“I suffer from cancer of the breast – infiltrating ductal carcinoma in August 1993. Total right mastectomy was performed. Secondary to the bones was detected at the same time. A course of chemotherapy was given consisting of twelve injections over a period of six months. At the same time, radiotherapy was given to the spine and ribs. Two doses of strontium were given after the course of chemotherapy. Tamoxifen and orimetene were taken orally daily all these years.

Everything was in stable condition until August 2001. Secondary to both lobes of liver was discovered. Chemotherapy – FAC (5-FU, andriamycin and cyclophosphamde, six injections) was given, followed by eight doses of Taxotere. Now both my lower limbs are swollen. I suffer from pleural effusion (i.e. fluid in the lungs) at the same time. I started on oral chemotherapy – Xeloda on 10 July 2002. My limbs feel numb. I feel tired easily and my heart sometimes beat irregularly. I feel short of breath at times. I hope Dr. Teo will help me.”

Accompanying this letter were two medical reports. Her blood test report showed that her white blood count, red blood count and haemoglobin were below normal. A CT scan dated 6 July 2002, stated that:
• Liver metastases with no significant change in size and number as compared with previous CT scan

done on 12 April 2002.
• Right pleural effusion.
• Probable bilateral renal cysts.
• The lytic lesion in L2 vertebral body. Old fracture of a right lower anterior rib.

Siew was prescribed Capsule A & B, LL-tea, Liver P, Bone, Ascites and Breast M teas.

On 16 August 2002, I received a letter from Siew: “ I have taken your medication for two days and felt hot. Today, I feel warm only. Other than that, everything remains unchanged. I just stopped the diuretic which the doctor gave me, so my limbs are still swollen.”

Her fax in late August 2002 reads: “I have been taking your herbs for 3 weeks. My lower limbs and right upper arm are still swollen. The numbness in my extremities still exists … but my breathlessness has improved.”

Fax of September 2002: “The doctor gave me Xeloda again …I dare not refuse because he will close my file and I have no one to turn to when problems arise. Dr. Teo is too far away for me to consult if emergency arises. My lower limbs are back to normal – only swelling slightly in the evening but will be alright after a night’s rest.”

Indeed her condition had improved. She had more energy, the swelling lessened and the flatulence in her stomach had disappeared. She did not suffer any more coughs or pains.

Fax of 16 October 2003: “I have stopped taking Xeloda since September. Now I only take your herbal tea. I am doing alright at the moment – just feeling pins and needles in my fingers and feet. I told my doctor here that I am taking your herbs. I would like to thank you again for helping and treating me and keeping me in good general condition. My sincere thanks to you again.”

Fax of 14 January May 2004 (i.e., 2 years on the herbs): “ I am doing alright all along. I feel well and my appetite is good. Occasionally I have backache.”

Fax of 3 June 2005: “X-ray of the pelvis showed secondary deposits in the right acetabulum but I didn’t suffer any pains at all. I went for a detoxification course in Taiwan in March 2005. I suffered from left sciatica during the course. Physiotherapy did not help at all. I feel that my heart beats very fast intermittently but ECG was normal. Besides all those mentioned, I am doing fine.”

On 30 November 2005, Siew wrote: “I had an ultrasound done on 28 Nov. 05. The result is similar to that done in May 05. I am doing very well. Thank you for helping me all these years. I really appreciate your kindness and helpfulness.”

On 26 March 06 her e-mail reads: “I had my blood test done on 15 March 06. Most of the results are within normal range.”

I was told that when she first wrote to me, Siew was in real “bad shape”. Her doctor gave her only a few months to live. But as of this writing, June 2007, it has been five years after modern medicine had failed her, Siew remained well and is still taking our herbs.

Can Breast Cancer Be Detected Earlier?

2007-12-27T04:09:00.001-08:00

Breast Cancer Survival Rate - Stage 2 Breast Cancer

2007-12-27T04:08:00.000-08:00

In Honor Of Me - Could This Be Me One Day?

2007-12-08T03:18:00.000-08:00

Today I participated in a breast cancer walk. As my sister, niece, kids and I walked along wearing pink wigs, pink boas, and even pink eyelashes, I began to wonder the importance of why we were there. I looked in front of me and saw a lady with a name tag on her backpack that read, "Walking In Honor of ME".

I stopped in my tracks and realized why I was walking. Even though I am healthy, one day I could be the one with that name tag and it made me shiver. I wanted them to find a cure right then and there. What is taking so long? I have done so many walks, why hasn't a cure been found? I am scared. Scared for my friends, myself, and most of all, for my daughter.

I again looked at the lady and realized why I was there. If I ever do get cancer, I hope "they" have found a cure. I hope my financial contribution helps lead to a cure and my physical contribution of being there helps draw awareness. I also want them to find a cure so that lady with the name tag will be back next year...and the year after...and the year after that.

Next year I will think of her and look for her. I doubt I will ever see her again, but I hope she is there with that same name tag for many years to come. I will be thinking of her and hoping she is beating this terrible disease.

Bras and the Breast Cancer Cover-Up

2007-12-08T03:15:00.000-08:00

Whom can you trust when your culture is the biggest enemy of your health? Can you trust your culture's leading authorities? Can you trust your culture's government? Can you trust your culture's private industry?"

We asked those questions in 1995, at the end of our book, Dressed To Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras. Before writing our book, we sent details of our research to the National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, President's Cancer Panel, American Women's Medical Association, National Organization for Women, National Women's Health Network, and National Women's Health Resource Center. There was no response. Not one. Given the lack of interest, we decided to publish our findings in a book, getting the information directly to the women who needed to hear it.

But are women getting the message?

It has been 12 years since our book was first published. Over that time, more than 500,000 women in the US alone have died from breast cancer, with another 2,000,000 having been diagnosed with this terrible disease -- a disease that is in most cases preventable by simply loosening up or eliminating the bra. And yet, this lifesaving information has been actively suppressed and censored by the medical and lingerie industries.

Examples of Suppress and Censorship

A large public relations firm in New York City was willing and eager to help us release this information to the public. "My wife just had breast cancer, and I'm sure you are right," the head of the firm confessed. A big media announcement and celebration were planned. Days later, however, the firm withdrew its offer to help, stating that one of their clients, a large medical center, objected to their working with us.

A Sydney, Australia public relations firm agreed to help publicize our work when we were doing outreach efforts in their country. But it, too, reversed itself. We had asked if they had any conflicts of interest, such as lingerie industry clients. They said they had none. But as it turned out, they did represent a pharmaceutical company that makes a breast cancer treatment drug, and the prevention of breast cancer and its treatment are in conflict, they explained.

The Intimate Apparel Council (which is the US trade association for the multi-billion dollar bra industry) threatened our publisher, Avery Publishing Group, with a lawsuit if Dressed To Kill was released. The publisher said the publicity would help spread the word. The lawsuit never materialized.

After the book was released, the NBC television news show, Dateline, was interested in doing a story on our work. We were extensively interviewed by a skeptical reporter who became a supporter. The story was then abruptly terminated. The producer confidentially explained that the policy of General Electric, which owns NBC, is to avoid airing news stories that can adversely impact on other GE interests. As it happens, GE is a manufacturer of mammography machines.

Women's magazines, such as Glamour, Self, and others, ran critical stories condemning our work, and finding "experts" to encourage women to continue wearing bras. Elle magazine planned a positive story about the bra/cancer link, but was coerced into pulling the story by bra advertisers. In various newspapers around the world, such as the Guardian in the UK, stories were pulled prior to publication because of fear that they may "panic the public", including their lingerie advertisers.

The British Fashion Council (which is the UK's equivalent of the Intimate Apparel Council) published the Breast Health Handbook in 1996 to oppose our efforts. They announced the formation of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Foundation, which was to receive donations from bra sales to fund genetic research into breast cancer. The book criticized our work, claiming, "The idea that wearing a bra encourages cancer by trapping toxins was recently put forward by researchers at the Institute for Culturogenic Studies (sic) in Hawaii. Researchers from more august establishments promptly dismissed it as claptrap." Without any medical evidence or research, the book informs women that wearing bras is a health necessity, and should be worn as early in life as possible to prevent breast damage.

Our original publisher, Avery, was purchased by giant Penguin Putnam in 1998. The new publisher did not list the book for three years and refused to revert publication rights to the copywrite holders, Singer and Grismaijer. The book was virtually unavailable, and it was thought to have gone out of print. Finally, after repeated requests, the publishing rights were released to us in October, 2001. (ISCD Press has been keeping it in print since then.)

A television documentary was produced in the year 2000 by Channel 4 in the UK, called, Bras- The Bare Facts. In the documentary, 100 women with fibrocystic breast disease went bra-free for 3 months to document the effect on breast cysts and pain. Two prominent British breast surgeons conducted the study. The results were astounding, and clearly demonstrated that the bra is a serious health hazard. We were interviewed for the program to discuss the bra/cancer connection, which was considered highly plausible and important by the doctors interviewed. Some theorized that, in addition to lymphatic impairment, the bra could also cause cancer by overheating the breasts. The documentary made newspaper headlines in British Commonwealth countries throughout the world, but no mention of it was made at all in the US. The following day, headlines in the U.K. tried to suppress fears of the bra/cancer link, and the doctors in the study quickly distanced themselves from the cancer issue, telling women to continue wearing bras. Their research for the documentary was supposed to be published in a medical journal, but never was. And no further research ever materialized to follow-up on their work, which they said they would do. Extensive news coverage of the program was available on the Internet soon after it aired, but most articles were removed shortly thereafter.

No follow-up studies have been done to refute or confirm our research. None. While a Harvard study, published in the European Journal of Cancer in 1991, discovered that bra-free women have a lower rate of breast cancer, the results were not central to the research they were conducting and were considered unimportant and not followed-up. In fact, apart from our initial 1991-93 Bra and Breast Cancer Study, discussed in detail in Dressed To Kill, and our follow-up research in Fiji, discussed in our book, Get It Off!, there are still no other studies on the bra/cancer link. Not even a letter or discussion of the issue can be found in any medical journal. After decades of breast cancer research, the bra is still completely ignored as even being a potential factor for consideration. It's like studying foot disease and ignoring shoes.

Keeping the Public Mystified

This lack of research, and the consequent ignorance, are then used by cancer organizations to justify further suppression of the issue. As the American Cancer Society states on its website, (ignoring the Harvard study), "There are no scientifically valid studies that show a correlation between wearing bras of any type and the occurrence of breast cancer. Two anthropologists made this association in a book called Dressed To Kill. Their study was not conducted according to standard principles of epidemiological research and did not take into consideration other variables, including known risk factors for breast cancer. There is no other, credible research to validate this claim in any way." And they don't seem interested in funding any such studies in the near future, either. There are other organizations that are similarly critical of the bra/cancer link for lack of research evidence, while at the same time discouraging any research on the subject.

Of particular interest is when breast cancer organizations antagonistic to the issue declare the bra/cancer link to be "misinformation" or a "myth", without any scientific study supporting their claims. They say bras are important for women to wear for support, without any evidence showing bras are safe or necessary. They then encourage regular mammograms, cancer prevention drug therapy (not realizing that "prevention therapy" is an oxymoron), and even preventative mastectomies (which means that those who are high risk for breast cancer but who don't want to get it can have their breast removed as a prevention strategy). Of course, it is better to remove the bra instead of the breasts, but bra removal is not a billable procedure.

Keep in mind that bras have been associated with other health problems, such as headaches, numbness in the hands, backache and other postural problems, cysts, pain, skin depigmentation, and more. And lymphatic blockage, which is the result of bra constriction, has already been associated with various cancers. Clearly, the bra/cancer link needs further research, while women take the precaution of loosening up.

Why the resistance?

What harm could there be in following our simple advice, or in even researching this issue? Why the defensive reaction?

There are three reasons:

1. The bra industry fears class action lawsuits. Many insiders have admitted to us that for years the industry suspected underwires were causing cancer. They know that tight bras cause cysts and pain. It is only a matter of time until a lawsuit is made against a bra manufacturer. As a defense, the industry is shifting the blame to the customer, claiming that most women are wearing their bras too tightly, and should get professional fittings. (How do you get a properly fitted push-up bra?) Breaking ranks with their industry peers, and trying to capitalize on the bad news, are several bra manufacturers that now offer newly patented bras claiming to mitigate the damage, including cancer, caused by conventional bras.

2. The medical industry is making billions each year on the detection and treatment of breast cancer. As mentioned above, there is a conflict between the prevention and the treatment of disease, especially if the prevention does not include drugs or surgery. The fact is that our treatment-focused, profit-oriented medical system is making a killing treating this disease, and has billions to lose if breast cancer goes out of fashion along with bras.

In addition, the bra issue will revolutionize the breast cancer field, embarrassing many researchers. Breast cancer research to date that has ignored the bra issue is seriously flawed as a result, which is why the "experts" are still unable to explain the cause of over 70% of all breast cancer cases. Career cancer researchers who have ignored the bra issue will have to admit this fatal flaw in their work, which they are not inclined to admit in their lifetimes.

3. Finally, there is the dogmatic, fearful resistance from some women who find their personal identity so connected to their bras that they would rather risk cancer than be bra-free (which some women have actually told us.) Women are cultural entities, and so long as our culture scorns a natural bustline, many women will submit to the pain, red marks and indentations, cysts, and even the threat of cancer rather than face potential public ridicule (which never really happens.)

There are also women who believe the myth that bras will prevent droopy breasts. The bra industry admits this is a myth, while it still promotes it to improve sales. In fact, bras cause breasts to droop, as the breasts become dependent on the bra for support and the natural supportive mechanisms atrophy from non use.

Despite the resistance, however, some women have gotten the message. And many health care professionals, who have also suspected bras for years, are now spreading that message. As women hear the news and discover that eliminating the bra also eliminates cysts and pain, the news further spreads by word of mouth.

There are now thousands of websites on this subject, many from health care professionals including medical doctors, naturopathic doctors, osteopathic doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists, lymphatic specialists, nutritionists, and others who care about women and helping end this epidemic. Grassroots efforts to keep this information alive and spreading have supplanted the traditional medical research approach, which has disqualified itself for lack of interest and conflict of interest.

When a disease is caused by the culture and its habits, attitudes, fashions and industries, there is bound to be resistance to change. Industries that contribute to disease will be defensive, and industries that profit from disease will be conflicted. However, the truth has a way of getting out, despite the resistance and suppression. Thank Goodness the truth does have a way of getting out.

Sydney Ross Singer is a medical anthropologist and director of the Institute for the Study of Culturogenic Disease, located in Hawaii. His unique form of applied medical anthropology searches for the cultural/lifestyle causes of disease. His working assumption is that our bodies were made to be healthy, but our culture and the attitudes and behaviors it instills in us can get in the way of health. By eliminating these causes, the body is allowed to heal. Since most diseases of our time are caused by our culture/lifestyle, this approach has resulted in many original discoveries into the cause, and cure, of many common diseases. It also makes prevention possible by eliminating adverse lifestyle practices. Sydney works with his co-researcher and wife, Soma Grismaijer, and is the author of several groundbreaking health books.

Sydney's background includes a B.S. in biology from the University of Utah; an M.A. degree from Duke University in biochemistry and anthropology; 2 years of medical school training at UTMB at Galveston, along with Ph.D. training in medical humanities.

Juices May Cause Bacterial Infection While on Chemotherapy, Said the Oncologist

2007-12-05T03:36:00.004-08:00

Chin (T576) is a 68 years old female. About ten years ago, she was diagnosed with left breast cancer. A mastectomy was carried out followed by six cycles of chemotherapy and ten radiation treatments. After the completion of these treatments, Chin took tamoxifen for five years. Every year she went back to her doctors for routine medical check up and at each visit she was given a clean bill of health.

In May 2007, Chin suffered pains throughout her body. An ultrasound done showed a nodular area of slightly altered echo pattern measuring 41.2 mm in the right liver lobe. A blood test done on 7 May 2007, showed elevated ESR, at 46 (normal less than 30); Alkaline phosphatase = 381 (normal 32-104); CA 125 = 166.6 (normal less than 35) and CA 15.3 = 68.0 (normal less than 28.0). A CT of the brain showed a tiny enhancing nodule with mild surrounding hypodense oedema in the left upper parietal lobe suggestive of a metastatic deposit. In addition, numerous lung metastases were seen on both left and right lungs. There were also multiple thoracic vertebral metastases and a solitary right rib lesion. A solitary hypodense lesion (2 x 2 cm) was noted in the liver, indicating metastasis. A separate study done on the spine indicated destructive lesions involving T3, T4 and L1. A barium swallow showed tertiary contraction at the distal end of the oesophagus.

Since Chin had pains in her chest and difficulty in swallowing, she received ten radiation treatments to the affected areas. She felt better after radiotherapy. The doctor then prescribed her an oral chemo-drug Navelbine. After taking the drug, Chin’s condition deteriorated and she again had difficulty swallowing and felt as if something was stuck in her chest.

Each dose of the oral chemo-drug cost RM 2,000 and it was recommended that Chin take a total of eight doses. The doctor told the family that Chin’s condition was serious. Without chemotherapy Chin has only three months to live, but with chemotherapy she would have six months.

Chin’s daughter came to see us on 1 June 2007 and asked for help. She told us that before chemotherapy, Chin was on juice-diet and her condition was still not “bad”. However, after Chin was started on the chemo-drug, the doctor forbade her to continue with juices. According to the doctor, juices are raw, not cooked and therefore contain a lot of bacteria. These bacteria would cause infection. Chin therefore stopped taking juices.

Comments

There are a few lessons we can learn from this unfortunately and incredible story.

One, Chin had undergone the standard package of medical treatment for her breast cancer. Was she cured after surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and tamoxifen? Medically, she WAS cured since she had crossed that imaginary five-year-survival mark. In my practice, I have come across numerous cases of such recurrences after an apparent “cure”. Therefore, Chin’s case is not an isolated episode. This leads me to believe that there is no such thing as a cure for cancer -- irrespective of how much the Medical Establishment wants us to believe that there is a cure.

Two, Chin underwent routine medical check up every year and after each visit she was told that she was well. How could it be that out of the blue, cancer deposits were found in her lungs, liver, bone and brain? How reliable was such routine checks? Again, this episode is not an exceptional case. I knew a lady who had a bone scan done in a prestigious private hospital. The result showed not bony metastasis. However, a scan done in another hospital a week later showed that the cancer had actually spread to the backbone. This leads me to this belief that “if the doctors tell you that there is no cancer it does not mean that there is no cancer. The cancer may be there, except that present expertise and technology cannot detect it. However, if a cancer or metastasis is found, then there is no reason to say it is not there.”

Three, heroic medicine wants to preserve life at all costs. Even in the face of “known inability to cure” something must be seen to be done. Unfortunately, what can be done must only be done based on “approved professional worldview” -- in this case, more chemotherapy. Chin embarked on chemotherapy that would cost her family RM 16,000 in total. By doing this, Chin is expected to live an additional three months. Patients need to decide whether the extra time is worth the additional expenses and side effects. Perhaps patients need to ask too whether that “extra time” could be achieved through a more humane method.

Four, it is sad to note that some medical experts do not seem to understand the real cause of serious infections. It is unbelievable that drinking freshly prepared juices is considered “dangerous” and may lead to serious infection. Ask this question: Isn’t chemotherapy a much greater danger to infection?

Dr. Robert Mendelsohn, in his book: “Confessions of a Medical Heretic” wrote: “the hospital is one of the most dangerous places on earth … There are germs in hospitals that you can’t get anywhere else in town.” The hospitals are “such dirty places” and the “dust and dirt isn’t the kind of dust and dirt you find anywhere.” In short, the hospitals are full of superbugs -- germs that are resistant to antibiotics.”

Robert Youngson and Ian Schott in their book: Medical Blunders, pg.157 wrote: “Doctors are all too often not the source of a cure but the cause of disease or disability itself. Arrogance, presumption and plain foolishness have caused some doctors to persevere with theories and treatments that caused appalling damage and suffering to their patients.”

Cancer - It Won't Get The Breast of Me

2007-12-05T03:36:00.003-08:00

In 2005 I was diagnosed with an aggressive and invasive form of Breast Cancer. Even at age 52 it was a shock to me. An even greater shock was finding out through researching Breast Cancer that 1 in 8 women would, at sometime in their lifetime, be diagnosed with Breast Cancer. This statistic was staggering to me.

The good news is that the mortality rate, or number of deaths, due to Breast Cancer is on the steady decline. Treatment is customized for each patient's specific cancer. Being an author, I decided to take notes about my treatment should I ever want to write a book about it.

When women think of having a Mammogram the first word that comes to mind is, 'ouch!' or something similar. Unfortunately, until medical science comes up with a better method, Mammograms are a fact of life for women, especially over the age of 40.

Being a person who is usually viewing life on the up side, I found more humor in what I was going through than I ever thought possible. People do not associate cancer with laughter but I hope to change that, to a degree, anyway. Your doctor will not tell you how to prepare for a Mammogram but I will here.

Exercise #1

1. Open your refrigerator door and insert one breast between the door and the main box.
2. Have one of your strongest friends slam the door shut as hard as possible and lean on the door for good measure.
3. Hold that position for five seconds.
4. Don't breathe.
5. Repeat again in case the first time wasn't effective enough.
6. Repeat all steps on the other breast.

Exercise #2

1. Visit your garage at 3:00 a.m. when the temperature of the concrete floor is just perfect (anywhere below 32 degrees.)
2. Take off all your warm clothes and lay on the floor with one breast wedged tightly under the rear tire of the car.
3. Ask a friend to slowly back the car up until the breast is sufficiently flattened and chilled.
4. Turn over and repeat for the other breast.

Congratulations! You are now properly prepared for your Mammogram.

The day of my first Mammogram after my diagnosis was one I will never forget. I entered Hooterville Breast Care Center with more apprehension than usual. When I told her I might be writing a book about my treatment, the technician said she wanted to be called Ginger. I made a note of that. I wasn't sure if we would still be speaking after she was done with me. And, since the body parts to be examined are so personal, I named my right breast, Laverne, and my left breast, Shirley. Laverne was under the gun today.

I have to give kudos to Hooterville for supplying me with an extra large gown even though I told her that, at my age, all I needed to do was pull up my skirt! Then Ginger led me into the room with the Booby Trap. It's the only contraption I know of that takes cups and turns them into saucers without having to sweep up glass. Ginger is tall, pretty...oh, who cares? This is about me.

You larger than tiny gals know the drill. I stepped up to the Booby Trap and introduced myself. He didn't care and we all now it's a 'he.' Ginger pulled out the largest shelf she had and invited Laverne to have a seat. Laverne obliged having had the memory of her last Mammo squeezed out of her.

As Ginger pressed the button on the floor, I knew what was coming even if Laverne didn't. I was grinding my teeth as the top shelf began depressing Laverne into enough square footage to carpet my veranda! She began to spill over the sides and reminded me of that old fifties, 'The Blob.' Satisfied that she could squeeze no more, Ginger told me to hold my breath and don't move. Now I must note here that it was not possible to take a breath because my right lung was oozing out my nipple! And as for moving...well that's too ridiculous to even address. "I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille."

Several pictures were taken in different poses and than Laverne was released to wait with me while Ginger put them up for auction on Ebay. As we're waiting, I looked down at Laverne and she was as red as a tomato. It took all my self-control to keep from hollering down the hall, "I need a bucket of ice...I'm on fire in here!" Ginger must have found some takers because she returned to take me to the ultrasound room.

I can be flippant about it now because the pain is gone. What I want you to realize from reading this account is that attitude is very important in your recovery. I chose to see the humor in a difficult situation. Because of that, you had a good laugh or two by reading about it. I am pleased to say that I am a two-year survivor and should the cancer return, I hope I will again be able to laugh a little.

I Make Breast Cancer Bracelets In Honor Of My Great Grandma Jo Who Lost Her Life To The Disease

2007-12-05T03:36:00.001-08:00

My Great Grandma Jo was a truly original person who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2000. She struggled with the disease for more than 10 years and was a tough p3rson who refused to die. During her life, she was a wedding dress seamstress, a gardener, a jewelry designer, a collector of Native American arrowheads, and a real go getter of a person. She was well versed in many crafts-crocheting, knitting, quilting, and making beaded jewelry. She passed on her love of beaded jewelry to me, her great-granddaughter and namesake, and I make jewelry for sale in honor of her.

Emily Josephine Leisure was a native Kansas who was raised through the depression years by her mother, Winnifred Leisure. She married my great grandfather who was part Delaware Indian in secret and worked in a salt mine in Hutchinson, Kansas. My great-grandfather was Dale Stout and he was a professional house painter. They lived in the same house in Hutchinson for 40 years. They had 3 sons, Jack, Steve, and John Stout. My great-uncle Jack was a professional artist (painter). A different type of painter than his father. According to my family, Grandpa Dale used to let his son Jack paint the walls of his room in murals for practice, then he would just paint over it and start over! Emily Josephine (or Grandma Jo as we all called her) and Grandpa Dale also had a daughter, Sharon. She is my grandmother and also sews, makes jewelry, and has had breast cancer. Sharon had 3 daughters- Vickie, Nicholi and Penni. My Aunt Nickie passed away from breast cancer as well. I guess you could say it runs in the family.

When I was a little girl, all my Cabbage Patch Kid clothes and Barbie clothes were made by the women in my family...especially Grandma Jo. When I would go over to her house, she would show my brother and sister and I her arrowhead collection, rocks that she found in Arizona, some that she tumbled herself, fossils and all the jewelry she had made. She had a lot of African Trade beads and things made out of gemstone. She would let us touch everything and tell us what all the stones were. She had a good story to go with each item, something about where she got it from or whom it belonged to, that made it very special.

Everything was exciting with Grandma Jo. As she became elderly, she lost her eyesight. She would still string beads by feel with a needle and stringing thread for Bingo prizes for the "old people" in the nursing home. Grandma Jo would always let us choose something for ourselves to take home. I have kept everything she ever gave me and even though most of the necklaces don't fit me anymore or are outdated, I will always treasure them.

Grandma Jo was very tough. She had a double masectomy, and chemotherapy. She lost all her hair. During her on and off struggle in and out of remission with breast cancer, she lost her husband. Great Grandpa Dale had a failing heart and had to go to a nursing home. He passed away within the same year. Grandma Jo was told many times that she would also die. She was sent home to die many times and kept on living and doing what she loved. Eventually the cancer got into her bones. Her back broke-literally-and she was told she would not walk ever again. She did walk again. It was only when the cancer spread to her brain that she did eventually lose her life after a more than 10 year battle with the disease. We all loved her dearly and still miss her. I wish she could have met my sons, but I tell them about her. She was an amazing person and I am proud to be from a lineage of tough women who are strong-willed, creative, and determined.

I have a lot of qualities in common with my Great Grandmother. I am named Emily after her. The name itself means ingenious, creative. I also crochet, scrapbook, play the flute (oh, did I mention Grandma Jo once won an award for writing the winning school fight song?), and I design and make jewelry from gemstones, shell, crystal, glass and wood. I have started my first website after selling through art and craft fairs for a couple years. My web address is www.feminineflairjewelry.com. The name of my business is Feminine Flair Jewelry. I have a handmade breast cancer bracelet available on my website.

I know that Grandma Jo is proud of me. I can tell my children what all the gemstones are, and the meanings of them. I am also a story-teller and have a series of stories I made up for my sons about a fictional police character. I wish that she could be here to see my work now that I am a 30-year-old adult and give me feedback on my art and jewelry designs, but my mom says I am a lot like her. I hope if I ever have breast cancer that I can be as tough as my Great Grandma Jo and my Grandma Sharon have been.

Mesothelioma Litigation

2007-11-27T04:37:00.000-08:00

Records indicate mesothelioma has killed more than 43,000 Americans since 1979, distressing thousands of families. This disease is a form of cancer that affects the protective lining of most of the body’s internal organs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a flexible, fibrous mineral commonly used in several industrial products.

Most people affected by this form of cancer are those who have direct exposure to the material, in the mines and in companies producing asbestos products. But this does not limit the scope of victims. Families of these workers are also exposed to the deadly mineral brought home by the workers through the clothing and skin.

Manufacturing companies producing asbestos products are aware of the hazardous effects of asbestos, and yet they continually make these products, marketing them to the public without informing them about the health risks. In other words, they employed deception in order to maintain the high profit brought by their products.

If you or someone dear to you is afflicted with this devastating disease, you have a right to seek reparation and claim compensation from liable companies by pursuing mesothelioma litigation.

Types of Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Mesothelioma lawsuits are categorized into two sections, and the first one is called a personal injury lawsuit. In this type of lawsuit, the person diagnosed with mesothelioma is living and is filing the lawsuit as a plaintiff in his own individual capacity. The second is called a wrongful death lawsuit, where a person who has died as a result of the disease is represented by a spouse or a relative.

In the first category, time is the most important element. The attorney should be able to gather all the necessary information in a few sessions. One or two depositions from the plaintiff will be produced, and then the attorney handles everything until the case begins trial.

In the second type of case, the most important part is finding persons who used to work with the deceased. They will be able to provide work history and product exposure testimony the deceased would have provided were he still living. Sometimes the witness is required to give a deposition, after which the lawyer takes over until trial begins.

The Trial/Settlement In most lawsuits, the cases are settled before the courthouse steps are ever reached. The company usually prefers offers a settlement or a pay-out. But in cases where the company holds out or the plaintiff refuses settlement, the case proceeds to be heard in court. Here the jury is one of the most important elements that affect the case. When there are multiple defendants, different defendants will usually settle at different stages, with others holding out till the end. The jury’s rendering of the verdict does not mean the end of the legal process. The plaintiff or the defendant may still file for an appeal. Sometimes, cases are settled during this stage. The Payment of Compensation Settlement amounts vary from case to case, region to region and country to country. And out of this amount, the mesothelioma Lawyer takes the attorney’s fees, usually 30 %–40% of the total. The remainder amount then goes to the plaintiff.

Settlement payments in mesothelioma litigation generally takes place months after the settlement is agreed to. Some take a couple of years before they receive the settlement payments, and still some don’t get paid at all. This happens when the defendants file for bankruptcy.

If you think you have a claim in this area, what you need to do is to find a good mesothelioma Attorney in your place as soon as possible because every state has a statute of limitations. If you do not act within the prescribed time period for filing the case, you lose all chances for compensation.

Prevent Ductal Breast Cancer By Regularly "Draining" Or "Pumping" A Women's Breast Ducts

2007-11-27T04:36:00.000-08:00

My wife's bout with ductal breast cancer led me to theorize that this epidemic may have a simple common denominator and that some simple oversight in the general population could be a contributing factor.

A plastic surgeon had removed fluid buildup from her ducts months AFTER her surgery. I wondered if its possible that this accumulation of fluid is the cause of many of these types of cancers and if a plan to regularly DRAIN these ducts could prevent ductal cancer. It is the same idea as toxic materials in the colon being a possible cause for colon cancer and another application of the addage that "CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS". It is easy to grasp that just keeping all of our "plumbing" clean could contribute to avoiding many illnesses.

I also found out that this is not such a far fetched proposition. I had read that Dr. Susan Love was an advocate of giving chemotherapy right into a women's ducts as a treatment for ductal cancer. But this is again after the fact and I believe that the PRIORITY should be prevention. I also learned that there is a procedure called "LAVAGE" where fluid from the ducts is tested for early signes of cancer but that this is a rarely used procedure and is not yet suggested as a possible part of a system of regular maintenance.

It seems logical to extend these protocols to their next level and investigate a program of maintenance involving the REGULAR draining and pumping of the fluid from a women's breast ducts could help to prevent ductal breast cancer.

Can You Recognize Breast Cancer Symptoms?

2007-11-26T02:53:00.002-08:00

If you learn to recognize what the breast cancer symptoms are, you empower yourself to find out what's going on with your body. You might find out it's not cancer. You've lessened the burden of worry because you recognized a possible symptom, and bravely forged ahead to get diagnosed.

If you do you have cancer, you have a much better chance reaching the goal of recovery and long-term survival than if you'd put it off.

If you can learn to identify symptoms you can often help friends and family by giving the extremely valuable gift of early detection and diagnosis.

The Breast Lump

If you perform self-breast exam, eventually you'll find a lump. Is it a lump, or just normal "lumpiness," many little benign lumps in both breasts? Breast lumps that suddenly occur need to be checked. Usually the smaller the lump, the better. The size of the lump may determine prognosis.

If a lump is found to be cancerous, what are the most common diagnoses? It could be a precancerous lump, such as ductal carcinoma in situ and less commonly, lobular carcinoma in situ.

The common types are invasive ductal carcinoma (about 80% of invasive cases), and invasive lobular carcinoma.

A Few Other Breast Cancer Symptoms

Dimpling of breast skin ("orange peel" appearance) is a symptom. Dimpling is caused by edema that surrounds a cancerous lump, which pulls on the skin.

Swollen or painful lymph nodes in the armpits or just above the collar bone signal possible cancer. Retracted, enlarged, scaly or itchy nipple, or even spontaneous change in sensation of the nipple may also be a sign.

Nipple discharge, especially on one side and bloody, yellowish or green, is a symptom in 4% of the patients with this symptom. Most women do have some kind of normal nipple discharge if the breasts are squeezed.

Constant pain on one side is sometimes a sign of breast cancer. Cyclical pain on both sides, caused by hormonal flux, is not a sign.

Asymmetry can be a symptom of cancer.

Breast skin redness, warmth and/or swelling can mimic non-cancerous infections or may be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer. If the infection doesn't get better after a round of antibiotics, see your doctor.

In men, any breast lump, pain, or other change should be checked by a doctor.

Bone pain, significant weight loss, swelling of one arm, or ulceration of skin may be symptoms of advanced cancer, or may signify another condition. Diagnosis is essential.

Who Do I Ask?

Ask your family doctor. Your doctor may send you to a surgeon for biopsy, or if no lump is present, an oncologist.

What if you don't have any symptoms? You must use the most current screening recommendations for your age.

With breast cancer, knowledge is power. The earlier you recognize a symptom and get diagnosed, the better.

Discover How Breast Cancer Awareness Can Benefit You

2007-11-26T02:53:00.001-08:00

You have undoubted run across many of the breast cancer awareness days and sessions that appear around the country sporadically. These are usually put on by a local group, a church, or sponsored by the American Cancer Society to promote breast cancer awareness in the community.

You might be wondering why your breast cancer awareness level should be raised and what benefit that represents for you, but all you need to do is look at the statistics about the reported cases of breast cancer. The reported cases of breast cancer has been rising steadily year after year, and for the coming year, the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be more than 200,000 diagnosed cases. Even scarier is that they also estimate that more than 40,000 of those cases of breast cancer will die from it.

Here is an even scarier fact for you -- did you know that breast cancer is not limited to women? Yes it is true. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 1600 cases of breast cancer in MEN this year, and that about 400 of them will die. So are you starting to see where breast cancer awareness is starting to be important to you and your health? With statistics like this, it is no wonder that they want to promote breast cancer awareness as much as possible.

Many people do not take this disease seriously, even despite these statistics. Although it is difficult to believe, there are many people who have not had a checkup or medical exam in the past 4, 5, or 10 years or more. How can you possibly take your health seriously if you do not have regular checkups and exams from your doctor or medical professional? One way is of course to raise your breast cancer awareness level since that is a disease where there is currently not a known cure.

Your best option for fighting breast cancer is to get early detection and early diagnosis. When breast cancer is detected early, your chances of being able to cope with it, to fight it, and via treatments like chemo, there are many documented cases of people who have beat it. But if it had not been detected and diagnosed early, those would almost certainly be different stories with radically different outcomes. What about those people who have not had a medical examination in the past 4 or 5 years? If they have developed breast cancer in that timeframe, it will certainly not be considered an early diagnosis and could even mean another fatality from breast cancer.

You need to become knowledgeable about the typical symptoms of breast cancer, and if you detect any of those symptoms at home, you should schedule a checkup with your doctor as soon as possible. For women of ages 18 to about 40, you should plan to schedule a checkup with your doctor once about every 2-3 years. For women over 40, that checkup should be not less than annually. Although breast cancer has not conclusively been determined to be hereditary, you might want to consider having checkups even more often is there is a history of cancer in your family tree. Keeping these statistics in mind, your level of breast cancer awareness should be raised where these regular checkups should be at the forefront of your mind.

Raise your breast cancer awareness levels and get those checkups. Be aware of the symptoms and if you see any of them, be sure to get an exam soon. Remember, the best chances for beating breast cancer are early detection and early diagnosis.

Find Out What Breast Cancer Awareness Can Mean For You

2007-11-22T05:29:00.001-08:00

Unless you have been living in a cave for the past several years, you have probably encountered many of the breast cancer awareness days that have been happening in various communities around the country. These are put on by local groups and the American Cancer Society for a very good reason -- to raise your breast cancer awareness level.

You may be asking yourself why should my awareness be raised, since I am already familiar with the possibility of breast cancer. The big problem is that there is not a known cure at this point for breast cancer, so your best defense is early detection and early diagnosis. Someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer in its very early stages has a significantly higher chance of being able to beat it with the treatments that are available today.

Did you know that the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be more than 200,000 reported cases of breast cancer this year? The number of reported cases is rising every year, but for some reason, there are also many people who do not take this disease seriously. Believe it or not, there are some women who have gone more than 4 or 5 years without an examination, which is just asking for trouble. If they develop breast cancer in the meantime, it will clearly not qualify as an "early detection" and it could be fatal for them.

Did you know that breast cancer is not limited to women? That's right, the American Cancer Society estimate that approximately 1600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and that about 400 of them will die from it.

You should become aware of the typical symptoms of breast cancer and be sure to see your doctor if any of those symptoms occur. For women, a checkup should be planned at least once every 2 or 3 years, and over age 40, at least every year. You may want to have exams more often if there is a history of breast cancer in your family, although studies to date are inconclusive as to whether or not breast cancer can be termed hereditary.

Raise your breast cancer awareness levels and get those checkups. Be aware of the symptoms and if you see any of them, be sure to get an exam soon. Remember, the best chances for beating breast cancer are early detection and early diagnosis.

What's A Breast Cancer Ribbon?

2007-11-22T05:28:00.000-08:00

Wear a pink breast cancer ribbon, and you can raise awareness. Just by having your ribbon pinned on, or by having a pink ribbon in the window of your vehicle or in a public workplace, you remind women to get regular screening, to do self-exams, and to talk to their doctors.

Maybe the ubiquitous pink ribbon's best purpose is to indicate solid social support to those who are fighting breast cancer. Research indicates that social support has significant positive impact on outcomes for patients.

Social support is sometimes experienced as a subjective feeling of connection to others. One recent study showed that women who had strong social connections to others were able to function better as they made their way through treatment, and experienced less anxiety, depression, and pain. In other words, not being isolated in the midst of crisis enhanced quality of life and helped women in the study cope.

It's such a small gesture to wear or display a pink ribbon. This little ribbon reminds is that somewhere, someone's life is at stake. Sometimes people need a reminder, since over 40,000 women die every year in the U.S.

It's the little things in life that make the difference. The first time you see the pink ribbon, you ask, what is that? Often that is the first time you ask about breast cancer, if your life or that of a loved one has not yet been touched by it.

The pink ribbon is an icon of hope for women. It not only reminds women to have regular screenings, it encourages everyone to give to research and other non-profit agencies, such as the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, agencies on the front lines of the struggle to educate, treat and promote awareness.

Every year, the "Race for the Cure" in over 100 U.S. cities and towns. Millions of Americans participate in this awareness-raising event, a five-K run/fitness walk. The sight of hundreds, even thousands, of women walking side by side in their pink caps and with their pink ribbons on their chests is undeniably the most hopeful image one could witness.

The American Cancer Society annually sponsors "Relay for Life," a mobilizing awareness event where the pink ribbon is prominently displayed. Nationwide, over 4,800 teams of 8 to 15 survivors and supporters perform a 24-hour relay circling a track, with survivors taking the first laps. It's a time of sharing and fun as well, as participants camp out with tents and sleeping bags with the goal of keeping one team member on the track at all times.

Women can survive breast cancer, a disease that strikes one out of eight American women, and even some men. But women need hope to heal themselves and to get through diagnosis and treatment. Women need support, something that anyone can provide by wearing a pink breast cancer ribbon!

Does Breast Cancer Awareness Saves Lives?

2007-11-21T01:57:00.002-08:00

As Sidney Poiter said on the Oprah Winfrey show in March 2007, "I was left with the responsibility to effectuate my own survival." As adults, we're all accountable for our own survival. Yet as decent human beings, we need to ensure each other's survival by learning what is not always easily discovered, but necessary to know. This is especially true when one is newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

By raising our awareness, we can literally keep death at bay by spreading knowledge, wisdom and courage. It takes either personal experience, or a special dedication to a vision of a better future for girls and women, in order to make a deep, ongoing commitment to breast cancer awareness.

It is so important to get an early diagnosis. In 2006, the American Cancer Society estimated that there would be 212,920 new cases, and of these, 40,970 women would die. Each year, around 1,600 men will be diagnosed and 400 die.

About 30% of patients are women under 40. Women with a family history or other concerns might need to begin screening tests earlier than the recommended annual exam at age 40. Clinical breast exams need to be done at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year after 40.

Breast cancer is unique in that it is a disease where there is no known prevention, like there often is with other cancers. We must rely on measures that improve the chances of early detection.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer among women in the United States, behind lung cancer. The five-year survival rate is 90%. For breast cancer detected early, having not spread to the lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate is 98%. Awareness could help save tens of thousands of lives each year by helping women get diagnosed earlier through regular screening.

The death rate dropped significantly from 1989 to 2003, a decline mostly due to the increasing role of mammography in detecting early-stage tumors, as well as improvements in therapy.

New diagnostic methods are coming soon. According to Science Daily, in the future, dentists may be able to administer a simple, non-invasive saliva test for at regular dental checkups. Though not yet approved by the FDA, if this method of diagnosis does receive approval, dentists and physicians could collaborate to diagnose breast cancer earlier.

You raise your own awareness when you:

* Talk with doctors, nurses, advocates, and survivors.

* Read books and articles and visit websites.

* Participate in the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month events in October, as well as year-round awareness events such as those sponsored by Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

* Do monthly self-exams. Though not all lumps are detectable by touch, 70% is found through monthly breast self-exams.

* Have regular mammograms starting at age 40.

You or someone you know may be the one woman in eight who will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. Develop your awareness and give yourself and someone else the gift of life!

Breast Cancer - How Stress - Inescapable Shock Causes Cancer (The Cancer Chain of Events)

2007-11-21T01:57:00.001-08:00

Cancer is only a physical symptom of underlying emotional stress on the body and the body’s cells. But how does emotional stress cause cancer in the body? And why does emotional stress only cause cancer in some people, while not in others?

For the majority of people, coping with stress and highly stressful or traumatic events or conflicts is dealt with, with relative ease. Although those in this larger group feel the devastating effects of stress, stressful events, trauma, and conflicts, including grief and loss – stressful events are seen as part of life’s challenges, life’s ups and downs, and they are for they most part anticipated and not completely unexpected. These people are able to move on with their lives quickly afterwards.

Those susceptible to cancer, are highly vulnerable to life’s stresses and trauma, and feel unable to cope when life throws a curve-ball their way. These people are perfectionists and live in fear of conflict, stress, trauma and loss and are deeply frightened of negative events “happening” to them. And when faced with a highly stressful or traumatic event they have not anticipated, which inevitably happens during their life, react adversely and are unable to cope.

They experience Inescapable Shock and remain deeply affected by the experience. They have difficulty in expressing their inner grief, their inner pain, their inner anger or resentment, and genuinely feel there is no way out of the pain they are feeling inside. And because their mind cannot fathom what has happened, and remains in a state of disbelief or denial, these inner painful feelings are continually perpetuated, shooting up stress hormone levels, lowering melatonin and adrenaline levels, causing a slow breakdown of the emotional reflex centre in the brain, and creating the beginning of cancer progression in the body.

When faced with a major trauma, the cancer personality feels trapped and unable to escape from the memory of the traumatic experience and the painful feelings of the experience. Stress hormone cortisol levels skyrocket and remain at high levels, directly suppressing the immune system, whose job it is to destroy cancer cells that exist in every human being. High stress levels generally means a person cannot sleep well, and cannot produce enough Melatonin during deep sleep. Melatonin is responsible for inhibiting cancer cell growth. This means cancer cells are now free to multiply. Adrenaline levels also skyrocket initially, but are then drained and depleted over time. This is especially bad news for the cancer personality.

Adrenaline is responsible for transporting sugar away from cells. And when there is too much sugar in cells of the body, the body becomes acidic. This means normal body cells cannot breathe properly because of low oxygen. Cancer cells thrive in a low oxygen state, as demonstrated by Nobel Prize winner Otto Warburg. Cancer cells also thrive on sugar to keep them alive. Put simply, too much internal stress causes a depletion of adrenalin, leads to too much sugar in the body, resulting in the perfect environment for cancer cells to thrive in the body.

For the cancer personality, the news of being diagnosed with cancer and the fear and uncertainty of death represents another Inescapable Shock, creating another spike in stress hormone cortisol levels, and a further drop in melatonin and adrenalin levels. There is also a further breakdown of the emotional reflex centre in the brain that causes cells in the corresponding organ to slowly breakdown and become cancerous.

Learned helplessness is a key aspect of the cancer personality when facing a perceived inescapable shock, and is a strong developmental factor of cancer. Researcher Madelon Visintainer took three groups of rats, one receiving mild escapable shock, another group receiving mild in-escapable shock, and the third no shock at all. She then implanted each rat with cancer cells that would normally result in 50% of the rats developing a tumour. Her results were astonishing.

Within a month, 50% of the rats not shocked at all had rejected the tumour; this was the normal ratio. As for the rats that mastered shock by pressing a bar to turn it off, 70% had rejected the tumour. But only 27% of the helpless rats, the rats that had experienced in-escapable shock, rejected the tumour. This study demonstrates those who feel there is no way out of their shock / loss are less likely to be able to reject tumours forming within their body, due to high levels of stress weakening the immune system. [Seligman, 1998, p.170]

Cancer occurs at the cellular level. And there are a number of factors that create stress on the body’s cells, causing them to become (1) depleted of adrenaline, (2) high in sugar and (3) low in oxygen, where they are more prone to mutate and become cancerous. The higher the sugar content of the cell caused by a depletion of adrenaline, and the lower the oxygen content, the greater the likelihood of normal cells mutating and becoming cancerous.

There are a number of factors that contribute to a normal cell becoming depleted of adrenaline, high in sugar and low in oxygen. Physiological stresses include (and are not limited to): Poor nutrition, Chemicals, Toxins, EMF Radiation, Parasites, Liver / Colon / Kidney disease, Lack of Exercise, etc. Psychological stresses include (and are not limited to): Inescapable Shock, Repressed Feelings, Depression, Isolation, Poor Sleep, Emotional Trauma, External Conflict, etc.

In the vast majority of those with cancer, there exists both a combination of psychological as well as physiological stresses that have contributed to the body’s cells becoming depleted of adrenaline, high in sugar and low in oxygen, causing them to mutate and become cancerous.

Breast Cancer Screening Frequency

2007-11-21T01:56:00.001-08:00

Undergoing any of the breast exam procedures may be taxing, but the benefits can be life saving. The earlier a cancerous lump is discovered, the higher is its chance of getting healed. How often should women go through breast screening exams?

According to the U.S. Institute for Clinical Systems Integration, women between the ages 35 and 40 with high risk factors should undergo baseline mammogram. High risk factors include a family history of breast cancer and old age among others. On the other hand, all women between the ages 40 and 49 should undergo mammogram at least once every 2 years. Furthermore, women ages 50 and above should have an annual mammogram. Other experts, including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, advocates those women under the age of 40 and who do not have any breast cancer risk factors do not necessarily need to have breast cancer exams by their doctor. Additionally, they say that women with no risk factors do not need to go for a mammogram until age 50. They also say that older women ages 75 and above with no prior history of cancer can forego mammogram screening.

Another respected organization, the American Cancer Society, recommends that women should commence mammogram exams every one to two years by the age of 40. The U.S. Institute for Clinical Systems Integration makes a similar recommendation. After comparing the various researches made around the world regarding the benefits and harms of mammogram performed to women below the age of 50, the National Cancer Institute concluded that there are no clear benefits or harms a woman can get from undergoing mammogram before reaching 50 years old. It is therefore important to discuss these matters with your doctor to clear things up. Whether you will undergo mammogram or not, it is good to remember that routine self-breast exam and clinical breast exam are important steps in the early detection of breast cancer.

It is recommended that a breast self-exam, or BSE, be routinely done every month. This will greatly increase the likelihood of detecting breast cancer in its early stages. A monthly breast self-exam is even recommended by the American Cancer Society for all women ages 19 and above. This procedure is fairly easy to do and most women without any disability can perform the test in the privacy of their own room or in the bathroom. Around menstruation time, a woman’s breast may feel lumpy, tender and swollen. These are normal occurrences. If you perform a monthly exam on your breast, you will develop familiarity with its feel, shape and size. This familiarity will enable you to detect any changes should these happen. While doing the breast self-exam, it is important to take notice some new and developing occurrences:

1. New lumps and changes in the size and shape of already existing lumps.

2. You should always be keen in looking for changes in the shape and breast contour including any unusual swelling.

3. Skin color and texture changes in your breast are also important signs.

4. Look for skin rash, dimpling, crusting and puckering especially around the nipple area.

5. Fluid leaking from the nipple should also be noticed.

Finally, even if you develop any of the above signs, do not get emotionally upset. These do not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer. Most breast lumps are not even cancerous. Always inform your doctor about your discovery so that more tests can be done to rule out breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Screening Tests

2007-11-13T05:19:00.001-08:00

How disturbing can it be for a woman to discover one day that she has a lump on her breast? This can bring out different reactions and probably unnecessary emotional strain. Even before proper laboratory tests, a woman with a lump on the breast may already entertain the frightening thoughts of having breast cancer. The prospect of having this distressing disease can render a person emotional and physical stress. She may not be able to rest and sleep well at night thinking about her condition. What if the lump is cancerous? How will she be able to cope with her situation? Will she be financially capable to pay for the required medications? What if she needs to undergo mastectomy? How will this affect her sexual life? Will this make her less of a woman? These are just very few of the endless questions women with probable breast cancer are asking.

Before throwing yourself into unnecessary mental and emotional distress, be sure to undergo viable screening tests to detect and confirm the development of breast cancer. As with any other diseases, early detection calls for a higher cure rate. There are several screening tests that can be done to detect breast cancer. These include self-breast exam, professional breast exam and mammogram.

Self-breast exam is the easiest test and everyone can do it regularly in the privacy of her own room. However, no matter how easy and manageable this test is for everyone, many women do not prefer to perform the test. The fear of finding out the presence of a lump is the most glaring reason for not practicing this essential breast cancer test. Women should understand that not all lumps are cancerous. Finding a lump in your breast doesn’t necessarily mean that you have breast cancer. This will necessitate further laboratory tests to confirm the presence of any cancerous cells. Even if the lump is cancerous, early detection will provide you higher chances of surviving the disease.

Most doctors routinely do professional breast exam during a woman’s general physical or pelvic exam. Aside from checking the breast for lumps using their fingertips, doctors will also look for any noticeable difference or changes in a woman’s breast. These include dimpling, scaling and puckered appearance of the breast skin. Furthermore, the doctor will look for any fluid leaking from the nipple.

Mammogram is the most effective method to detect breast cancer. Mammography is a low-dose breast X-ray. The smallest lump can be detected by mammogram. However, this test is not also perfect. In some cases, a lump discovered by tactile exam may not appear on a mammogram. Mammograms can also show abnormal results even when there is no cancer present. These types of test anomalies usually occur in one out of 100 mammograms.

Finally, mammogram together with a professional breast exam constitutes the most effective way to detect cancer in its earliest stages. Self-breast exam on the other hand is a good practice. This will help you check your breast regularly for any developing lumps. Any lumps discovered should need further investigation by a competent medical practitioner.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Michael Russell - EzineArticles Expert Author

Physical Therapists Help Breast Cancer Survivors Benefit From Exercise After The Walk And Awareness

2007-11-13T05:18:00.000-08:00

What can we do after walking and raising awareness for Breast Cancer? Promote exercise everywhere you go and with everyone you meet, especially among Breast Cancer survivors. Did you know even Breast Cancer survivors benefit from exercise?

October was Breast Cancer awareness month and Physical Therapy awareness month. What better way to celebrate and raise awareness by continuing to give the gift of fitness to survivors by working with one group of professionals best trained to work with them, physical therapists, and by encouraging everyone you love to make fitness a regular part of their daily lives.

Everyone knows of someone affected by Breast cancer. Over 271,420 new cases of Breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in 2005. Breast cancer survivors have very special needs requiring a skilled professional at least until they reach a maintenance phase in exercise programming.

Once their physician provides a medical clearance exercise a woman can begin exercising. Exercise programs provide flexibility exercises for the affected arm and improve postural alignment and awareness after surgery.

Some of the exercise benefits of participating in a regular exercise program for Breast Cancer survivors are:
- increased quality of life
- increased mood
- increased strength and endurance
- prevention of complications after surgery and treatment

Exercise helps to battle the side effects of treatment and aid in Breast Cancer recovery. Additional benefits of exercise include improvements in function and pain perception and all psychological areas according to the latest research. Exercise will help with daily activities and prevent further weakness and musculoskeletal problems.

Once full range of motion or mobility are restored strength training for the affected arm can begin. While working towards full range of motion, continue strengthening those body parts that are not affected. You'll need the strength in the rest of your body to be functional and efficient with your daily activities. Some women on hormonal therapy are at risk for developing osteoporosis. Weightbearing exercise can help offset any possible fractures.

Physical activity is still possible even with lymphedema, a chronic swelling of the affected arm when lymphatic fluid collects and is unable to drain properly. Close supervision by a Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist is a good idea to receive proper guidance for exercise selection and instruction. Not only can strengthening occur but the therapist can assist in developing alternate routes for lymphatic fluid drainage to prevent the likelihood of developing lymph edema. Therapists can also show you how to monitor your arm if you are prone to developing lymphedema. The risk of lymphedema is also decreased by participation in a supervised exercise program. Physical therapists are well trained and qualified to provide evidence-based, supervised and individualized exercise programs for willing survivors. An integrative and complete exercise program will focus on strength and flexibility of the shoulder, arm, back and hand in addition to posture, aerobic endurance, lower body training and stress reduction.

Exercises for core strengthening and stabilization are another way to improve function and strength. Proper postural retraining is very important as changes tend to occur following surgery which if left unaddressed can lead to the development of other problems.

Deep breathing techniques will assist with controlling and returning lymphatic fluid back to the heart By practicing deep and efficient breathing techniques, postural alignment will be improved and stress can be reduced.

Flexibility exercises will increase range of motion where limitations exist not only in the upper body but in the back as well. A flexibility program will also address any scar tissue that may have developed following surgery.

If exhaustion and fatigue are a factor, participating in appropriate exercises throughout the course of the day as opposed to a continuous exercise session may be more tolerable. Cardiovascular or aerobic exercise will boost your endurance. Try something simple and safe initially like walking.

Learn how to use and incorporate the use of your affected arm in your daily activities. This is a great way to functionally work on flexibility and strength.

Remember we can all do something active and encourage those around us to do the same. Exercise is an inclusive activity that we all can benefit from with proper guidance. So don't wait for a special month or a problem to enlist the help of a physical therapist. Partner up and start moving today to feel your power - all year long!

Trish Muse is a physical therapist, veteran pharmaceutical representative and published author. Frequently featured in Essence, Heart and Soul, Self and Health magazines as well as several others as a fitness consultant, Trish provides continuing education internationally for fitness professionals and physical therapists. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy. As the owner of Body Productions, Inc. she is a popular National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, respected American College of Sports Medicine certified Health Fitness Instructor and Wellcoaches licensed Wellness Coach in the Washington DC area. She is a Polestar certified Pilates practitioner and East Coast Fitness Ambassador for Doce Vida Designs. Trish is the star and creator of the popular exercise videos, Ab Attack, Body Management and The Workstation Workout and star and co-producer of the functional fitness video Rock, Roll and Reggae.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trish_Muse

Be Aware Of The Symptoms Of Breast Cancer

2007-10-31T00:15:00.001-07:00

In today's world, is it that occurrences of breast cancer are growing much more than it was years ago, or it is just that breast cancer is getting more visibility in the press and medical journals? It appears that the answer is a little bit of both. The population is increasing and therefore the actual number of cases is more, although the actual percentage of people diagnosed with breast cancer is not significantly different (although it is higher) than in years past.

One of the things that many people fail to understand is that anyone can get breast cancer. Although it is thought to be tied somewhat to being hereditary, that does not mean that you will not get breast cancer if there is no occurrence of it in your family history.

Another thing that is equally puzzling is why more people, particularly women where breast cancer is most likely to happen, do not get regular checkups from their doctor to check for it. I know of multiple people who were diagnosed with breast cancer, and when asked when the last time they had a mammogram done to check for the presence of breast cancer, they indicated it had been a number of years. This is truly unfortunate because like most things, if breast cancer is caught as early as possible, the chances of beating it become incredibly greater.

You should be aware of the symptoms of breast cancer, sometimes also known as inflammatory breast caner so that you can see your doctor as soon as possible if these symptoms exist. These symptoms include:

* A breast that appears bruised, or is pink or purple.
* If your breast is feeling tender or firm and enlarged.
* A consistent warm feeling in the breast.
* Pain or itching in the breast that is constant.
* A ridged or dimpled skin texture, kind of like an orange peel.
* Flattened, retracted, swollen or crusted skin around the nipple.
* Lumps or enlarged lymph nodes under the arm or around the collarbone.

This is not an exhaustive list of symptoms but if you are experiencing any of these symptoms or signs, you should see your doctor as soon as possible to get checked out. Most health insurance companies will pay for this examination, because they realize that it is going to cost them much more if the cancer is allowed to grow instead of being diagnosed, caught, and remedied early on in its development stages.

Many of these same symptoms can also indicate the presence of a breast infection called mastitis. This type of infection most frequently (although not exclusively) occurs in younger women, usually under age 35, who are breast feeding young children. This is not breast cancer but is a simple infection that is most easily treated with prescription antibiotics. It is frequently accompanied by fever. The difference here is that breast cancer does not cause a fever, nor does it respond to antibiotics.

The bottom line is that you need to be aware of the classic symptoms of breast cancer, since the earlier it is diagnosed and treated, especially with the advances in today’s medicines, the better your chances of beating it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Arnold

Checkerboard Hair

2007-10-31T00:14:00.000-07:00

The evening of the day my hair started to fall out, Christie, Barbara and I were having dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. Naturally, I had to tell them how it all happened.

"Guess what happened this morning?"

"What happened, Deb?" Christie asked, leaning forward in anticipation.

"I reached up to pull some fuzz out of my hair and the whole clump of hair came out. I'm losing my hair!"

"Wow! What did you do?"

"I kept pulling pieces from different places on my head - then I showered and washed my hair to see how much more would come out."

Christie was fascinated. Barbara was unnaturally quiet.

"You know what would be fun?" I said, "Let's go back to my house after dinner, sit on the deck, and see if we can make a checkerboard pattern on my head!"

"How can you talk like that!!?" Barbara shouted at us. Our heads whipped around as we looked at her with astonishment.

"She's losing her hair! That's terrible!" Barbara was near tears.

"It's her hair, Barbara," Christie murmured soothingly. But Barbara was not to be comforted. Barbara was one of those people for whom hair is a very important thing.

I didn't realize right away that many people would be distraught about losing their hair. I had to learn about it from others.

When I spoke at a conference not long ago about my experiences, for example, one of the women from the audience told me how it was for her. She just shook her head, "I couldn't bear to lose my hair - it's who I am - my whole image of me is wrapped up in how I look with my hair!"

I was lucky that way. My image isn't tied to the way my hair looks. For me, one of the hardest adjustments was not being able to do all the things I was used to doing.

I hated the "nap attacks" and not being able to just get up and go do the things I love to do. I found that my identity was tied up in being a doer. Not doing was hard and having to ask for help was harder, much harder for me than worrying about how my hair looks.

Even so, losing my hair meant something else that many of us with cancer have to deal with. Until we lose our hair, most of us look fairly normal. Losing our hair is the step that firmly sets us apart from the rest of the population.

We'll always be apart from them. Once you've had breast cancer, even if you're free of symptoms for years, you know that it can always recur. As a friend said to me, "Once you've had breast cancer you can't be sure it won't come back until you die of something else."

That's the shadow that's always lurking around the corner. It's also the reality that puts other things, like being bothered by asking for help, or losing your hair, into perspective.

For me the hair issue was easily solved. A few days after that dinner with Christie and Barbara, I decided to shave my head.

First, I went to the beauty parlor and got "buzzed." Then I went home and borrowed my husband's shaving cream and razor and shaved the stubble off to be truly "bald."

I didn't stay bald, but I did find that I liked short hair. You can see how I looked before and after chemo by visiting one of the photo galleries. And you can see how I look today by checking out the picture on the main page of this site.

Everyone who gets breast cancer has lots of hard things they have to deal with. But for me, checkerboard hair was one of the easy ones.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deb_Haggerty

The Music of the Tube

2007-10-27T04:47:00.003-07:00

It was early February, 2000 and while everybody else was getting ready for Valentine's Day, I was getting ready for a full battery of tests, including my first MRI. I was in a bit of a funk.

Earlier in the week, I got the reports from the pelvic ultrasound. The "lesions" they'd seen on the CT scan seemed to be cysts, but they weren't sure. One ovary was greatly enlarged by this "mass."

I had done a lot of research on the net and talked to my doctor and I knew this might be more cancer. Breast cancer and ovarian cancer often go hand in hand.

I was devastated. I had been feeling really good about making a great recovery from breast surgery, but now it looked like a hysterectomy might be in my future.

I moped around the house on Tuesday night, all of Wednesday and Wednesday night thinking about maybe having a whole new kind of cancer. I didn't even get dressed. Finally I found the strength to call the doctor and schedule more tests.

Thursday I was in a much better mood. I'd taken some action and scheduled the tests for Friday. Plus, I was thinking about all my friends who were there for me and praying for me. Life might not be good, but with friends and faith it usually doesn't stay too bad for too long.

By now I was used to tests so I wasn't nervous about most of them. They started Friday morning at 7:30, way before I usually even get up. The first test was the MRI. The prospect made me nervous.

I'm just a little bit claustrophobic, and the idea of being stuck inside a really small space was scary. But the staff did everything they could to make me comfortable.

They covered me with a blanket for warmth and gave me ear plugs for the noise they said I would hear. Then they gently pushed me into a narrow tube. The quick look I took showed about 5-6 inches of space between my face and the tube.

I kept my eyes shut most of the time!! One time though, I opened my eyes and found that it was light inside the tube. That helped. Don't ask me why, but I didn't really feel closed in.

Then the MRI started: Tap, tap, tap - like a drummer counting cadence on the rim of a snare drum. Then loud discordant sounds: sort of a doo-wop, doo-wop, doo-wop coupled with a low pitched busy signal.

This went on for what seemed like about 10 minutes. Slight pause, tap, tap, tap and different pitches of static like you get on a TV station after it goes off the air. I kept myself amused trying to imagine what tones would be next.

Then I was wheeled out, given a dye injection, and wheeled back in for "three more sets!" By then I was used to it and I got to see some of the pictures. They looked pretty to me, but I would have to wait until the following week for results.

So I set off for the rest of the day's tests, with one more thing I could check off life's list. I had my first MRI and survived by listening to the strange music of the tube.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deb_Haggerty

How To Prevent Breast Cancer With Co-Enzyme Q10

2007-10-27T04:47:00.001-07:00

You will discover:

* What is co-enzyme Q10?

* Why taking co-enzyme Q10 helps to prevent breast cancer?

* How much co-enzyme Q10 to take to prevent breast cancer?

What Is Co-Enzyme Q10?

Co-enzyme Q10 is present in all your body cells; it is a vitamin like compound similar in structure to vitamin E and carotenoids.

Co-enzyme Q10 is also referred to as vitamin Q.

Co-enzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant, just a vitamin E. It also helps with energy production within your body.

Foods which are rich in co-enzyme Q10 are:

* Green Vegetables

* Meat

* Wholegrain

* Nuts

* Fish

Co-enzyme Q10 can protect your body from free radical damage, this helps to reduce your chances of developing certain types of cancer.

Apart from protecting you against certain cancers, co-enzyme Q10 can also protect you from the following health conditions:

* Heart Disease

* Hypertension

* Atherosclerosis

* Raynaud’s Syndrome

Why Taking Co-Enzyme Q10 Helps To Prevent Breast Cancer?

Co-enzyme Q10 supplements can improve your immune system and protect you against certain cancers.

Studies by Professor Carl Folkers and Dr Knud Lockwood found that co-enzyme Q10 supplements significantly improved conditions of their breast cancer patients.

How Much Co-Enzyme Q10 to Take to Prevent Breast Cancer?

To help prevent breast cancer, doses of up to 300 mg per day of co-enzyme Q10 would be beneficial. Co-Enzyme Q10 is generally safe to take, but very high doses can cause nausea.

So, to sum up...

Co-Enzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant compound, which clinical trials have shown to protect against breast cancer.

It is best to take co-enzyme Q10 in a supplement form to benefit your health.

You should be able to buy co-enzyme Q10 supplements from your local health store.

Remember, before taking any supplements, you should always consult your doctor as some supplements can cause side-effects when taken with prescribe medicine.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stewart_Hare

How To Prevent Breast Cancer With Selenium

2007-10-25T02:51:00.001-07:00

In this article ‘how to prevent breast cancer with selenium’, you will discover:

* What is selenium?

* Why taking selenium helps to prevent breast cancer?
* How much selenium to take to prevent breast cancer?

What Is Selenium?

Selenium is an essential trace mineral which has antioxidant properties.

The following foods are rich in selenium:

* Broccoli

* Brazil Nuts

* Wheat Germ

* Tomatoes

* Bran

* Onions

* Tuna Fish

Apart from preventing certain types of cancer, selenium preforms other functions within your body.

It can…

* Improve your immune system

* Improve fertility in men

* Help to protect against inflammation of the thyroid gland

* Help to reduce menopausal problems in women

A deficiency in selenium can help to increase the risk of developing certain cancers.

Why Taking Selenium Helps To Prevent Breast Cancer?

The antioxidant selenium support your immune system, trials have shown that by taking selenium supplements, you can reduce the chances of developing certain cancers.

In one study, women who took selenium supplements reduced their breast cancer by fifty per cent.

How Much Selenium To Take to Prevent Breast Cancer?

To help prevent breast cancer, you need to take 200mcg per day of selenium in a supplement form.

This was a daily dose in the breast cancer study previously mentioned.

Warning: Taking selenium doses over 800 mcg can cause:

* Dizziness

* Nausea

* Hair Loss

* Skin Rash

* Nervous System Problems

So, to sum up...

To help prevent breast cancer, you can include foods which are rich in selenium within your diet or supplement your diet with selenium supplements.

Clinical trials have shown that the antioxidant selenium can help to protect you from certain cancers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stewart_Hare

How To Prevent Breast Cancer By Diet – Eat Soya

2007-10-25T02:50:00.002-07:00

In this article, you will discover:

* What is soya?
* Why is soya vital in the prevent breast cancer diet?

What Is Soya?

Soya (soy) is a pulse; it contains healthy amino acids and is a high quality source of protein.

Soya is an important ingredient in Asian cuisine; this may be one reason why certain cancers are less in Asian countries compare to western countries.

Soya contains many beneficial health compounds such as isoflavones.

One particular isoflavone is genistein, this helps to protect against different forms of cancers.

Why Is Soya Vital In The Prevent Breast Cancer Diet?

Genistein can help to slow down and stop the growth of cancer cells.

Various studies have shown that people who consume large amounts of soya products within their diets, results in them having higher levels of genistein within their blood.

This can help to protect and slow down the growth of:

* Breast Cancer
* Prostate Cancer
* Colon Cancer
* Leukaemia

In Asian countries such as Japan, where the consumption of soya products is generally higher than western countries, there is a lower incidence of breast cancer.

So, to sum up...

Soya is a vital part in the prevent breast cancer diet because studies have shown that Soya can help to protect against cancer, especially breast cancer.

In Asian countries such as Japan, where soya products are part of the staple diet, there is a lower incidence of breast cancer compared to western countries.

This is believed to be due to the beneficial isoflavones within soya, especially genistein.

If you want to consume soya to protect yourself against breast cancer, it is best to include soya products, such as tofu, within your diet.

Scientists believe that consuming soya products will give you more protection against cancer, compared to just supplementing your diet with isoflavones supplements.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stewart_Hare

How To Prevent Breast Cancer By Diet – Eat Fibre

2007-10-25T02:50:00.001-07:00

In this article, you will discover:

* What is fibre?
* Why is fibre vital in the prevent breast cancer diet?

What Is Fibre?

All foods, which you consume, which are derived from plants contain fibre, typically:

* Cellulose
* Hemicellulose
* Lignin
* Pectins
* Gums

This fibre is passed undigested through your small intestines.

The following foods are good sources of fibre:

* Vegetables
* Fruits
* Pulses
* Nuts
* Seeds
* Cereals

Research has shown that a high fibre diet can reduce the development of certain health conditions, one being breast cancer.

Why Is Fibre Vital In The Prevent Breast Cancer Diet?

Including high amounts of fibre is vital in the prevent breast cancer diet because research has shown that insoluble fibre from whole grains, such as those present in wholegrain bread, can delay the development of breast cancer in animals.

Other studies have found that this also relates to people, women who consume a lot of whole grains are less likely to develop breast cancer, especially young women.

It is thought that young women, whose diet is high in whole grains, are less likely to develop breast cancer than older women.

This is because fibre lowers oestrogen levels in premenopausal women, but not in postmenopausal women.

Apart from lowering oestrogen, the substances phytate and isoflavones present in fibre are believed to protect against breast cancer.

So, to sum up...

Including high amounts of fibre within your diet is a good idea to prevent breast cancer.

Breast cancer in postmenopausal women is known to be partly caused by estrogen, fibre is known to help the body removed and lower high amounts of estrogen.

To prevent breast cancer, it is best to have a high fibre and low fat diet. This is why vegetarians are less likely to develop breast cancer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stewart_Hare

How To Prevent Breast Cancer By Diet - Eat Tomatoes

2007-10-15T02:27:00.002-07:00

In this article, you will discover:

* What are tomatoes?
* Why are tomatoes vital in the prevent breast cancer diet?

What Are Tomatoes? Tomatoes are a member of the nightshade family of plants, also known as the solanaceae family.

They are native to South America but are now grown throughout the world.

It is the red fruit of the tomatoes plant which is eaten.

Tomatoes are rich and sweet in flavour and consist of over 90% water.

Tomatoes contain the following nutrients:

* Calcium
* Magnesium
* Phosphorus
* Vitamin C
* Beta-Carotene
* Folic Acid

Tomatoes contain many beneficial health compounds such as carotenoids and lycopene.

Lycopene has anti-cancer properties, plus antioxidant properties. These properties make tomatoes an excellent food to include in your prevent breast cancer diet.

Tomatoes can protect and reduce the symptoms of the following health conditions:

* Heart Disease
* Stroke
* Diabetes
* Migraines
* Prostate Cancer
* Atherosclerosis

Apart from anti-cancer properties, tomatoes also have other beneficial health properties such as:

* Anti-septic
* Anti-inflammatory

Why Are Tomatoes Vital In The Prevent Breast Cancer Diet? It's the antioxidant lycopene within tomatoes which makes them a vital part in the prevent breast cancer diet.

Lycopene is similar to beta-carotene, it has been found to stop the proliferation of cancer cells.

Trials have shown that a high consumption of tomatoes, which would result in a higher blood level of lycopene, can reduce the risk of cancer.

The consumption of tomatoes and lycopene are not only a good protection against breast cancer, but also other cancers such as:

* Prostate Cancer
* Lung Cancer
* Stomach Cancer

So, to sum up...

It has been proven in trials that lycopene can protect you from different forms of cancer, especially breast cancer.

If there is breast cancer in your family history, it would be wise to increase lycopene in your diet.

As tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, it would be a good idea to increase them in your diet, which in turn would increase the amount of lycopene in your blood.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer - Symptoms And Treatment

2007-10-15T02:27:00.001-07:00

A type of breast cancer that is rare and gets its name from the appearance of the skin on the breast is “inflammatory breast cancer.”

Diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer is usually diagnosed at a younger age than those diagnosed with other forms of breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is diagnosed in men only in very rare circumstances.

In the past, women diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer had grim survival statistics; however, new approaches in treatment offer greater chances for survival than ever before.

Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer include:

• A breast that appears red, purple, pink or bruised

• A tender, firm and enlarged breast

• A warm feeling in the breast

• Itching of the breast

• Pain

• Ridged or dimpled skin texture, similar to an orange peel

• Thickened areas of skin

• Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm, above the collarbone or below the collarbone

• Flattening or retraction of the nipple

• Swollen or crusted skin on the nipple

• Change in color of the skin around the nipple

These same symptoms can also indicate a breast infection called “mastitis.” Mastitis occurs most often in younger women who are breast-feeding. Mastitis causes a fever and is easily treated with antibiotics. Inflammatory breast cancer does not typically cause a fever, nor does it respond to antibiotics.

Another condition in which there can be redness, warmth and swelling of the breast is caused by a previous operation or radiation therapy that involved the outer breast or underarm. These cases are not inflammatory breast cancer either. Inflammatory breast cancer progresses rapidly. If you notice any of the above symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer, mention them right away to your physician.

If you receive treatment for a breast infection (mastitis) and your symptoms last longer than a week after starting antibiotics, ask your physician to do imaging studies of the breast or to perform a breast biopsy. If the test shows no signs of cancer and your symptoms seem to worsen, talk to your physician about getting another biopsy or ask for a referral to a breast specialist.

Treatment for inflammatory breast cancer:

Inflammatory breast cancer was treated by surgery. The mortality rate was at 100 percent. Significant progress has been made in recent years, which has improved the prognosis for a woman with inflammatory breast cancer. Once almost always fatal, the disease now results in half of women diagnosed being alive in five years and one-third of women diagnosed surviving 10 or more years.

Reconstruction after surgery is possible, but not for all women. If you undergo extensive radiation therapy your options for reconstruction are limited.

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

Increasing Your Chance Of Survival By Recognizing Breast Cancer Symptoms

2007-10-11T00:05:00.000-07:00

The statistics are staggering; one in eight women in the United States has either had or will have breast cancer during her lifetime. The National Breast Cancer Foundation predicts that over two-hundred thousand women and nearly two-thousand men will be diagnosed this year alone. And while it continues its reign as the second leading cause of death in women, it also continues to be highly responsive to early treatment.

In fact, early detection and treatment can significantly increase a patient's chance for recovery; the survival rate reaches nearly 95% for those who are treated quickly and proactively. But in order to increase your chance for detection - and subsequently receive this imperative treatment - every woman must be familiar with the symptoms.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with fifty percent of cases being diagnosed well into a woman's fifties. Subsequently, doctors and researchers recommend a lifetime of screenings that can help identify the early stages. Of course, in combination with medical screenings should be a comprehensive routine of breast self-examination to check for any abnormalities. In line with this self awareness should be a thorough knowledge of symptoms so that women can recognize the signs and be checked and treated early.

If early cancer is detected by the discovery of a lump in the breast, this is usually far in advance of any symptoms. This is why it is so important to conduct self-examination and be examined by a doctor during your routine gynecological exam. But cancer that continues to go unnoticed will often eventually begin to produce symptoms.

Aside from the finding of a lump in the breast, under the armpit, or above the collarbone, some of the more common symptoms include: nipple discharge, change in the shape of the breast, nipple inversion that did not exist previously, and redness, rash, or textural changes in the skin of the breast. Keep in mind, that all of these symptoms can also be attributed to a number of other disorders; it is absolutely imperative to check all breast changes or abnormalities with your doctor.

Breast cancer symptoms vary from woman to woman. Not every woman experiences every symptom. And when symptoms are experienced, the level and frequency with which they are experienced vary significantly depending on the cancer and the woman. Ultimately, it is most important that women know their own bodies and listen to the messages their bodies are sending them. Never let a doctor brush you aside with a promise that nothing is wrong if you feel differently. No one knows your body better than you do.

A diagnosis of breast cancer can sometimes feel like the end of the world. But the truth is, that in this day and age of continued medical and technological advancement, the odds of beating it are actually quite good if you are educated and involved in protecting your own health. Learn to recognize breast cancer symptoms and be an advocate for your own body.

Increasing Awareness With A Breast Cancer Bracelet

2007-10-11T00:04:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer continues to affect millions of people worldwide - plunging newly diagnosed sufferers and their families into the bewildering world of treatment plans and statistics on a daily basis.

This year alone, over one-million people worldwide will be unwillingly inducted into this club of warriors. And strong in numbers, these sufferers and their families will continue to affect change in the landscape of awareness and treatment; part of the way in which they raise awareness is through the wearing of merchandise, including the breast cancer bracelet.

The breast cancer bracelet can attribute its beginnings to the awareness campaign, where the pink ribbon first became the symbol in the united fight. The Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation - which began in the early 1980s as a way to funnel comprehensive information to victims and raise money for research - began using the pink ribbon in the early years of its Race for the Cure, the annual run/walk fundraising event that is the signature event of this foundation.

The early beginnings of the pink ribbon were brought to the forefront as Self magazine planned their second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue in the early 1990s. In this effort, the magazine partnered with Estee Lauder to create the looped pink ribbon we have now come to recognize; over a million of which were distributed at makeup counters around the country to coincide with the distribution of the magazine. The ribbon included instructions on self examination and information on how to petition Washington to increase funds for research. The color pink was chosen because of its strong association with femininity.

With the growing popularity of the pink ribbon, came the further development of other pink items to signify awareness. The items have since come fast and furious - from t-shirts and pins, to umbrellas and mugs. The breast cancer bracelet, especially, has achieved enormous popularity as the message of awareness is encapsulated in a beautifully designed - and very wearable - bracelet.

The bracelet is just like any other bracelet that you would think nothing of buying and wearing; but you have the added benefit of knowing that in wearing the bracelet you are promoting awareness and, in so doing, are part of a community that is saving lives.

The bracelet comes in a variety of styles and prices - everything from pearls and crystal to silver and gold. No matter what your style or taste in jewelry, there will surely be a bracelet that draws your attention and furthers the message of awareness. In today's online world especially, there is a growing number of websites dedicated to the sale of pink awareness merchandise.

This awareness encompasses many different things when it comes to the battle against breast cancer. Raising awareness means increasing people's understanding of research, prevention, detection, and treatment. But more importantly, raising awareness - through the wearing of insignia such as the bracelet - means alerting those who are affected to a larger community; a community of enormous support and infinite understanding.