Breast Cancer Information

Breast Cancer - 101


The cancer is a term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably invading near by tissue and spreading to other parts of the body via blood stream or lymphatic system.

Similarly, in breast cancer, a single cell begins to divide and grow abnormally. This is the most common kind of cancer in women. Besides being women, age is the other important factor for developing breast cancer. The breast is made up of lobes and ducts. Each breast has 15 to 20 sections called lobes, which have many smaller sections called lobules. Lobules end in dozens of tiny bulbs that can produce milk. The lobes, lobules, and bulbs are linked by thin tubes called ducts.

The breast cancer is classified into:

-Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
-Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
-Inflammatory breast cancer
-Recurrent breast cancer

The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which begins in the cells of the ducts. Cancer that begins in the lobes or lobules is called lobular carcinoma and is more often found in both breasts than are other types of breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is an uncommon type of breast cancer in which the breast is warm, red, and swollen. Recurrent breast cancer that has come back after it has been treated. Early detection through regular breast self-exams and a regular program of mammogram and physical exams show excellent results in curing it. Breast self exam is the process developed by the American cancer society for women to examine the breasts monthly. This process can reveal breast problem. Any swelling or unusual lumps or hardness in the breast is the indication of breast disease and a reason to rush to your doctor.

There are various factors, which increases the chance of getting disease as a breast cancer. Like:

1) Older age
2) A mother or sister with breast cancer.
3) Drinking alcoholic beverages.
4) Being white.
5) Treatment with radiation therapy to the breast/chest.

Women who have an altered gene related to breast cancer and who have had breast cancer in one breast have an increased risk of developing breast cancer in the other breast. These women also have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, and may have an increased risk of developing other cancers.

Tests related to detect and diagnose breast cancer are:

1) Mammogram - In which X ray is done of the breast.

2) Biopsy - The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. If a lump in the breast is found, the doctor may need to cut out a small piece of the lump.

3) Estrogen and progesterone receptor test: A test to measure the amount of estrogen and progesterone (hormones) receptors in cancer tissue. If cancer is found in the breast, tissue from the tumor is examined in the laboratory to find out whether estrogen and progesterone could affect the way cancer grows. The test results show whether hormone therapy may stop the cancer from growing.

There are different 4 types of treatment option for breast cancer patients:

1) Surgery- Most patients with breast cancer have surgery to remove the cancer from the breast.

2) Radiation therapy - Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells.

3) Chemotherapy -Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping the cells from dividing.

4) Hormone therapy - Hormone therapy is a cancer treatment that removes hormones or blocks their action and stops cancer cells from growing. Hormones are substances produced by glands in the body and circulated in the bloodstream.

For latest information about Breast Cancer please visit medicineworld.org. You can get more information through dedicated breast cancer message board, breast cancer support forum at bcancer.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Health Newstrack

Bone drug for breast cancer
Times of India, India - 8 hours ago
WASHINGTON: Bone drug, zoledronic acid, may help in preventing the spread of cancer in women with locally advanced breast cancer, says a new study at ...
Breast cancer spread stopped by bone drug Health Newstrack
all 15 news articles


Dog Flu Diet and Diseases

New Research Suggests the 'Sunshine Vitamin' Can Slow Progression ...
ABC News - 18 hours ago
By JOHN McKENZIE Researchers have found that breast cancer patients who don't have enough vitamin D in their bodies are much more likely to have their ...
Low Levels of Vitamin D Spell Trouble for Breast Cancer Patients Washington Post
Vitamin D deficiency linked to poorer breast cancer outcomes: study The Canadian Press
Breast cancer linked to Vitamin D deficiency Hindu
HealthCentral.com - Los Angeles Times
all 358 news articles


Breast cancer group offers new support
Gulf Daily News, Bahrain - 20 hours ago
A BREAST cancer support group will meet on the last Tuesday of every month at the World Beat Fitness Centre, Saar, from 7.30pm to 9pm. ...


TopNews

Mastectomies for early-stage breast cancer rise after MRI: study
CBC.ca, Canada - 23 hours ago
The number of women who opted for mastectomy when diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer increased significantly at the same time MRI screening before ...
Why Are More Breast Cancer Patients Having Mastectomies? Wall Street Journal Blogs
Mastectomies Up for Early Breast Cancer WebMD
ASCO: Vitamin D May Play Role in Breast Cancer Survival MedPage Today
Baltimore Sun - Science Daily (press release)
all 289 news articles


Iressa Shows Promise For Treatment Of Metastatic Breast Cancer ...
Science Daily (press release) - May 16, 2008
These findings are surprising and represent the first positive study for Iressa in breast cancer, as well as for the entire class of drugs known as ...


TopNews

Nerve Blocks Reduce Hot Flashes In Breast Cancer Survivors
FOXNews - May 16, 2008
In an experimental study, breast cancer survivors who experienced severe hot flashes underwent nerve block therapy to regulate their body’s temperature and ...
Nerve block cuts hot flashes after breast cancer Reuters
Nerve Blockers Reduce Hot Flashes In Breast Cancer Survivors Dog Flu Diet and Diseases
Anesthetic Helps Relieve Menopausal Symptoms in Breast Cancer ... Cancer Consultants
MedPage Today - Thaindian.com
all 68 news articles


KEPR 19

Exercise cuts breast cancer risk
PRESS TV, Iran - 1 hour ago
Scientists have claimed that regular exercise during teen age and adolescence years can reduce the risk of premenopausal breast cancer. ...
Is Canada's geography a breast cancer risk? Globe and Mail
Physical activity may prevent breast cancer Times of India
Link Between Vitamin D Status And Breast Cancer Illuminated Science Daily (press release)
KPVI-TV - EmpowHer
all 559 news articles


SKNVibes.com

Breast cancer patient to return to Nevis to raise awareness
SKNVibes.com, St. Kitts and Nevis - 3 hours ago
The courageous woman plans to share her experience of breast cancer and will introduce a six-week Living With Cancer Course and Pink Lily Cancer Support ...


Victim of bungled breast cancer tests urges others to get second ...
The Canadian Press, TORONTO - May 16, 2008
TORONTO — For most women, there are few more terrifying words to hear than: "You have breast cancer." Unless, of course, it's being told the recommended ...


Blood Test Helps Docs Assess Breast Cancer Treatment
U.S. News & World Report, DC - May 16, 2008
In this study, Liu and colleagues measured the number of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in blood samples collected from metastatic breast cancer patients ...

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