About BCS

Email received 2/3/2009 by our Patient Service Dept.

About BCS About BCS

Reducing Your Risk

1960 - One in 20 Women Contracted Breast Cancer

Reducing Your Risk Reducing Your Risk

Become a Supporter

Your donation helps provide direct monthly...

Become a Supporter Become a Supporter

Thank You

Breast Cancer is a real and growing problem...

Thank You Thank You

Taking Action…

Research is very important and will one day lead to a cure...

Taking Action… Taking Action…

Breast Cancer Stage

Breast cancer stages are determined by the size of tumors, whether the cancer has affected the lymph nodes, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Knowing the breast cancer stages can help you understand your condition and what your doctor’s prognosis is if you find that you have the disease.

 

Breast Cancer Stage Zero - 0

 

The earliest beast cancer stage is zero. At this point in the disease, the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. In fact, any atypical cells that might be cancerous have not spread outside of the breast’s ducts or lobules. While some atypical cells might be found in these areas, they have not yet spread to the breast tissue. This is a very treatable stage of breast cancer, and the National Cancer Institute reports that there is a 100 percent five-year survival rate for this stage of breast cancer if properly diagnosed and treated. If left untreated, though, cancerous cells can spread to breast tissue and other parts of the body.

 

Breast Cancer Stage One - I

 

Breast cancer stage I is also very treatable. Nearly everyone (98 percent) of the patients diagnosed with stage I breast cancer survive for at least five years. In this breast cancer stage, the cancer is located in the breast tissue, but it has not spread to other body parts, including the lymph nodes. The tumors (lumps) in this breast cancer stage are sized at two centimeters or less.

 

Breast Cancer Stage Two - II

 

Patients with breast cancer stage II still have an 88 percent five-year survival rate. Those diagnosed with breast cancer stage IIA have tumors that are two centimeters or smaller in size and the cancer has spread to up to three lymph nodes (usually in the underarm area). Those with stage II could also have tumors up to five centimeters in size, but no lymph nodes are affected. Breast cancer stage IIB is slight more developed. State IIB cancer can be up to five centimeters in size and be affecting lymph nodes, or up to eight centimeters without affecting lymph nodes.

 

Breast Cancer Stage Three - III

 

Survival rates do drop with breast cancer stage IIIA, but patients still have a 56 percent five-year survival rate. Like stage II, there are two categories for stage III. Stage IIIA may have a tumor between two and five centimeters. Up to nine underarm lymph nodes can be affected. In stage IIIB, the cancer has spread to some other parts of the body other than the breasts, such as the collarbone, ribs, or muscles. Patients with breast cancer stage IIIB have a 49 percent chance of five-year survival.

 

Breast Cancer Stage Four - IV

 

Stage IV is the highest stage of breast cancer. There is a 19 percent five-year survival rate. In this breast cancer stage, the cancer has spread from the breasts to other parts of the body such as the skeletal system, brain, liver, or lungs. Parts of the body located near the breast might be affected, but the cancer might have also spread to other areas of the body. This is the most difficult stage of breast cancer to treat.  This noted, there are many, many individuals today who are alive and well and living productive lives who have fought and recovered from aggressive stage IV breast cancers!

Click here to read more...

Breast cancer cells

Breast cancer cells can be found in the breast tissue, lymph nodes, or ducts in the breast. In the early stages of the disease, breast cancer cells can be very difficult to detect because they have not yet formed lumps or masses. At later stages of the disease, though, they can become metastatic and travel to other parts of the body, which is often much more difficult to treat.

 

Detecting Breast Cancer Cells

 

Women should use monthly self exams to detect any suspicious lumps in the breasts. There are numerous sites on the Internet that explain how to perform a monthly self exam. These exams are useful because they are so easy to perform, but they can only detect breast cancer cells that have turned into lumps.

 

Since the self exam can only find lumps, annual screenings are recommended in order to detect small amounts of breast cancer cells which may be present but which have not yet grown large enough to constitute a “lump”.  There are several types of screening options available, however the most common and cost-effective is the mammogram.  Mammograms use beams of high energy to see inside the breasts. This make it possible for doctors to find potentially cancerous tumors that you could not find with a self exam.

 

Diagnosing Breast Cancer Cells

 

When a doctor believes that breast cancer might be present, she or he will need to have diagnostic tests performed. A diagnosis for breast cancer usually requires taking tissue samples from the breast. Depending on the type of breast cancer cells that a doctor thinks might be present, the patient might only need to tolerate a few needles. Some types of cancer are difficult to detect, though, so a surgical biopsy might be needed.

 

These tissue samples are sent to labs, where professionals test for the presence of breast cancer cells.

 

Eliminating Breast Cancer Cells

 

If a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer cells, doctors will need to create a treatment plan to remove the cancer. Surgical removal is one successful method of removing breast cancer cells that have formed tumors. Some patients receive mastectomies to prevent the cancer from recurring. Others only need to have a small tumor removed.

 

Surgical treatments are almost always more effective when they are combined with chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill the breast cancer cells. Since the healthy cells can often recover more quickly that the breast cancer cells, the patient can survive while the cancer dies.

 

Radiation treatment follows a similar strategy. Beams of radiation are aimed at the breast cancer cells, or radiated materials are implanted in the body near the cancerous cells. Since the healthy cells recover more quickly, this can kill off the cancer cells.

 

Preventing Breast Cancer Cells

 

Treating breast cancer often causes unwanted side effects, so it is important for women and men to make healthy decisions that will help them prevent breast cancer cells from forming. This means managing a healthy weight through diet and exercise, avoiding alcoholic beverages, and visiting physicians regularly for tests. Those who can recognize symptoms at the cancer’s early stages have higher survival rates, so be sure that any suspicious symptoms are diagnosed quickly.

Click here to read more...

Breast Cancer Site

There are many breast cancer sites on the Internet that focus on helping women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer to get the support that they need to recover and know the facts about the disease. There are also many breast cancer sites that encourage preventative measures so women and men can know more about ways to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.  In conjunction with The Breast Cancer Society’s web site, www.BreastCancerSociety.org, the following sites should prove to be useful resources to many individuals involved with breast cancer…

 

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Site

 

The Susan G. Komen Foundation is one of the best known organizations that contributes money to breast cancer research and helps individuals find the support that they need while combating breast cancer. Komen for the Cure has been involved in breast cancer research and prevention for decades, and was one of the very first groups to use the pink ribbon that has become synonymous with fighting breast cancer. 

 

Like The Breast Cancer Society and www.BreastCancerSociety.org, the web site for The Komen for the Cure gives women and men the option to choose support for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, those who know someone who has been diagnosed, and those who want to contribute their time and money to the cause. You can even share your survival story either of these sites. www.Komen.org

 

National Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Site

 

The National Cancer Institute also has a breast cancer site that you might want to visit. This breast cancer site provides accurate and detailed information about clinical trials, treatment options, causes of breast cancer, and preventative measures that you might take to reduce your chances of developing breast cancer. This breast cancer site also has statistics that can educate you about issues regarding breast cancer, such as how many women get breast cancer and the survival rates are for each stage of the disease. The National Cancer Institute’s site, www.cancer.gov is perhaps the premier resource for up-to-date information on most types of cancer, including breast cancer.

 

American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Site

 

The American Cancer Society also has a breast cancer site that offers an overview of the disease, a detailed guide about the different types of breast cancer, and survival stories that are meant to inspire patients, friends, and family members who have recently been affected by breast cancer. This breast cancer site (located at www.cancer.org) also provides a glossary of terms that you might need to know so you can understand what doctors are saying during hospital visits, as well as advice that can help women and men decide which treatment options they would like to pursue.

 

Using Breast Cancer Sites

 

There are also many more breast cancer sites on the Internet. Each of them has its own bit of advice and information to offer those who are concerned about the disease or have been diagnosed with it. You might find that you need to look at several breast cancer sites to get all of the information and support that you need. While breast cancer sites for organizations like the Susan G. Komen Foundation, National Cancer Institute, and American Cancer Society provide plenty of detailed information, it is nearly impossible for one site to fit the needs of all people. This makes it necessary for you invest some time to explore your options and look for the sites that address your specific concerns.

Click here to read more...

Breast Cancer Articles

You can find many breast cancer articles on the Internet. These articles are often helpful for patients and the loved ones of those who might have breast cancer. One should be careful when reading breast cancer articles that are published on the Internet, though. While some of the Web sites that you find might focus on an educated audience that can comprehend in-depth breast cancer research, others might mistakenly misinterpret technical information. This can make it difficult for readers to decide which breast cancer articles are useful.

 

Finding Useful Breast Cancer Articles

 

While some Web sites might offer inaccurate information, there are plenty of ways to find breast cancer articles that are accurate, informative, and useful. If you live in a city that has a medical school, then you might consider visiting their library system to find books and peer-reviewed journals that are written by experts. Some of the information that you find at the medical school might be difficult for you to understand if you do not have a medical, biology, and research background. Try talking to the librarians at the school to help you find a book or breast cancer article that will give you the information that you need. They should be able to determine which published materials are written by reliable professionals.

 

Using Public Libraries to Find Breast Cancer Articles

 

You might also be able to use your public library to find breast cancer articles. Many public libraries give their patrons the opportunity to access academic journals. In fact, some of them have remote systems that allow patrons to access journals from their own homes. If you have not used one of these systems before, then you should consider contacting your local library system to find out what types of access they can give you. Even if they do not have print or electronic medical journals, your local library might be able to help you find books that suit your needs.

 

Breast Cancer Articles Online

 

Many people use the Internet to get information about subjects like breast cancer. It is easy to log on and find breast cancer articles by using a search engine. When you read through the different breast cancer articles that you find, though, you should ask yourself a few questions to help you determine how reliable the sources are. First, ask yourself if you have heard of the source before. Research hospitals like the Mayo Clinic often publish information about breast cancer and other medical subjects. You can typically trust the information that you find on these sites. The same is often true for breast cancer articles that are published on university Web sites, although you should look for an author’s name to make sure it was written by a qualified professional instead of a student.

 

You can also check the sources that are sited in breast cancer articles. Many bloggers site research articles in their posts. Instead of relying on their interpretations of the information, you can always look for the original source to make sure they have provided an accurate reproduction of the information.

Click here to read more...

Cancer of the Breast

Cancer of the breast is a serious disease which affects more women than any other form of cancer except for lung cancer. Knowing more about cancer of the breast might help you lower your chances of getting the disease, or at least give you the opportunity to recognize early warning signs so that you can seek treatment early.

 

Cancer of the Breast Affects Women and Men

 

While women develop breast cancer about 100 times more often than men, men should be aware that they can get the disease too. Many men think that they are immune to breast cancer because of their sex. While society places a larger emphasis on the breasts of women, men can still get this disease.

 

Risk Factors of Cancer of the Breast

 

There are many risk factors for cancer of the breast, so you may want to speak to your doctor about those that could have a greater impact on you personally. There are, however, many common risk factors that every man and woman should try to be familiar with. Genetics can play a large part in breast cancer development. If several people in your family have had breast cancer, then you should stay vigilant by performing self-exams monthly, visiting your doctor at least once a year, and making lifestyle adjustments to reduce your risks. Drinking more than two alcoholic beverages daily has also been shown to increase breast cancer risks. Women who lead sedentary lifestyles and do not have well balanced diets also have elevated risks.

 

Cancer of the Breast - Prevention

 

The most important methods for preventing cancer of the breast are performing monthly self-exams and getting annual mammograms or screenings from your doctor’s office or a clinic. These methods can catch cancer development in its early stages, when it is significantly easier to treat than when it has spread to other parts of the body. Other than getting regular tests, men and women should try to lead healthy lifestyles by getting plenty of aerobic exercise, eating nutritious meals that are low in fat, and avoiding excessive use of alcohol.

 

Cancer of the Breast - Treatment Options

 

Women and men who are diagnosed with cancer of the breast early are often able to overcome the disease with a relatively simple operation which will attempt to remove the cancerous tissues. Following the surgery, the patients may need to take a regimen of drugs or radiation that will kill off any remaining cancer cells and prevent new ones from developing. Those who have more advanced stages of the disease, though, might have to undergo treatments that can produce harsher side effects. Chemotherapy is a common option that kills cancerous cells. This often produces unwanted side effects such as nausea, but may be necessary for beating cancer. Mastectomies are also common treatments for patients who are at a high risk of developing further episodes of breast cancer.

 

Surviving Cancer of the Breast

 

Those who catch cancer of the breast in the first stage and receive commonly accepted treatments from a licensed physician have a 100 percent chance of survival, but the chances begin to decrease as the disease advances. This makes it very important for women and men to see their doctors regularly and perform self exams at home.

Click here to read more...

Breast Cancer Jewelry

Breast cancer jewelry has become a popular way to support patients and survivors of breast cancer while also contributing money to breast cancer research. The first breast cancer accessories were mostly inexpensive pink ribbons that can be found easily during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Today, though, there are plenty of high-end items that a supporter might wish to purchase.

 

Inexpensive Breast Cancer Jewelry and Accessories

 

Some of the first “pink ribbons” were handed out at a breast cancer support footrace in New York City. The Susan G. Komen Foundation supplied these inexpensive symbols of support to help raise awareness of the disease. Since early detection is one of the most effective ways to help women and men recover from breast cancer, these pink ribbons helped open the door for educational programs and conversations that taught people about the importance of performing monthly self-tests and when to seek mammograms.

 

Breast Cancer Bracelet Jewelry

 

Breast cancer bracelet jewelry is another popular item that shows support for victims of breast cancer. Many of the jewelry designs incorporate the pink ribbon, which has become an international symbol for the struggle against breast cancer. There are several jewelry makers and organizations that sell breast cancer jewelry bracelets. As with other kinds of jewelry, these bracelets are sold at a variety of prices. Some of them use expensive stones and metals while others keep prices low by using less expensive objects and materials like plastics in the design.

 

Breast Cancer Lanyards Jewelry

 

You can also show your support by purchasing breast cancer awareness lanyards. Many of these breast cancer lanyards are remodeled forms of necklaces that have been used to support the same cause. They can be attached to ID badges, glasses, and other objects. This type of breast cancer jewelry provides a functional purpose, but also allows you to display your support for the cause at work, around the house, or elsewhere.

 

Buying Breast Cancer Jewelry

 

There are many companies that sell breast cancer jewelry. Most of them donate a portion of their proceeds to organizations like The Breast Cancer Society, Inc. or the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The money may be used to fund research or support women and men who are having a hard time meeting the expenses of battling breast cancer. Before you decide to purchase breast cancer jewelry from a company that you find online or in retail stores, you should make sure they contribute a portion of the money to a reputable organization. That way you can show your support while also funding research and prevention programs.

 

Choosing Breast Cancer Jewelry as Gifts

 

You might want to purchase breast cancer bracelets, lanyards, necklaces, and other types of jewelry for yourself, but they also make great gifts. You might want to purchase them for several members of your family. This is a good idea because the jewelry is beautiful, and the money that you spend can help support a worthy cause. This is an especially good choice if you have family members who have been diagnosed with the disease because you can show your support for them while funding programs that will prevent other women and men from developing it.

Click here to read more...

Advanced breast cancer

Advanced breast cancer is the most difficult form of the disease to treat. Those who have advanced breast cancer that has reached stage IV have much lower survival statistics than those who are diagnosed in earlier stages. However, statics do not determine what will happen to you as an individual with your battle of breast cancer.  If you have found that you have advanced breast cancer, you should learn about your condition and discuss your prognosis with your doctor to help you understand your treatment options and risks. 

 

The Stage of Advanced Breast Cancer

 

Metastatic breast cancer is listed as stage III or IV cancer. In this situation, the cancer has spread beyond the breasts and lymph nodes. The cancerous tissues are often found in areas near the breasts, but they could also be located in other parts of the body. Those with stage IIIA or IIIB breast cancer usually have affected tissue in the chest or skin. Those who are diagnosed with stage IV advanced breast cancer most often learn that they have cancer located in the liver, lungs, brain, or bones. Other organs, however, can also be affected.

 

Treating Advanced Breast Cancer

 

The chances of five year survival for patients with advanced breast cancer are much lower than those with earlier forms of the disease, but that does not mean that you cannot receive effective treatments that will help you recover from the illness.

 

Most advanced breast cancer patients are treated with a combination of drug and radiation therapies. Surgery is usually ineffective against late stages of cancer because the cancer has spread throughout the body and is therefore difficult to remove without causing substantial damage to the organs.

 

Radiation Treatment for Advanced Breast Cancer

 

Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for advanced breast cancer because it can be used to kill cancerous cells in several parts of the body. Since this is a non-invasive treatment, doctors do not have to worry about the damaging effects of multiple incisions. While this might be a better option that surgery, radiation therapy often produces unwanted side effects that can be difficult for extremely ill patients to tolerate. In some cases, you may decide that it is best to consult a hospice center because the treatment would only cause pain without curing the disease.

 

Drug Treatment for Advanced Breast Cancer

 

Chemotherapy is the most popular form of drug treatment for advanced breast cancer. Like radiation therapy, this method can be used to kill cancer cells that have spread throughout the body. Also like radiation treatment, though, this drug therapy can cause substantial unwanted side effects. Some other drug therapies that are often used to treat or control the spread of breast cancer include medications like Taxol, Aromasin, Tomoxifen, Letrozole, and Herceptin - among others.

 

If you and your doctor decide that your advanced breast cancer is essentially untreatable, then you might want to consider medical techniques which can extend your life and decrease the discomfort that you feel. A cure may not be possible, but that does not necessarily mean that you have to suffer with the disease. Many patients with advanced breast cancer have found that they can enjoy the remaining portion of their lives by spending time with friends and family while receive treatments for pain and discomfort caused by the disease.

Click here to read more...

Breast Cancer Survivors

Many women who develop breast cancer survive the disease to lead long, productive lives. In fact, nearly all women who are diagnosed with stage I breast cancer live for at least another five years (and usually much longer than that). Survivors have their own special concerns because they know that they are susceptible to relapses that could jeopardize their health. This makes it very important for breast cancer survivors to know what options they have to help them manage their health.

 

Breast Cancer Survivors Organizations

 

Organizations like the Susan G. Komen Foundation help women who have breast cancer, but they also offer support to women who have recovered from the disease and need to decrease their risks of developing cancerous tumors again. There are many organizations that help breast cancer survivors. You should be able to find some in your local area.

 

Breast Cancer Survivor Support Groups

 

Support groups are common for breast cancer survivors, especially those who have undergone mastectomies. Getting emotional support from other breast cancer survivors helps many women adjust to life after cancer. You might not feel that other people (who have not experienced breast cancer) can understand the way that you feel as a breast cancer survivor because they have not had your experiences. However, meeting other people who have survived the disease might help you keep a better perspective on life and the effects of breast cancer.  The Breast Cancer Society provides a support network for individuals currently receiving treatment for active breast cancer.

 

Talking to other women and men who have experienced breast cancer can also help you learn ways to reduce your chances of developing the disease again. Some of these groups might also have exercise and nutrition classes that you can join to keep yourself fit.

 

Breast Cancer Survivor Lifestyle Changes

 

Breast cancer survivors who make the necessary lifestyle changes might have a better chance of staying in remission longer than those who do not. Talk to your doctor about the lifestyle changes that would benefit you best. Some of the common lifestyle changes that breast cancer survivors should make include eating a well balanced diet with low amounts of fat, getting regular exercise, and performing monthly self examinations for lumps.

 

Some women develop breast cancer because of their genetics, but for most cases there are behavioral and environmental influences that one can make to decrease the chance of getting the disease again.

 

Breast Cancer Survivor Vigilance

 

Women who have had breast cancer are at a higher risk of the developing the disease again. Some women stay in remission for the rest of their lives. Others find that they might have to battle cancer as it continues to appear throughout their lives. As with other types of cancer, breast cancer is treated most easily when it is diagnosed in early stages. That means breast cancer survivors need to remain especially vigilant to make sure they recognize early symptoms before they develop into more complicated stages.

 

Breast Cancer Survivors for Life

 

Using all of the tools that are available to you in your community and on the Internet should help you find the best possible life balance after breast cancer. Many people find a new perspective on life after surviving traumatic diseases like breast cancer.  In many ways, these individual’s “new life” may be more rewarding or filled with more happiness and enjoyment than before.

Click here to read more...

Breast Cancer Cure

Currently, there is not a breast cancer cure.  There are, however, many organizations around the world searching for a cure. While a definite cure has not been found, there are many treatment options that have been able to help many women and men stay in remission. If you know some of your treatment options, then you might be able to have an informed conversation with your doctor about what treatments you should try until a breast cancer cure is developed.

 

Surgery as a Breast Cancer Cure?

 

While surgery is not a breast cancer cure, it is often an effective way to remove cancerous cells so women and men with breast cancer can enter remission. Many women fear that breast cancer surgery automatically means they will need mastectomies. Often, though, surgeons are able to remove tumors while leaving the breast intact. Mastectomies are a good option in some cases, though, because it can be the closest thing to a cure. Removing the breast significantly reduces one’s chance of getting cancer that could spread to other parts of the body, which is much harder to treat.

 

Surgery is often most effective when it is performed during early stages of the disease. Be sure to visit your doctor as soon as your recognize any sings of breast cancer. Perform self-tests monthly and seek an appropriate level of screening annually to find any small tumors or lumps which could turn into cancer.

 

Medication as a Breast Cancer Cure?

 

Many medical breakthroughs have lead scientists to believe that they might have found a breast cancer cure, but so far they have only found helpful treatment options. Some of these treatments can cure breast cancer in certain women, but there are no guarantees that they will work for all individuals. Some of the most effective drug treatments include chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Chemotherapy has been effective at treating many different types of cancer. The drugs are often taken orally, although they can also be injected. The chemicals poison the cancer cells so that they die. This can result in unwanted side effects, though, so patients must be strong enough to tolerate this type of breast cancer treatment.

 

Radiation Therapy as a Breast Cancer Cure?

 

There are two main types of radiation therapies that doctors might use to cure breast cancer. External radiation therapy uses external beams of high energy to kill cancerous cells in the breasts. This is a non-invasive technique that is often used in conjunction with surgery or medication. Internal radiation therapy uses radioactive pellets that are placed in the breasts next to the cancerous cells or a technique often referred to as balloon radiation therapy. These types of radiation therapies can kill cancer cells that are often impossible or difficult to remove completely through surgery alone.

 

Finding a Breast Cancer Cure

 

As scientists continue to look for a breast cancer cure, they also find new treatment options that make it possible for more women to survive this prevalent disease. If you have any symptoms, you should meet with your doctor for a diagnosis. If your tests reveal that you have breast cancer, then you should discuss the different treatment options ahead which might be used to effectively “cure” you of breast cancer by achieving a state of long-term or indefinite remission.

Click here to read more...

About Breast Cancer

Many women and men know that breast cancer poses a risk to their health, but they might not know enough about breast cancer to help them look for early warning signs of the disease and make lifestyle choices that will lower their risks of getting breast cancer. This article is meant to inform women and men about breast cancer to help them stay healthy.

 

Knowing About Breast Cancer Symptoms

 

Knowing about the symptoms of breast cancer can help you identify problems before they greatly influence your health. Many people do not know that men and women who are diagnosed with stage 0 and stage I breast cancer have nearly a 100 percent survival rate for five years. Knowing about breast cancer symptoms will help you get medical advice before it develops into stages that are harder to treat.

 

Some of the most common breast cancer symptoms include changes in breast size and shape. One breast may become larger than the other because of swelling. In some cases the skin might also become pockmarked and change color. In these instances some cases may compare in color and texture to that of an orange.  If you notice this particular type of symptom, or any others which may be a cause of concern, seek medical advise immediately.

 

Knowing About Breast Cancer Lumps and Self Exams

 

Many women and men in the early stages of breast cancer also notice that they have lumps in their breast tissue. These lumps are most easily identified when conducting self-exams. There are numerous Web sites that can provide detailed instructions about breast cancer self-exams.  Not all lumps are cancerous.  Many are not.  However, professional diagnosis is usually necessary to determine the difference.

 

Knowing About Breast Cancer Risks

 

Both men and women have a risk of developing breast cancer, but women are about 100 times more likely than men to get the disease. To a large extent, an individual’s chances of being diagnosed with breast cancer may be genetic. Those who have a family history of the disease are much more likely to get it themselves.  One should also note, however, that many women (approximately 80%) who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease.  This is why it is so important for everyone to be vigilant.  There are several lifestyle choices that you can make to lower your risks. Knowing about these breast cancer risks will help you make better choices.

 

Getting plenty of exercise is one of the most important things that women and men can do to lower their risks of breast cancer. Studies have shown a prevalent link between obesity and breast cancer. Regular exercise, even just 20 or 30 minutes day, can greatly lower your risks.

 

A healthy weight can also be maintained by eating a low-fat diet. Choose to eat a well balanced diet that focuses on fruits and vegetables instead of meats, cheese, and other potentially high-fat items. Your heart will thank you, too.

 

Knowing About Breast Cancer Treatment

 

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, then you will need to know about breast cancer treatments. Surgery is a common treatment for those who have early stages of the disease. Your doctor might also want to use chemotherapy or radiation treatment to kill small cancer cells that cannot be found during surgery. Patients who have had recurrent cases of breast cancer or who have a family medical history with lots of breast cancer might need mastectomies to prevent the cancer from developing again and spreading to other parts of the body, which makes it much more difficult to treat.

Click here to read more...
« Older Entries
© 2009 The BreastCancer Society, Inc.