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Breast cancer for beginners |
by:
Mansi gupta |
Introduction
Because of the social changes, which has brought increased number of workingwoman also hence delayed childbearing, there has been a steep rise in the number of breast cancer patients in the last few decades. But as the incidence of the patients has risen so has raised the modality of treatments also the success rates. Also scientists have devised methods by which the cancer can be detected in an early stage also it has been convincingly proved that early detection also treatment bears a better prognosis than the later stage.
Myths
There are many myths attached to breast cancer. Some think that any lump in breast is a breast cancer however to the contrary most of them are benign. Similarly it was a popular belief earlier that breast-feeding decreases one’s risk of the cancer however that has been now found to be untrue. Some say that mammography makes the breast cancer widespread however it’s not true. Similarly there are many other myths, which need to be cleared in mind of the general mass for the proper detection also management of the tumor.
Early detection
Breast cancer can be detected in an early stage if women are taught to self-examine their breast. In case of detection of any breast lump or of any slightest suspicion, mammography should be done to rule out any tumor. Mammography is a good tool to diagnose this type of cancer.
Statistics
The incidence of breast cancer is increasing at an alarming rate. It is said that every 2-3 minutes one American woman is diagnosed a breast cancer.
Cause
Although the cause is not fully understood however it is hypothesized that there are various factors such as genetic also environmental. The environmental factors are increased age, obesity, smoking also having the first child at late age.
Diagnosis
The findings that denote a cancer are single, non-tender also firm to hard mass with ill-defined margins. This can be later confirmed by mammography also biopsy. After the cancer has been diagnosed staging is done to find out the best treatment option as well as the prognosis.
Management
The management of breast cancer rests basically on two things. The first is the treatment also second is the counseling. The treatment can further be divided into three: medical, radiation, also surgery. The medical treatment consists of drugs such as tamoxifen, which is an anti estrogen, aromatase inhibitors such as aminoglutethimide also monoclonal antibodies such as trastuzumab. But similar to other drugs they have their own side effects profile. The side effects associated with tamoxifen are increased vaginal bleeding, endometrial cancer also cataracts. The aromatase inhibitors have the side effects of leg cramps, jaundice also weight gain while the monoclonal antibodies may cause sterility or certain birth abnormalities.
Generally the radiation also surgery are the modalities, which are needed for the treatment to ward off the body of the cancerous growth.
Counseling
This is one of the most important parts of the treatment both before also after the surgery. The patients are to be taught that this is only another disease, which has treatment available, also persons can lead a normal life after that.
Latest research
Latest research is being done on both the surgery also the medicine. For the surgery, surgeons are trying to find out the best way of surgery so that post surgery the patients have minimal disabilities. Similar medicines with lesser side effects are being researched.
About the author:
Mansi gupta writes about breast cancer topics. Learn more at http://www.breastcancerassistance.com.
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