Diagnosed With Breast Cancer? Here Are Some Resources To Help!

Diagnosed With Breast Cancer? Here Are Some Resources To Help!
By Mike Herman

There are more and more organisations and groups around the world who will offer support and advice to not just women but men as well who have been affected by breast cancer.

Many of these groups and organisations not only spend time counselling people but they hold many fund raising events and campaigns to help pay for further research into the disease.

In some cases some of these groups or organisations will offer treatment to those patients diagnosed with the disease who can not actually afford to pay for the treatment themselves.

Below is a list of the various organisations and groups that can be found in the USA which have been specifically set up to fight this disease and provide support to those who have been diagnosed with it.

One such group in the USA is the American Cancer Society (ACS) who are a community based health organisation and which helps to fight all the various types of cancers that now seem to affect the population.

They also spend vast amounts of their time not just focusing on treatment of cancer but also its prevention and how to reduce the suffering felt by the patients and their families and saving lives.

They also help with costs for carrying out further research and educating people on the disease and making the population more aware of its effects.

Another organisation is Cancer Care Incorporated who provide a telephone support service for all cancer issues, and this includes medical information, cancer terms and definitions, counselling, guidance on local services, free information material, as well as information on local support groups to the patients area as well as an abundance of educational programs on cancer matters.

Now we come to CRFA (Cancer Research Foundations of America) which is a national group and which focuses on the prevention of cancer both through educating people and scientific research.

It is also able to provide people with information on other forms of cancer as well as breast such as prostate, lung, colorectal, skin and cervical.

Then you could if you wish contact The Living Beyond Breast Cancer Foundation which has been set up and provides a helpline where you are able to obtain support after being diagnosed with the disease.

You will discover that the people at the other end of the phone talking to you will have previously been diagnosed with the disease and survived.

They are able to provide you with first hand information on the treatments offered, the way in which it is diagnosed and how to survive it.

But don't forget the people at the other end of the phone can only offer you emotional support and not actual medical advice, for that you will need to see your doctor who will then refer you to a specialist.

Then there is the Medicare Hotline which is another breast cancer foundation and this one can offer the patient information on mammography and the way it is used in helping to detect breast cancer during the early stages.

Also we have the NABCO (National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organisations) who can provide people with answers to the many questions that they will have relating to the disease and they can either call them or send them an email to obtain the information they require on breast cancer and the many issues relating to it.

If you would like to obtain a more individual response regarding a question you have in respect of the disease it may be a case of you contacting the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service, which can provide patients with answers to any specific question they may have relating to the disease.

Also a number of years ago a Foundation was set up called the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation which helps to fight breast cancer and are well known for organising lots of awareness programs as being a huge contributor in raising funds through various campaigns they have organised such as breast cancer walks.

This foundation also has a helpline where they have trained volunteers who can talk to individuals regarding the disease as they have suffered from it themselves.

The Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has been set up and is specifically committed to offering people with the latest information that is available concerning breast cancer and breast health to those that contact them.

Lastly we have the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organisation which helps fight against both breast cancer and provides support to those suffering from the disease by providing them with a helpline that is operated by trained personnel only.

These people are volunteers but who have all survived breast cancer and are not only prepared but have the experience to answer the various types of questions that will be posed by the caller regarding breast cancer.

They can also provide emotional support to the men and women who have been affected by this disease.

What breast cancer information do you need to know more about? Click on over to http://www.ResourcesForBreastCancer.com and be sure to visit http://CancerReport.info.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MikeHerman
http://EzineArticles.com/?Diagnosed-With-Breast-Cancer?-Here-Are-Some-Resources-To-Help!&id=348538

You Too Can Prevent Cancer Including Breast Cancer

You Too Can Prevent Cancer, Including Breast Cancer
By Victor Graham

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 throughthe 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.

For More Information, Please visit: http://www.bhealthyalways.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=VictorGraham
http://EzineArticles.com/?You-Too-Can-Prevent-Cancer,-Including-Breast-Cancer&id=383490

Why Should You Consider Using A Breast Form Over Getting Reconstructive Surgery?

Why Should You Consider Using A Breast Form Over Getting Reconstructive Surgery?
By Dan Payne

Breast forms can be useful for a number of reasons. They have been identified as an important alternative to reconstructive surgery post mastectomy surgery. Reconstructive surgery is less advantageous because it requires more surgery. Not only must a patient go through one reconstructive surgery, but further operations may be required in the future. Also, for cancer patients, if doctors find that the cancer has advanced, breast reconstruction may interfere with the treatment. Not to mention the common side effects implants may have. With some implants, most commonly saline implants, Capsular Contracture may occur (Imaginis- the Breast Cancer Resource). This is when the scar around the implant begins to tighten and squeezes down on the soft implant inside. This can have a negative effect by causing the breast to feel hard. These are just a few reasons why reconstructive surgery is sometimes frowned upon. Surgery can, however have its positive aspects. A lot of times you can have the reconstructive surgery directly following your mastectomy. This means you would not have to go under the knife twice; they would do this process while you are still under. Implants are also preferred over breast forms because they are permanent and can seem like less of a hassle.

Prosthesis, or breast forms, is an excellent alternative to surgery. They mirror the approximate movement, feel, and weight of natural tissue. It is very important to have a properly weighted breast form because it provides the balance your body needs for correct posture. Very few problems occur when using breast forms. Some have said that they feel a bit heavy at first (American Cancer Society). However, this does fade as you get used to them. Also, some forms may cause some skin irritation. This also can be resolved by putting the breast forms into a bra with a pocket.

Common questions that arise include, what kind of bra would I need to wear with a breast form? The answer is that you can wear any type of bra you prefer. You may even wear the bras you were wearing before mastectomy surgery. Many wonder whether or not others will be able to tell if they are wearing them. Breast forms are very inconspicuous. They are under your clothing and therefore look no different from natural tissue breasts. Aside from the initial heaviness at first, they arent even all that noticeable to you, the wearer. Questions are sometimes asked regarding the possibility of wearing the breast forms while swimming in the summer. No problem! Most breast forms do fine in the pool with chlorine. Swimming should not affect them. As far as swimsuits go, there are plenty of suits that will hide the breast forms well. A string-bikini may not be the best choice. However, a suit that covers your chest more fully, would keep them unnoticeable to others.

Overall, we see that there are answers out there. And for those who do not want to go under the knife again, there is a great alternative. Breast forms can fit practically any body type and any lifestyle. The cons of using breast forms are fewer than the cons of getting reconstructive surgery. Breast forms arent permanent and can always be changed to fit you. However, both of these options are out there and should be considered. What makes you happy and comfortable should come first and foremost.

Truekare is an online retailer of high quality silicone breast forms. Find out more about us at Truekare Breast Forms.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DanPayne
http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Should-You-Consider-Using-A-Breast-Form-Over-Getting-Reconstructive-Surgery?&id=212338

Alternative Breast Cancer Treatments

Alternative Breast Cancer Treatments
By Jon Stout

When diagnosed with breast cancer, many people feel helpless and out of control. Suddenly inundated with doctors and treatment decisions that are difficult to understand, its easy to feel that you no longer control your own health or destiny. More and more, however, breast cancer patients are turning to alternative therapies as an adjunct to traditional treatments.

These are decisions and treatments that the patient can control and even administer themselves, giving back some control over their health.

Few patients opt for alternative therapies alone. The vast majority still undergo chemotherapy or radiation and sometimes a lumpectomy or mastectomy. But, studies have shown that there are several alternative therapies that can be effective. In particular, these alternative therapies often have the ability to make the traditional treatments more effective.

If youre a breast cancer patient, you may want to consider adding alternative therapies to your current medical regimen. Following are some of the most effective therapies to consider:

Green Tea

Tea leaves contain catechins, part of the flavan-3-ol class of flavonoids, which are anti-oxidants. EGCG is one of the catechins contained in tea, and is a potent anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants have been shown to slow down the aging process, and prevent diseases, including cancer. However, more recent studies have shown that the EGCG and polyphenols in green tea may make traditional breast cancer treatments more effective.

There have been several studies that have shown that chemotherapy drugs commonly used to treat breast cancer appear in higher concentration in cancerous cells when green tea is administered along with the drugs. The green tea makes the cancer cells less resistant to the drug, so that it can be more effective.

Green tea is also helpful for treating cancer because it seems to slow down the progression of the disease. Cancer cells appear to stop growing and replicating when green tea is part of the treatment regimen. It is believed that green tea may be effective in preventing metastasis of cancer.

Diet

Watching your diet carefully while youre undergoing cancer treatment can also be an effective way to treat your disease naturally. First of all, you should ensure that your diet is rich in anti-oxidants. This includes eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, and including power foods like blueberries, pomegranates, and tomatoes.

In addition, as mentioned above, green tea is also a good way to improve the number of anti-oxidants in your diet. It is also important to increase the fiber in your diet. This will happen automatically if you increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. However, eliminating white flour and replacing it with whole grains will improve your fiber intake as well.

Herbs and Vitamins

Of course, herbs and vitamins have been used for centuries to promote healing. After all, herbs were the very first medicines. There are several herbs and vitamins that can either soothe side effects of cancer treatment or improve the effectiveness of the treatments. Some of the most important are:

Ginger Root While ginger root doesnt appear to affect cancer cells one way or another, it is a powerful tool for reducing the nausea that often accompanies chemotherapy.

Calcium D-Glucarate - This vitamin and mineral supplement has been shown to reduce mammary cancer in animals. There are no side effects, so adding this to your diet seems a safe alternative therapy.

Melatonin This is a pineal hormone. It is often used as a natural sleep aid. However, it is also a potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to inhibit estrogen responsive breast cancer cells. It also increases the effectiveness of tamoxifen, a commonly prescribed cancer drug.

St. Johns Wort This herb has been relied upon for centuries to reduce anxiety, relieve stress and promote a regular sleep cycle. It has also been used to treat depression. Because of its possible interaction with your cancer drugs, it is not recommended that you use St. Johns Wort while youre going through chemotherapy. However, it may be an effective treatment before and after your chemotherapy treatment.

Mind, Body and Soul Treatments

Participating in activities that help you relax and that relieve pain and other physical symptoms can also be very effective at helping your body respond to your medicine. When undergoing chemotherapy, its not unusual to feel tired and nauseous. Any treatments you can find to help relieve these symptoms can help you get better over the long haul by keeping your body strong. Some of the most popular treatments are:

Acupuncture- This ancient healing practice is known to be very effective at relieving chemotherapy induced nausea and it is also effective at reducing pain.

Yoga, Meditation and Hypnosis All three of these techniques are associated with reducing stress. A reduction in stress may alleviate side effects that occur from cancer treatment and contribute to an overall sense of well being. Keeping our stress in check is helpful in healing our bodies from any ailment.

Its important to evaluate all your options when youre battling cancer. Its critical to keep your doctor informed of any alternative treatments youd like to include in your therapy. However, if your doctor is aware, you should feel free to explore the many alternative therapies that can be used to enhance your cancer treatments or relieve your side effects.

Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. Golden Moon Tea carefully selects the finest rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and handcrafted with extreme care. At their website, you can learn more about their current tea offerings, including their exceptional green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea (also known as wu-long and wu long tea) and chai. Visit goldenmoontea.com for all details concerning the Golden Moon Tea Company's fine line of teas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JonStout
http://EzineArticles.com/?Alternative-Breast-Cancer-Treatments&id=365322

Alternative Breast Cancer Treatment Options

Alternative Breast Cancer Treatment Options
By Jon Arnold

Being diagnosed with Breast cancer isnt something anyone wants to have in their lives. Luckily, for the majority of people, medical technology has advanced enough that with proper treatment, recovering and continuing on with life is greater than ever.

While you might have heard of it, you may not be aware of all the options that are available to you. However, conventional and alternative breast cancer treatment options are numerous. Many probably already know a bit about the conventional methods radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy and hormone treatment, though they might not know everything doing a web search and taking a look at information available on websites may be a good way to gain a little more knowledge into what exactly are your options when it comes to alternative breast cancer treatment.

Cancer is a tough one to beat, especially if it is not caught early. While the traditional methods of dealing with breast cancer have been found effective based on medical science knowledge today, you may wish to consider looking at treatment options. These alternative breast cancer treatment options are something that can be used in conjunction with conventional methods of treatment in order to increase the bodys natural healing abilities.

One of the more commonly known types of alternative treatment options is touch healing. This covers things like chiropractic, massage and Reiki treatments. All of these deal with bringing the body back into balance in order to help promote healing. It is also true that things like massage and Reiki have a very relaxing effect and Reiki is known to have significant pain reducing properties. It can also help to speed up the bodys natural healing process, which means you can get better faster.

One of the down sides to conventional treatments is that they can make you very tired. Being relaxed means that you can sleep better and the sleep you get is deeper. That can make a big difference in how you look at life, your situation and how you handle your treatment.

Massage can help with muscle pains as well as help you to relax. Going through treatment is a stressful process and stress hinders the bodys natural healing abilities.

Other alternative breast cancer treatments options are things like dietary changes. Adding supplements and foods to your diet that help promote good health are another way to help your body fight off the cancer and keep you from feeling run down which can make both you and your outlook feel worse than you have to be feeling. There are also homeopathic treatments that you can consider that might be of benefit in helping you to feel more like yourself even when you are going through cancer treatments.

If you would like to know more about alternative cancer treatment options, breast cancer itself or conventional treatment options and what is available, consider checking out the Internet. There are a number of websites with up to date and accurate information on what is available for you. As with any treatment plan consult with your doctor before trying anything and let them know what works and what does not for you.

Need more information about Alternative Breast Cancer Treatment options? Visit our web site at http://www.breast-cancer-explained.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JonArnold
http://EzineArticles.com/?Alternative-Breast-Cancer-Treatment-Options&id=564788

Alternative Breast Cancer Therapies

Alternative Breast Cancer Therapies
By Matt McMillan

Jenny is a 42 year old mother of three. Being a housewife is quite easy especially when the kids are at school and the husband is at work. The rest of the day is spent cleaning the house and doing the laundry with an hour to spare at the local gym.

After taking a shower, Jenny felt some pain the breast. This could be just menopause symptom so there was no need to worry. The pain got worse the next few days and sensing this was something else, finally decided to visit the doctor.

The doctor was a family friend. The initial diagnosis was done by touching the breast followed by a scan using a mammogram.

There were a lot of cancer cells present so another test had to be done. The doctor had to be sure so a sample was extracted and sent to a pathologist for analysis. After testing, it was only then that a womans greatest fear has become a reality. Jenny was diagnosed with breast cancer and this was already on the 3rd stage.

The third stage means the cancer has grown to more than 5 cm. in size and has spread to other parts of the body. This leaves removing the breast useless since the disease can no longer be contained.

Can there still be hope for Jenny who is already in the advanced stage of breast cancer? The truth is, the chances of recovery are very difficult.

Being informed of breast cancer is a shocking experience. There were some initial signs of disbelief then acceptance. The doctor explained everything to Jenny including the treatments available and the survival rates.

This was going to be Jennys greatest battle and this was just the beginning of a long struggle.

Chemotherapy was the best option now. The drugs produced some side effects like nausea and skin rashes but Jenny just thought this was short term since there is something bigger growing inside the needed to be killed.

Both Jenny and the doctor went ahead with removing the breast with a procedure called a mastectomy. Since modern medicine can have this reconstructed, this was a small price to pay. To make sure that all the cells had been wiped out, radiation therapy followed.

Jenny was happy to hear that the cancer was gone nearly a year after the diagnosis was done. Some people say this was a miracle since the battle which had taken so much was finally won. There was a huge party and everyone who prayed and supported were there to celebrate a second chance at life.

The doctor pointed out that the cancer can recur. This is the reason that Jenny still had to visit the clinic often for therapy and tests to make sure everything was wiped out.

Advanced breast cancer is sometimes hard to tell. A self examination at home is not enough which is why the patient should go to the doctor for a checkup once or twice a year.

There are a lot of people who die of breast cancer and a significant number are also diagnosed every year. The person can fight hard like Jenny did or simply give up to the disease.

Until a cure is found, the only thing people can do is work on the options and hope that a miracle will happen.

Breast Cancer Information Breast Cancer Care

Matt McMillan

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MattMcMillan
http://EzineArticles.com/?Alternative-Breast-Cancer-Therapies&id=335573

Your Breast Cancer Treatment Team

Your Breast Cancer Treatment Team
By Michael Russell

Today, the majority of breast cancers are diagnosed by mammography. There cancers are small, often too small to be felt and surgeons usually rely on radiologists to localize these small cancers with a hook wire or some injected dye. The technology has changed drastically and we have entered a new era of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Because of the many elements that come into play in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, coordination is necessary among the team of physicians: surgeon, radiation oncologist, cancer pathologist, plastic surgeon, radiologist and medical oncologist.

Ideally, a woman with a recent diagnosis of breast cancer communicates with a primary physician who takes charge of developing a treatment plan with her and then coordinates its implementation. These team members can work at a single institution or be drawn from a wider geographic distribution and any of the cancer specialists can act as the coordinating physician. Often, it is the medical oncologist who coordinates the flow of information and treatment for the patient, but many surgeons and radiation oncologists take on this pivotal role as well.

It is important that breast cancer patients find a cancer specialist that she can communicate with and who will address her concerns. However, there are medical systems in which it may be difficult for the patient to connect with one physician who will act as her coordinating team leader. If you are in this situation, don't despair. You just need adequate information to get you the treatment you need and be your own team leader. It is possible to go through this process without a physician to spearhead your treatment plan and still get high quality health care.

The overall treatment plan revolves around two critical decisions. One deals with local control and the second with the need for systemic therapy. Often, cancer patients and their doctors cannot decide upon the issue of systemic therapy until all the information is available from the surgical procedure.

Since the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are done primarily on an outpatient basis, cancer patients may travel to various locations for different aspects of treatment. Some women may come to a breast cancer facility for the definitive surgery and then have radiotherapy at a facility closer to their home. If patients require various therapies, it is important to consider doing something similar in order to make treatment appointments as convenient as possible.

One of the key tools used in coordinating a woman's care is a treatment planning conference. This conference is a meeting of treatment team members to discuss the patient's case and to develop a coordinated treatment plan based on the patient's situation. The conference allows each of the team members to view a common history, the radiological breast images, the pathology report and pathology images. The patient is usually excluded from the treatment planning conference in order to allow an honest exchange of opinions between the team members. The treatment planning conference is very important in coordinating care. Each of the potentially treating physicians can, in one setting, agree on an overall treatment plan and their particular contribution to that plan. This united approach also guarantees that the physicians line up the sequencing of the different therapies correctly and in the manner that is most beneficial to the cancer patient.

Besides benefiting the woman with breast cancer, the nature of the conference itself promotes education and understanding on the part of various physicians involved. Women diagnosed in the future stand to benefit greatly from the shared pool of information that these conferences provide medical professionals in general.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Breast Cancer

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MichaelRussell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Your-Breast-Cancer-Treatment-Team&id=301769

The Facts About Breast Cancer

The Facts About Breast Cancer
By Bo Carpenter

The causes of breast cancer are not completely understood, although it is clear that a womans 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 Ill develop breast cancer, too?Just because other family members have had breast cancer doesnt 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

PANDORA is pleased to announce its continued 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.

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com

1 American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures 2006.
2 American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2005-2006.

Authorized distributed of beautiful pandora bracelets and beads.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=BoCarpenter
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Facts-About-Breast-Cancer&id=662009

Alcohol Increases The Risk For The Most Frequent Kinds Of Breast Cancer

Alcohol Increases The Risk For The Most Frequent Kinds Of Breast Cancer
By Riz Stone

A new report from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden states that women who have been through menopause, who drink daily more than 250 ml beer, 100 ml wine or 25 ml of high-per cent alcohol, clearly increase the risk of getting sick with the most frequent kinds of breast cancer. This risk is particularly increased if the women in addition to drinking alcohol are on hormone replacement therapy.

It is well-known that excessive consumption of alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer within women, especially those who have left menopause behind them. However at this point it has not been examined whether there is a connection between alcohol and the development of certain kinds of cancer of the breast.

The researchers had from 1987 to 1997 data to the consumption of alcohol of approximately 51,800 women collected. All participants in the Breast Mammography Study had gone through the menopause stage while still a part of the study where they could be assessed on an ongoing basis.

Already known is more than a half glass of wine daily clearly increases the risk of breast cancer. The Swedish researchers found that increasing the alcohol by 10 grams daily also increases the risk to get sick with an OS-positive cancer of the breast in such a way specified. This most frequent kind of cancer of the breast is propelled by the female sex hormone OS which channels growth.

10 grams of alcohol is contained in a small beer glass (250 ml)

A half glass of wine (100 ml) already contains 12 grams of alcohol.

In the Swedish investigation the consumption of alcohol of more than 10 grams of alcohol per day increased the risk for an OS-positive cancer of the breast. Absolutely 232 in 100,000 got sick in the group with consumption of alcohol of more than 10 grams per day. Women who got cancer of the breast who did not drink during the study compared to women who did drink alcohol were only 158 in 100,000.

There is a particularly strong aggravation to the risk by alcohol when combined with hormone replacement therapy. This causes concern that the risk of breast cancer increases particularly strongly within the women who drink more than 10 grams of alcohol daily and take hormone replacement therapy. With them the risk for OS-positive tumors increased by 3.5%.

The researchers draw the result that their results show that with women who have gone through menopause with just a moderate consumption of alcohol have significantly increased the risk for OS-positive cancer of the breast. This realization is of importance, since OS-positive breast cancers are the most proliferated types of breast cancer in our modern society and thus gives some plausibility to the studies findings.

Riz Stone writes exclusively for cancer-treatment-help.com =>http://www.cancer-treatment-help.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=RizStone
http://EzineArticles.com/?Alcohol-Increases-The-Risk-For-The-Most-Frequent-Kinds-Of-Breast-Cancer&id=321470

Adverse Effects of Breast Cancer Chemotherapy

Adverse Effects of Breast Cancer Chemotherapy
By Michael Russell

Undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer patients will definitely increase overall survival; the occurrence of adverse events is inevitable. Of all the side effects of chemotherapy, bone marrow toxicity. The bone marrow primarily functions as the production site of white and red blood cells. Most women treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer will experience a decline in their white blood cell count, most often seven to fourteen days after treatment. This drop of cell count is known as leucopenia. Thus, while on chemotherapy, the breast cancer patient should be alert for any infection, which is the first sign of bone marrow suppression. The most immediate symptom of an infection will be a fever.

As a cancer patient, it is important that you alert your physician at the first signs of infection and to receive antibiotic therapy. There are some clinical protocols that routinely put women on antibiotics the second week after each chemotherapy session as a prophylactic measure against infection. Gene technology is now trying to get into the picture of safer chemotherapy. There are genetically engineered bone marrow stimulants available for women who develop severe depression of their white or red blood cell counts. Drugs like Neuprogen and Epogen are some of these agents. Fortunately, the toxicity to the bone marrow that occurs after chemotherapy is temporary and reversible. If an infection occurs, it is potentially very serious and must be addressed immediately to avoid fatal complications.

Also showing sensitivity to anticancer drugs are the cells that line the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, which undergo cell division regularly and which the body manufactures and replaces every few days. Some anticancer drugs interrupt this production of cells, causing small ulcers. Fortunately, this is quite unusual in breast cancer chemotherapy, but can still occur. The mouth and the rectal areas are the most susceptible.

The most common gastrointestinal symptom of cancer chemotherapy is nausea and vomiting, most often during the week immediately following treatment. This is primarily due to a massive mediator release of substances called histamines, which are stored in the cells lining the gastrointestinal tract. New drugs can now prevent the release of histamines for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Since the discover and appropriate use of supportive medications, the nausea and vomiting accompanying chemotherapy is much less of a problem than it used to be. The incidence of these adverse events varies depending on the drugs used and the dose intensity with which they are used.

For most women, hair loss (alopecia) is a very distressing side effect of a few anticancer agents. Some of the agents such as doxorubicin, paclitaxel, docetaxel can cause uniform temporary alopecia, especially from the scalp. Other drugs only cause minimal hair thinning. Many of the breast cancer chemotherapy regimens have doxorubicin and some of the newer ones have paclitaxel or docetaxel, so temporary hair loss should be anticipated after undergoing chemotherapy.

Because side effects can be debilitating, many women want to know if they can continue to work while on chemotherapy. The answer varies depending on the regimen used and the stress and demands of the particular job. Whether the patient decides to continue working or not, it is important that during the several months of chemotherapy, she should plan to take it easy - reduce as much stress as she can. She should engage herself with loved ones, friends and extend support system especially during the periods when she is down and not feeling well.

Michael RussellYour Independent guide to Breast Cancer

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MichaelRussell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Adverse-Effects-of-Breast-Cancer-Chemotherapy&id=308061

A MiniCamera For The Treatment Of The Breast Cancers

A Mini-Camera For The Treatment Of The Breast Cancers
By Abu Murad

With the interface between cancerology and physics, the current technological projections to improve the assumption of responsibility of cancers rest primarily on the development of new physical methods for tracking, the diagnosis and the clinical therapy. Among those, the techniques of medical imagery based on the use of radioactive tumor tracers make important great strides thanks to the development of new and specific molecules. Beyond the instrumentation, this multi-field research extends to the clinical aspect and aims at establishing a methodology adapted in order to evaluate the advantage of the apparatus on patient. It is in this context that researchers of laboratory IMNC set up an interdisciplinary group of research with doctors of the hospital Tenon (Paris) whose work allowed the development of a hospital Program for clinical research (PHRC), national program which tallies the clinical evaluation of imager POCI on 200 patients.

POCI, a new device of medical imagery-

Within the framework of the surgical treatment of cancer, probes acting as of the meters of radioactivity were introduced in operating theatre suite to assist the surgeon in real time during the ablation of the beforehand radio-marked tumors. This technique of radio guidance gives access the precise localization and the complete ablation of tumor fabrics. It is to reinforce this technique that the team Imagery and Modeling in Cancerology of the IMNC undertook the development of a new generation of gamma-camera miniaturized for the assistance with the chirurgical treatment of cancer called POCI. It is about a particularly innovative application of the instrumental developments used in fundamental physics. With 13 cm2 of fields of sight and reduced dimensions , this imager was designed to be easily positioned in contact with the operational wound in order to locate the tumor lesions radio-marked during the surgical operation .

Imager POCI is currently evaluated via the protocol of the ganglion sentinel within the framework of the breast cancers. In practice, this last is detected thanks to the injection of a radioactive solution around the tumor. A lymphoscintigraphy then makes it possible to count the ganglia and to obtain their precise localization. Lastly, the biopsy is traditionally carried out in operating theatre suite using the probe meter of radioactivity which makes it possible to the surgeon to check the position of the ganglion sentinel before the incision, to identify it in the operational wound and finally, after excision, to confirm the absence of any residual radioactivity.

The clinical evaluation of camera POCI associating for the first time of the researchers of in2P3-CNRS and the AP-HP rests on a double study: to prove its equivalence compared to the gamma-cameras standards and to establish its interest in operating theatre suite in order to identify the ganglia sentinels not detected by the probe. Begun in January 2006 with the agreement from the Consultative Committee from protection from the people in biomedical research (CCPPRB) and that from the French Agency from medical safety from the products from health (AFSSAPS), this clinical study includes 200 patients. After examination of a hundred patients with camera POCI as well in service of nuclear medicine as in operating theatre suite, the first results are extremely encouraging.

Several groups of research, in particular in North America, in Japan and in Italy, were directed towards the development of portable gamma-cameras specifically dedicated to per-operational detection. It is in this context of strong international competition that the team of the IMNC remains the only one today to have evaluated, in operating theatre suite and on a significant number of patients, a system of imagery miniaturized for the assistance with the surgical treatment of cancer.

1.The topic of the per-operational imagery as private individuals with IN2P3 (LPC Clermont-Ferrand, IPHC Strasbourg).

My website : http://www.4engr.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=AbuMurad
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Mini-Camera-For-The-Treatment-Of-The-Breast-Cancers&id=589523

A Few Facts About Breast Cancer

A Few Facts About Breast Cancer
By Michael Russell

. What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is caused by the abnormal or uncontrollable growth of breast cells. It has the potential to also spread to other parts of the body. While cancer is almost always caused by an abnormal gene the chances of inheriting it from your mother or father is only 5 to 10 percent. The genetic abnormalities that occur as a result of the ageing process and other factors however cause 90 percent of the breast cancers.

. Who is affected by breast cancer?

Women are the most affected by the commonest cancer that is breast cancer. 216,000 new cases of invasive cancer and 59,000 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in the USA in 2004.

Every woman at some point in her life is at risk from breast cancer. Each woman will have different risk factors.

. The period in your life when you gain weight also affects the risk of breast cancer.

After menopause, a woman who is overweight is at greater risk from breast cancer when compared to a woman of average weight. Being overweight also increases the risk of the disease coming back in women who have had it earlier.

Studies also show that the risk factor is greater for women who gain a significant amount of weight as an adult when compared with women who maintained more or less the same weight. Studies also show that gaining weight after menopause also increases the risk of breast cancer. Therefore maintaining a healthy weight as you advance in age will help minimize your risk of breast cancer.

. Having ovarian cysts means your chances of getting breast cancer are low.

Benign ovarian cysts, generally a result of hormonal imbalance, cause several problems such as irregular menstrual cycles and infertility and were originally thought to be linked with a higher risk of breast cancer. Research has shown however that the opposite is true, that is, women with ovarian cysts are less likely to get breast cancer. The reason for this association is still not clear.

. Taking the contraceptive pill may increase your risk of getting breast cancer.

According to research, it is shown that taking the contraceptive pill slightly increases your risk of getting breast cancer. For women who are most at risk from developing breast cancer, that is, women who have given birth and who have used the pill for a period of 4 years before they became pregnant for the first time, the absolute risk is minimal.

There are certain benefits too from taking contraceptive pills. They are that it improves bone mineral density, it decreases the chances of an individual getting endometrial and ovarian cancer and it relieves menstrual disorders, ovarian cysts and pelvic inflammatory disease.

. A history of family breast cancer means your chances of getting ovarian cancer are high.

Research has shown that not only is an individual at high risk if she has a family history of breast cancer, but it also increases the risk of ovarian cancer. The risk is relatively low though.

Michael Russell

Your independent guide to Breast Cancer

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MichaelRussell
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Few-Facts-About-Breast-Cancer&id=434082

A Few Common Myths About Breast Cancer

A Few Common Myths About Breast Cancer
By Michael Russell

Myth: If you detect a painful lump in your breast, there is no need for concern, as it is not cancerous.

Pain is very rarely the only indication of breast cancer. However only 10 percent of breast cancers are linked with pain. If an individual complains of pain in the breast and a self-examination test and a mammogram do not show any abnormality the likelihood of breast cancer is minimal.

Myth: Radiation therapy is a painful process.

A few patients experience a slight tingling or warming sensation in the particular area that is being treated but there is no pain. Prolonged radiation therapy may cause the breast to have a burning sensation, to become dry, to become sore and itchy.

Myth: One in every eight women will get breast cancer.

These statistics are based over an individual's lifetime up to an age of eighty five or ninety five and not on a per year estimate. If you take into account at any given point one woman in every eight women, it does not mean that she will have breast cancer. What it means is that if all women were to live up to an age of 85 years, one woman out of eight would get the disease during her life. Studies have shown that this rate is quickly rising, as thirty years ago it was one woman in every twenty women.

Myth: Women with small breasts will not get cancer.

Breast size is not a significant risk factor for breast cancer. A woman having smaller breasts will have smaller amount of breast tissue, but this does not mean that she will not be able to develop the disease.

Myth: If you are diagnosed with breast cancer and you have a positive outlook on life it will prolong your life.

There is no such evidence to prove that having a positive outlook on life will increase your chances of survival if you are having breast cancer. Of course thinking positive will help you and your family members to cope better with the situation, but then again feeling sad or depressed from time to time is only natural in the light of things.

Myth: Mastectomy or removal of the breast that is affected ensures the elimination of breast cancer forever.

Mastectomy does not in any way ensure that the cancer will not recur. Sometimes even though mastectomy has been performed, the chances are there that the cancer may have spread to other parts of the body and to the lymph nodes. Some individuals who have undergone mastectomy also undergo removal of the lymph nodes in the underarm as a precautionary method.

Myth: The chances are you will not get breast cancer if it doesn't run in your family.

This is not the case, every woman is at risk. Studies have shown that 80 percent of women who end up with breast cancer have never had a family history of it. The ageing process is the single biggest risk factor of breast cancer. Women with a family history of breast cancer, the chances that you might get the disease may be a little elevated or may be a lot elevated or sometimes not at all.

Michael RussellYour Independent guide to Breast Cancer

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MichaelRussell
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Few-Common-Myths-About-Breast-Cancer&id=425829

A Brief History of Breast Cancer

A Brief History of Breast Cancer
By Michael Russell

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.

As with all types of cancer, the detection and treatment of breast cancer has a far greater chance of a positive outcome by detecting it earlier rather than later.

Michael RussellYour Independent guide to Breast Cancer

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MichaelRussell
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Brief-History-of-Breast-Cancer&id=609519

8 Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer

8 Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer
By Alex Fir

Women should focus on keeping breast health through good lifestyle and dietary choices.Here are eight ways to help you prevent breast cancer. They are supported with many researches and studies. You should embark them all if possible.

1. You should be more active. A recent Norwegian study discovered that women who exercised on a regular basis cut their breast cancer risk by 72 percent.

2. You should eat more unrefined seed foods. They all contain phytoestrogens. If you eat foods rich in these elements, you are 4 times less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. You should consume whole grains, beans, nuts, edible seeds, fruits and vegetables with their seeds.

3. You should eat less vegetable oil and increase the consumption of animal fat and dairy products. Consume yogurt, cheese, milk, butter, and olive oil on a daily basis, and eat meat from time to time.

4. You should eat less tofu and soy beverage. The isoflavone found in soy causes breast cancer cells to grow rapidly. On the other hand, eat more miso and tamari. Studies have found that they are very effective in preventing cancer.

5. You should eat foods rich in antioxidants. At the same time, avoid supplements of vitamins E and C. It was discovered that supplements increase breast cancer risk. Eat five to seven servings of dark green and bright red/orange foods every day.

6. You should sleep in the dark. Recent studies found out that exposure to light at night increases the risk of breast cancer by at least 36 percent.

7. You should drink red clover blossom infusion. Drink a quart of red clover infusion every week.

8. You should eat seaweed as a vegetable. Consume at least a half-cup serving per week. Wakame, kombu, kelp, and alaria are very effective.

If you follow these eight tips you will greatly increase your chances of preventing breast cancer.

Alex Fir shares a wealth of information on his website Breast Cancer Facts. To learn about symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer visit his site right now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=AlexFir
http://EzineArticles.com/?8-Ways-to-Prevent-Breast-Cancer&id=300607

7 Hard Facts You Need to Consider before Having Breast Reconstruction Surgery

7 Hard Facts You Need to Consider before Having Breast Reconstruction Surgery
By Patricia Wagner

Have you recently been diagnosed as having breast cancer? If your doctor recommends that you undergo a radical mastectomy, then you may want to consider having breast reconstruction surgery afterwards. However, this surgery is not for every woman because of a number of factors that will be presented in this article.

There is really no reason to rush into breast reconstruction after having a mastectomy because you can have the reconstruction done at a later time. You will be using a plastic surgeon if you opt for this operation.

Reconstruction surgery doesn't just involve one method -- but there are several methods of choice for you that are available. If you choose breast reconstruction, you may want to have an implant inserted in your breast that consists of saline or silicone material. You need to be aware of the fact that silicone implants have been known to leak.

Fat and muscles from other parts of your body can also be used for your breast reconstruction surgery. This will be harvested from your back or lower abdomen or your buttocks. Your plastic surgeon will collect this fat and muscle tissue to make a breast-shaped implant to insert where your breast was removed. Your doctor may create a flap in order to create a new breast. He will need to stretch your skin so that the implant will be permanently placed under your gradually stretched skin. After surgery has been performed and your body has healed, the finishing touches are done by tattooing the skin over the implant to simulate a natural breast.

However, as in every other kind of surgery there are dangers involved. Here are some factors to consider before you decide to have breast reconstruction performed.

1. The rebuilt breast will never feel normal again.

2. Like every other surgery, infection is a very real possibility.

3. You may or may not be satisfied with the final results of your breast reconstruction surgery.

4. There are going to be scars no matter what.

5. The donor site on your body may be adversely affected and the changes will probably be permanent.

6. You may require more than one surgery.

7. Because your body may suffer lasting negative effects from choosing to have breast reconstruction surgery, you may wind up regretting having had it done.

However, you may be very pleased with the results and breast reconstruction could be a great benefit in helping you to feel more normal for the rest of your life.

You and your doctor have to decide if breast reconstruction surgery is worthwhile in your case and if you are likely to be pleased with the final permanent results.

Learn how to take care of yourself or ease the suffering of a loved one after breast cancer surgery. Patricia Wagner writes about a variety of health tips to help you be healthier.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=PatriciaWagner
http://EzineArticles.com/?7-Hard-Facts-You-Need-to-Consider-before-Having-Breast-Reconstruction-Surgery&id=335248

5Steps to Breast Cancer Free

5-Steps to Breast Cancer Free
By J.J. Yong

We believed that things in life were predestined and we would accept the fate of our life when some tragic incidents happened upon us. But once we were able to reconcile with our love and pain, therefore we would able to create wisdom to face any predicament with less anxiety and depression. The solution is simple - 5-Steps to Breast cancer free!

Achieving the goals are simply are simply if you put your faith on this 5-Steps to Breast cancer free.

1. Start a healthy diet - start your meals by including cancer-fighting vegetables such as broccoli, salads, coleslaws & flax seeds. This doesn't imply that you should be a Vegan and you could still able to eat poultry or red meats moderately. With all due respect, avoid eating fast foods - especially fried & barbecued foods. Drink water frequently as it is able to cleanse toxins away from our body. Green tea is also a suitable and pleasant drink as well.

2. Start a healthy lifestyle - Workout in gym or in our house is a must in keeping your body fit and healthy. If you do not like strenuous exercises, you could practice Qigong or Taichi. Statistics have proven that these two type of Chinese meditations increase the probability of curing breast cancer. Having adequate sleep is necessary for health and survival. A fresh and sharp mind are needed to shape positive attitude towards good health.

3. Socialize more - having leisure with family and friends is essential of improving interpersonal relationship. You will feel better when you console problems with your closest family or friends. Control yourself from bad influences such as smoking and excessive alcohols.

4. Learn to communicate with your personal Dr. or psychiatrist - Educate yourself with medical terms and information in order to understand your ailment. Don't be shy to ask questions during consultation with your doctor. If you have severe depression and anxiety, seek treatment from psychiatrist. For your information, being healthy comprises healthy body, mind and soul.

5. Write & Blog - Start a habit of writing journals today. Writing is a best way to express your thoughts and emotions. By writing journals, you will review past incidents easier in order to set further achievable goals. There are a lot of blog hostings available via internet. Blogging is a good way to write journals as it is the best communication tool of sharing your updates to the whole world. It is also reflects the importance of life that we should live our life to the fullest.

Keep track with this basic steps that will lead you a better tomorrow! Bear you mind about this basic steps that will change your destiny - Knowing that you can change your perception will allow you a sense of empowerment, which increases your sense of responsibility for your perception.

J.J. Yong

Your trustable source and guide to breast cancer

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J.J.Yong
http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Steps-to-Breast-Cancer-Free&id=406195

12 Tips to Help You Protect Your Body after Breast Cancer Surgery

12 Tips to Help You Protect Your Body after Breast Cancer Surgery
By Patricia Wagner

If you are facing breast cancer surgery or have had a mastectomy or partial mastectomy, there are certain activities you can avoid to bypass extra suffering after your surgery. Here are some tips to help yourself be more comfortable:

1. As you are probably aware, emotional and psychological pain can sometimes hurt even worse than physical pain. With that in mind, you will want to have a support group standing behind you before surgery and after as well. For example, there may be a friend that you have in mind right now who has already gone through breast surgery. She will probably be a great comfort to you at this time in your life.

2. After breast cancer surgery you may experience a sense of imbalance in your body. In time your body will adjust. A physical therapist can help you regain as much movement as possible. He or she can suggest special exercises to help work out the stiffness and help you to feel better physically after surgery.

3. If you have lymph nodes removed, the affected arm may swell from time to time. So avoid wearing tight clothing or bracelets.

4. Use the arm that has not been involved in your mastectomy or partial mastectomy to carry heavy items.

5. After surgery you will want any medical procedures to be done on your stronger arm. For example, receive injections and have your blood pressure taken on the arm that has not been involved in your surgery.

6. For heavy-duty cleaning or gardening use protective gloves. If your arm is swelling, you'll feel worse having it scratched by thorns from your rose bushes.

7. Protect your skin against sunburn. A swollen sunburned arm can cause a great deal of misery!

8. Be especially careful not to cut yourself when you trim your nails or cuticles.

9. Purchase an elastic sleeve to wear on your arm if it swells.

10. Protect yourself from being bit by mosquitoes and other insects.

11. Your arm may bother you if you have lymph nodes removed, so be sure to consult with your doctor if your arm should bother you.

12. Be very careful to avoid junk foods and eat healthy foods to give your body the nourishment it needs.

By putting these 12 tips into practice after you have had breast cancer surgery, you will help yourself feel better and avoid needless extra suffering.

Learn how to take care of yourself or ease the suffering of a loved one after breast cancer surgery. Patricia Wagner writes about a variety of health tips to help you be healthier.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=PatriciaWagner
http://EzineArticles.com/?12-Tips-to-Help-You-Protect-Your-Body-after-Breast-Cancer-Surgery&id=318192

Breast Cancer Prevent With Healthy Living

Breast Cancer - Prevent With Healthy Living
By Michael Russell

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 womans 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 womans 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.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Breast Cancer

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MichaelRussell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Breast-Cancer---Prevent-With-Healthy-Living&id=615776