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Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer has the potential to effect every woman. If you live to be 90, there is a 12% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. There are some factors that we cannot control (such as genetics) but there are things you can do to take better care of yourself.
As a woman, it is a good idea to perform monthly self-breast exams to check for lumps or anything unusual. A lump does not mean that you have a tumor, but it is good to see your doctor right away if you suspect something is wrong. If you are over 40 (or what is suggested by your doctor), you should be getting regular mammograms. Yes, they are uncomfortable, but early detection of breast cancer can make all the difference.
There are several risk factors for breast cancer, some of which are:
- Family/Personal History of Breast Cancer
- Age
- Prolonged exposure to estrogen
- Smoking
There are several myths about breast cancer as well. For example, there is no scientific evidence to support that using anti-perspirants or birth control or will increase your risk of getting breast cancer. The best source of information is your doctor, so if you have questions, you should see your OB/GYN or regular physician.
Breast Cancer Resources
Breast Cancer Articles
Breast cancer mortality increases with body mass index (Reuters)Reuters - A higher body mass index (BMI)
is associated with lower survival rates in women with breast
cancer, according to a report in the July 10th issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Lidocaine Gel May Ease Mammography Discomfort (HealthDay)HealthDay - TUESDAY, July 22 (HealthDay News) -- There's just no getting around
the fact that mammograms are uncomfortable, but a new study suggests that
applying a topical analgesic before the test could significantly ease the
discomfort associated with the test.
Lung Cancer Trial Targets Asbestos-Related Disease (HealthDay)HealthDay - MONDAY, July 21 (HealthDay News) -- Patients are being recruited for a
clinical trial of a new targeted radiation and chemotherapy protocol for
pleural mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung's lining that's almost always
caused by exposure to asbestos.
Not all women complete radiation for breast cancer (Reuters)Reuters - A new study shows that some
women with breast cancer fail to complete their radiation
therapy, pointing to a need to help more women to see their
treatment through to the end.
No Evidence Breast Self-Exams Cut Cancer Deaths (HealthDay)HealthDay - WEDNESDAY, July 16 (HealthDay News) -- Updated findings from an
analysis of existing research continue to suggest that the oft-touted
monthly breast self-exam may actually do more harm than good.
Breast self-exams do not cut breast cancer deaths (Reuters)Reuters - Regular breast self-examination
does not reduce death from breast cancer and may actually have
a harmful effect by increasing the number of biopsies performed
for benign disease, suggests an analysis of data from two large
studies.
Recent Genetic Discoveries Don't Improve Prediction of Breast
Cancer (HealthDay)HealthDay - FRIDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- The accuracy of predicting
one's chances of developing breast cancer do not seem to improve even with
the recent findings of some genetic markers for the disease, a new report
says.
Breast-Conserving Surgery Leaves Many Cancer Patients
Disappointed (HealthDay)HealthDay - WEDNESDAY, July 9 (HealthDay News) -- A third of women who opt
for breast-conserving cancer surgery say they now have an asymmetry
between their breasts that greatly affects their quality of life, a new
study says.
Gene Activity May Explain Deadlier Breast Cancers Among Younger
Women (HealthDay)HealthDay - WEDNESDAY, July 9 (HealthDay News) -- Genetic activity in breast
cancer cells from younger patients could explain why tumors tend to more
aggressive when they strike at a younger age.
Breast Cancer Test Rates Drug Therapy Candidates (HealthDay)HealthDay - TUESDAY, July 8 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration has approved a genetic test designed to evaluate whether a
person with breast cancer is a good candidate for treatment with the drug
Herceptin (trastuzumab).
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