In the United States, the incidences of breast cancer are the highest in the entire world. Breast cancer affects 12 out of every 100 women in the U.S. at some point in their lifetime.
Breast cancer is second only to lung cancer in the leading cause of death by cancer in women. In the United States alone, more than 40,000 women will die from breast cancer this year.
It is extremely important for a woman to do self-examinations on her breasts once a month. This will familiarize her with the feel of her breasts and make it easier for her to detect a change. The symptoms of breast cancer include: a lump in one or both breasts, hardening of the breast, a change in the shape of the nipple and/or discharge coming from the nipple. Breast cancer is not necessarily painful at first though some women feel heat and/or pain.
Mammograms should be done every two years beginning at 40 years of age. Mammograms are the best way to detect early stage breast cancer. It is because of mammograms and self exams that breast cancer is found early on and the fatality statistics have dropped in the last few years.
Diagnosing breast cancer in its earliest stages often makes it possible for a woman to have other treatments besides mastectomy. Not only will she be more likely to survive breast cancer, but she will also be more likely to come through without the loss of a breast.
The treatments for breast cancer vary according to the stage, size and type of cancer. The treatments we have now are hormone therapies, chemotherapies, radiation, mastectomy and lymphatic tissue removal. Some women have both of their breasts removed to be sure the breast cancer does not come back.
Issues associated with breast cancer surgery and treatment include: lymphedema (damage to the lymphatic vessels causing a build up of lymphatic fluid, usually due to lymph node removal), depression - losing one or both breasts can harm a woman's sense of confidence and the fear of dying may remain even after a woman has been pronounced clear of cancer. Reoccurrences do happen. Some cancer treatments are very hard on the body and can cause the immune system to be compromised. Cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy often cause nausea and extreme fatigue.
Men can develop breast cancer although this is uncommon. When a man is diagnosed with breast cancer he must also choose from the same kinds of therapies as a woman.
By Louisa Cluff
