Breast Cancer Risk Factors

No one knows exactly why a normal breast cancer cell changes into cancerous one. It is thought that breast cancer is result of combination of risk factors. These risk factors can be grouped into several categories.

External and internal environment. External environment is food, water, pollution, sound noise, smoke etc. Internal environment is hereditary genes, hormones, stress. Hereditary risk it has been known that woman whose sister and mother had breast cancer have a more chances to develop the breast cancer when a women inherits a susceptible gene from her parents.

The female hormones progesterone and estrogen are responsible for breast cancer. Female who takes hormone therapy after menopause have a higher risk of breast cancer.

One more factor aging but you cannot control this factor. Females who are involved in physical activity have less chance to develop breast cancer as compare to those females who have sedentary life style. There is no clear about except alcohol and cigarette consumption.

Examine your breast every month beginning at age of 20. Consult your doctor to get instruction for self-breast examination. Check for a new lump is it painful or not? Unusual thickening of tissue, discharge from nipple, and change in the skin of nipple or breast or different breast size or shape than before. Do mammogram after age of 40. Women whose mammograms show many dense areas of tissue have an increased risk of breast cancer compared to women whose mammograms reveal mainly fat tissue. A woman who is told that her mammogram has areas of increased density should ask her health care provider to explain what this means.

Use of Chemotherapy For Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer found in women in the 21st century. Doctors have also adopted a singular line of treatment and that is mastectomy which means removal of the affected breast. After that they refer the patient to the oncologist who prescribes chemotherapy with a promise that the patient will be totally cured and there will be no recurrence of the disease. This promise induces the patient to bear the pains of the treatment. They are promised longevity after the completion of the treatment. The fear of death and the promise of a healthy life relieve them of fear and they opt for the treatment.

The oncologists hide the hard truth that chemotherapy cannot wipe off all the cancerous cells. It is a fact that chemotherapy does not have the potentiality to kill all the cancerous cells present in the body; on the other hand the healthy cells in the body are also killed during the chemotherapy treatment due to which the natural immune system of the body is destroyed which gives rise to other health problems as the patient suffers the attack of other infectious diseases. Patients do not ask any question about the effectiveness of the treatment or what is the percentage of survival after the completion of the treatment.

Many researches have been done on this subject and it has been proven that the rate of survival is very low. The oncologists promise their patients that if they survive for five years after the treatment then they can be sure that they have been cured of breast cancer. Recurrences have occurred within the first ten years after mastectomy, this clearly shows that a patient has to live in constant fear of recurrence and death for the first ten years after mastectomy.

Many times the patients are assured that if there is no recurrence within the first five years then they can assume that they have been totally cured. But it is a hard fact that diseases which have recurrence tendency may lie dormant in the body for years and push up its head when the body becomes weak. Residue of the diseased cell may remain in the body and slowly and gradually spread in the body without showing any symptoms and thus remain undetected for years. So mastectomy and chemotherapy is not a full proof treatment for breast cancer.

Flax Seed in Breast Cancer Prevention

If you get to know better the health benefits of flax seed, you may come across the fact that its nourishing properties are attributive of its omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fibers, and high-lignan content. Given these medicinal constituents, then it won't be difficult to think of flax seed as a powerful agent against breast cancer. Millions of women from around the world-particularly those in the postmenopausal stage, are inflicted with breast cancer and while a fully determined cure is still unavailable, flax seed supplementation is what medical researchers are hoping to be an effective prevention against this deadly disease.

The grain's anti-cancerous property is mostly attributed to its high-lignan content, where flax seed is regarded as the chief source of lignans among various plant species. Pertinent research confirms that the antioxidant lignan helps reduce the proliferation of cancerous cells. Experiments also reveal that a reduction in tumor size among breast cancer patients was evident following a period of supplementation with flax lignan capsules under a controlled diet. But the most successful results materialized when diets were supplemented with ground flax seed and the lignan capsules. Though the potential of flax seed as an anti-breast cancer agent is not yet fully recognized by the scientific community, the grain's observed ability to regulate the excess production of estrogen hormones during the post menopausal stage likely becomes the springboard to prevention. Moreover, flax seed retains its stature as a promising remedy that medical authorities have been using to treat certain cases of cancer.

The medicinal benefit of flax seed is however not limited to the control of cancer and tumor cell regeneration. In fact, it is imbibed with nutritional values that promote an overall healthy body. Besides the antioxidant activity of lignans, flax seed is also enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fibers-both soluble and insoluble.

Omega-3 is an essential factor to cellular mechanisms, and this unsaturated fatty acid lowers bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol) levels. Dietary fibers on the other hand enhance digestion as well as the absorption of essential nutrients in the body, which is an important factor in boosting immune system functions. Maintaining good blood circulation and strong immune defenses are indispensable factors to the upkeep of health, particularly in surviving the after effects of cancers. What makes chemotherapeutic treatments (that are probably thought of as the only effective means to fight cancer cells) dangerous is that these procedures compromise immune system conditions. The side effects of chemotherapy such as diarrhea, hair loss, and blood cell diseases among others convey compromising repercussions to a patient's overall health.

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. So for women crossing over to the post menopausal stage, it wouldn't cost so much to sustain a daily supplementation of milled flax seed and flax lignan capsules to help regulate estrogen levels in the body. In the end, flax seed becomes your mighty protector against breast cancer!

Bruce Maul is a partner in Gold Flax Seed, Inc. which provides only top quality Flax Seed and Health related products

Check it Out - Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the cancer that embraces the company of cancerous cells within the breast. Although it can be present in both sexes but is more typically present amongst the females. The milieu for the presence of this deadly disease in men and women are dissimilar. As far as the women are concerned in that case the cells of the cancer are exist in the breast and might reveal it-self in the form of protuberance in the breast or the armpits. Depending upon the different category it can fundamentally be classified as either commencement or malignant.

The reason for the growth of this disease is usually hereditary. If a person has a history of ancestor who endures from this disease then such a person is more at threat than the average folks. In this case if any unusual lumps are observed they should be reported to the doctor right away. Yearly checkup and conventional self examinations are also viable. The indicators not only include the presence of lumps but may also be escorted by changes in the appearance of the effected breast. Pain is also common but may not present itself until the disease has progressed to a later stage.

A mammogram is conducted for this purpose and if the result of the mammogram is positive then in that case instant treatment should be sought. The options for that vary. Surgery is generally sought way. It mainly involves the amputation of the effected tissue/area and the area that is likely turn out to be malignant in the future; without the cutting of the connective tissues.

For lowering the threat, regular exercise is recommended. Quite a lot of studies have been conducted to date and numerous are ongoing. If someone has been diagnosed he/she should conduct a thorough examination of this disease before opting for a particular treatment.

Chocolate Models of Yumminess May Help Breast Cancer

Eating chocolate models of dark chocolate candy, is good for you! For women all over the world, deciding the worlds finest chocolate, can be a difficult thing. But are there health benefits? Before whizzing off exchanging chocolate chip cookie recipes, let's think about the symptoms of breast cancer, and ask ourselves if these health benefits may be of use to us.

Chocolate models of yumminess can be full of antioxidants, due to the beans being from the Cacao tree. However the actual amount of antioxidants available to help us, depends on the processing having been done. We need these antioxidants to help control and neutralise damaging free radicals in our body. Some cheaper commercial brands can be found to be overly processed, therefore reducing antioxidants we can utilise.

Dark chocolate candy is the preferable type to have. It has a higher amount of antioxidants available due to the higher cocoa content. When you choose your favourite rich indulgence, aim for 70% cocoa. It can taste stronger and almost bitter to some, but you want and need less of it. Having all these anti cancer compounds and antioxidants in your body is fantastic! Not only may they help your body generally, but they may help your body resist breast cancer.

Keep an eye on the sugar and fat content of your choice. And don't think you need to finish the complete bar! With fuller flavours, often a smaller portion is enough to satisfy you. Forget family battles over the chocolate war! Take your time to enjoy your version of the worlds finest chocolate. Whatever your choice is, remember to appreciate its taste, aroma and enjoy, knowing that you may be helping your body at the same time. And what about me? Well, I intend on having a piece of dark chocolate in a moment, along with a glass of red, and will put my feet up and enjoy getting my dose of antioxidants - I will walk our dog later!

Must Know Breast Cancer Awareness - Symptoms and Facts

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in this country, affecting one in nine women at some time in their life. Women with a mother or sister who has had breast cancer are also likely to be more aware of the disease, making delays in seeking treatment unlikely.

As well as genetics, other risk factors such as obesity and hormone replacement therapy probably play a role in the incidence and outcome of breast cancer.

Women aged over 70 years are also entitled to screening, but must request it when their appointment is due.

Women who have taken female hormone preparations for many years are also at risk. It is thought that breast-feeding gives some protection against breast cancer developing.

Hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of breast cancer. Risk increases the longer you take it, and decreases gradually after you stop taking it.

Breast cancer that spreads out of the breast may spread to lymph nodes in the armpit nearest the breast affected by cancer (axillary lymph nodes). It occurs much more commonly in women and fewer than 1 in 100 of breast cancers occur in men, and is hormone-dependent.

Hormone therapy is used for women with ER/PR-positive breast cancer, while chemotherapy is recommended for women whose breast cancers are ER-PR-negative.

Chemotherapy may also be recommended in addition to hormone therapy for women with ER/PR-positive breast cancer, particularly if they have node-positive disease, a large tumor size, or other features that suggest a higher risk for a cancer recurrence.

Lymphedema (chronic swelling) of the arm tends to develop gradually in 15% to 20% of breast cancer patients who have lymph nodes removed.

Some research suggests that the chance of developing lymphedema after breast cancer treatment is greater if a large number of lymph nodes are removed, if radiation is used as part of treatment, if tumor cells are present in the lymph does when initial surgery is performed, or if wound complications develop after surgery.

There is also research that indicates that exercise and skin care after surgery can help reduce the chances of lymphedema. All patients who have lymph nodes removed should be taught how to take care of the affected arm and help prevent lymphedema.

Lymph vessels move lymph fluid to the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes trap bacteria, cancer cells and other harmful substances. Lymphatic vessels are tiny vessels that usually run beside veins and collect fluid and dead cells.

Patients should also know the early signs of lymphedema and report any symptoms to their physicians immediately to help avoid long-term suffering.

Many women who have had chemotherapy report memory loss and lack of concentration after breast cancer treatment. Others talk about being unable to remember details, being unable to do more than one thing at a time and having trouble remembering common words.

Some women who have not taken chemotherapy also report similar symptoms.

Fertility and pregnancy are important concerns for many young women with breast cancer. One possible side effect of breast cancer treatment is amenorrhea (not having periods), which may result in loss of fertility.

The risk of amenorrhea from chemotherapy depends on a woman's age and the specific drug regimen used.

The growth of some breast cancer cells may be slowed or stopped with the drugtamoxifen, an anti-estrogen medication. Research suggests that tamoxifen may lower the chance that a breast cancer can return by between 25% and 35%. It can also prevent the recurrence of new cancer in the opposite breast.

Treatment typically involves removal of the primary tumour where possible, followed by a regimen of chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy, and sometimes radiation therapy.

Other hormone treatments include the use of progestins, estrogens, andandrogens.

In rare cases, the surgeon may suggest removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) in pre-menopausal women as a way of eliminating the main source of estrogen, which can boost the growth of some breast tumors.

Doctors and scientists are working on finding cures for all types of breast cancer.

They are researching new medicines that may even help prevent the disease. Doctors call the new tumor "distant" or metastatic disease.

Doctors recommend doing a monthly BSE at the same time each month (like a few days after a girls period ends, when breasts are less tender). Some kinds of lumps that teenage girls may feel are normal, but a doctor should check out any lump to be sure.

Breast cancer can be a transforming experience, but not in the ways you might think. Most women don't just survive breast cancer; they derive strength from the experience of having the disease.

Sarah Neill is the owner of Scarf Studio, originally designed Bandanas and Head Scarves suitable for Chemotherapy and Alopecia Hair Loss.

Sarah began making Head Scarfs after her close friend developed and overcame Breast Cancer.

Increase Your Breast Cancer Survival!

Femara is a Godsend for many women due to the fact that this breast cancer suppressant really works! The whole idea to using this medication is to keep your breast cancer in remission for as long as possible. Femara is a fairly new product, believe it or not, some women, and even doctors, have never heard of the drug before.

The main information you will need to know is, if your breast cancer is estrogen positive. If so, you might want to research this information further before discussing it with your oncologist. The basic requirement for using femara is that a woman must be postmenopausal before using femara.

Femara works on the fact that it keeps the excess estrogen produced by the adrenal gland from entering your body, therefore keeping your cancer in remission. The less estrogen that your body produces , the less chance of a breast cancer recurrence. Since estrogen positive breast cancer feeds on excess estrogen from your body, you will have more chances of a breast cancer recurrence due to high estrogen levels. The daily intake of femara is one tiny pill daily. Femara does come with side effects. If you're lucky, the side effects will be few.

The one side effect that most women complain of is rapid weight gain. I will teach you in another article how to combat excess weight gain when taking femara, as I too have experienced this big talked about side effect. Due to the vast improvements in modern medicine, surviving breast cancer has made the journey that much easier. Take care of yourself and never ever give up the fight!

I am a cancer advisor, guiding people on the road to viewing cancer in a whole new light. People need to know that there's life AFTER cancer. Being a 5 year cancer survivor I have learned many things. As I continue to guide folks on their continued journey, people become at ease, therefore able to uncover concealed hurt and pain hidden away like an old treasure map.There's much to learn about the release of guilt and pain, in order to begin the healing process. One must unite the spiritual and physical body back as one,before inner healing can begin.