The different techniques, used today, has advanced over the years.
Let’s take a look at some advantages we have to detect early stage of breast cancer through Medical review.

Mammography with Computer Aided Detection:
Mammograms are a great way to catch any early detection of cancer. Mammography is a an x-ray film of the breasts that is read by a Radiologist that checks to see if there is any abnormal findings. The Computer Aided Detection is a process that is computer based and it analyzes the mammogram for any abnormal tissue and shows the Radiologist where the abnormal tisse is, if there is any located.

Digital Mammography
Digital Mammography is a tool used to record an image of an x-ray of the breasts. The images are shown on a monitor and the doctors are able to enhance or manipulate the image for detection, before they print the image out on film.

Ultrasound
Ultrasounds are a high-frequency sound wave that produces pictures called sonograms. These help the Doctors to distinguish if a lump or abnormal tissue is a tumor or a cyst. Ultrasounds are not only used as a diagnostic image, but also to help guide biopsy procedures of breast tissue, like fine needle aspirations. Ultrasounds are usually done after the result of an abnormal mammogram that might show micro calcifications or other abnormal tissue.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imagining)
MRI’s is a procedure done that doesn’t use radiation. There is a magnet that is connected to a computer that then creates the images of what is inside the body. When a breast MRI is obtained there are a lot of images that are created from front to back, top to bottom and side to side. The patient gets on the scanning table and lie on their stomach. The breasts hang into a hollow in the table that has coils that detect any type of magnetic signal. Then the patient is moved into the tube like machine that has the magnet. This helps to improve any cancerous tumor visibility. A radiologist reads the results of MRI’s also
Fine Needle Aspirations
A fine needle aspiration distinguishes what type of tumor the patient has. There are solid tumors and liquid-filled tumors; which are cysts. How the procedure works is the doctor takes a fine needle and inserts it into the location of the tumor. The fluid in the tumor is then removed and sent to laboratory to see if the tumor has cancerous cells or not.

Surgical Biopsy
Surgical biopsies are usually done if the mass is a solid tumor. There are two different types of surgical biopsies, excisional, and incisional. Incisional biopsies are performed by removing only a small portion of the abnormal tissue to be examined by a pathologist. With excisional biopsies the whole tumor is removed with a small amount of tissue surrounding it, and then sent to a pathologist to examine.

There are other procedures that are used for detection of breast cancer. The techniques that are listed above are the most common procedures used for patients today. Newer diagnostic imaging and techniques are being developed that are guaranteed to catch early detection and identify patients that are at a high risk of breast cancer. Infrared Thermographic Imaging is a new discovery that picks up any subtle changes that have occurred in the breast pathology. Another new advancement for early detection is Gamma imaging camera that is used with an MRI that can pick up a cancerous tumor that is within the breast. There are always new advances in technology that will help improve the techniques to find early detection of breast cancer. One of these days there will be a cure, but for now concentrate on getting early detection before it becomes too late.

 

Please Visit www.getbreastcancerhelp.info     

A tiny suspicious lump tucked somewhere in the underarm or anywhere near the breasts, a mammography test and a U.S.G. of the breasts are probably the few first indicators of breast cancer. This is by far one of the most common diseases amongst women anywhere between 20- 40 years of age and certainly does not spell disaster if diagnosed at a proper stage and is dealt with courage and patience.

What is Breast Cancer?
When cells in the breast multiply uncontrollably thereby invading the nearby tissues or tissues in the other parts of the body, it gives rise to breast cancer. The tumors that are a result of this rapid multiplication of cells may or may not be cancerous. Those tumors that are a harmless lump are termed as Benign While the ones that may pose threat to a human body are called malignant.

Are Women the only victims to this disease?
The straightforward answer to this question would be a No. Women are not the only targets and men too can fall prey to this disease. However the proportions might vary greatly. Hardly 1% or 2% of men are known to be suffering from breast cancer.

What causes breast cancer?
Though there are no proven causes for breast cancer yet medical experts often blame it upon excess smoking, high intake of alcohol, over-weight, and exposure to radiation. This is also a heredity disease and may often be inherited from a close relative down the blood- line.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer- Well, according to me the fear of this ghastly disease is worse than the disease itself. Though there are many ways of dealing with it yet most patients suffering from breast cancer are devoured by their own paranoia and inhibitions. So the best way to conquer this is to take the bull by its horns. Agreed, no way is it going to be an easy task. But you can at least make an attempt at it.

Post surgery depression is inevitable so start by adopting all the positive survival strategies around you. Do not ostracize yourself from the society and be a loner who basks in his past glories. Instead make the most of social events. Try and be with friends and loved ones who are sure to generate optimism around you. Get hold of all the reading material that will help you to lead a much happier and healthier life. Always think that those dark days are over and that once the surgery is done this disease wont pop up its ugly head again. After all lightening never strikes the same place twice!

The statistics are staggering; one in eight women in the United States has either had or will have breast cancer during her lifetime. The National Breast Cancer Foundation predicts that over two-hundred thousand women and nearly two-thousand men will be diagnosed this year alone. And while it continues its reign as the second leading cause of death in women, it also continues to be highly responsive to early treatment.

In fact, early detection and treatment can significantly increase a patient’s chance for recovery; the survival rate reaches nearly 95% for those who are treated quickly and proactively. But in order to increase your chance for detection – and subsequently receive this imperative treatment – every woman must be familiar with the symptoms.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with fifty percent of cases being diagnosed well into a woman’s fifties. Subsequently, doctors and researchers recommend a lifetime of screenings that can help identify the early stages. Of course, in combination with medical screenings should be a comprehensive routine of breast self-examination to check for any abnormalities. In line with this self awareness should be a thorough knowledge of symptoms so that women can recognize the signs and be checked and treated early.

If early cancer is detected by the discovery of a lump in the breast, this is usually far in advance of any symptoms. This is why it is so important to conduct self-examination and be examined by a doctor during your routine gynecological exam. But cancer that continues to go unnoticed will often eventually begin to produce symptoms.

Aside from the finding of a lump in the breast, under the armpit, or above the collarbone, some of the more common symptoms include: nipple discharge, change in the shape of the breast, nipple inversion that did not exist previously, and redness, rash, or textural changes in the skin of the breast. Keep in mind, that all of these symptoms can also be attributed to a number of other disorders; it is absolutely imperative to check all breast changes or abnormalities with your doctor.

Breast cancer symptoms vary from woman to woman. Not every woman experiences every symptom. And when symptoms are experienced, the level and frequency with which they are experienced vary significantly depending on the cancer and the woman. Ultimately, it is most important that women know their own bodies and listen to the messages their bodies are sending them. Never let a doctor brush you aside with a promise that nothing is wrong if you feel differently. No one knows your body better than you do.

A diagnosis of breast cancer can sometimes feel like the end of the world. But the truth is, that in this day and age of continued medical and technological advancement, the odds of beating it are actually quite good if you are educated and involved in protecting your own health. Learn to recognize breast cancer symptoms and be an advocate for your own body.

Breast cancer is the irregular increase of cells within the bosom. These cells would aggregate like a chunk, which would be called as the bosom tumor. The tumor can be felt from the exterior of the bosom still when it is yet innocuous. At this innocuous phase, it is called as a harmless tumor. Benign tumors can be surgically operable. If that is done, the danger of the progress of the bosom cancer is really minimal. But if the tumor is allowed to get on, so it would remain to the cancerous phase. During this phase the cancer would proliferate to such an extent within the surrounding tissues that it would be inconceivable to withdraw it totally. When the malignant cells participate the bloodstream, there is no manner away. The outcome is sure death.

Every woman should know their own breasts so that any changes are noticed soon and can be reported to a physician. Knowing your breasts includes having a mammogram every two years if you are between the ages of 50 and 69 and getting a clinical breast exam by a doctor or trained health professional at least every two years from the age of 40. Regardless of age, all women should do their own monthly breast self-examination a few days after her period. When doing breast self-examination, things to look for include: puckering of the skin, the appearance of what is sometimes called ‘orange peel skin’, any place in your breasts that feels lumpy or harder than the rest and bleeding from the nipples or crusting.

It is important to note that most breast problems are not breast cancer and most lumps are not cancerous. When a lump is not cancerous it is referred to as ‘benign’. A cancerous lump is called ‘malignant’. The following are the precautions that women must take to prevent the onset of breast cancer:

If you are overweight, then seriously work at reducing your weight. Science has proved a direct relation between obesity and breast cancer. At the same time, lean women have a significantly lesser chance of contracting the disease.

Do not present any supplements in your system that could alter the domestic hormonal equilibrium of the system. In women, the two principal feminine role deciding hormones are progesterone and estrogen. These hormones preserve the appropriate equilibrium of the feminine characteristics, including the form and the role of the breasts. A modification in this equilibrium could take on several feminine health related diseases, among which bosom cancer is just one of them.

All women over the age of 40 are at a risk of breast cancer. Hence they should keep their lifestyle healthy. The diet should be kept as natural as possible, and artificial spices and preservatives must be avoided. Elderly women should not lead sedentary lifestyles; they must involve themselves in some kind of physical activity or the other, depending on their lifestyles.

The biggest majority of women who concern themselves over developing breast cancer are the ones who do not even bother to do a self examination (Not all)

Self inspection of the breasts should be a main priority for every woman. Breast cancer caught in the early stages of growth will give better odds for the patient to control the disease with the help of today`s modern medicines and technology.

Breast cancer is common among the female species and can be a death sentence if ignored. By neglecting yourself in this department with absent regular check ups then you can expect a painful road ahead – congested of heartache and pain for those close to you as well. Breast cancer is treatable, so now is the time to set a date in the diary for regular self breast examination.

One of the first signs or symptoms of breast cancer is a lump in the breast. You will find that most breast lumps discovered early are rated as 9 out of 10 as being benign. Breast lumpiness can be that of breast change which usually becomes more obvious just before the start of a period, particularly in women over the age of 35

Also cysts/sacs of fluid is not uncommon in the breast tissue causing a feel of lumpiness. Fibroadenoma is a collection of fibrous glandular tissue which is more notably known to occur in younger women

If you notice a change in the shape/size of the breast or a lump even thickening then always check this out with your doctor. Other signs to look out for is dimpling of the skin or nipple shape changing, for example, if the nipple turns in or sinks back into the breast. Blood-stained discharge from the nipple or an unusual blemish or rash around the surrounding area needs to be checked out.

A swelling or lump under your armpit can also be a sign. If you have found that you have any of the above symptoms then seek medical attention right away.

Do not worry at this stage because breast lumps as such do not necessarily mean cancer. However the above mentioned inverted nipple or blood stained discharge etc can mean another type of ailment, either way these will need attention

The doctor will examine the breast and if necessary will refer you to a specialist for further checks. If the results from a mammogram or ultra sound shows a cyst, then to have it removed may entail draining it through a fine needle. If the lump is solid then treatment will be with the use of a very fine needle where a sample of tissue will be taken and tested for cancer cells.

This is a disease you can fight but once it spreads, then the breast cancer becomes a battlefield leaving you fighting for survival. Early detection can stop this war.

Breast cancers best treatment – early detection. Once, cancer is detected it becomes easier for the doctors and yourself to fight it out. By the age of 20 all women should start doing Breast Self Examination (BSE) it is one of most easiest and earliest ways of detecting cancer. These check ups should be done few days after your periods. You should do this check up at least once a month. A clinical breast exam should be done at least once a year.

Some of the signs to look for, while doing BSE

-A lump found in and around the nipple or underarm

-Change in size or shape

-Nipple discharge or nipple turning inward

-Redness of skin or warmth

-Formation of dimple or change in skin texture

Some of the causes of having breast cancer

Gender: Being a woman is one of the common reasons for suffering from breast cancer. Event though men suffer from this disease too, just being a woman puts you in lot of danger.

Age: As you grow older your chances of having breast cancer increases.

Family history: If somebody in the family has suffered from breast cancer your chances of having breast cancer increases.

Being overweight or obese: If you are an overweight women your chances of breast cancer increases after menopause.

Lack of exercise: Being lethargic and lack of any physical activity leads you towards increasing weight and chances of breast cancer

Alcohol: Drinking alcohol becomes very risky as it increases your chances of breast cancer

Methods to Prevent Breast Cancer

-Turn into a vegetarian

-Have plenty of organic food and vegetables

-Avoid red meat and any processed foods

-Avoid alcohol and colas

-You can have something sweet by having Stevia, an herb which is a substitute to any other toxic artificial sweetener

-Having whole grains is very good such as Oatmeal, Kamut and Psyllium, which are a good source of fiber and enters directly into your bloodstream

-Your diet must include wheat, bran and Cabbage as they are very nutritious food which helps to prevent breast cancer

-Garlic, Ginger, carrots, celery, cilantro, parsley and parsnip has some of the highest cancer fighting nutrients. Include them in your daily diet.

When you go to the doctor the last thing that you want to hear is that you or someone that you dearly love has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Until it happens to you or someone you love, it seems that such a disease as breast cancer only happens to other people, not within your own life. All of a sudden you try to remember all of the things you have heard with the rise of awareness for breast cancer in the media. After the shock wears off questions about treatment options and survival rates begin to buzz in your head. Luckily with all of the advancements in breast cancer there are quite a few treatment options to choose from depending on the severity of the case. Also, because of all of the attention that breast cancer awareness has received in recent years, there are many places to find the information that you are seeking whether you are the one that has been diagnosed or if it is someone you love, there are many publications that will answer many of the questions that you might have.

No longer do those diagnosed with breast cancer have to feel like they are all alone in the world and they don’t have to sit quietly and suffer so that others won’t notice that there is something wrong. Due to all of the people who have brought awareness to breast cancer it is no longer something that is kept hushed within the family. Women have options now and can choose what type of treatment is best for them and their family. Because of all of the information available there is no longer a lasting sense of being lost, families are facing the disease and many women are beating the odds of breast cancer every day. With the click of a mouse you can instantly have access to hordes of information on the different types of breast cancer. Once you find cases that are similar to yours you can educate yourself with information found on the internet or that provided by your doctor.

It doesn’t matter if you are the one suffering or if you are the family member or friend of the person diagnosed; everyone is affected by this disease in one aspect or another. No longer are you forced to sit idly by while you watch the person you love deal with this disease. Researching breast cancer gives you information you need to help comfort those or help them find the right treatment options. By doing research you can also help yourself deal with the emotional aspect of helping someone else deal with this disease. There are so many different resources such as help lines, online communities, and support groups that can help you and your loved ones deal with the hardships that accompany being diagnosed and living with breast cancer. People who are experiencing the same difficulties as you are waiting to share their experiences in order to help you through your ordeal.

Lowering your Risk of Breast Cancer

There are things that we can do in our lives to lower our risk of getting breast cancer. These things may not only help to lower your risk of breast cancer but can also improve your overall health at the same time.

The first thing to do would be to stop smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking is a nasty habit that is hard to break.

There are many resources out there to help you to quit smoking. Try anything you can that you think may help you to quit for good. Smoking has been known to increase the risk of getting breast cancer along with the other diseases that smoking is associated with. So if you smoke do everything you can to quit.

Exercising more often can also lower the risk of getting breast cancer. A few extra hours of exercising each week can lower your risk of developing breast cancer. Women that have a weight problem or are overweight can have an increased risk of developing this disease, so you should try and maintain a healthy weight at all times if possible.

Being on a low fat diet and exercising regularly can help you to stay at a healthy weight lowering your risk of getting breast cancer. Limiting alcohol use is also a way to lower your risk of breast cancer. The more alcohol that you drink each day will make your risk higher for developing breast cancer. Trying to abstain from drinking alcohol is your best bet to lower your risk of breast cancer.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Adding fruits and vegetables to your diet can help you to maintain a healthy weight and is also good for your health.

When your body is healthier and your weight is good this can also lower your risk of getting breast cancer.

Reduce the stress in your life by relaxing as much as possible. This can strengthen your immune system making it easier to fight certain diseases including breast cancer. So make some time each day for yourself to relax and relieve some of the stress from your life.

Most women would be surprised to know that mammograms, the traditional screening method for breast cancer, only detects cancerous tumors after they have formed. Thus it really doesn’t “prevent” breast cancer.

Breast cancer detection involves a number of things, and no one diagnostic tool does it all. They all have their place and should be used in a way that best suits the patient and her situation. Let me tell you a bit about infrared thermography and how it fits into that picture.

Cancerous tumors have an abnormal cellular metabolism. In simple terms their energy systems work differently than a healthy cell. They have a metabolism that is dependant on glucose (or sugar) and thus require a network of vascular tissue (blood vessels) to enable them to survive.

The development of this vascular network is called angeogenesis, and it is a very early indicator that a tumor is present in the tissues. It appears even before signs of breast cancer are detectable by either self-exams or mammograms.

Infra red thermography is a thermal imaging technique that detects varying levels of heat energy in breast tissue. These variations in heat signature can indicate the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to support them.

This technique has been largely ignored and downplayed by the medical establishment. This is because it is possible to get a false positive result from thermal imaging such that a suspected signs of breast cancer never develop into a tumor.

However, this is a poor reason for ignoring such an effective and important diagnostic tool. The emphasis should be on the use of thermal imaging as part of the diagnostic strategy for breast cancer detection, rather than the only diagnostic tool used.

The non-invasive nature of thermographic imaging and the fact that it can be used with absolute safety on women from a young age are important as well. Doctors can screen for potential future cancers, without subjecting a young patient to radiation.

Infra red thermography is not a miracle and it is not claimed to replace other methods of breast cancer detection, but it can raise an early warning that will give a woman time to try and prevent the development of breast cancer.

For this reason, it is important that as many women as possible are aware of this important tool and can decide for themselves if they want to use it. They now have the ability to act before there are signs of breast cancer, not after it has been discovered.

You can help raise awareness of infra red thermography and its value as a diagnostic tool in breast cancer detection Please tell your friends and everyone who will listen. You can learn more about this technology at the following link:

Infra Red Breast Thermography

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer worldwide. One in eight women will get breast cancer at some point in their lives. However, women should not let the fear of finding breast cancer be a deterrent against having regular checks and early detection.

In the last 10-15 years, major improvements in the diagnoses and treatment of breast cancer have been made. Doctors now know how to tailor the best treatment for an individual on a case by case basis, testing how cancer cells will react to different methods of treatment. Survival rates are continually improving with 90% of women surviving five years or more with early detection, where the cancer has been contained in the breast.

It is important to realize that even if you do not find a lump, there are other symptoms of breast cancer that should be monitored. These include changes to the color, shape, feel or size of the breast, nipples and breast skin. Unusual discharge or persistent unusual pain, not related to the monthly cycle, should also be a prompt for a visit to a doctor.

One misconception is that if you are diagnosed with breast cancer you will have to have a mastectomy. While this is true for many women, it is not always the case. With early detection, surgery may only be required to remove the cancer itself leaving the breast intact. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better a woman’s chances of survival.

For a free video demonstrating how to perform a breast self check and for more information on other self checks women can perform in the comfort and privacy of their own home, visit www.womans-health.us, a free women’s health resource.