All about Breast cancer
Breast cancer is a type of cancer originating from the breast tissues. Both men and women can be afflicted by it though it’s rarer in men. Along with cervical cancer it’s one of the most common types of cancer that afflicts women. One of the major issues with breast cancer is that it is often not detected soon enough. This is due to low awareness about the disease. Detecting it early can significantly reduce the death risk.
CAUSES
Inactive lifestyle, stress, unhealthy food, irregular sleeping hours, etc. are some of the things that can lead to breast cancer. While being a woman itself puts you at a greater risk for breast cancer, here are some factors that further increase the risk.
Age
Family history
Early menstruation
Late menopause
Breast tissue composition
Delayed pregnancy or no pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Exposure to radiation
Obesity
Smoking
Using birth control pills
Hormone replacement therapy
SYMPTOMS
stages of breast cancerSome common symptoms of breast cancer are:
A hard ‘lump’ or a ‘knot’ in the breast. Usually, these lumps are painless.
Occasionally, a clear cut lump cannot be felt, but a ‘lumpish’ feel is there. And this feel is different as compared to the same area of the opposite breast.
Bloody or a blood stained nipple discharge
A recent ‘in drawing’ or ‘inward pull’ on the nipple or even a change in direction.
Changes in the skin over the breast, which feels thick, hard and like an ‘orange’ peel
Occasionally, small ‘knots’ or nodes may be felt in the armpit.
DIAGNOSIS
A mammogram is used to detect breast cancer. Early detection of the disease is the most effective way to treat the ailment but that doesn’t happen due to lack of awareness. Sadly, patients with advanced breast cancer end up being either exposed to aggressive treatment options like chemotherapy or surgery or have to be given palliative care to ease their suffering. If breast cancer is diagnosed and treated early the chances of cure and survival rates improve significantly, making it even more important to detect its presence.
According to the American Cancer Society’s guidelines for early detection of breast cancer:
A woman should undergo yearly mammograms starting at the age of 40. This practice should be continued for as long as the woman is healthy. Read to know whether 3D imaging better for detection than mammography?
They should get a clinical breast examination (CBE), approximately every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women in their 40s and over.
Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and should report any breast changes promptly to their health care provider. Alternatively they could perform a breast self-exam (BSE) starting in their 20s.
TREATMENT
The standard treatment methods include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These methods have undergone vigorous trials over several decades and are the best forms of treatment. The proof of the same is the fantastic increase in survival in almost all cancers in the western nations.
Chemotherapy is the injection of drugs in saline, into the body. These drugs are programmed to kill rapidly multiplying cells. Radiation Therapy is subjecting a particular area (of cancer) in the body, with ‘ionizing rays’. These types of rays kill the dividing cells. Here is what to expect at your first chemotherapy session.
Radiation Therapy is subjecting a particular area (of cancer) in the body, with ‘ionizing rays’. These types of rays kill the dividing cells.
The main reason for side effects, especially in chemotherapy, is due to the fact that we cannot target only cancer cells, because they are like normal cells and there is no way of differentiating them. So while killing cancer cells, some normal cells also get affected and hence the severe side effects.
Do the breasts need to be removed to cure breast cancer?
Even though, some people believe that the only treatment for breast cancer is removal of breasts but that is not true. ‘In more than 70 percent women, we can very well do a breast conserving surgery (BCS)! Even if a tumour is large, we can give chemotherapy first, which will reduce the size of the tumour, and then a Breast Conservation Surgery can be done! The only important requisite of BCS is that, after surgery, radiation therapy is compulsory.
PREVENTION
Breast cancer is NOT preventable and even healthy people can get it. Which is why, early detection is extremely important. However, leading a healthy lifestyle can reduce the chances of having breast cancer. Here are some things you can do:
1. Regular exercise. It could be in any form – brisk walking, gym, aerobics, yoga etc. 45 minutes of daily exercise has definitely shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
2. Battle stress away. Easier said than done, but stress is a silent killer. Stress depresses our body’s immunity (our body’s resistance mechanism), and so decrease the capacity of our body to fight off a cancer cell. Don’t worry, be happy!
Besides these, here are some food habits that can keep cancer at bay.
1. Focus more on plant-based foods — like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, pulses etc. Start your day with fruits and nuts. Have some whole grain cereal for breakfast. Make sure to have a big portion of salad with vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, beetroot, cucumbers etc pre-lunch and pre-dinner. Carry snacks like fruits, trail mixes (sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, almonds, walnuts etc), opt for sandwiches with multigrain breads and lot of veggies in it.
2. Fiber – is the key component to prevent cancer. All plant based foods are rich in fiber which helps to keep your digestive system clean and healthy and push the cancer causing compounds out of the gut before they can harm you. You can add fiber to your diet by replacing white rice with brown rice, eating the fruits with skin, choosing popcorn over potato chips etc.
3. Avoid processed foods – The more you eat food in its original form, the better protection it gives. For example instead of drinking orange juice, peel and eat the orange or prepare oatmeal porridge with raisins rather than having an oatmeal raisin cookie.
4. Cut down on red meat and whole-fat milk – as research shows that vegetarians are about fifty percent less likely to develop cancer than those who eat meat. That is because meat and milk lack fiber, antioxidants and nutrients that have cancer protective properties and is high on saturated fat which is linked with increased risk of cancer.
A good visual reminder is to have 2/3rd of your plate filled with plant foods and 1/3rd of it with meat and dairy products. You can cut them down by cutting animal products to a palm-size, adding some salads or beans to it rather than using it as the main element. Choose fish or lean chicken as they are low on fat, avoid processed meats like sausages, salamis etc.
5. Choose your fats smartly – Saturated and trans fats are demons for health, so limit them. Saturated fats (bad fats) are found in butter, ghee, eggs, whole fat milk and red meats and trans fats are found in processed and junk foods like burgers, pizzas etc.
On the other hand unsaturated fats (good fats)like MUFA and PUFA are found in oils that are liquid at room temperature eg: olive oil, ricebran oil, etc. The other sources of unsaturated fats are avocados, nuts like walnuts, almonds etc. Also focus onomega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation and support brain and heart health. Good sources include fish like salmon, tuna, and flaxseeds. You can add them by eating fish once or twice a week, adding flaxseeds to your salad, avoiding fried foods, checking the label for bad fats. Read more about oils with high PUFA content — good or bad?
6. Opt for cancer-fighting foods — You immune system needs to be strong to fight against cancer causing agents. You need to eat a variety of colourful foods with antioxidants (vitamin A, C, E and selenium) and phytochemicals that help strengthen immunity and fight diseases. Such foods are tomatoes, broccoli, dark green leafy vegetables, grapes, cranberry, carrots, cabbage, garlic, onions, grapefruits, blueberries, chilli peppers, jalapeno, soy products like tofu etc. Green tea is also antioxidant rich, so replace your black tea with three cups of green tea per day.
7. Drink plenty of water – as it helps to eliminate toxins from the body and supply nutrients to the cancer cells which can kill and prevent them from multiplying. Avoid sugary drinks like colas, juices etc as they increase inflammation and cancer growth.
8. Preserve nutrients when you cook – Wash the vegetables and fruits with a brush to remove all pesticide residues. Eat raw as much as possible, this helps retain the nutrients. Steam the vegetables using very little water. Prevent over-heating of oil as it can become carcinogenic.
9. Opt for healthier cooking methods – Instead of deep-frying, pan-frying, and sautéing, opt for baking, boiling, steaming, or broiling. Store oils in a cool dark place to prevent it from becoming rancid. Use microwave friendly containers of good quality to prevent plastic material interaction with food.
10. Avoid foods that look or smell mouldy – as they are likely to contain aflatoxin, a strong carcinogen. Nuts will stay fresh longer if kept in the refrigerator or freezer. more
CAUSES
Inactive lifestyle, stress, unhealthy food, irregular sleeping hours, etc. are some of the things that can lead to breast cancer. While being a woman itself puts you at a greater risk for breast cancer, here are some factors that further increase the risk.
Age
Family history
Early menstruation
Late menopause
Breast tissue composition
Delayed pregnancy or no pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Exposure to radiation
Obesity
Smoking
Using birth control pills
Hormone replacement therapy
SYMPTOMS
stages of breast cancerSome common symptoms of breast cancer are:
A hard ‘lump’ or a ‘knot’ in the breast. Usually, these lumps are painless.
Occasionally, a clear cut lump cannot be felt, but a ‘lumpish’ feel is there. And this feel is different as compared to the same area of the opposite breast.
Bloody or a blood stained nipple discharge
A recent ‘in drawing’ or ‘inward pull’ on the nipple or even a change in direction.
Changes in the skin over the breast, which feels thick, hard and like an ‘orange’ peel
Occasionally, small ‘knots’ or nodes may be felt in the armpit.
DIAGNOSIS
A mammogram is used to detect breast cancer. Early detection of the disease is the most effective way to treat the ailment but that doesn’t happen due to lack of awareness. Sadly, patients with advanced breast cancer end up being either exposed to aggressive treatment options like chemotherapy or surgery or have to be given palliative care to ease their suffering. If breast cancer is diagnosed and treated early the chances of cure and survival rates improve significantly, making it even more important to detect its presence.
According to the American Cancer Society’s guidelines for early detection of breast cancer:
A woman should undergo yearly mammograms starting at the age of 40. This practice should be continued for as long as the woman is healthy. Read to know whether 3D imaging better for detection than mammography?
They should get a clinical breast examination (CBE), approximately every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women in their 40s and over.
Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and should report any breast changes promptly to their health care provider. Alternatively they could perform a breast self-exam (BSE) starting in their 20s.
TREATMENT
The standard treatment methods include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These methods have undergone vigorous trials over several decades and are the best forms of treatment. The proof of the same is the fantastic increase in survival in almost all cancers in the western nations.
Chemotherapy is the injection of drugs in saline, into the body. These drugs are programmed to kill rapidly multiplying cells. Radiation Therapy is subjecting a particular area (of cancer) in the body, with ‘ionizing rays’. These types of rays kill the dividing cells. Here is what to expect at your first chemotherapy session.
Radiation Therapy is subjecting a particular area (of cancer) in the body, with ‘ionizing rays’. These types of rays kill the dividing cells.
The main reason for side effects, especially in chemotherapy, is due to the fact that we cannot target only cancer cells, because they are like normal cells and there is no way of differentiating them. So while killing cancer cells, some normal cells also get affected and hence the severe side effects.
Do the breasts need to be removed to cure breast cancer?
Even though, some people believe that the only treatment for breast cancer is removal of breasts but that is not true. ‘In more than 70 percent women, we can very well do a breast conserving surgery (BCS)! Even if a tumour is large, we can give chemotherapy first, which will reduce the size of the tumour, and then a Breast Conservation Surgery can be done! The only important requisite of BCS is that, after surgery, radiation therapy is compulsory.
PREVENTION
Breast cancer is NOT preventable and even healthy people can get it. Which is why, early detection is extremely important. However, leading a healthy lifestyle can reduce the chances of having breast cancer. Here are some things you can do:
1. Regular exercise. It could be in any form – brisk walking, gym, aerobics, yoga etc. 45 minutes of daily exercise has definitely shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
2. Battle stress away. Easier said than done, but stress is a silent killer. Stress depresses our body’s immunity (our body’s resistance mechanism), and so decrease the capacity of our body to fight off a cancer cell. Don’t worry, be happy!
Besides these, here are some food habits that can keep cancer at bay.
1. Focus more on plant-based foods — like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, pulses etc. Start your day with fruits and nuts. Have some whole grain cereal for breakfast. Make sure to have a big portion of salad with vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, beetroot, cucumbers etc pre-lunch and pre-dinner. Carry snacks like fruits, trail mixes (sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, almonds, walnuts etc), opt for sandwiches with multigrain breads and lot of veggies in it.
2. Fiber – is the key component to prevent cancer. All plant based foods are rich in fiber which helps to keep your digestive system clean and healthy and push the cancer causing compounds out of the gut before they can harm you. You can add fiber to your diet by replacing white rice with brown rice, eating the fruits with skin, choosing popcorn over potato chips etc.
3. Avoid processed foods – The more you eat food in its original form, the better protection it gives. For example instead of drinking orange juice, peel and eat the orange or prepare oatmeal porridge with raisins rather than having an oatmeal raisin cookie.
4. Cut down on red meat and whole-fat milk – as research shows that vegetarians are about fifty percent less likely to develop cancer than those who eat meat. That is because meat and milk lack fiber, antioxidants and nutrients that have cancer protective properties and is high on saturated fat which is linked with increased risk of cancer.
A good visual reminder is to have 2/3rd of your plate filled with plant foods and 1/3rd of it with meat and dairy products. You can cut them down by cutting animal products to a palm-size, adding some salads or beans to it rather than using it as the main element. Choose fish or lean chicken as they are low on fat, avoid processed meats like sausages, salamis etc.
5. Choose your fats smartly – Saturated and trans fats are demons for health, so limit them. Saturated fats (bad fats) are found in butter, ghee, eggs, whole fat milk and red meats and trans fats are found in processed and junk foods like burgers, pizzas etc.
On the other hand unsaturated fats (good fats)like MUFA and PUFA are found in oils that are liquid at room temperature eg: olive oil, ricebran oil, etc. The other sources of unsaturated fats are avocados, nuts like walnuts, almonds etc. Also focus onomega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation and support brain and heart health. Good sources include fish like salmon, tuna, and flaxseeds. You can add them by eating fish once or twice a week, adding flaxseeds to your salad, avoiding fried foods, checking the label for bad fats. Read more about oils with high PUFA content — good or bad?
6. Opt for cancer-fighting foods — You immune system needs to be strong to fight against cancer causing agents. You need to eat a variety of colourful foods with antioxidants (vitamin A, C, E and selenium) and phytochemicals that help strengthen immunity and fight diseases. Such foods are tomatoes, broccoli, dark green leafy vegetables, grapes, cranberry, carrots, cabbage, garlic, onions, grapefruits, blueberries, chilli peppers, jalapeno, soy products like tofu etc. Green tea is also antioxidant rich, so replace your black tea with three cups of green tea per day.
7. Drink plenty of water – as it helps to eliminate toxins from the body and supply nutrients to the cancer cells which can kill and prevent them from multiplying. Avoid sugary drinks like colas, juices etc as they increase inflammation and cancer growth.
8. Preserve nutrients when you cook – Wash the vegetables and fruits with a brush to remove all pesticide residues. Eat raw as much as possible, this helps retain the nutrients. Steam the vegetables using very little water. Prevent over-heating of oil as it can become carcinogenic.
9. Opt for healthier cooking methods – Instead of deep-frying, pan-frying, and sautéing, opt for baking, boiling, steaming, or broiling. Store oils in a cool dark place to prevent it from becoming rancid. Use microwave friendly containers of good quality to prevent plastic material interaction with food.
10. Avoid foods that look or smell mouldy – as they are likely to contain aflatoxin, a strong carcinogen. Nuts will stay fresh longer if kept in the refrigerator or freezer. more
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Yes I agree breast self examination is MOST important once a month, to catch BC in the early. Stage and lumpectomy will get rid of BC. As for food red meat is NOT advisable . A non veg diet should have Fish , shrimps etc chicken and eggs. No other meat. Best is grilled fish ,NO fried fish, fish curry is OK. Fish bone has Scalene and that kills cancer cells. Lots of green yellow red vegetables. Beet root and Pomegranate raise level of Haemoglobin ( authentic report) 2. Do not depend on Internet , some authentic. information and lots of rubbish , untrue information goes on Internet. For authentic info. on cancer , Indian Cancer Society should be contacted, 86/1 Shahpur Jat, tel 26499572. 26494907 ,Monday toFriday 9.30 to 5pmor ring me 9818488122 9 pm Best regards S Paintal > On Nov 6, 2015, at 18:46, Rema Muralidhar wrote: > > > Find this email inappropriate - Unsubscribe > LocalCircles is now available on iOS and Android. > > Rema Muralidhar > Rema Muralidhar commented on the Post > Rema wrote: "Nowadays through internet we can get all information and how we can prevent the disease.My advice to all the woman is that they should do self examination and even it is a small lump ,they should consult an oncologist and take regular exercise and eat greens and vegetables and red meat to prevent this dreadful disease. I had a small lump and we went in for removing it and I was diagonsed with breast cancer and Mastectomy was done .This happened 25 years ago ,Now with all the facilities let us be more positive and try to prevent it ." > View/Comment Reply to this email to post a comment. > This email was sent to sdpaintals@yahoo.co.in. If you don't want to receive emails from LocalCircles in future, please Unsubscribe. > LocalCircles, Inc., 1556 Halford Ave., Suite 290, Santa Clara, CA USA 95051. > 107 Urbtech Matrix Tower, Plot No. B-4, Sector - 132, Noida, India, 201304.Privacy Policy. more
Nov 08
Nowadays through internet we can get all information and how we can prevent the disease.My advice to all the woman is that they should do self examination and even it is a small lump ,they should consult an oncologist and take regular exercise and eat greens and vegetables and red meat to prevent this dreadful disease. I had a small lump and we went in for removing it and I was diagonsed with breast cancer and Mastectomy was done .This happened 25 years ago ,Now with all the facilities let us be more positive and try to prevent it . more
Nov 06
To save the breast from Mastectomy, every woma n must do Breast Self Examination once a month,young. Women. 6 days after menses, old ones on a fixed day while having a bath. With 3 fingers go around each breast pressing all the while, including armpits and neck( for lymph nodes),,if you find hard tissue or lumps big or small, even if it is one small lump, go to an ONCOLOGIST ( doctor specialist in cancer). Immediately. He will remove the lump straight away ( Lumpectomy),even if it is benign. To morrow it can become cancerous. This way the woman can save her breast.all women above the age of 20 must do this BSE. Walk into any prominent hospital. They will give you a pamphlet or demonstration, collect free literature from Indian cancer society. 86/1 Shahpurjat New Delhi Tel no 26499572, 26494907 , near Khel gaon on August Kranti Marg.If 100 women get breast cancer 2 men also get breast cancer.in their case it is difficult to manage , do lumpectomy must be done. Breast cancer is only 5 to 10 percent hereditary . DONT NEGLECT any LUMP any where. Men should also examine their body once a month. Cancer is a DEMON spreads very fast. Cancer doctors are called Oncologists. Best regards S Paintal > On Oct 10, 2015, at 16:05, Ranjit Biswas wrote: > > > Find this email inappropriate - Unsubscribe > LocalCircles is now available on iOS and Android. > > Ranjit Biswas > Ranjit Biswas commented on the Post > Ranjit wrote: "An exhaustive & informative write-up useful for all of us to be alerted against the dreadful disease and take precautions." > View/Comment Reply to this email to post a comment. > This email was sent to sdpaintals@yahoo.co.in. If you don't want to receive emails from LocalCircles in future, please Unsubscribe. > LocalCircles, Inc., 1556 Halford Ave., Suite 290, Santa Clara, CA USA 95051. > 107 Urbtech Matrix Tower, Plot No. B-4, Sector - 132, Noida, India, 201304.Privacy Policy. more
Oct 11
