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breast cancer awareness

breast cancer awareness

BREAST CANCER

Popstar Kylie Minogue, who underwent mastectomy last year, is credited with having brought about more breast cancaer awareness among women than any hospital handout. Other world famous celebs who have fought breast cancer include singer Sheryl Crow and Betty Ford. Closer home we have event manager Deveika Bhojwani. The stats: 1 in 60 in.the age group 30 to 65 in rural India and 1 in 30 in urban areas are victims. The condition is targeting younger and younger women — the number of under-30s has
doubled in the last decade.

You are in the danger zone if you

have a history of breast cancer on either side of your family. Three of more direct relations in two generations, ups the risk by 50 per cent.

  • have menstruated before 12
  • have menopaused after 55
  • have postponed childbirth until after 30
  • are childless
  • have more than three drinks a day so your risk is doubled
  • have not breastfed adequately
  • are frankly overweight
  • carry the BCRA1 and BCRA2 genes

Ominous Clues

  • a lump in the breast or under the arm
  • tenderness in the breast
  • blood-stained discharge from the nipple
  • scaliness, dimpling or puckering of the skin around the nipple
  • inversion of nipple
  • change in general contour of the breast.

Confirmation

First remember, not every breast lump is cancerous; 80% are benign. Even if it is cancerous the breast can be saved, with lumpectomy or segmentectomy or reconstruction.

  • A suspicious mammogram can be rechecked with
  • an ultrasonography, to distinguish between fluid- filled and solid lump
  • FNAC, a needle biopsy under local anaesthesia to examine the cells under microscope
  • a biopsy of the lump itself

A breast only needs to go if the tumour is near the breast wall or has started spreading, although there are women who opt for a mastectomy if they are at high risk, before any lumps emerge.

The fight back plan

  • Get to know your breasts at 20. Examine them sequentially from the periphery inwards with your palm.
  • Have a mammography regularly after 50.
  • Exercise and eat healthy to keep your weight down and lower estrogen-levels.
  • If you’re married, have your children before you hit 30. Breast feed as long as possible.
  • A blood test will determine if you carry the BCRA1 and BCRA2 genes.

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Thermography and Breast Cancer

Breast thermography is one of the procedures that leads to early breast cancer detection. A thermography exam can also bring about a better understanding of underlying health issues that may contribute to breast cancer.

    What is Breast Thermography?

  1. Breast thermography is a 15 minute non-invasive exam that tests the physiology of the breasts and surrounding areas. Thermography detects changes in the breasts like fibroids, vascular disease or infection.

    Angiogenesis

  2. Thermography is also used in to determine the presence of angiogenesis, or a new formation of a blood vessel. Tumors grow when connected to blood vessels–thermography can display the first signs of this, so the tumor can be removed early.

    Hormone Balance

  3. Years of over-exposure to estrogen is the main cause of breast cancer, according to Pacific Chiropractic and Research Center. A thermography exam can determine if there is too much estrogen in the breast tissue.

    Family History

  4. According to BreastThermography.com, 75 percent of women who get breast cancer are not genetically predisposed. Abnormal thermography findings can help doctors discover early treatment options.

    Younger Women

  5. According to Preventative Health Lab, 23 percent of all breast cancer develops in women under the age of 49; getting a thermography exam as part of a health checkup can give doctors an advantage in finding early treatments

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10 common breast cancer myths | Breast Cancer Common Facts

DO YOU KNOW THE FACTS?

October is breast cancer awareness month. How can you get involved? First and foremost, start by incorporating regular self breast examinations into your routine. Twenty-five percent of all breast cancers are found by women doing their own breast examination. It is best to begin these examinations while you are healthy. That way you will be able to recognize any changes to your body.

Next, learn the facts. Once you learn the facts, spread the word to everyone in your community and beyond. Healthy living should be a part of everyone’s life.

10 common breast cancer myths:

1) Men are not in danger of contracting breast cancer.
False: It is far less common in men, however, an estimated 2,000 new cases are diagnosed in men each year.

2) Breast cancer occurs only in women over 40. [click to continue…]

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