1. Breast Cancer

2. What is breast cancer? Breast cancer is where cancerous (malignant) cells are found in the breast tissue.Breast cancer is where cancerous (malignant) cells are found in the breast tissue. There are several types of breast cancer.There are several types of breast cancer. Ductal cancer (effects the ducts and also is the most common type)Ductal cancer (effects the ducts and also is the most common type) Lobular (which begins in the lobes of the breast and often is found in both breasts)Lobular (which begins in the lobes of the breast and often is found in both breasts) Inflammatory cancer (its where the breast appears swollen and hot) its also very uncommon.Inflammatory cancer (its where the breast appears swollen and hot) its also very uncommon. Picture from WebMD.comPicture from WebMD.com

3. Mammograms Getting a mammogram is an effective way to detect breast cancer in its early stages.Getting a mammogram is an effective way to detect breast cancer in its early stages. It is recommended by the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY that all women over 40 get a yearly mammogram.It is recommended by the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY that all women over 40 get a yearly mammogram. Its also recommended that women over 20 should get a mammogram every 2-5 years depending on your risk.Its also recommended that women over 20 should get a mammogram every 2-5 years depending on your risk. (picture courtesy of breast cancer.org)(picture courtesy of breast cancer.org).

4. Monthly Self Exams Monthly Self Exams Its important to remember that monthly self exams are also a good tool for early detection.Its important to remember that monthly self exams are also a good tool for early detection. Hereis a web site that has the complete monthly self-exam program @Hereis a web site that has the complete monthly self-exam program @.cyberus.ca/bse2.htm#bse2 http://www.infobreastcanc er.cyberus.ca/bse2.htm#bse2 http://www.infobreastcanc er Picture courtesy of Yahoo health Picture courtesy of Yahoo health

5. Thermograph Thermograph is one of the newest ways to detect breast cancer.Thermograph is one of the newest ways to detect breast cancer. Thermograph is a thermal image of the breast tissue.Thermograph is a thermal image of the breast tissue. It can also detect cancer before the traditional mammogram can.It can also detect cancer before the traditional mammogram can. www.breastthermography.comwww.breastthermography.comwww.breastthermography.comwww.breastthermography.com Picture from breastthermography.comPicture from breastthermography.com

6. Stages of breast cancer The first stage is stage 0 this stage is sometimes referred to as a ‘non-evasive circoma’The first stage is stage 0 this stage is sometimes referred to as a ‘non-evasive circoma’ In this stage there are abnormal cells present that might suggest that one is at higher risk for cancer.In this stage there are abnormal cells present that might suggest that one is at higher risk for cancer. Some women chose to have a double mastectomy to avoid the potential of cancer, while others take tomoxifen.Some women chose to have a double mastectomy to avoid the potential of cancer, while others take tomoxifen. Either way its important to have regular check ups with your doctor.Either way its important to have regular check ups with your doctor.

7. Stages of breast cancer Stage IStage I This stage is where the tumor is less than 1 cm across, and has not spread into the surrounding areas.This stage is where the tumor is less than 1 cm across, and has not spread into the surrounding areas. Stage IIStage II Stage II is when the cancer is anywhere from 1-2 cm across, and has spread into the surrounding areas including the lymph nodes (which must also be removed to prevent the further spread of the cancer)Stage II is when the cancer is anywhere from 1-2 cm across, and has spread into the surrounding areas including the lymph nodes (which must also be removed to prevent the further spread of the cancer) Stage IIIStage III This is the stage for cancer in the advanced stages. Its more than 2 cm across and has spread to the lymph nodes.This is the stage for cancer in the advanced stages. Its more than 2 cm across and has spread to the lymph nodes. A type of cancer most associated with this is called inflammatory breast cancer, because the breast is inflamed because the cancer is blocking the lymph nodes.A type of cancer most associated with this is called inflammatory breast cancer, because the breast is inflamed because the cancer is blocking the lymph nodes.

8. Stages of breast cancer The last stage of cancer is stage IV.The last stage of cancer is stage IV. In stage IV, the cancer has spread past the breast and the lymph nodes and needs immediate treatment of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy to keep it under control.In stage IV, the cancer has spread past the breast and the lymph nodes and needs immediate treatment of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy to keep it under control. Then there is remission. If you are in remission you have an extremely high risk of reoccurrence with in the first 5 years after the last know cancer is killed.Then there is remission. If you are in remission you have an extremely high risk of reoccurrence with in the first 5 years after the last know cancer is killed.

9. Treatments One of the most widely used treatments is radiation therapy.One of the most widely used treatments is radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is targeted directly to the specific area and the side effects are limited to the area being treated.Radiation therapy is targeted directly to the specific area and the side effects are limited to the area being treated. Radiation works by killing all the cells in the effected area.Radiation works by killing all the cells in the effected area. There are two types of radiation, one is administered externally and one internally.There are two types of radiation, one is administered externally and one internally. External radiation is delivered over a 5-7 weeks and 5 times a week. It is delivered by an liner acceptor. And is the most common of the two.External radiation is delivered over a 5-7 weeks and 5 times a week. It is delivered by an liner acceptor. And is the most common of the two. Internal radiation is where radioactive material is delivered directly into the site where the tumor was. Internal radiation is where radioactive material is delivered directly into the site where the tumor was. This is usually done at the end of traditional radiation to give it an extra “boost” at the end of treatment.This is usually done at the end of traditional radiation to give it an extra “boost” at the end of treatment.

10. Radiation top 10 Radiation kills the cancer cells left after surgery.Radiation kills the cancer cells left after surgery. Radiation therapy doesn't make you radio active.Radiation therapy doesn't make you radio active. Radiation is painless when it’s delivered, but it will become more painful over time.Radiation is painless when it’s delivered, but it will become more painful over time. Treatments will be given up to 5-7 weeks, 5 days a week.Treatments will be given up to 5-7 weeks, 5 days a week. Treatments only take ½ hour so you can keep your routine.Treatments only take ½ hour so you can keep your routine. Your hair won’t fall out unless you are also taking chemotherapy.Your hair won’t fall out unless you are also taking chemotherapy. Your skin in the area may become red and easily irritated.Your skin in the area may become red and easily irritated. You may feel tired even after its over.You may feel tired even after its over. Radiation after surgery reduces the chances of the cancer reoccurring.Radiation after surgery reduces the chances of the cancer reoccurring. www. Breastcancer.orgwww. Breastcancer.org

11. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy effects the whole body even if the cancer has not spread.Chemotherapy effects the whole body even if the cancer has not spread. Chemotherapy is often administered prior to surgery to reduce the size of the tumor to leave clear margins.Chemotherapy is often administered prior to surgery to reduce the size of the tumor to leave clear margins. Chemotherapy also reduces your leukocytes (white blood cells that is also our immune system), making you more susceptible to every day bugs.Chemotherapy also reduces your leukocytes (white blood cells that is also our immune system), making you more susceptible to every day bugs. The side effects include nausea and, losing all your hair.The side effects include nausea and, losing all your hair. Its administered through and IV or its also available in pill, and liquid form.Its administered through and IV or its also available in pill, and liquid form. As always its your choice and should not be taken lightly.As always its your choice and should not be taken lightly.

12. Herceptin Herceptin introduces the cancer to your immune system, taking a more proactive approach to the cancer by attacking the cancer like any other foreign invader in your body.Herceptin introduces the cancer to your immune system, taking a more proactive approach to the cancer by attacking the cancer like any other foreign invader in your body. Herceptin is only effective in certain types of cancer.Herceptin is only effective in certain types of cancer. Herceptin side effects include, fever, chills, muscle aches, and nausea.Herceptin side effects include, fever, chills, muscle aches, and nausea. In rare cases (5%) heart trauma occurs which can lead to strokes, and even congestive heart failure.In rare cases (5%) heart trauma occurs which can lead to strokes, and even congestive heart failure.

13. Tamoxifen Tamoxifen has been used widely over the past 20 years as an effective tool to help eliminate the cancer.Tamoxifen has been used widely over the past 20 years as an effective tool to help eliminate the cancer. Many cancers love the estrogen, which is already in our body.Many cancers love the estrogen, which is already in our body. Tamoxifen, also known as an anti-estrogen, works by blocking the estrogen receptors in the cancer preventing it from getting the estrogen it feeds on shrinking or eliminating the cancer completely.Tamoxifen, also known as an anti-estrogen, works by blocking the estrogen receptors in the cancer preventing it from getting the estrogen it feeds on shrinking or eliminating the cancer completely. It has also been given to high risk patients to reduce the likelihood that they will get cancer.It has also been given to high risk patients to reduce the likelihood that they will get cancer. Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and even swelling in your lips.Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and even swelling in your lips.

14. Alternative medicine There are also several alternative medicines that can help to reduce or eliminate breast cancer.There are also several alternative medicines that can help to reduce or eliminate breast cancer. Vitamin A, Betacarotine, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E all increase the effect of chemotherapy.Vitamin A, Betacarotine, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E all increase the effect of chemotherapy. CO-Q10 reduces the toxicity of chemotherapyCO-Q10 reduces the toxicity of chemotherapy Vitamin D, and Cholecalciferol helps inhibits growth in cancer cellsVitamin D, and Cholecalciferol helps inhibits growth in cancer cells Melitonin (which is a natural chemical produced in our brain) blocks the estrogen receptors to the cancerMelitonin (which is a natural chemical produced in our brain) blocks the estrogen receptors to the cancer

15. Alternative medicine Also Astragalus acts as an anti-viral and enhances the natural killer cellsAlso Astragalus acts as an anti-viral and enhances the natural killer cells Cur cumin turmeric (is an anti tumor) increases you leukocyte productionCur cumin turmeric (is an anti tumor) increases you leukocyte production And Caud’ Arco is a mild herb that acts as an anti tumorAnd Caud’ Arco is a mild herb that acts as an anti tumor Therapeutic massage, acupuncture, and stress relieving techniques are also used. Treat the whole person not just the illness Treat the whole person not just the illness

16. Alternative medicines Perhaps the most amazing of them all is the 5 mushrooms also known as the :Perhaps the most amazing of them all is the 5 mushrooms also known as the : “5 precious mushrooms”“5 precious mushrooms” Coroxlus versicolor also known as cloud fungusCoroxlus versicolor also known as cloud fungus Ganoderma lucidum also known as reishiGanoderma lucidum also known as reishi Grifolia frondosus also known as maitkeGrifolia frondosus also known as maitke Lentinus edodes also known as shiitakeLentinus edodes also known as shiitake Poria cocos also known as poriaPoria cocos also known as poria These are classified as anti tumors, anti cancer, and anti growth naturalistic medicines.These are classified as anti tumors, anti cancer, and anti growth naturalistic medicines.

17. Alternative medicines There is also currently a Chinese herbal remedy on the market, called “canelim capsules”There is also currently a Chinese herbal remedy on the market, called “canelim capsules” They contain radix curcume, herba agrimonia, and fructus aurantilThey contain radix curcume, herba agrimonia, and fructus aurantil It works by inhancing the immune systemIt works by inhancing the immune system It reduces the tumorIt reduces the tumor Quickly releases the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapyQuickly releases the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy It can prolong a patients life and enhanse their quality of lifeIt can prolong a patients life and enhanse their quality of life Enhances blood circulation to reduce painEnhances blood circulation to reduce pain Helps to strengthen the bodyHelps to strengthen the body

18. Bone marrow transplant Getting a bone marrow transplant is one of the newest options for cancer.Getting a bone marrow transplant is one of the newest options for cancer. It is used when you receive high doses of radiation and chemotherapy. Because chemotherapy kills all the cells both good, and bad it replaces what was destroyed by the treatments.It is used when you receive high doses of radiation and chemotherapy. Because chemotherapy kills all the cells both good, and bad it replaces what was destroyed by the treatments. Bone marrow is donated from another person and then frozen and placed in the cancer patients body by injection.Bone marrow is donated from another person and then frozen and placed in the cancer patients body by injection. A word of caution though this is still in the preliminary stages of trials & testing for breast cancer.A word of caution though this is still in the preliminary stages of trials & testing for breast cancer.

19. Nutrition Perhaps one of the best ways to help prevent cancer is an easy one but often overlooked.Perhaps one of the best ways to help prevent cancer is an easy one but often overlooked. Diets high in meat, fast foods, refined carbohydrates, simple sugars, low in fruit and veggies are at high risk of developing cancer.Diets high in meat, fast foods, refined carbohydrates, simple sugars, low in fruit and veggies are at high risk of developing cancer. Diets need to be well balanced in that you need to eat your 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day. Don’t forget the whole grain foods as well.Diets need to be well balanced in that you need to eat your 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day. Don’t forget the whole grain foods as well. Picture from usda.govPicture from usda.gov

20. Nutrition Alcohol is associated with increasing the chances of many types of cancer, including breast cancer.Alcohol is associated with increasing the chances of many types of cancer, including breast cancer. “An average alcohol intake of three drinks per day is associated with doubling the risk of breast cancer”“An average alcohol intake of three drinks per day is associated with doubling the risk of breast cancer” (chapter 16 core concepts in health, Insel)(chapter 16 core concepts in health, Insel) One should also avoid smoking because it increases the risk also.One should also avoid smoking because it increases the risk also. Fiber is also an interregnal part of our daily diets. Many foods that contain fiber also contain many other vitamins that are considered “potential cancer fighting agents”.Fiber is also an interregnal part of our daily diets. Many foods that contain fiber also contain many other vitamins that are considered “potential cancer fighting agents”. Fruits and veggies also contain anti carcinogens, carotenoids, antioxidants, and free radicals that help protect our DNA.Fruits and veggies also contain anti carcinogens, carotenoids, antioxidants, and free radicals that help protect our DNA.

21. Exercise Another aspect is to maintain a healthy body weight.Another aspect is to maintain a healthy body weight. That means to get off the couch an do something, walk the dog, ride a bike or just exercise in you own home.That means to get off the couch an do something, walk the dog, ride a bike or just exercise in you own home. If you stay away from fatty foods, (i.e.; fast foods) and eat a well balanced diet. Then you will greatly reduce your chances of getting cancer.If you stay away from fatty foods, (i.e.; fast foods) and eat a well balanced diet. Then you will greatly reduce your chances of getting cancer. Don’t forget to take care of your self!!Don’t forget to take care of your self!!

22. References Breast cancer. OrgBreast cancer. Org Pink ribbon.comPink ribbon.com Web MD.comWeb MD.com Yahoo health. ComYahoo health. Com 4uherb.com4uherb.com Naturopathic treatment book by Ronald SeretiNaturopathic treatment book by Ronald Sereti Breast thermograph.comBreast thermograph.com Nal.usda.govNal.usda.gov Susan G Komen breast cancer foundationSusan G Komen breast cancer foundation American Cancer SocietyAmerican Cancer Society