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BREAST CANCER: THE FACTS!

In today's minefield of information, it is imperative that you have the right information and immediate access to it; about what cancer is, what the most common symptoms are, and what you can do to remain hopeful in the face of receiving the words “You have breast cancer.”

A lot of changes occur in a woman's breasts during her lifetime, and it's important for you to understand which of those changes are normal and which are not. The first step to doing this is to become familiar with the structure of the breasts and how they function. Below you will find key facts about breast health. It is also important to note that although breast cancer is more common in women, it can also occur in men.

WHAT IS Cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is considered a heterogeneous disease—differing by individual, age group, and even the kinds of cells within the tumors themselves. Obviously no woman wants to receive this diagnosis, but hearing the words “breast cancer” doesn’t always mean an end. It can be the beginning of learning how to fight, getting the facts, and finding hope.

Women in the United States get breast cancer more than any other type of cancer except for skin cancer. It is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women. Each year it is estimated that nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.

Approximately 1,700 men will also be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year. The evaluation of men with breast masses is similar to that in women, including mammography.

Due to the increased use of mammography, most women are diagnosed at very early stages of breast cancer, before symptoms appear. However, not every breast cancer is detected through mammography. The most common symptoms of breast cancer are a change in the look or feel of the breast, a change in the look or feel of the nipple and nipple discharge. These are described below:

Warning Signs of Breast Cancer>,/b>
A change in the look or feel of the breast:
A change in the size or shape of the breast.
A lump or thickening in the breast, the area surrounding the breast or the underarm.
A warm sensation in the breast.

A change in the look or feel of the nipple:
A nipple turned inward or sunken into the breast.
The shape of the nipple becomes irregular.
A rash on the nipple or areola.
Nipple tenderness, increased sensitivity or pain.
Nipple discharge:
Blood or fluid other than breast milk secreted from the nipple.
A change in the look or feel of the skin on the breast, nipple or areola:
Dimpling of the skin on the breast (similar in texture of an orange rind).
The appearance of irritated, red, scaly or swollen skin on the breast, nipple or areola.
Breast pain:
Although breast pain is usually associated with benign breast conditions rather than breast cancer, it can be a symptom of either condition.

It is important to discuss any of these symptoms with a health care provider as soon as possible so that if breast cancer is present, it is more likely to be diagnosed at an early stage, when it is most treatable.

I've never done a Breast Self-Exam...
Taking a few minutes to do a breast self-exam a minimum of once a month can make a lifetime of difference. Nearly 70% of all breast cancers are found through self-exams and with early detection the 5-year survival rate is 98%. If you find a lump, schedule an appointment with your doctor, but don't panic—8 out of 10 lumps are not cancerous. For additional peace of mind, call your doctor whenever you have concerns.

1. In the Shower:

Fingers flat, move gently over every part of each breast. Use your right hand to examine the left breast, left hand for the right breast. Check for any lump, hard knot, or thickening. Carefully observe any changes in your breasts.

2. Before a Mirror:

Inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead. Look for any changes in the contour of each breast, a swelling, a dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Then rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women's breasts do. 3. Lying Down:

Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. With the fingers of your left hand flat, press your right breast gently in small circular motions, moving vertically or in a circular pattern covering the entire breast.

Use a light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.

Hope for the Future:
Newer therapies for breast cancer have improved survival, and cure rates; now even the quality of life for breast cancer patients may be enhanced. Researchers have developed ways of analyzing quality of life in various settings that allow them to closely examine the impact of breast cancer therapies. These findings may point to treatments that have less impact on a patient’s quality of life.

And for even more good news, go to http://www.cancercenter.com/video/ and watch the stories of these brave cancer survivors!

Important Breast Cancer Facts!:
Cancer is a global epidemic.
Cancer strikes 30,000 people and kills 19,000 every day.
Cancer kills 7 million people every year — more than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
By 2020, 27 million new cancer cases are expected worldwide, with 17 million deaths.
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the world today.
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide.
Globally, a case of breast cancer is diagnosed every 29 seconds.
A woman dies from breast cancer every 75 seconds worldwide.
More than 1.1 million women worldwide are newly diagnosed with breast cancer.
annually. This represents about 10 percent of all new cancer cases and 23 percent of all female cancers.
With more than 410,000 deaths each year, breast cancer accounts for about 14 percent of all female cancer deaths and 1.6 percent of all female deaths worldwide.
Incidence rates are climbing by as much as 5 percent annually in low-resource countries.
Over the next 25 years, another 25 million women and men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer and another 10 million people will die of breast cancer — most of these deaths will occur in the developing world, including 30 countries in Africa and Asia.
An estimated 4.4 million women are alive today in whom breast cancer was diagnosed within the last five years.