I chose breast cancer as my health topic. I chose this health topic because my grandmother was diagnosed back in August and I need to know as much as I possibly can. Over 200,000 American women are diagnosed, and almost 40,000 of them die from breast cancer. This disease is the second type of cancer that results in death among American women. What is breast cancer and the cause of it? Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. This disease occurs mostly in women, but men can have it as well. There are several ways to check for cancer of the breast. You can get an MRI, a mammogram, an ultrasound, or a biopsy done. I was always taught that when you’re in the shower check for lumps, and then also check your breasts while you are lying down. Feel in a circular motion and be intimate with the breast so no spot is missed.
Women should receive regular mammograms over the age of 40, every 1-2 years. There are many reasons one can develop breast cancer. There are even some you have no control over, like simply being a woman, your race, the density of your breast tissue, and your age. Then there are things like genetics, exposure to sunlight (radiation), birth control, and early menstrual cycles. Depending on when the disease is detected and how far along it is determines the treatment. You have to stay on top of your health and continue to get the proper screenings because the disease doesn’t have a specific name on it. There are some symptoms you can look out for, like discharge from the nipple, pain or soreness of the breast or nipple, swelling of the breast or surrounding areas, and many others. Sometimes no signs are there until it’s too late so regular check-ups are very important.
Being diagnosed with breast cancer is not the end of the world. There are many treatments and even support groups to attend after you learn the news. Once you find out what stage you’re in and the type of breast cancer immediate treatment should take place. Early detection is possible if you get breast exams regularly and always talk to your doctor if something is bothering you, no question is a stupid question. There are several treatments, like surgery where the breast has to be removed and the disease could spread to your lymph nodes, or the lymph nodes could be removed themselves, the tumors with the cancer removed or breast tissue affected with cancer. You can receive radiation therapy, which consists of beams of energy waves that are used to kill and then hinder the growth of any new cancerous cells.
Chemotherapy is another option, where a drug sites the targeted area and goes straight for it. Another treatment is hormone therapy, and when this happens medicine is given and it travels throughout your bloodstream. I am a firm believer that there is life after the diagnosis. You can find a support group to attend if you have questions, or a hard time coping with it, and it’s more important that your family is supportive. A plan of action might be a good idea as well, meaning a couple of people know what kind of medicine you take, who your doctor is, available to talk or lend a shoulder. Once you realize that you have options, coping will be a little bit easier. My final advice is that no matter what you have to believe that you are bigger than your disease.
www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/index
www.mayoclinic.org/breastcancer
