Marlene Amero Breast Cancer Canadian Cancer Society was formed in 1938, but the seeds for the Society were planted back in 1929 when the Saskatchewan Medical Association composed the country’s first cancer committee, and today they tell us that an estimated 191,300 new cases of cancer and 76,600 deaths from cancer will occur in 2014. Lung, Breast, colorectal and prostate cancer are the top 4 cancers. In 2014, a rough calculation of 1,950 people will die of cancer in New Brunswick, and 5,000 new cases will be diagnosed. Studies have showed that an estimate of 760 men in New Brunswick will be identified with prostate cancer in 2014. 420 men with lung cancer, 360 with colorectal cancer. Lung cancer for men and women is the outstanding cause of death in New Brunswick. For women in New Brunswick breast cancer is the most known diagnosed cancer statistics in New Brunswick. 560 women will be identified with breast cancer, 370 with lung cancer, 260 with colorectal cancer. This year alone 2014, 270 women will die of lung cancer, 110 of breast cancer, a 100 women of colorectal. It's a scary thing when we think we have any kind of cancer. Taking care of our bodies eating well, getting enough rest is a great way to keep healthy. Yashar Hirshaut M. D., F.A.C.P., and Peter I. Pressman, M.D., F.A.C.P., authors of Breast Cancer, The Complete Guide, tells us that cancer can show up anywhere in the body and can take many shapes being caused by an unusual increase of cells often
developing a tumor. When the growth of these cells are raging out of control they are able to move from their original site then settle and grow in other tissues creating cancer. Carcinoma is the name for most common types of cancer and for most malignant tumors. The locations in the breast where most cancers occur are in the upper part, in the outer quadrant, and in the area around the center of the breast. Sarcoma is a name for a tumor originating in bone muscles, fat, or connective tissue which seldom starts in the fat or non-glandular tissues of the breast. Most cancers in the breast begin in the ducts. A much lesser number begin in the lobules. Cancers that start in the ducts are called ductule or duct cell carcinoma, while cancers that start in the lobules are lobules carcinoma. When they are identified through a microscope they can either be ductule or lobular. Sometimes both can be present and have a specific appearance or pattern. Cancer cells that remain within the wall of the duct or lobule is called an in situ cancer. In situ cancer of the duct is detected by mammography which is performed by a radiologist or by an x-ray technician under the supervision of a radiologist. They may grow slowly and multiply like other malignancies but not life- threatening. If they are not treated promptly early detection will be lost and a more serious illness may result. In situ cancer of the lobules are often discovered incidentally during a biopsy. A biopsy is a surgical procedure that removes a sample of tissue from the body so that it can be examined under a microscope. In a breast biopsy a tumor and surrounding
tissue are removed and examined under a microscope so the cells can be identified, characterized, and determined whether they are malignant or not. You should not fear though women fear even the word biopsy. Most biopsies of the breast lumps reveal no malignancy. It can not be a reliable tool for most women, assuring them that they do not have cancer. The reason for a biopsy is that an x-ray or an educated hunch can not reveal what the microscope can, once the biopsy is performed. Infiltrating or invasive cancers may be detected only on a mammogram. They are cancer cells that have penetrated the membrane that surrounds the duct or lobule. The most common type of breast cancer is the infiltrating ductal carcinoma, and is the cause of the signs normally associated with breast cancer. If in the right location ducted cancer may cause the nipple to retract and even discharge fluid. The skin may even change, such as puckering or dumpling. These signs show that an examination is needed. Infiltrating lobular carcinoma occurs when cells stream out in single file into the surrounding breast tissue. 15% of most breast cancers start in the lobules. The reason is it does not stimulate the kind of fibrous growth we see in ductal cancer. This makes it harder to detect on a mammogram. It may be describe as a thickening rather than a lump because it feels softer and when first detected it is likely be larger than ductal cancer. If lobular cancer is found in one breast it is likely it will be found in the other breast as well. If a lobular breasts then the other breast should be watched and a biopsy performed if a mammogram shows any suspicious findings or a lump develops. Flammatory cancer causes the breast to swell and to become red as though an
infection is present. There is no lumps and antibiotics will not heal the conditions. Cancer cells are found when a biopsy is performed. The reason the breast is inflamed is because this aggressive cancer has spread to the lymphatic of the skin. There are different stages for cancers. Staging is an important tool in measuring risk and in choosing treatment. The cancer in stage 1 when the tumor is small, the lymph nodes are not associated, and there is no metastasis. Stage IV is when the cancer has spread to a site far from the original tumor, whereas stage II and III fall between 1 and 1V. Not every lump or breast problems are cancer. 90% of lumps or other suspicious breast changes turn out to be benign tumors or cysts, but it is always best to be carefully investigate each abnormality for these conditions may not be serious enough to worry about but it is always best to be sure. A self-examination of the breast is one way to spot changes in your breasts that may or may not be cancer. This can significantly reduce the risk of advanced stage cancer, detecting it in it’s early stages. Self-examination should begin in the late twenties. This is a good time to incorporate the habit into your life and a convenient opportunity to begin to learn how. This procedure should continue throughout your life, especially since breast cancer becomes more common as you get older. Examine your breasts every month, ten days after the start of your period. If you miss the tenth day do your examination as soon afterward as you can. Do not wait until the next month to “catch up�. If you are one who has had a hysterectomy with your uterus removed but one or both
ovaries retained choose a regular time each month when your breasts are not swollen for your self-examination. You are not looking for cancer when you are examining yourself to see if your breasts appear normal. It is only to be able later to spot conditions that seem to you unusual. To visually observe the breasts the steps to take are: 1. Take off your blouse and brassiere and stand about two feet in front of the mirror that has a good clear image. 2. Put your hands at your sides and observe the general contour of each breast. (A) Is the shape of the breasts even, without any visible swelling or distortion? (B) Are both breasts their usual size? (C) Is the nipple in the same position on each breast? (D) Do the nipples protrude or is one or both of them retracted? (F) Do your breasts appear different in any way from the last time you looked at them? 3. Now raise your arms above your head. .Do you see any dimpling of the skin? .Is there a rash of any type? .Are there any changes in the skin’s surface? 4. Place your hands on your hips and, flexing your shoulders forward continue to visually observe the surface of the skin as described above. The technical term for examining by touch, feeling your breast with your fingers and hands is called palpation. To do this stand in front of the mirror, cradle the left breast with the left hand beneath it. With the right hand , feel the breast carefully with the tips of
your three longest fingers. Is one area more lumpy than any other? Are there any changes? Here are ways to help you cope with cancer once you know you have it. 1.Get counseling 2. Support groups 3. Self-care is rejuvenatin, this is something we all need for it helps our system both physically and emotionally. 4. Quit smoking Taking care of your body is an important thing, even for other diseases. 5. Learn what to eat when you do know you have cancer, for eating right can help fight the enemy. Let's feel comfortable once we know we do have cancer and go to MyLifeLine.org a patients website, where you can find cancer specific resources, help and update everyone at once, so you can reduce anxiety and save the strength you need to heal. It's the power of that emotional connection, together with practical day-to-day assistance that can see you through to a more positive outcome.