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Breast Cancer
What is breast cancer?
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Breast cancer is where
cancerous (malignant) cells
are found in the breast
tissue.
There are several types of
breast cancer.
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)
Inflammatory cancer (its
where the breast appears
swollen and hot) its also very
uncommon.
Picture from WebMD.com
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Mammograms
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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.
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)
Monthly Self Exams
• 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 @
.cyberus.ca/bse2.htm#bse2
http://www.infobreastcanc
er
Picture courtesy of Yahoo health
Thermograph
• Thermograph is one of
the newest ways to
detect breast cancer.
• Thermograph is a thermal
image of the breast
tissue.
• It can also detect cancer
before the traditional
mammogram can.
• www.breastthermography
.com
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Picture from breastthermography.com
Stages of breast cancer
• 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.
• 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.
Stages of breast cancer
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Stage I
This stage is where the tumor is less than 1 cm across, and has
not spread into the surrounding areas.
Stage 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 III
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.
Stages of breast cancer
• 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.
• 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.
Treatments
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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 works by killing all the cells in the effected area.
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.
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.
Radiation top 10
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Radiation kills the cancer cells left after surgery.
Radiation therapy doesn't make you radio active.
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 only take ½ hour so you can keep your routine.
Your hair won’t fall out unless you are also taking chemotherapy.
Your skin in the area may become red and easily irritated.
You may feel tired even after its over.
Radiation after surgery reduces the chances of the cancer
reoccurring.
www. Breastcancer.org
Chemotherapy
• 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 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.
• 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.
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 is only effective in certain types of cancer.
• 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.
Tamoxifen
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Tamoxifen has been used widely over the past 20 years as an
effective tool to help eliminate the cancer.
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Many cancers love the estrogen, which is already in our body.
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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.
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It has also been given to high risk patients to reduce the
likelihood that they will get cancer.
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Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and
even swelling in your lips.
Alternative medicine
• 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.
• CO-Q10 reduces the toxicity of chemotherapy
• Vitamin 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 cancer
Alternative medicine
• Also Astragalus acts as an anti-viral and enhances the
natural killer cells
• Cur cumin turmeric (is an anti tumor) increases you
leukocyte production
• And 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
Alternative medicines
• Perhaps the most amazing of them all is the 5 mushrooms
also known as the :
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“5 precious mushrooms”
Coroxlus versicolor also known as cloud fungus
Ganoderma lucidum also known as reishi
Grifolia frondosus also known as maitke
Lentinus edodes also known as shiitake
Poria cocos also known as poria
• These are classified as anti tumors, anti cancer, and anti
growth naturalistic medicines.
Alternative medicines
• There is also currently a Chinese herbal remedy on the
market, called “canelim capsules”
• They contain radix curcume, herba agrimonia, and fructus
aurantil
• It works by inhancing the immune system
• It reduces the tumor
• Quickly releases the side effects of radiotherapy and
chemotherapy
• It can prolong a patients life and enhanse their quality of
life
• Enhances blood circulation to reduce pain
• Helps to strengthen the body
Bone marrow transplant
• 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.
• 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.
Nutrition
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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 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.gov
Nutrition
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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”
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(chapter 16 core concepts in health, Insel)
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One should also avoid smoking because it increases the risk also.
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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”.
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Fruits and veggies also contain anti carcinogens, carotenoids,
antioxidants, and free radicals that help protect our DNA.
Exercise
• 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.
• 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!!
References
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Breast cancer. Org
Pink ribbon.com
Web MD.com
Yahoo health. Com
4uherb.com
Naturopathic treatment book by Ronald Sereti
Breast thermograph.com
Nal.usda.gov
Susan G Komen breast cancer foundation
American Cancer Society