Breast Cancer - Beyond Taboo The days of shying away from the word "breast" are long gone. But how has this new comfort level impacted how you view breast cancer? If you watch enough television, read enough magazines, or listen to enough radio, you’re likely to hear or see information concerning breast cancer every day. Image From new treatment options to less invasive diagnostic methods, breast cancer has garnered countless headlines over the past few years. While the constant influx of breast cancer news has given the public increased knowledge of the disease, it has also changed how many men and women view breast cancer. Here are three things to remember to keep your breast cancer vision as clear as possible. Breast cancer is still deadly - or dangerous at the least. Aunt Mildred and your best friend’s sister’s old roommate battled cancer and won. They love telling their stories, and they are true inspirations to many facing trials in their lives. However, there are still more than 40,000 women who aren’t fortunate enough to be counted as survivors each year. For those who do survive cancer, there is the additional burden of wondering if and when breast cancer will return and whether the recurring cancer will be more difficult to treat. Occasionally, testing misses the mark. If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you likely heard of test after test that was required for an accurate diagnosis. From suspicion during a mammogram or clinical breast exam, women can be referred to breast magnetic resonance imaging (MR) examinations, breast ultrasounds, and biopsies before a definitive diagnosis can be made. The reason for so many tests is the high rate of false positives many diagnostic tests have, giving the impression that breast cancer is present when it actually isn’t. The best is yet to come. Science has made slow, steady strides in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, and the public is finally paying attention. Just 20 years ago, women were too ashamed to admit any issues with their breasts, resulting in diagnoses frequently made in the latest and most devastating stages. Thanks to public awareness, women now undergo mammograms and other breast screenings on a regular basis as part of their regular physician visits. As diagnostic tools improve, researchers hope to find breast cancer with less invasion and provide more targeted treatment that provides even better outcomes for women faced with breast cancer. Anxious to learn more about breast cancer? Visit www.cancer.org, www.cancer.gov, www. 4woman.gov, and your physician. It's Not Just a Woman's Problem Most men think they have a free pass when it comes to breast cancer. Each year, more than 2,000 men find out otherwise. Though much rarer than female breast cancer, male breast cancer poses a threat to men. Men at the highest risk for breast cancer include those who are between the ages of 60 and 70, have a family history of male or female breast cancer, are overweight, or drink excessive amounts of alcohol. Men who notice lumps in their breasts should ask their physicians whether testing, such as mammography or biopsy, should be performed to help detect breast cancer. Just like breast cancer in women, male breast cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. Because awareness of this condition is increasing, most communities have educational resources to help men understand their diagnoses and cancer. Some areas also have support groups, where men can discuss their treatments, feelings, and life after breast cancer. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with male breast cancer, finding and maintaining a solid support team is vital. Final Word There is a lot of information concerning breast cancer, and even the most knowledgeable individual can become overwhelmed. The best way to approach breast cancer is to arm yourself with knowledge, ask a lot of questions, only take the steps you feel comfortable taking, and never feel guilty for the decisions you make. This article is from my Online Fitness Magazine, free to all members of Phil's Fitness Foundry |
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