Breast Cancer

* One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. * * Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. * Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. * Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.
Breast Cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that can grow into surrounding tissues of spread to distant areas of the body. The disease occurs almost entirely in women but men can also get breast cancer as well.

Cancer occurs as a result from mutation or changes that are abnormal. Genes are responsible for keeping growth of cells healthy. Healthy cells take over the old cells when they die out, but when having a mutation the genes can automatically “turn on and off” having the ability to change the cell and keep dividing without control and order which produces more cells just like it and forming a tumor.

The use of mammograms has increased in the numbers of found Breast Cancer this is used before symptoms.

There are also tests done on the body, Mammograms do not find every Breast Cancer.

The most common symptom in Breast Cancer is a lump or mass. The mass is painless but hard that has irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous but there is also tender, soft, and rounded masses. Sometimes they can also be painful.

Swelling of all parts of the breast (even if there is no lump)

Irritation of the skin or dimpling

Breast or nipple pain

Nipple retraction (turning inward)
Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin.

Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)

Staging
The stage describes the extent of the cancer in the body stage 4 being the worst. It is also based on if the cancer is invasive or non-invasive.
Invasive- Surgery
Non-Invasive- Therapy or medication

Size of tumor, how lymph nodes are involved and if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Finding the stage of cancer is one of the most important parts in determining prognosis and treatment options.
Staging- the process of finding out how widespread the cancer is when it is diagnosed.

Having Breast Cancer can be very overwhelming especially with treatments. When being overwhelmed you become stressed out and worry about everything and you start to ask yourself difficult questions. Your mind mainly focuses on life or death.
Stress is very common in Breast Cancer patients. You start to think of the uncertainty of ones future.
Disturbed sleep
Fatigue
Body aches
Pain
Anxiety
Irritability
Tension
Headaches

Keep a positive attitude
Accept there are events you cannot control
Be assertive instead of aggressive “assert” your feelings, opinions, or beliefs instead of becoming angry, combative, or passive.
Learn to relax
Exercise regularly, your body can fight stress better when your physically fit.
Eat well-balanced meals
Rest and sleep
No alcohol or drugs
Joining a support group