Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

Chemotherapy refers to the treatment of cancer with drugs that kill the cancer cells. Such drugs are given either intravenously or orally from where the drug enters into the blood stream and travels to reach the targeted cancer cells in the body. It is administered in cycles, with a recovery period following each treatment period. Chemotherapy is usually given for several months. It can be used before and after surgery, however, there are also many side effects of chemotherapy for Breast Cancer.

When Is Chemotherapy Used?
Chemotherapy is recommended in the following situations:

1. After Surgery
Chemotherapy is usually given as adjuvant therapy after surgery to kill the undetected cancer cells that may have travelled from the primary breast Tumor to other parts of the body. This helps in reducing the risk of recurrence of breast cancer.

2. Before Surgery
Chemotherapy is also given before surgical treatment when it is referred to as neoadjuvant therapy. The benefit of giving chemo before surgery is to shrink large tumors so as to make them small enough to be removed by surgery. There is no major difference in terms of survival rates between providing chemo before and after surgery. Giving chemo before surgery also makes the physician aware of the response of the cancer to the drugs.

3. For Advanced Breast Cancer
Chemotherapy is also the treatment of choice in cases of advanced breast cancer, which has spread outside the breast and to the underarm area. This is done either during the initial diagnosis of cancer or for a recurrent cancer.

How is Chemotherapy Given?

• Intravenously (IV). Chemo is given through the intravenous route by inserting a thin needle into a vein of your hand or lower arm.
• Injection. Chemo can also be given as an intramuscular injection or shot into your arm, leg or hip.
• Orally. It can be ingested orally as a capsule or a pill.
• Through a port. Chemo can be given through a port that is surgically inserted in the area of your chest.
• Through a catheter. Chemo can be administered through a catheter that is inserted into a large vein of your body by performing a short, outpatient surgery.

What Are the Side Effects of Chemotherapy?
The various side effects of chemotherapy are as follows:

1. Common Side Effects
Common possible side effects include:

• Hair loss
• Low blood cell counts
• Mouth Sores
• Increased appetite or loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting

2. Menstrual Changes
A common side effect of chemo in younger females is menstrual changes in the form of premature menopause and Infertility.

3. Neuropathy
Nerves can be damaged by chemotherapy leading to symptoms of numbness, pain, tingling and burning sensation, weakness and sensitivity to heat and cold.

4. Heart Damage
Some chemo drugs when used for a long period of time can damage heart permanently leading to cardiomyopathy.

5. Fatigue and Discomfort
Chemotherapy is often associated with symptoms of generalized fatigue and discomfort, which can continue for many years. There may be mild loss of physical functioning as well with feeling of body pain and achiness.

6. Increased Risk of Leukemia
A very rare side effect of chemo is that they may damage the bone marrow permanently, increasing the risk of leukemia in patient undergoing chemo.

7. Other Side Effects

• The decreased blood count leads to increasing the risk of infections, easy bruising and bleeding, and fatigue.
• Some of the drugs may cause irritation of palms and soles leading to symptoms of tingling, numbness and redness. This is known as hand-foot syndrome.
• You may develop a side effect known as chemo brain which is characterized by slightly reduced mental functioning.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

Risk factors for Breast Cancer increase one’s likelihood of developing the disease. However, having one or more risk factor does not necessarily mean that one will acquire breast cancer. On the other hand, some women who do not seem to have any risk factor could still develop the disease.

Some risk factors cannot be modified, such as age or racial background. However, factors associated with a person’s behavior or lifestyle may be modified. Make some changes to these modifiable factors to reduce your likelihood of getting breast cancer.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
1. Being Female
Breast cancer can affect males, but it is more common among women.

2. Age
Older women are more likely to develop breast cancer, but the disease can strike at any age. In general, one’s risk for the disease increases greatly after the age 50.

3. Reproductive History
Your risk for breast cancer may vary with different stages:

• Early first period. Having your period at an early age increases your risk for breast cancer.
• Late first birth. Bearing children at an early age reduces one’s risk for breast cancer. The relative risk of developing breast cancer is estimated to increase by 3% for each year of delay
• Not breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has a protective effect on breast cancer. Studies show that women who breastfeed for longer periods have a lower likelihood for developing the disease.
• Menopause at older age. Women who experience late menopause are more likely to develop breast cancer.

4. Endogenous Hormones
Women who have higher levels of body hormones may be at increased risk for breast cancer. These hormones include estrogen, testosterone, insulin, prolactin, and insulin-like growth factor.

5. Oral Contraceptives
Women who use oral contraceptives, as well as those who have stopped using them, have a higher risk of breast cancer than women who have never used oral contraception.

6. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
The risk for breast cancer increases with current use of hormone replacement therapy compared to non-use. The risk is even greater for women who use a combination of estrogen and progestogen compared to those who use estrogen only.

7. Breast Density
Having dense breasts increases a woman’s risk for the disease. This factor is affected by one’s weight, menopause status, number of children, and genetics.

8. Breast Disease History
A history of non-malignant (not cancerous) breast disease increases a woman’s risk for cancer. Having a strong family history of breast cancer further increases one’s likelihood for developing breast cancer in the presence of benign lesions. Women who have a non-invasive type of breast cancer or a previous history of breast cancer also have a greater likelihood for developing an invasive type of cancer than women who do not have these lesions.

9. Family History
Having a mother or a sister who has breast cancer doubles your risk of developing breast cancer. The risk further increases with more relatives having the disease. A very high risk for cancer of the breast occurs in women who have a strong family history and who test positive for mutations in their breast cancer genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2).

10. Bodyweight
Postmenopausal women who are overweight or obese have a higher chance of getting breast cancer than those who are lean. The association between body mass index (or BMI, a measure of body fat) and breast cancer may be due to hormonal influence. Estrogen is secreted by fatty tissues in postmenopausal women. Obese pre-menopausal woman have a lower risk for the disease and this may be due to their anovulatory cycles.

11. Alcohol Consumption
Studies show a causal link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer. It has been suggested that alcohol consumers may have higher levels of sex hormones linked to the disease compared to those who do not consume alcohol.

12. Diet
Although there are many inconclusive studies linking diet with development of breast cancer, a large review of studies shows that a high total fat intake as well as high consumption of saturated fat is associated with increased breast cancer risk. On the other hand, high intake of phytoestrogens, particularly lignans, which are found in plants, is associated with a reduction of risk. Other foods that have been found to lower breast cancer risk are soy-based food products and high-fiber foods.

13. Shift Work
Working night shifts has been found to increase one’s risk for breast cancer. On the other hand, some studies have found that sleeping longer may reduce the risk for the disease. One explanation is that lower levels of a sleep hormone, melatonin, which has anti-cancer properties, may increase the likelihood for developing the cancer.

14. Smoking
Many studies link smoking as well as secondhand smoke with various types of cancers. Although some studies show that exposure to tobacco smoke may increase one’s risk for breast cancer, other studies show conflicting results.

Breast Cancer Hormone Therapy

Breast Cancer Hormone Therapy

Some Breast Cancers are formed because of the estrogen in our body and react well to certain hormones and therefore hormone therapy is used as a treatment. These hormones work against estrogen to stop the Tumor from growing. This happens in either of two ways—by blocking estrogen or by slowing the body’s production of estrogen.

Often times the surgeon will recommend hormone therapy to decrease the size before the surgery—thus lessening the trauma to the surrounding tissue. If they have found that the cancer has already metastasized then you will have to engage in hormone therapy in order to control it. Hormone therapy is also done after the surgery, which is normally taken for five years post-operative.

Why Is Hormone Therapy Done?
Hormone therapy can deprive the tumor of estrogen for the breast cancer which is estrogen-receptor positive. For why hormone therapy is done, watch the following video:

Hormone therapy for cancer can help in these areas:

• Prevents the cancer form returning to the site of removal
• Decreases the risk of this same type of cancer forming in other parts of the breast or body
• It will slow or in some cases stop the spread of metastasized cancer
• Reduce the size of an existing tumor before surgery

What Are the Risks of Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer?
Some common side effects of hormone therapy include:

• Male impotence in men with breast cancer
• Headaches
• Vaginal discharge, dryness or irritation
• Nausea
• Skin rash
• Fatigue
• Pain in joints and muscles
• Menstrual irregularity
• More serious but less common risks
• Cataracts
• Stroke
• Osteoporosis
• Easily broken bones from loss of bone mass
• Heart Disease
• Blood Clots in veins
• Endometrial or Vaginal Cancers

What Drugs Are Used in Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer?
After chemotherapy is completed, as a post-operative treatment, the hormone therapy will most likely be prescribed as a pill and have to be taken orally once a day. You can take the oral therapy at the same time as radiation therapy.

The surgeon may also ask you to take the oral therapy prior to the operation to shrink the tumor so that the surgery goes smoother and there are fewer traumas to the area. The specific type of therapy as well as the duration will be determined by your individual physical situation.

These are the types of hormone therapy medications used to treat breast cancer.

1. Tamoxifen
Function: This is a hormone that is used to block estrogen and may be used before or after surgery and at menopause as well as by men who have breast cancer. The drug class is called anti-estrogen receptors or SERMS (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators). These are normally taken once a day, orally, and for a total of five years.

Possible side effects:

• Vaginal Bleeding or discharge
• Hot Flashes
• Vaginal Dryness
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Risks: Tamoxifen may interfere with fertility, increase blood clots, increase risk of stroke and the risk for cataracts. It may also affect the metabolism of other drug.

2. Aromatase Inhibitors
Function: Aromatase inhibitors are used to reduce the amount of estrogen in your body, depriving breast cancer cells of the hormones they need to grow and thrive.

Common inhibitors used: These are hormones used to inhibit the amount of estrogen the tumor will need to survive. There are three in use today: Anastrozole, Exemastane and Letrozol.

Treatment options: Your treatment phase may go on for ten years after the therapy. Five years with Tamoxifan and another five with Aromatase. But you can also go with Aromatase for five years. This is an individual decision to be made by the patient with their physician.

Possibe side effects

• Pain and stiffness of the joints
• Hot flashes
• Brittle bones
• Vaginal bleeding

Results and Follow-up Care of Hormone Therapy for Breast
At this point you will be seeing your oncologist often for regular checkups and discuss with him any side effects that you are having and he or she will work with you to control them. It has been noted that hormone therapy along with radiation and chemotherapy will greatly reduce the risk of cancer of this type to come back. Your subsequent visits to your doctor while you are taking hormone therapy drugs may include analysis of any regrowth so that they can determine how your body is responding to the hormone therapy for breast cancer.

Test for Breast Cancer

Test for Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer, along with Lung Cancer is the top killer of women. Mammograms and other tests are available to screen for cancer when it is at an early stage, so that you can take care of it at the first-signs. In this article, you will learn about what tests are available and what they do, such as breast MRI, mammogram and biopsy. You will also learn how to receive your test results and keep track of your medical records.

Test for breast cancer
1. Breast Self Examination
You can do a self examination easily in the privacy of your own home. The breast self-exam entails you observing and feeling the breast tissues in a certain way—in order to properly detect changes in the density, color and texture—this is also where you may find lumps that may be a sign of cancer.

Breast Cancer - Breast Check Demonstration:

2. Clinical Breast Exam
The clinical breast exam is much like the self-exam done by yourself at home. The clinical breast exam is done by a physician to check for discoloration of the areola around the nipple as well as lumps and bumps. The entire chest area is examined by way of palpation which is a tapping method which will tell the doctor if there is any unusual firmness in the glands in the chest from the breasts to the collar-bone. The lymph glands beneath the armpit are also checked as well as any discharge from the nipple. Additional testing may include analyzing samples of discharge from the breasts.

3. Mammogram
The mammogram is a testing method which will take two x ray views from different angles of the breasts. This is an ideal test for those that are asymptomatic—meaning that they are devoid of having any symptoms or signs that there is anything wrong in the breasts.

Sometimes if the doctor sees something that they think need extra investigation, they will order a spot or cone view. This is a shot taken of a particular area from different angles that helps the doctor better evaluate abnormal breast tissue and decide the next step in the process—such as biopsy.

4. Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound is a test which uses the fluid in your body to send back a picture of what is going on inside. This procedure does not include the use of radiation. The area of the breast to be examined is lubricated with a gel that assists the sonographer to move the wand cross the area so that the sound waves can send back a picture of the inside of the breast.

Ultrasound is generally used after the mammogram is already done. If the doctor sees a spot he or she finds suspicious then ultrasound may be used as a subsequent test. Ultrasound is helpful in telling the difference between a Tumor and a cyst which is nothing more than a liquid-filled sac and can be treated. However, in the case of a tumor, ultrasound can help the doctor decide if it is a benign or malignant tumor.

5. Biopsy
A biopsy is when a sample of the tissue is taken and then inspected by a pathologist who will make a report of the findings which will be given to the oncologist (cancer doctor). If you want to know more about what is on your report—you can go to breast pathology report or call 1-800-227-2345.

The type of biopsy done is decided with the patient. Certain factors must be considered before the test can be done such as total health of the patient, where the lesion is located, number of lesions etc.

6. MRI—Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging
This is a test which requires a bit of time. It uses magnets to translate images back to a computer. The patient is injected with a substance called gadolinium. This substance travels to the area that needs to be imaged to make it dark enough to show up.

After you are injected you will lie flat on a sliding table and placed in a long tube. It may take up to an hour or more for all the pictures to take place. You will be asked to stay completely still during the exam. Most MRI clinics will offer head phones with music or light atmospheric sounds so you are distracted and relaxed through the process.

7. Ductal Lavage
Ductal lavage is a test in the experimental phase and is used for women who have high risk of breast cancer but don’t have any symptoms yet. This is a simple procedure that can be performed in a doctor’s office or on an outpatient basis in a hospital.

An anesthetic cream will be applied to the nipple area. Then a suction device will gently and painlessly draw fluid from the milk ducts so that the doctor can locate them. Then a catheter is inserted into a duct and saline (salt-water) solution is injected and cells are collected. The cells are observed in a lab and results are given to the doctor and discussed with the patient.

Tumor Marker for Breast Cancer

Tumor Marker for Breast Cancer

Tumor marker refers to a substance that is present in an individual’s urine, blood or the tumor itself. Tumor marker is secreted either by the body or by the tumor in the presence of cancer. You may be recommended to have tumor markers tested at various stages of cancer to aid in the diagnosis and treatment. In combination with other medical tests, a test done to measure tumor marker is quite helpful in providing useful information regarding the cancer and its treatment. For those who are concerned, it helps to know what these tumor markers mean and which tumor marker test to choose for a particular Breast Cancer.

How Can We Use Tumor Marker for Breast Cancer?
Tumor markers for breast cancer are used in the following ways:

• To help in the planning of treatment in one of the following scenarios: to determine whether the cancer in a patient has a favorable prognosis or not (what is the behavior of the cancer and the patient’s recovery chances) and whether the cancer will require additional treatment or not; to predict the success of a specific treatment in a patient.
• To help in keeping a check on how a patient is recovering over time.
• To help in determining the risk of developing cancer.
• To help in detecting cancer in its early stage when there are no signs or symptoms of cancer present.

What Are Common Tumor Markers for Breast Cancer?
The common tumor markers used for breast cancer are: ER and PR, HER2, CA 15-3, CA 27.29 and CEA, uPA, PAI-1 and oncotype DX.

1. PR and ER (Progesterone receptor and Estrogen receptor)
ER and/or PR positive breast cancer cells require estrogen and/or progesterone for their growth. ER and PR testing is done to determine whether the cancer requires hormone therapy such as tamoxifen (Nolvadex) for treatment.

2. HER2 (Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)
This is a protein that is present in large quantities in almost 20-25% of breast cancer cases. To stop the growth of cancer cells anti-HER2 treatment is given which blocks HER2. HER2 tests help the physician to determine whether the cancer requires anti-HER2 treatment such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) or not.

3. CA 15-3 (Cancer antigen 15-3), CA 27.29 (cancer antigen 27.29) and CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen)
These are tumor markers that are present in almost 50-90% of patients suffering from metastatic breast cancer. However, high levels may indicate other condition apart from cancer. These tests are also monitored to determine an early recurrence after initial treatment of the primary tumor. It is also done to determine the success of cancer treatment.

4. uPA (Urokinase plasminogen activator) and PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor)
These tumor markers are present in high amounts in aggressive forms of cancer or cancers which grow very fast. These tests require specific methods to store and save the tissue for testing and are not as common as other tumor marker tests. Test for these tumor markers is done to determine whether chemotherapy is required after surgery in patients having node-negative (meaning having no cancer found in lymph nodes) breast cancer.

5. Oncotype DX
This test is the measurement of multiple genes at one time to determine the risk of recurrence of breast cancer in patients who have early-stage, ER positive and node-negative breast cancer. Patients who have a low recurrence score usually require treatment with only hormone therapy and they can avoid chemotherapy.

What does Tumor Marker Tests for Different Breast Cancer Mean to You?
Tests for tumor markers help in both planning and monitoring cancer treatment and in determining the prognosis of cancer. The tumor markers mentioned above are helpful in predicting the response to particular therapy and/or also in finding the best treatment for your cancer.

What Questions Should You Ask Your Doctor?
You should ask your doctor the following questions to know more about tumor markers:

• What tumor markers tests are recommended by your doctor? Which tests have already been done?
• What is the method to perform these tests?
• How often will these tests be performed?
• Do the tests need to be done in a laboratory that is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP)?
• What are the test results and how will they affect your treatment?
• What medicines or health conditions may interfere with these tests?

What Are Recommended Tumor Marker Tests for Different Breast Cancer?

Type of Breast Cancer	Recommended Tumor Marker Tests
Newly diagnosed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)	No tumor marker tests are recommended as DCIS implies that the cancer is confined to the ducts of the breast and is non-invasive in nature.
Newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer	PR and ER tests to aid in the prediction of response to hormone therapy post surgery. HER2 test to aid in the prediction of response to trastuzumab and other anti-HER2 therapies and certain forms of chemotherapy.
Node-negative breast cancer	uPA and PAI-1 tests to determine the prognosis of cancer. Patients with negative uPA and PAI-1 have excellent prognosis and may not require chemotherapy.
Node-negative breast cancer that is ER positive and/or PR positive	Oncotype DX test to identify the patients who will require only tamoxifen and can avoid chemotherapy.
Metastatic breast cancer	ER and PR tests to determine the response to hormone therapy. HER2 test to determine the response to trastuzumab and other anti-HER2 treatments. CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 to monitor treatment; these tests should be used in combination with health history of patient, a complete physical examination, and diagnostic imaging tests including x-ray, CT scan and/or MRI. CEA to monitor treatment; this test should also be used in combination with health history of patient, a complete physical examination and diagnostic imaging tests.
Recurrent breast cancer	HER2 test to determine the response to trastuzumab and other anti-HER2 treatments and indicate which specific chemotherapy need to be used.

ER Positive Breast Cancer

ER Positive Breast Cancer

Not all types of Breast Cancer are the same. Some types (60%) have cancer cells that are ER positive (ER+), which means that they have estrogen receptors. These estrogen-receptor-positive cancer cells have protein molecules, which bind to estrogen to encourage their growth and proliferation. How to treat ER positive breast cancer? What do other results from hormone receptor test mean?

Treatments for ER Positive Breast Cancer
There are various ways to treat ER positive breast cancer:

1. Selective Estrogen-receptor Tesponse Modulators
Referred to as SERMs, these drugs block the harmful effects of excess estrogen in breast cells by binding to your receptors. The most common SERM used for ER+ breast cancer is Tamoxifen. Fareston (toremifene) is also used for advanced cases among postmenopausal women. Raloxifene is another SERM that has been used to prevent breast cancer in women who have a high risk of developing estrogen-positive breast cancer.

2. Aromatase Inhibitors
These drugs stop estrogen production in women who are postmenopausal. They block the effects of aromatase enzyme, which converts another hormone called androgen into estrogen in small amounts. This results in less estrogen becoming available to induce growth and proliferation of ER-positive cancer cells. These medications work only with postmenopausal women, since they do not affect estrogen produced from the ovaries of younger women. Estrogen in postmenopausal women comes from their fat tissues and their Adrenal Glands. Examples of aromatase inhibitors are Arimidex (anastrozole), Femara (letrozole), and Aromasin (exemestane).

3. Estrogen-receptor Downregulators
Also called ERDs, these drugs block estrogen effects in your breast by occupying estrogen receptors, preventing estrogen molecules from binding to them. ERDs also affect the number and shape of the receptors so that they do not work well. One example is Faslodex (fulvestrant), which is used in the treatment of advanced, estrogen positive breast cancer among postmenopausal women.

4. Luteinizing Hormone-releasing Hormone Agents
LHRHs shut off ovarian function and stop the production of estrogen, which results in less estrogen being available to support growth of ER+ breast cancer. These are usually injected once every month for several months. These are often given to premenopausal women who have early-stage breast cancer. When stopped, your ovaries begin functioning normally after some time. Examples include Lupron (leuprolide), Zoladex (goserelin), and Trelstar (Triptorelin).

Below is a general discussion of ER positive breast cancer and breast cancer in general:

What do Hormone Receptor Test Results Mean?
Most testing laboratories use a special staining procedure, which detects estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells. This test, called immunohistochemical staining, is used in various ways by different labs, so they analyze and report the results in various ways.

Your doctor will tell you after your tests which category best describes your breast cancer type. Most types of breast cancer are estrogen-receptor-positive.

Test Results	Meaning
ER+	Breast cancer cells are positive for estrogen receptors. This occurs in 80% of patients.
ER+/PR+	Breast cancer cells are positive for estrogen receptors and are also positive for progesterone receptors. Both hormones support the growth of the breast cancer. This occurs in 65% of patients.
ER+/PR-	Breast cancer cells are positive for estrogen receptors but are negative for progesterone receptors. This occurs in 13% of patients.
ER-/PR+	Breast cancer cells are negative for estrogen receptors and but are positive for progesterone receptors. This means that progesterone is more likely to support growth of cancer cells. This occurs in 2% of patients.
ER-/PR-	Breast cancer cells are negative for receptors for both hormones. This is also known as “hormone-receptor-negative”, which occurs in 25% of patients.

Notes:
A positive test result for either or both types of hormone receptors means that your breast cancer is “hormone-receptor-positive.” In these cases, hormonal therapy can help slow down or stop breast cancer cell growth by reducing estrogen levels or by blocking estrogen effects. These medications may also help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence or cancer coming back after treatment.

If tests come out positive, your doctor may prescribe hormonal therapy to be included in your plan of treatment. If breast cancer is hormone receptor-negative, hormonal therapy is unlikely to be recommended. Other effective treatments, however, are available.

Breast Cancer Recurrence

Breast Cancer Recurrence

Recurrence of breast can occur at any time; however, the majority of the recurrences happen during the initial first three to five years following therapy. Recurrent Breast Cancer lesion can occur either locally (in the breast that was treated or around the scar of mastectomy) or at some other site in the body, most common sites being lymph nodes, liver, bones, lungs or brain. How can you know the breast cancer is coming back? How to deal with it? What Are the Signs of Breast Cancer Recurrence?
If you have a personal history of breast cancer, then it is recommended that you should practice regular breast self-exams. It should include checking both the area that has been treated and the other disease free breast every month. If you notice any abnormal changes, consult your physician immediately. 1. Signs

• You notice an area that is different in appearance from the rest of the breast.


• You feel an abnormal lump or thickening of the tissue in the breast or in the underarms, especially if they persist even after the menstrual cycle.


• You notice a change in the shape, size or contour of the breast.


• You feel a marble-like area under the skin of the breast.


• You notice or feel abnormal appearing skin on the breast or nipple, for instance, the skin becomes dimpled, scaly, puckered or inflamed.


• You notice discharge from the nipples, which may be clear or bloody.


• The skin on the breast or nipple becomes red.

2. Warnings
Apart from doing regular breast self-exams, you should also schedule regular appointments with your physician. During these follow-up appointments your physician will perform breast exam, do appropriate imaging or lab tests as required and enquire about any abnormal symptoms that you may be experiencing. The frequency of these follow-up appointments should be every 3-4 months initially. Gradually as you remain cancer-free, the frequency of follow-up appointments can be decreased. You should go for regular screening mammograms, which are usually recommended to be done once a year. 3. When to See a Doctor
You should also see your doctor immediately in case you develop any of the following symptoms: new onset of pain, changes or occurrence of new lumps or thickening in the breast or scar of mastectomy or chest wall, unintentional Weight Loss, shortness of breath etc. You should also visit and talk to your physician if you notice any of the symptoms of recurrence mentioned above. What Are the Risk Factors of Breast Cancer Recurrence?
Various factors that increase your risk of breast cancer recurrence are: 1. Lymph Node Involvement
If your cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes when you were diagnosed initially, then your chances of having a recurrence are increased. Females who have multiple affected lymph nodes are at a higher risk. 2. Large Size of Tumor
If the size of your tumor was larger at the time of initial diagnosis, then also your chances of recurrence are high. Females who have tumors with size greater than 5 centimeters or 2 inches have the highest chance of recurrence. Such females should consider radiation therapy even if they have had mastectomy to remove the tumor. 3. Tumor Margins Are Close or Positive
Your chances of recurrence are increased if you have a positive tumor margin. Some healthy margin of normal tissue is also removed during the removal of breast lump. If these borders are free of cancer, then the margins are negative; however, if there are cancerous cells present, then the margins are positive. 4. No Radiation Therapy is Given after Lumpectomy
Females who choose to undergo lumpectomy so as to preserve the breast tissue are recommended to undergo radiation therapy to the remaining breast so as to avoid a recurrence. 5. Age
The risk of recurrence is increased if the age of the female is less than 35 years at the time of the initial diagnosis. 6. Presence of Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Females who suffer from inflammatory breast cancer are also a higher risk of recurrence. How to Treat Breast Cancer Recurrence

• A local breast cancer recurrence is treated according to the initial treatment you received. If your initial treatment was lumpectomy then recurrence is treated with mastectomy. Similarly, if initially you had a mastectomy, then the recurrence is treated by removing the tumor followed by radiation therapy. Chemotherapy, hormone therapy and/or radiation therapy may be used following surgery.


• If the recurrence is in the other breast, treatment is done by doing a lumpectomy or mastectomy followed by radiation and/or systemic therapy.


• Females who have recurrence in distant organs such as lungs, bones, brain etc, treatment is done using systemic therapy.

Home Remedies for Breast Cancer Recurrence
1. Eat Well
You should eat a nutritious diet to maintain stamina so as to cope with the side effects of treatment and prevent recurrence.

• Eat foods rich in protein. Protein rich foods help in the repair of body tissues. Recommended foods include chickpeas, kidney beans, eggs, cottage cheese, yoghurt, poultry, fish, peanut butter etc in your diet.


• Eat foods with an open mind. You should keep trying different nutritious and beneficial foods even if you have a dislike for any particular variety.


• Eat small quantities of foods at regular intervals. Eat several small meals throughout the day. Snack on fresh fruits and vegetables which you should keep handy.

2. Manage Stress
Practice stress managing strategies such as meditation, yoga and stretching exercises. One technique of meditation is to simply close your eyes and paying attention your inhalation and exhalation. 3. Stay Active
Get involved in regular physical activity as it helps to relieve Depression and anxiety, improves mood and decrease the side effects of medications. You can go for a walk or do swimming, or biking. How to Prevent Breast Cancer Recurrence
There are various factors that are associated with reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence. Some of these are:

• Tamoxifen or Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy. Breast cancer recurrence risk is reduced by taking tamoxifen for five years after the initial treatment. According to research, some patients may benefit from aromatase inhibitor therapy either 2-3 years post tamoxifen therapy or post initial treatment.


• Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is associated with a reduced risk of cancer recurrence.


• Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy should be given to females who had breast sparing surgery or with a large tumor or inflammatory breast cancer to reduce the risk of recurrence.


• Herceptin. Herceptin is shown to reduce the cancer risk for females whose cancer releases extra HER2 protein.


• Maintaining healthy weight also reduces the risk of cancer recurrence.

Side Effects of Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer

Side Effects of Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer

Tamoxifen commonly used in hormone therapy to treat Breast Cancer. It can slow or stop cancer cell growth and prevent new cancer in the other breast.

However, it does have some side effects. Menopausal symptoms including Vaginal Dryness, Hot Flashes, low libido, nausea, and mood swings are the most common symptoms.

Other rare side effects are more dangerous. These are:

• Overgrowth of uterus lining (endometrial hyperplasia) and cancer of uterus lining (endometrial cancer).
• Increased risk of Blood Clots in the lungs (Pulmonary Embolism) and the legs (Deep Vein Thrombosis).
• Increased risk of cataract.
• Increased risk of Stroke.
• Ovarian Cysts

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survival Rates

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survival Rates

Triple Negative Breast Cancer is a type of cancer that has no receptor for progesterone, estrogen or HER2. The special property gives it resistance to many chemotherapeutic agents which target these receptors, thus it has the worst prognosis and fast development.

Because of its high resistance to treatment and aggressive nature, the survival rates of triple negative breast cancer for 5 years and more are low. Based on a study among 50.000 women in 2007, it was found out that survival rates of triple negative breast cancer for 5 years was 77%, as compared with 93% in other types of breast cancer.

HER2 Positive Breast Cancer

HER2 Positive Breast Cancer

HER2 positive Breast Cancer is a type of breast cancer which tests positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)—a protein that promotes cancer cell growth. In 1 out of every 5 breast cancers, the cancer cells make excessive HER2 because of gene mutation. Knowing about the testing process and treatment options for HER2 positive breast cancer ahead of time can help you better cope with the condition. Test for HER2 Positive Breast Cancer
When you have had a lumpectomy, you are usually tested for HER2 proteins. Generally speaking every breast cancer patient is tested for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The test result makes it easier for the doctor to determine what treatments are best for you. If cancer returns after the person has undergone treatment then those HER2 levels are checked again. It may then be decided that another biopsy is in order. Treatments for HER2 Positive Breast Cancer
The physician will consider the following factors to determine the treatment needed:

• What stage the cancer is in (the size of the Tumor and whether it has spread to other body parts)


• What grade the cancer is at (how fast are the cells growing)


• If the cancer has estrogen receptors (If it does, it is a prime Candidate for hormone therapy)

There are specific treatments that target only HER2 cancers. This is because HER2 tends to be much more aggressive than other types and will be less receptive to hormone therapy. This is a list of those therapies. 1. Trastuzumab (Herceptin)
This treatment kills cancer cells and also reduces risks of recurrence by especially targeting HER2. It can be used in accordance with chemo therapy or alone with hormone blockers like Aromatase inhibitor or Tamoxifan. Herceptin is normally tolerable but can cause Congestive Heart Failure or allergic reaction in some patients. Watch a video to understand how Herceptin works for HER2 positive breast cancer:

2. Lapatinib (Tykerb)
This drug is HER2 specific. It is used as a treatment for those that don’t respond to Trastuzumab treatment. It is used with the chemotherapy drug Xeloda. This treatment also has congestive heart failure as a possible side effect as well as Diarrhea and rash. 3. Surgery
There are three choices for surgery. Depending on the patient’s individual situation—the choices are as follows: Lumpectomy which is the breast-conserving therapy when the mass itself is extracted along with some of the tissue and maybe a lymph node or two are analyzed. The second choice is the mastectomy. This is done when the cancer is metastasized or if the woman has breasts that are smaller in proportion to the tumor. The third option is removing lymph nodes and examining for metastases (cancer spread). 4. Chemotherapy
This is a therapy that destroys cancer cells. It can be used after a lumpectomy and is usually given together with Herceptin to prevent recurrence. It can be given in this combination before surgery as well. Women with HER2 positive breast cancer are usually treated with chemotherapy drugs known as either anthracylines or taxanes. 5. Radiotherapy
This treatment uses high energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is also used to relieve pain on patients with advancing cancers and to prevent cancer coming back. 6. Hormonal therapy
This is for types of cancer with estrogen receptors. This will block the estrogen from attaching to the cells and feeding them or will lower the production of estrogen. Watch a video for more information on HER2 and treatment:

Is Breast Cancer Genetic?

Is Breast Cancer Genetic?

Is Breast Cancer genetic? The answer is yes. Modern medicine believes that at least 5-10% of breast cancers are hereditary—meaning it is passed on from parent to child. When you have an abnormality in the DNA, it is transferred to certain cells. But what are the genes responsible for breast cancer? How to assess your risk of getting breast cancer and how to respond correctly if you are concerned?

Why Is Breast Cancer Genetic?
Genes for breast cancer can be passed on from parent to child. It happens because there are codes or “instructions” inside the cells that when they divide continue to carry the same set of bad instructions. When this DNA with the bad set of instructions is passed along, it will be inherited. This is true of many diseases and disorders and not just cancers.

If there is cause for concern because you have a parent with breast cancer then you should take preventive measures such as mammograms and perform self-tests more often at a younger age.

What Are the Genes for Breast Cancer?
Many factors can cause breast cancer, such as environment, lifestyle, hormonal imbalance and our genetic makeup.

The genes that are deemed to cause breast cancer include BRCA1, BRCA2 and TP53 gene mutation.

The statistic is that 1 in every 20 women may have the faulty gene which puts them at risk for developing breast cancer. However, it doesn’t mean that just because you have the gene you will develop the breast cancer—it only means that it is more possible.

If both parents carry the faulty gene then you have a 50% chance of a genetic pass through.

How to Assess Your Risk for Breast Cancer?
There are some factors that you have to consider to make a proper assessment of your risk. Listed below are situations when you are at greater risk:

• A lot of blood relatives with breast cancer
• Close blood relatives with breast cancer
• Relatives under 40 with breast cancer
• Relative with breast cancer in both breasts
• Male relative with breast cancer
• Combination of ovarian and breast cancer in family
• Ethnic backgrounds like Ashkenazi Jew and other ethnicity with prominent histories
• Adrenal or other cancers in family

What to Do if You Are Concerned about Getting Breast Cancer
If you fall in any of the above categories—you will want to consult your physician. Your family doctor will know about your history and your primary as well as secondary family. Primary is your immediate family members like your parents and siblings; secondary is your grandparents, aunts and uncles and first cousins which are your parent’s siblings’ children.

On the basis of your family history, your health care provider will assess your risk as near-normal, moderate, or high. You are then advised to see a specialist for further assessment and counseling if your risk is moderate or high.

Watch a video about genetics and breast cancer:

Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

Radiation therapy or radiotherapy is a very effective and targeted way of fighting cancer cells in breasts. These cells may have lingered on even after correctional surgery. With radiation therapy, you can reduce cancer recurrence chances by up to 70%. Many people are scared by the idea of having to go through radiotherapy. However once you have a clear understanding of the basics and how to deal with radiation therapy, you’ll find the process easier to go through.

What Are the Key Points You Should Know about Radiation Therapy?

• Radiation is a type of targeted therapy that is meant to get rid of cancer cells that were left after surgery. This process is administered from the point the cancer started all the way to other affected body parts.
• Radiation is a painless process. However, the process often causes discomfort.
• External radiation will not make the patient radioactive.
• The treatment is given for five days each week, and it can last up to 7 weeks. In some cases, radiotherapy can be given twice each day for one week.
• Unless radiation targets the head, patients do not lose their hair.
• The skin on the area receiving radiation can turn pink, tan or red. It may also become irritated and sensitive. There are medications and creams that can help minimize the symptoms.
• In the course of treatment, it is possible to feel fatigued. This is a side effect that can last up to several months after the end of treatment.
• The side effects associated with radiation are temporary.
• With radiotherapy, the chances of cancer recurrence after surgery are greatly decreased.

Which Types of Breast Cancer Need Radiation Therapy?

• Most of the time, doctors recommend radiation to patient after they have undergone lumpectomy (Tumor removal) or after undergoing mastectomy which reduces the chances of cancer recurrence in the breast.
• It is also possible for radiation to be used in the treatment of advanced cancer symptoms.

Radiation mostly commences a few weeks after the surgical process. This gives the body a few weeks to heal.

What Happens During Radiation Therapy?
Once you arrive at the hospital, your therapist will escort you to the treatment room where you’ll be required to lie on a table. Once you are comfortably positioned, the therapy is initiated. Your therapist will check on you throughout the whole process. There are cameras that enable the therapist to assess the treatment room. If you experience any issues, you need to alert your therapist immediately. Always remain still and calm during the radiation process. Your therapist will be coming into the room often to help you in repositioning your body and the machine.

The process is painless, and the machine is not in direct contact with your body.

Why You Have Marks on Your Skin from Radiotherapy
During treatment, you will have small marks that resemble tattoos or freckles on the treatment line. These give a permanent treatment outline area. Avoid marking these areas or retouching them when they disappear.

What to Eat During Radiation Therapy
During the radiation process, good nutrition is of utmost importance. This will make it easy for you to recover from the therapy. Eating balanced meals supplies your system with energy to undertake normal day to day activities. This makes healing and fighting infections easier.

If you are having difficulties eating, you can seek the services of a dietitian. They will help you get the nutrients your body needs.

What Are the Side Effects of Radiation Therapy?
Radiation is administered through the skin. Some of the side effects include swelling, sensitivity and color changes. The affected skin part can peel and become tender and moist. Depending on the radiation dose, it is possible to go through hair loss and increased sweating. Skin reactions to the treatment are temporary and very common. They are going to disappear in a few weeks after completing the radiation treatment. In case you experience skin changes in other areas of your body, you need to let your doctor know immediately.

Some side effects are long term and can go on for a year. These long term effects include skin darkening, breast pores enlargement, skin sensitivity, breast size changes as well as breast tissue thickening.

How to Reduce Skin Reactions after Radiation Therapy
You can reduce the side effects on your skin by:

• Cleanse the area of treatment with lukewarm water and mild soap such as Dove, Ivory, Basis or Neutrogena. Avoid rubbing or scratching the skin. Pat it with a dry towel or you can use a hair drier to dry the treatment area.
• Avoid using ointment, perfumes, shaving lotions and deodorants on the skin area undergoing the treatment.
• During shaving, only use electric razors.
• Avoid wearing tight attires or harsh fabric on the area being treated. The best clothes to wear are those made from cotton and soothing fabrics.
• Do not cover the affected skin area with bandages or media tape.
• Keep away from extreme cold or heat after radiation. Avoid using ice packs, hot water pads or heating pads.
• Keep away from direct sunlight. This is important during and after treatment. The sun can make the skin reaction worse and can lead to severe sunburns. You need to use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen lotions and wear protective clothing.

Types of Breast Cancer

Types of Breast Cancer

The ACS (American Cancer Society) has established that in the year 2010, more than 207,000 invasive Breast Cancer cases were diagnosed. The rates of breast cancer incidences saw a 2% decrease each year between 1998 and 2007. This was likely as a result of the reduction in the use of therapies for hormone replacement as well as improvements in prevention, treatment and detection efforts. There are two types of breast cancer: non-invasive breast cancer and invasive breast cancer. Learn about the symptoms and treatments for specific breast cancer types.

Types of Breast Cancer
The following picture shows the difference between normal, non-invasive and invasive cells:

Normal Cells	Non-Invasive Cells	Invasive Cells

Non-invasive Breast Cancer
This is a breast cancer type that stays within the breast’s lobules or milk ducts. Non-invasive cancers do not grow or transmit to other tissues in the breast or outside the breast. This type of cancer is also referred to as ‘carcinoma in situ’ or pre-cancers.

Types of the most common non-invasive cancers

(DCIS) Ductal carcinoma in situ	This is the most common non-invasive cancer. DSIS starts from the milk ducts lining and is made up of cells with malignant features. These cells do not spread to other body parts. However, DCIS is seen as a precursor to invasive breast cancer type. If not treated early enough, it can lead to full blown breast cancer.
( LCIS) Lobular carcinoma in situ	This is also a common non-invasive type of breast cancer. LSIS cancer develops from the milk lobules and is seen as a risk factor that can lead to breast cancer in the future. However, unlike DSIS, this is not a direct precursor of full blown cancer.

Invasive Breast Cancer
Invasive breast cancer is the type that can grow into healthy, normal tissues, affecting body parts like lymph nodes in the armpits and the liver. A majority of the breast cancers are invasive. Your treatment choice depends on whether your cancer type is invasive or non-invasive. The type of cancer also determines how the cancer responds to treatment.

(IDC) Invasive ducal carcinoma	This is the most common breast cancer type in women today. IDC starts from the milk duct lining. It penetrates the walls of the duct and spreads to the surrounding tissues. This is an invasive characteristic that is linked to cancer cells that spread to the rest of the body.
(ILC) invasive lobular carcinoma	This is the second most common type of breast cancer. In fact, ILC accounts for more than 10% of the invasive cancer types that are diagnosed. This cancer type originates from the breast glands that produce milk (lobules). It spreads through the breast tissues and eventually to other body parts.
Male breast cancer	This is a rare type of breast cancer. Less than 1% of all diagnosed breast cancers occur in men. This normally occurs as a mass or lump in a male breast. It is often treated with mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Inflammatory breast cancer	This is a breast cancer type that is not characterized by lumps or Tumors. Instead, the breast skin becomes warm, thickens, and turns red and pitted. It looks a lot like an orange peel.
Recurrent or/and metastatic breast cancer	This is a cancer of the breast that has recurred after it was previously treated. Normally, it returns after spreading to other parts of the body.
Paget’s disease	This is cancer that mainly affects the nipple of the breast. In this type of cancer, the cancer cells accumulate around and inside the nipple.
Phyllodes tumors of the breast	This is rare type of breast tumor that originates from the breast’s connective tissues. They spread in a leaf-like pattern. Some of these tumors are cancerous while others are not.
Endocrine-sensitive breast cancer	This is a type of cancer that is characterized by cancer cells containing progesterone receptor and estrogen receptor in measurable amounts. This makes the cancer treatable with various endocrine methods.
Her2 positive breast cancer	This is type of breast cancer characterized by cancer cells that are overabundant in the Her2 receptor. This type of cancer is curable and is treated with specific anti-Her2 therapies like herceptin and trastuzumab.
Triple negative breast cancer	This is a cancer type that is not hormone based, with no progesterone receptors, estrogen receptors and, and not an excess of the HER2 receptor. Triple negative breast cancer can be hard to treat as there are no agents that target the cancer cells.
Medullary carcinoma	This is an IDC subtype that is rare. It is named so because of its resemblance to the medulla in the brain.
Metaplastic carcinoma	This is a rare invasive cancer type where some of the cancer cells change to other breast cancer cell types resulting in a mixed tumor.
Mucinous carcinoma	This is a rare IDC type where the cancer causes the development of mucin pools. Mucin is a saliva component.
Papillary carcinoma	This is also a rare IDC subtype. It develops in distinct lumps characterized by finger-like extensions that project outwardly.
Tubular carcinoma	This is also a rare IDC subtype characterized by cancer cell collection that look like small tubes that have a diameter of less than 1 cm.

Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast Cancer Treatment

Your doctor can determine the most ideal treatment methods for you depending on the type of Breast Cancer you have. This varies by cancer stage, grade and other factors.

There are numerous breast cancer treatment options available. It is possible to feel overwhelmed during the decision making on the best treatment for you. It is advisable to seek a second opinion on the matter from a cancer treatment specialist, and you can also talk to others who have undergone breast cancer treatment in the past.

Breast Cancer Treatment
First, watch a video for breast cancer treatments:

1. Surgery
There are several surgical procedures available. They include:

• Lumpectomy

This is also referred to as breast-sparing surgery. In this procedure, the Tumor is removed as well as a few tissues that were surrounding the tumor. This is an ideal treatment method for small tumors.

• Mastectomy

This is a surgery done to remove all breast tissues in the entire breast. These tissues include lobules, fatty tissues, nipples, areolas, ducts and skin. There is also the skin sparing mastectomy which ensures the skin covering the breast is left intact for the purpose of reconstruction.

• Sentinel node biopsy

This refers to the treatment method where a few infected lymph nodes (sentinel) are removed. However, the doctor must first ascertain that some lymph nodes have been infected before the procedure is undertaken.

• Axillary lymph node dissection

This is the removal of additional lymph nodes if the sentinel lymph nodes are infected. These additional lymph nodes are mostly in the armpit.

• Removal of both breasts

If one breast is highly infected by the cancer cells, some women prefer having the other uninfected breast removed too. This reduces the risk of developing the cancer again.

Depending on the surgical procedure you choose, you may be exposed to different complications. There is risk of infection and bleeding after surgery. After the procedure, you can go for breast reconstruction. You can discuss this possibility with your surgeon.

2. Radiation Therapy
This type of treatment involves the use of energy beams under high power. These can include X-rays which kill cancer cells. This procedure can be done using an external radiation machine or you can undergo brachytherapy where the radioactive elements are placed internally.

External radiation is most effective for lumpectomy in breast cancers during the early stages. Your doctor may recommend radiation after the surgical treatment procedure if you had advanced breast cancer or cancer that has spread to lymph nodes.

The side effects from radiation therapy are the appearance of a red rash (especially on the area receiving treatment) and fatigue. The breast tissues may also look swollen and firm. In some rare cases, radiation therapy has resulted in heart and lung damage even though it is in very rare cases. There are also cases of cancer developing later in the treated parts.

3. Chemotherapy
This is a type of treatment where drugs are used for killing the cancer cells. This type of therapy is recommended on cancer cases that have a high change of spreading. Chemotherapy decreases the chances of the cancer recurring.

If you have a larger breast tumor, you may be put under chemotherapy before surgery. Chemotherapy shrinks the tumor making it easier to remove through surgery. This treatment method is also used in women with cancers that have spread.

The side effects of chemotherapy treatment greatly depend on the drugs being used. Some of the common side effects are hair loss, fatigue, vomiting and an increased risk of infections. Other rare side effects include heart and kidney damage, premature menopause, blood cell cancer as well as damage to the nerves.

4. Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy or hormone blocking therapy treats hormone sensitive breast cancers. This type of cancer is referred to as ER (estrogen receptor) positive or PR (progesterone receptor) positive cancers.

The treatment can be administered after a surgical process to reduce the chances of the cancer recurring. In case the cancer has spread to other parts, hormone therapy can shrink the cancer and control it.

Treatments used in hormone therapy include:

• Hormone blocking medication

This can include SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator). These are medications that block estrogen from attaching to cancer infected estrogen receptors. These medications also slow down tumor growths and eventually kill cancer cells. Some of these medications include raloxifene, tamoxifen as well as toremifene. These medications can have side effects like Night Sweats, Hot Flashes as well as Vaginal Dryness.

• Aromatase inhibitors

These are simply medications that inhibit the making of estrogen hormone. However, these medications are only useful for women who are past menopause. Examples of these medications include anastrozole, exemestane and letrozole. Some of the side effects of using these drugs include vaginal dryness, night sweats, hot flashes and muscle aches. You also run the risk of bone thinning.

• ER destruction drugs

This is a drug that blocks cancer infected estrogen receptors and signals the cells to destroy these receptors. The fulvestrant drug is this type of drug and is ideal in post-menopausal women. Some of the side effects include joint pain, nausea and hot flashes.

• Ovary hormone production inhibitors

This can be administered in form of medication or a surgical procedure. The medication is meant to inhibit the ovaries from producing estrogen. The surgical process is meant to remove the ovaries.

5. Targeted Therapies
These types of drugs attack abnormalities in cancer cells. Some of the targeted drugs ideal for treating breast cancer include:

• Trastuzumab

This is a drug that stops the production of protein by cancer cells. Without the protein, these cells cannot multiply, and they consequently die. Side effects of this drug include heart problems, Diarrhea and Headaches.

• Pertuzumab

This is a drug approved for use in chemotherapy and metastatic breast cancer. This is given to cancer patients who have not used any other drug for treating their breast cancer. Some of the side effects include hair loss, diarrhea and heart problems.

• Ado-trastuzumab emtansine (kadcyla)

This is simply trastuzumab blended together with a drug for killing cells. This makes the drug ideal in finding cancer cells while the cell killing drug attacks the cancer cells. This is a drug given to women who have tried the trastuzumab alone and chemo to no avail.

• Lapatinib

This is a drug given to women with advanced breast cancer or metastatic breast cancer. It can be used alongside chemotherapy as well as hormone therapy.

Breast Cancer Pictures

Breast Cancer Pictures

Breast Cancer is a common type of cancer found in women that has a number of stages depending on the size of the Tumor and the spreading of the cancer. Each stage of breast cancer has its own distinguishing signs and symptoms and each of them can be diagnosed through the use of a number of different imaging tests and examinations. Pictures for breast cancer in different stages also vary.

Breast Cancer Pictures in Different Stages
1. Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ)
The Stage 0 breast cancer also known as carcinoma in situ is basically of two types.

• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

In Ductal Carcinoma in situ the lining of the ducts which are present in between the lubes and the nipple develop abnormal cells. These cells however, remain inside the ducts and do not spread to other parts of the breast at this stage.

• Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)

In Lobular Carcinoma in situ the lobules of the breast responsible for the production of milk develop abnormal cells. The presence of LCIS in any of the two breasts increases the risk of development of breast cancer of an invasive type in either breast.

2. Stage I
There can be two cases in Stage I breast cancer. In the first case, the tumor is not more than 2 cm in size and is located inside the breast. In the second case, the tumor is accompanied with clusters of cancerous cells in the lymph nodes present near the breast.

3. Stage II
The Stage II breast cancer also has two sub stages of its own.

• Stage IIA

The tumor is either 2 cm or 5 cm in diameter and the cancer may or may not have spread to at least 3 lymph nodes present near the breastbone.

Stage IIB

The tumor is either 2cm or 5cm in size and is accompanied with clusters of breast cancer cells present in the lymph nodes. The cancer may or may not have spread to at least 3 lymph nodes present near the breastbone at this stage.

4. Stage III
The stage III breast cancer can be classified in to three different types.

• Stage IIIA

The tumor is larger than 5 cm in size and has started affecting around 4 to 9 lymph nodes and might have clusters of cancerous cells present in the lymph nodes.

• Stage IIIB

The cancer might have spread to the skin and would have resulted in an ulcer. As many as 9 axillary lymph nodes would be affected by the cancer at this stage.

• Stage IIIC

The cancer would have started affecting as many as 10 axillary lymph nodes that may be present near the breastbone or the collarbone.

5. Stage IV
The cancer has progressed and has infiltrated to the other parts of the body including the brain, liver and lungs.

Notes: All of the above information has been taken from National Cancer Institute.

Real Life Breast Cancer Pictures

Breast Cancer Statistics

Breast Cancer Statistics

Breast Cancer is the most common types of cancer that mostly affects women. Each year a large number of women are diagnosed with this type of cancer and many of them die because of it as well. What are the statistics for breast cancer cases? What are the mortality rates? How many deaths can be prevented with proper treatment?

Breast Cancer Statistics
1. Latest Statistics for 2013
The following are some of the predictions made by the American Cancer Society about the cases of breast cancer in the United States for the year 2013.

• The number of new cases of invasive breast cancer that are going to be reported in women will be about 232,340. .
• The number of new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS), which is a non-invasive type of breast cancer, reported in women will be about 64,640.
• Breast cancer is going to account for the deaths of about 39,620 women.

2. Risks of Getting Breast Cancer

One of the statistics about breast cancer that bothers most women is that every one in eight women run the risk of being affected by breast cancer at some point in their life. However, this statistic is not totally true. This stat holds true only for the women that are over the age of 70. Thus, this statistic should read that for women living beyond 70 years every one in eight would be likely to develop breast cancer. The risk of breast cancer in a woman is likely to increase as she becomes older. This is why the risk of getting breast cancer changes with age:

• Age 20-29: 1 in 2,000
• Age 30-39: 1 in 229
• Age 40-49: 1 in 68
• Age 50-59: 1 in 37
• Age 60-69: 1 in 26
• Ever: 1 in 8

The above statistic is from American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Facts & Figures, 2005-2006.

3. Breast Cancer Mortality Rate in US
During the period from 2006 to 2010, the median age of the women that died of breast cancer was around 68 years. Among the women whose deaths were caused by breast cancer, 0.0% were 20 years old or less, 0.9% had ages in between 20 and 34, 5.3% had their ages in the 35-44 bracket, 14.6% had ages in between 45 and 54, 21.6% had their ages in the 55-64 bracket, 20.2% had ages in between 65 and 74, 21.5% had their ages in the 75-84 bracket while 15.9% were over the age of 85.

However, since 1990, a consistent decrease has been seen in the number of deaths caused by breast cancer in women that are below 50 years of age. This decrease in death rate can be attributed to the advances made in the treatment methods, more awareness in the women about the disease and development of diagnostic means that detect the presence of the cancer at an earlier stage. Below is a chart of death rates by race.

Death Rates by Race
Race/Ethnicity	Female Death Rate
All Races	22.6 per 100,000 women
White	22.1 per 100,000 women
Black	30.8 per 100,000 women
Asian/Pacific Islander	11.5 per 100,000 women
American Indian/ Alaska Native	15.5 per 100,000 women
Hispanic	14.8 per 100,000 women

4. 1/3 Breast Cancer Deaths Can be Prevented by Early Detection
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the use of early detection techniques can help in decreasing the death rate in patients suffering from breast cancer.

The first early detection methodology is education that will help the patients in recognizing the signs of the disease and consult a doctor as soon as possible.

The second early detection methodology is screening programs like mammography that will make it easier for the doctors to identify the presence of cancer in a patient at an earlier stage well before the symptoms begin to appear.

Country	New Cases of Breast Cancer (per day)	Breast Cancer Deaths (per day)	Lives that could have been saved through early detection (per day)
USA	527	110	37
UK	125	35	12

5. Heredity and Gene Mutations
Women having relatives that have been diagnosed with breast cancer are twice as likely to develop breast cancer. Approximately 15% of all the women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family member that already has breast cancer.

• Mutations of genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 are among the common causes of breast cancer that account for about 5-10% of all breast cancer cases. These gene abnormalities can increase the risk of development of cancer in a woman by almost 80%. Moreover, women having breast cancer because of these mutations get diagnosed much earlier when they are young. Gene mutations are also considered the reason for the development of ovarian cancer as well.
• 85 out of every 100 patients of breast cancer do not have any family member suffering from this disease. The reason for the development of breast cancer in these patients can be attributed to genetic mutations caused by old age instead of mutations that have been inherited.
• Only 10% cases of breast cancer in men occur because of BRCA2 mutation while the numbers are even less for BRCA1 mutation. The prominent factors that increase the risk of development of breast cancer are old age and gender.

6. More Statistics

• The period between 1999 and 2005 saw a decrease in the number of cases being reported in the US by 2% per year. However, this decrease was observed only in the women older than 50 years of age. It is believed that the reason for the this decrease is down to the reluctance of the women to use Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) after a Women’s Health Initiative study that was published in 2002 claimed that HRT was the reason for breast cancer in most women.
• The death rates of breast cancer are the highest among women in the U.S. except for Lung Cancer. .
• For women in the U.S, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer after Skin Cancer. Every 3 in 10 women suffering from cancer in America are patients of breast cancer.
• African-American women who are under the age of 45 have a greater risk of developing breast cancer than white women. Deaths caused by breast cancer are most common in African-American women. Women belonging to other races have a limited chance of getting affected by breast cancer.
• As many as 2.6 million women survived breast cancer in the U.S. in the year 2011.

Breast Cancer Stages

Breast Cancer Stages

The determination of Breast Cancer stages is necessary for a doctor to take decisions regarding the treatment plan for the disease.

In order to find out the stage of the breast cancer, a doctor examines the breast tissues obtained from the lumpectomy or mastectomy procedures. Moreover, tissues of the lymph nodes present under the armpit can also be examined for this purpose.

The stage of the breast cancer is usually denoted by a Roman numeral and can range from I to IV. Factors that influence the stage of breast cancer are its size and how far it has spread inside the body.

Breast Cancer Stages
1. Stage 0

The Stage 0 breast cancer is usually non-invasive in nature. The best example of this stage of breast cancer is Ductal Carcinoma in situ (DCIS). In this stage, there is no evidence of abnormal cancerous or non-cancerous cells in breast or other neighboring tissues.

2. Stage I

Stage I breast cancer is characterized by the presence of a Tumor that is approximately 2cm in diameter and resembles the shape of a peanut. At this stage, the cancer does not spread away from the breast and is yet to affect the lymph nodes.

Video: Treatment Options for Early Stage Breast Cancer

The treatment options available for patients having early stage breast cancer are lumpectomy or partial and full mastectomy accompanied with radiation therapy of the whole breast area. Below is a video for more details:

3. Stage II

Stage II breast cancer is characterized by the presence of a tumor that has a diameter ranging from 2cm to 5cm. At this stage, the breast cancer might start affecting the lymph nodes but it would not have spread to another part of the body. Tumors more than 5cm in diameter that look like a lime would not involve the lymph nodes whereas tumors less than 2cm in diameter might start affecting at least three of the lymph nodes present under the armpit. Stage II breast cancer in some cases can have no tumor in the breast but show presence of cancerous cells in three of the axillary lymph nodes.

Video: Stage 2 Breast Cancer Symptoms and Treatment

The distinguishing symptoms that separate Stage II breast cancer from Stage I breast cancer is the involvement of lymph nodes. The treatment of this stage of breast cancer includes the use of chemotherapy in addition to surgery and radiation therapy. Below is a video for more details:

4. Stage III

Stage III breast cancer is characterized by the presence of a tumor that is larger than 5cm in diameter. At this stage, the cancer would have started to spread to the lymph nodes present close to the breast. The nodes present in the armpits and the collarbone will start getting affected by the breast cancer at this stage which is also known as locally advanced cancer. The other parts of the body however, still remain safe from the cancer even at this stage. In some cases of stage III breast cancer, the lymph nodes that are affected might be separated from one another while in other cases they might have started growing together above your collarbone.

Video: Jessica Bowen-Stage 3 Breast Cancer Survivor

Jessica Bowen was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer and managed to survive by making lifestyle changes that helped her to fight off the cancer.

5. Stage IV


Stage IV breast cancer is characterized by spreading of the cancer to different parts of the body. This stage is considered the most advanced stage of breast cancer and is also known by the name of metastatic breast cancer. Bones, liver, lungs and brain are among the other parts of the body that can get affected by the breast cancer cells.

Video: Stage 4 Breast Cancer- Is It a Death Sentence?

Stage IV breast cancer is not a death sentence. Women having this most advanced stage of breast cancer can still lead rewarding lives by continuing the treatment that has been prescribed to them by their doctor. Watch for more details:

Video: Natural Breast Cancer Treatment and Prevention

Breast Cancer can be treated and prevented naturally by giving importance to strengthening the immune system. The reason for this is that breast cancer usually occurs because of an abnormal growth of certain cells that are controlled by our immune system. By enhancing the immune system the growth of these cells can be controlled thus, resulting in prevention of the breast cancer. Learn how in the following video:

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Lumps are considered the most important signs of Breast Cancer. However, it is not necessary that the lumps are picked up instantly during the initial phases of the cancer. Furthermore, patients having inflammatory breast cancer don’t even cause lumps and have to be identified separately. Women should remain cautious of other changes and indicators that may signal the presence of a malignancy.

The following are some of the symptoms of breast cancer that are not known to many women. If you are experiencing any of these signs then you must consult a doctor at your earliest.

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
1. Red, Sore and Itchy Breasts

The most evident signs of inflammatory breast cancer are reddening of the skin of the breasts. The patient might feel the skin becoming a lot scaly and itchy and hot to touch. Soreness is generally felt by the patients too that is accompanied by swelling of the breast and the appearance of purplish spots that resemble the color of bruises. Some patients might also find the skin of their breasts showing a dimpled texture, which is another sign of the presence of inflammatory breast cancer. In this type of breast cancer, the cancerous cells block the blood vessels that are responsible for supplying blood to the skin, thus resulting in the changed color of the skin.

2. Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain is among the first signs that are felt by women who have developed a breast Tumor. The reason for this is that most of the tumors forming inside the breast lie in the glandular tissue which is located deep in the breast near the chest wall. When this tumor starts to grow in size, it starts putting pressure on the chest wall and consequently the spine resulting in a pain felt by the patient between her shoulder blades. In most cases, women fail to recognize this pain as a sign of breast cancer and confuse it with muscular strain.

3. Changes in Nipples

Nipples are among the areas where tumors are most likely to develop. The growth of a tumor near the nipple can cause changes in its shape and appearance that can be picked up very quickly by the patient. The changes in nipples that are usually associated with tumors are flattening or inversion of the nipple. You might feel that your nipple has shrunk in size or is not sticking up as it used to. Moreover, in some cases of breast cancer, discharge of a liquid from the nipple is also observed without it being squeezed. If this discharge has blood present in it then it is a clear indication of breast cancer.

4. Pain, Lump or Swelling in Armpit

The lymph nodes present in the armpit are among the first ones to be affected when breast cancer starts to spread in the body. The lymph nodes in the armpit are the closest ones to the breast and get duly affected by the lymphatic fluid draining from the breast. When this fluid comes in contact with these lymph nodes, they begin to swell in size and take the shape of lumps which start appearing under the armpits. The patient begins to feel intense pain in these lumps which are hard and do not budge when being touched. Thus, the formation of lumps under the armpits is another sign of breast cancer that must not be overlooked.

5. Change in Breast Shape or Size

Breast tumors are known to produce changes in the shape or the size of the breasts too. Women who have thick breast tissue might not feel the presence of the lump that has been forming inside their breasts. However, they might notice the changes being made to their breast by the growing lump. These changes are mostly noticeable when you look at the breasts in a mirror. You will find that one of your breasts has grown in size or is hanging more loosely than the other one. If you find any such change in the shape of your breasts then it is better to consult a doctor and have a mammogram to check for the presence of breast cancer.

6. Late Signs and Symptoms
As the breast cancer starts to spread throughout the body and begins to affect other organs, the following late signs and symptoms might be observed by the patients.

• Bone pain


• Buildup of fluid around the lungs (Pleural Effusion)


• Nausea


• Loss of appetite


• Jaundice


• Weight Loss


• Shortness of breath


• Cough


• Muscle weakness


• Headache


• Double vision

Video for Inflammatory Breast Cancer Symptoms:

Invasive Breast Cancer

Invasive Breast Cancer

Invasive Breast Cancer affects one out of every eight women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, more than one million US women have the disease but do not know it. Although breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect women, there are effective ways to treat this disease. It is important, therefore to recognize its signs and symptoms as early as possible and to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What Is Invasive Breast Cancer?
Cancer of the breast that spreads to the outer portions of the breast and to the nearly lymph nodes is known as invasive breast cancer. When malignant (cancer) cells invade other organs of the body, such as the lungs, brain, liver, and bone it is then called Metastatic Cancer.

Types of Invasive Breast Cancer

• IDC, or Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.

This type of breast cancer involves malignant cells invading milk ducts, breaking through their walls, and attacking fatty tissues of the breast. If the abnormal cells stay near the Tumor origin, it is localized. However, cancerous cells may go to the blood or the lymph and spread (metastasize) to any part of the body. IDC accounts for 80% (most common) of invasive cancer of the breast.

• ILC, or Infiltrating (Invasive) Lobular Carcinoma.

About 10% - 15% of invasive cancer of the breast is ILC, which originates in the milk glands (lobules). Its pattern of spread is like IDC. Most women will feel a thickening or mass in the breast tissue instead of lumps, which is more common in IDC.

What Are the Symptoms of Invasive Breast Cancer
Women who have early stages of invasive breast cancer may experience no symptoms or changes in their breast. However, with time, warning signs and symptoms may appear such as:

• A lump in the breast


• A persistent breast thickening


• A lump or mass that feels like a pea


• Changes in breast size, shape, and contour


• An abnormal nipple discharge, which may be blood-stained


• Changes in the breast skin or nipple (puckered, dimpled, scaly, inflamed)


• Skin redness on breast/nipple


• Change in nipple shape/position


• A hardened area (marble-like) under the breast skin


• Any area that seems different from other parts of the breast

Women may find one or more of these changes while doing breast self-examination. Doing the breast exam regularly helps you get faMiliar with monthly changes normally occurring in the breast and helps you detect any abnormalities.

What Are Risk Factors of Invasive Breast Cancer?
Although breast cancer can develop at any age, your risk of having breast cancer increases as you get older. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 out of 8 women who are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer are under age of 45 while 2 out of 3 women with the disease are 55 years or older when diagnosed.

Aside from age, other risk factors include family history, racial background, socioeconomic status, geographical factors, genetics, radiation exposure, alcohol intake, Obesity, smoking, and diet.

How to Treat Invasive Breast Cancer
Factors to Consider
There are a few factors to consider when choosing treatments for invasive breast cancer, including:

• The size of the tumor


• The location of the mass


• Lab tests results on cancer cells


• The stage of the disease


• The patient’s age


• The patient’s general health status


• The menopause status


• Patient’s own treatment options

Treatment Options
Treatments options for invasive breast cancer include:

1. Local Treatments
These treatments remove/destroy the breast cancer tumor and help control remaining cancerous cells. This includes:

• Surgical treatment


• Radiotherapy

2. Systemic Treatments
Systemic treatments aim to destroy or control cancer cells and control their spread to other parts of the body. These may also be used to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

• Chemotherapy


• Biologic therapy


• Hormonal therapy

More women are surviving invasive breast cancer because of early detection and adequate treatment. If you have any symptoms of breast disease or breast cancer, consult your doctor immediately to get early treatment.