Breast Cancer

1. Breast Cancer

2. What is breast cancer? • 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

3. . Mammograms • 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)

4. 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#bse2http://www.infobreastcancer Picture courtesy of Yahoo health

5. 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 • Picture from breastthermography.com

6. 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.

7. Stages of breast cancer • 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.

8. 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.

9. Treatments • 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.

10. Radiation top 10 • 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Tamoxifen • Tamoxifen has been used widely over the past 20 years as an effective tool to help eliminate the cancer. • Many cancers love the estrogen, which is already in our body. • 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. • It has also been given to high risk patients to reduce the likelihood that they will get cancer. • Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and even swelling in your lips.

14. 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

15. 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

16. Alternative medicines • Perhaps the most amazing of them all is the 5 mushrooms also known as the : • “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.

17. 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

18. 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.

19. Nutrition • 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

20. Nutrition • 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” • (chapter 16 core concepts in health, Insel) • One should also avoid smoking because it increases the risk also. • 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”. • Fruits and veggies also contain anti carcinogens, carotenoids, antioxidants, and free radicals that help protect our DNA.

21. 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!!

22. References • 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