Malignant tumors growing in the breast glandular tissues are a hallmark of breast cancer. Breast cancer is now more common in women than ever. Breast cancer survivors number more than two million. Breast cancer survivors can have a positive outlook if they are diagnosed early and receive prompt and appropriate treatment.
It is unknown why breast cancer occurs in some women and not others. The disease can affect younger women but 75% of breast cancer cases occur in women over 50. There are several risk factors, including genetics and familial, estrogen exposure, socioeconomic status, nutrition, lifestyle and smoking.
Raloxifene
Ralox hydrochloride, a selective estrogen receptor modator (SERM), blocks estrogen’s action in breast and endometrial tissues. At 40-months follow-up, the incidence of estrogen receptor positive invasive breast carcinoma was 76% lower in women who received either dose of raloxifene. Side effects of raloxifene include an increase in the risk of thromboembolic diseases, but not an increased chance of endometrial carcinoma.
Recent studies have shown that low breast cancer incidence is linked to a variety of environmental factors, including diet. Soy, which is found in soy milk, tofu, tempeh and other vegetarian meat substitutes, is one food that is thought to be a cancer-preventive. However, there isn’t any evidence to support this assertion. It may be possible to prevent ralox breast cancer by eating more fruits and vegetables, avoiding red meat (or substituting soy protein with soy milk) and avoiding cholesterol (olive oils has none).
Indole-3carbinol, or I-3-C, is a chemical found in cabbage, broccoli and other cruciferous veggies that may help to prevent estrogen-related breast carcinomas. Regular use of standard doses (two or more) of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and other cruciferous vegetables may be another preventive measure.
Breast Cancer Screening
The dilemma is whether to screen or not screen. This isn’t a medical problem, but it also has economic implications. The most stressful period for cancer patients is when they are diagnosed. This is characterized by sadness, fear, anxiety, confusion and sometimes anger.
Screening women for breast cancer in the early stages of development is important to ensure that medical and surgical treatment are as effective as possible in reducing mortality. Screening is beneficial only when a earlier diagnosis leads to a decrease in mortality and morbidity, and the risks associated with the screening test are low. There are three options for breast cancer screening currently available: X-ray mammography (or clinical breast examination), breast self-examination, and breast MRI.
Mammography
Mammograms are a special xray of the breast. They can often detect small-sized cancers that are difficult for women or their doctors to feel. Screening is done to detect breast cancer early so that treatment is possible. The amount of radiation required to create a clear mammogram (picture), depends on the breast size and density. It is important to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.
Mammograms cannot differentiate between benign and malignant tumors, so they are not always 100% accurate. Although mammography can detect more than 90% of breast cancer, a negative mammography doesn’t necessarily mean it is absent. A biopsy is the only way to confirm a positive diagnosis if you have strong suspicions of a lesion.
Clinical Breast Examination (CBE).
A clinical breast exam is when the doctor examines the breasts and the underarms to look for signs of breast cancer. CBE includes bilateral inspection and palpation, as well as the supraclavicular and axillary areas. Exams should be done in the upright or supine position. The length of time the examiner spends on the examination is a good indicator of exam accuracy.
It is not clear if CBE alone can be effective in screening for breast carcinoma. Numerous large-scale studies have shown that CBE combined with mammography is effective in screening for breast cancer among women over 50. According to the American Cancer Society, women should undergo CBEs every three year starting at age 20 and ending at age 39. Women 40 years and older should have an annual CBE.
Breast Self-Examination
It is a systematic examination of a woman’s breasts that she performs using her fingers. She uses her fingers to check for any changes and fluid discharge from her nipple. This should be done every month. There are many estimates, but the majority of cases are discovered by the patient as a lump. It is possible to detect some cancers earlier by performing regular breast self-examination, which may be combined with mammography.
About four out of five breast lumps that are found turn out to have a cyst or another benign (noncancerous), lesion. It is important to know if a lump has been found and if it is likely to become cancerous. Numerous epidemiologic studies have shown that breast self-examination is more effective in detecting cancerous lumps and that women who practice it are more likely to survive.
