Women's Struggle With Breast Cancer

This disease is caused by an abnormal growth of cells. If someone in your family has breast cancer, there may be a chance that you will have it as well. Women twenty-five and up have a higher risk of developing this disease. There is no way of preventing cancer. Women need to go to the doctor regularly for check ups. They must learn to recognize the symptoms and know the causes and treatments available for breast cancer.

We do not know exactly what causes breast cancer, but there are several risks that we need to be aware of that may cause cancerous cells. You need to investigate your family’s history with breast cancer: early menstruation, and late menopause, and breast exposure to radiation are factors may affect your health.

If you begin to notice abnormalities on your breast, you need to get checked. Know your body so you can give yourself self-examinations. A sign of breast cancer is a lump in the breast or armpit area. Sometimes these lumps are the beginning of breast cancer, but may or may not be cancerous yet. These lumps may be removed by a simple operation. Other symptoms that may be detected during the self examination are the following: thickening in the breast or arm pit area, a change in the size, shape or color of the nipples, dimples or redness of the skin on the breast, or changes in the size or shape of the breast.

The treatments needed in case you have this disease will depend on how serious and developed the breast cancer is. The simplest treatment is the lumpectomy that consists of removing the cancerous lump. During this process they also remove some of the lymph nodes in the arm. Another treatment which is a more serious one is known as mastectomy. In this process, the doctor needs to remove the whole patient’s breast because the lump has become very large and cancerous and the patient runs the risk that the cancer will spread all over the chest muscle. In some occasions, the chest muscles that are around the breast and the lymph nodes of the arm are removed. This is called a radical mastectomy. If the doctor finds cancer cells on the lymph nodes, this means that the cancer has spread throughout other parts of the body. When this occurs, the patient will require a more aggressive treatment. There are three common forms of treatment for breast cancer: radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

In conclusion, breast cancer is very common in women of all ages. For doctors, it is important that the patient knows her body and knows how to conduct self-examinations, and be aware of any changes in her breast area. Women need to take extra precautions if they have any history of breast cancer in their family. Make sure you examine yourself regularly to prevent any surprises. Remember that the lumps may or may not be cancerous, but to make sure you should go to the doctor and have a mammogram done before it is too late.

6 Steps To The New You!

The first few minutes of meditation allows you to be aware of all what is being filtered through your mind. Meditation doesn’t cause you to think;it allows you to step outside of yourself and practice being an observer. Through meditation, you will be able to calm your mind, you will notice the mental and physical benefits.
Steps to Meditating:

1. Sit in a comfortable position, with your back straight, feet crossed or flat on the floor(if you are sitting in a chair). Ancient theories suggest that we sit on the ground to make a connection between heaven and earth. Traditional postures for meditating are the lotus, tailor’s and Burmese. However, if you are just starting out, the discomfort of sitting in a position that you are not use to will override your focus for meditating. Therefore, choose to sit in a way that is comfortable for you then gradually move to a more traditional posture.

2. Take one deep breath in preparation. Hold it, then slowly release.
3. You will notice that if you keep your eyes closed, that it will be easier for you to fall asleep and/or daydream. If you choose to meditate with your eyes open, it is best to face a wall to minimize distractions.
4. Focus on breathing. When you sit in silence, you are sitting on the legacy that you have created thus far; not from an egotistical point of view but from a historical one. What do you feel most? Do you feel the rising of your chest cavity or the movement of your diaphragm? Is your breathing silent, heavy, irregular?
5. Focus on the area between your nose and upper lip; where you can feel your breathing.
6. Become aware that you’re job on earth is not yet finished; let go of any limitations, breathe out your fears, breathe out any feelings of lack, fear, guilt, misery and become lighter with every breath.

N.B. It is recommended that you meditated first thing in the morning when your energy has not yet fallen prey to outside distractions. It might take a couple of minutes for your mind to settle. Start with as little as 5minutes in the beginning, then try and increase your time.

When you are used to doing a gazillion things at once, your mind will fight the state of stillness. That is why it is recommended to start with short periods. Set an alarm clock if you must. With time, you will strengthen your will to sit for longer periods. You might notice familiar songs pop up in your head, allow, take notice, return your focus on breathing. Deep seated thought or buried emotions might surface. Again, allow, take notice and return your focus on breathing.

Remember that when you are in meditation mode that you are an observer. You will remain a stranger to yourself until you learn to become an observer. Try not to identify the cause of or source of noises taking place around you; it will only cause your thoughts to interlink with other thoughts.
Is Your Mind Wasting You Time? Once you start meditating, you’ll notice that instead of daydreaming at work or behind the wheel that you can be mindful of your thoughts by planting a seed and awaiting a response.

Breast Cancer Risks Experts Dismiss as Unproven

A great stir was caused by the recent statement by Sheryl Crow on national television that a doctor told her that women should not drink bottled water that has been left in a car, because the heat causes toxins from the plastic to leak into the water. She also said the doctor told her that the chemicals have been found in breast tissue and these chemicals can lead to breast cancer.

Articles on the Internet referenced the websites of organizations that had previously addressed this concern, including Breastcancer.org and Plasticsmythbusters.org, which is affiliated with the American Chemistry Council. Both organizations considered the connection between plastic water bottles and breast cancer risk to be “an urban myth” and say the theory is unproven.

The fact that a direct causal connection has not yet been proven beyond a shred of doubt does not mean that the theory is a myth.

It has been proven that phthalates, which are compounds used as softeners and plasticizers for products made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) accelerate breast cell growth in animal studies. These chemicals have also been found to adversely affect the reproductive and endocrine system, especially in baby boys. In a recent study, phthalates were recently linked to low testosterone levels which appears to cause increased belly fat and pre-diabetes in men.

These softeners and plasticizers are used in a variety of consumer and personal care products including food packaging materials, toys, and medical/pharmaceutical devices and drugs. The most commonly used phthalate is DEHP. Food contamination has definitely been found to occur when plastic food packaging materials are made from PVC that was treated with phthalates. As a general rule, we should not cook or heat foods in most plastics. This caveat is especially applicable to old plastic containers in which the surface is eroding the concern being based upon the fact that plasticizers are released during heating. Not all plastic containers are microwaveable. Look for directions regarding this on the packaging.

According to a panel doctor on Breastcancer.org, scientists make sure that during animal studies they don’t contaminate experiments with plastics by using old plastic equipment that have been used and washed many times. Don’t you think you should be a little more concern about contaminating your body? It is possible that water left in the car where the temperature can almost reach the boiling point may be cause for similar concern. It may not be one incident of drinking water from a heated plastic bottle that leads to increased cancer risk, but an accumulation of several risky behaviors or exposure related to plastics just may promote cancer.

We don’t know definitively all the causes of cancer, but we are exposed to so many possible agents that may contribute to cancer, some of them are naturally occurring and some are man-made that there will never be ample epidemiological human studies or data that prove or disprove these “myths.” Some of these agents may not directly cause cancer alone, but they can cause direct damage to genes or disrupt the immune system or alter the hormone balance in such a way as to create a fertile environment for cancer cells to grow.

Another of these “myths” that have circulated on the Internet for several years is that using underarm deodorants or antiperspirants that contain parabens can cause breast cancer. And the consensus among scientists is there is no connection between antiperspirants and breast cancer.

Nevertheless, researchers found six different kinds of parabens in the breast cancer tissue samples of women who were being treated for breast cancer. All of the samples contained some parabens. The amount of parabens in the samples was about equal to the amount that had caused breast cancer cells to grow in test tubes in earlier studies.

The researchers concluded that these chemicals enter breast tissue from outside sources and accumulate in levels high enough to trigger the growth of breast cancer cells. Parabens are also used to preserve foods, medicines, and cosmetics. So there are lots of opportunities for exposure to these chemicals.

Another contributor to breast cancer was recently reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Cadmium, a toxic heavy metal that can build up in the body over time was linked to increased breast cancer risk.

Researchers measured cadmium levels in the urine samples from a group of women and found that women with the highest cadmium levels had twice the breast cancer risk of those with the lowest levels. People may be exposed to cadmium from tobacco smoke and some foods such as liver, kidney, crustaceans (lobsters, crabs, and shrimp), and canned fish. People who work with cadmium or in refining and smelting are also exposed, but the U.S. government limits such on-the-job exposure. But once again, we have the usual disclaimer: “The study doesn't prove cadmium exposure causes breast cancer. It will take more research to figure that out.”

There will never be ample animal studies, much less human epidemiological data that prove or disprove definitively that any specific product or chemicals cause breast cancer in humans. I think it is wise to avoid suspect materials whenever possible. There is usually enough data to conclude whether or not a substance presents a risk that is harmful to your health and may contribute to breast cancer.

Many of these suspect chemicals do not affect only breast cancer risk; they are frequently harmful to the cardiovascular system and overall health.

Consumer reaction that should result if the available data were widely publicized could force consumer product manufacturers and food packagers to search for alternatives.

Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer- Coping with Skin Reactions

Radiation therapy is a simple, painless, and generally well-tolerated tool for treating and even curing breast cancer. One of the most common side effects of radiation therapy to the breast (after a lumpectomy) or to the chest wall (after a mastectomy) is skin irritation. The reaction and its extent differ for every woman. Because radiation therapy is often such an important part of breast cancer treatment, it is important to know how to mitigate its side effects in order to gain the greatest benefit from the therapy.

Coping with Skin Irritation

Radiation-induced skin reactions are more likely to occur in people who received chemotherapy shortly before or during radiation therapy and in women who have a prominent fold under the crease of the breast. In fact, this area and the underarm are the most common areas of the breast to sustain a skin reaction. Most skin reactions resolve within a few weeks of completing radiation therapy.

Skin reactions are almost inevitable for women receiving radiation to the chest wall after a mastectomy. As a result, many radiation oncology facilities give such women a one-week prophylactic break halfway through the course of treatment, to reduce the severity of skin reactions.

The severity of a skin reaction varies from person to person. It can become more noticeable as the course of treatment progresses. Faint pinkness of the skin, brisk redness, sun burnt sensation, dryness, itching, peeling, darkening like a suntan, blistering, and moist oozing can occur.

When the reaction is severe, such as a brisk redness that evolves into blistering and moist weeping of the skin, women receive a treatment break, usually lasting a week or two. This rest is usually sufficient to alleviate the worst symptoms. When necessary, doctors can prescribe therapeutic creams. Radiation can be resumed once the reaction resolves.

Treating the Reaction

During radiation therapy, women can avoid chafing the irradiated skin by going braless or by wearing a cotton sports bra without an underwire that fits well below the crease of the breast or the irradiated skin of the chest wall. Women who can go braless altogether, should. If that is not a comfortable solution, women should wear a bra as infrequently as possible to reduce the likelihood and/or the degree of a skin reaction. Also, aerating the irradiated skin helps minimize skin reactions.

Over-the-counter moisturizing creams without alcohol and fragrance can reduce the extent of a skin reaction. Often, radiation oncology teams prescribe these creams at the beginning of radiation therapy.

Women should also try to be kind to the irradiated skin, which can be easily inflamed. Radiation oncologists suggest:

• Do not rub, scrub, or scratch the skin in the treatment area; instead, pat the skin dry and massage physician-prescribed anti-itch creams or ointments onto the affected area.
• Avoid sun exposure to the irradiated skin. When going outdoors, wear protective opaque clothing such as a cotton tee shirt.
• Steer clear of tight-fitting blouses and bras over the area unless instructed otherwise.
• Use only lukewarm water and mild soap recommended by the radiation oncology team on the treated area.
• Avoid using ice packs or heating pads on the treated skin.
• Steer clear of commercial deodorants and skin care products not endorsed by the treatment team.
• Do not shave the underarm on the treated side with a non-electric razor.
• Avoid skin care products for at least two hours before radiation treatment.

Although a number of people who undergo radiation therapy do experience skin reactions, most get past this temporary side effect. By working with their radiation oncology teams, people pass the metaphorical finish line of the course of radiation therapy, usually victoriously. Most importantly, they derive substantial benefits from radiation therapy and move on to leading productive, cancer-free lives.

What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer

Your body is made up of cells, which are the main elements in the tissue that your body uses to create and maintain your organs. When some of these cells grow and divide in improper ways, they can turn cancerous and form into a mass called a tumor. As cells grow old and die within your body they’re replaced with new ones. At least, this is what happens when cells behave as they’re meant to.

When this process of cellular regeneration falters for whatever reason, the cells have nowhere to go and that’s part of the reason they form into these growths. The tumors can be classed as either benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancerous although they’re just as scary when found in your body. They aren’t life threatening and can usually be removed easily. Benign tumors do not spread or invade the cells around them. Malignant tumors on the other hand, are cancerous and are definitely bad for your health in all cases. Though they can generally be removed, they sometimes grow back or invade other nearby organs or tissue. This spreading of the malignant cancer cells to other parts of the body is called Metastasis.

With breast cancer, the diseased cells are usually located within the lymph nodes near the infected breast. Breast cancer can spread to other areas of the body as well, with the most common areas being the liver, lungs, brain or bones. This is known as metastasic breast cancer and the cells in the other infected areas are still composed of breast cancer cells. Doctors generally term this sort of tumor migration as, distant metastasic cancer.

Breast cancer has no set type of woman that it attacks. Doctors have no explanation for why some women get the disease while others don’t. However, women with certain risk factors are more likely to develop cancer than women without these factors. Some of these factors can include:

1. A woman’s age is directly proportionate to her chances of developing cancer. Older women are at greater risk, while younger women rarely develop the disease before they reach menopause

2. A family history of cancer will raise the risk factor of developing the disease

3. If a woman has already had the disease in one breast, the chances are high that she will develop cancer in the other one

It is important to remember that women with high risk factors do not always get cancer, just as women who develop breast cancer may not fall into any of the high risk groups. This is why it’s hard to predict who will get this terrible disease and who will be spared. Other than those in higher risk groups, there’s no real way to tell. It’s very important to have yourself screened for the disease before any symptoms develop. The earlier that this cancer is caught, the sooner it can be treated and the more likely it is that you’ll survive the disease. If you have any breast pain or any other symptom of the disease, don’t panic. Many similar symptoms are attributed to many other problems and are generally not cancerous.

Breast Cancer Risks Experts Dismiss as Unproven

A great stir was caused by the recent statement by Sheryl Crow on national television that a doctor told her that women should not drink bottled water that has been left in a car, because the heat causes toxins from the plastic to leak into the water. She also said the doctor told her that the chemicals have been found in breast tissue and these chemicals can lead to breast cancer.

Articles on the Internet referenced the websites of organizations that had previously addressed this concern, including Breastcancer.org and Plasticsmythbusters.org, which is affiliated with the American Chemistry Council. Both organizations considered the connection between plastic water bottles and breast cancer risk to be “an urban myth” and say the theory is unproven.

The fact that a direct causal connection has not yet been proven beyond a shred of doubt does not mean that the theory is a myth.

It has been proven that phthalates, which are compounds used as softeners and plasticizers for products made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) accelerate breast cell growth in animal studies. These chemicals have also been found to adversely affect the reproductive and endocrine system, especially in baby boys. In a recent study, phthalates were recently linked to low testosterone levels which appears to cause increased belly fat and pre-diabetes in men.

These softeners and plasticizers are used in a variety of consumer and personal care products including food packaging materials, toys, and medical/pharmaceutical devices and drugs. The most commonly used phthalate is DEHP. Food contamination has definitely been found to occur when plastic food packaging materials are made from PVC that was treated with phthalates. As a general rule, we should not cook or heat foods in most plastics. This caveat is especially applicable to old plastic containers in which the surface is eroding the concern being based upon the fact that plasticizers are released during heating. Not all plastic containers are microwaveable. Look for directions regarding this on the packaging.

According to a panel doctor on Breastcancer.org, scientists make sure that during animal studies they don’t contaminate experiments with plastics by using old plastic equipment that have been used and washed many times. Don’t you think you should be a little more concern about contaminating your body? It is possible that water left in the car where the temperature can almost reach the boiling point may be cause for similar concern. It may not be one incident of drinking water from a heated plastic bottle that leads to increased cancer risk, but an accumulation of several risky behaviors or exposure related to plastics just may promote cancer.

We don’t know definitively all the causes of cancer, but we are exposed to so many possible agents that may contribute to cancer, some of them are naturally occurring and some are man-made that there will never be ample epidemiological human studies or data that prove or disprove these “myths.” Some of these agents may not directly cause cancer alone, but they can cause direct damage to genes or disrupt the immune system or alter the hormone balance in such a way as to create a fertile environment for cancer cells to grow.

Another of these “myths” that have circulated on the Internet for several years is that using underarm deodorants or antiperspirants that contain parabens can cause breast cancer. And the consensus among scientists is there is no connection between antiperspirants and breast cancer.

Nevertheless, researchers found six different kinds of parabens in the breast cancer tissue samples of women who were being treated for breast cancer. All of the samples contained some parabens. The amount of parabens in the samples was about equal to the amount that had caused breast cancer cells to grow in test tubes in earlier studies.

The researchers concluded that these chemicals enter breast tissue from outside sources and accumulate in levels high enough to trigger the growth of breast cancer cells. Parabens are also used to preserve foods, medicines, and cosmetics. So there are lots of opportunities for exposure to these chemicals.

Another contributor to breast cancer was recently reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Cadmium, a toxic heavy metal that can build up in the body over time was linked to increased breast cancer risk.

Researchers measured cadmium levels in the urine samples from a group of women and found that women with the highest cadmium levels had twice the breast cancer risk of those with the lowest levels. People may be exposed to cadmium from tobacco smoke and some foods such as liver, kidney, crustaceans (lobsters, crabs, and shrimp), and canned fish. People who work with cadmium or in refining and smelting are also exposed, but the U.S. government limits such on-the-job exposure. But once again, we have the usual disclaimer: “The study doesn't prove cadmium exposure causes breast cancer. It will take more research to figure that out.”

There will never be ample animal studies, much less human epidemiological data that prove or disprove definitively that any specific product or chemicals cause breast cancer in humans. I think it is wise to avoid suspect materials whenever possible. There is usually enough data to conclude whether or not a substance presents a risk that is harmful to your health and may contribute to breast cancer.

Many of these suspect chemicals do not affect only breast cancer risk; they are frequently harmful to the cardiovascular system and overall health.

Consumer reaction that should result if the available data were widely publicized could force consumer product manufacturers and food packagers to search for alternatives.

Syble James is President of Alpha Health Source, online at http://www.AlphaHealthSource.net, where visitors can find supplements, weight-loss programs, body care, organic and natural foods and beverages, and request consultations. Ms. James also researches, writes and consults on VMS, weight loss, health clubs, nutraceuticals, foods, beverages and MLM (supplements and body care) within the investment and fitness industry sectors. She can be reached at Syble.James@AlphaHealthSource.net or 1-800-899-0799.

Cancer Preventive Measures and Tips

Cancer also called is Malignancy and Neoplasms. Cancer is a serious, but curable illness. Cancer is not one disease, but many diseases that occur in different areas of the body. Cancer is a disease characterized by disorderly division of cells, combined with the malignant behavior of these cells. Cancer is usually classified according to the tissue of origin more than the location of manifestations. Prognosis in most cases depends on the original staging of the disease. There are many theories about the cause of cancer. Cell division or cell proliferation is a physiological process that occurs in almost all tissues and under many circumstances. Normally the balance between proliferation and apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is tightly regulated to ensure the integrity of organs and tissues. Imbalances in the rates of cell division and cell death can lead to tumor growth in a tissue. Other events are usually required before metastasis can occur. Locally expansile tumors can also cause severe problems when they grow in certain locations, such as the head or airway. Environmental stimuli, or carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke, radiation, chemicals, or infectious agents, can cause cancer. Cancer can also occur in young children and adolescents, but it is rare. Some studies have concluded that pediatric cancers, especially leukemia, are on an upward trend.
Cancer is caused by exposure to carcinogens (cancer causing substances), which alter and damage DNA. Cancers are classified by the type of cell that resembles the tumor and, therefore, the tissue presumed to be the origin of the tumor. Carcinoma often develops as a result of a very improper lifestyle. Carcinoma: malignant tumors derived from epithelial cells. This group represents the most common cancers, including the common forms of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer. Lymphoma and Leukemia: malignant tumors derived from blood and bone marrow cells Sarcoma: malignant tumors derived from connective tissue, or esenchymal cells. Mesothelioma: tumors derived from the mesothelial cells lining the peritoneum and the pleura. Glioma: tumors derived from glia, the most common type of brain cell. Germ cell tumor: tumors derived from reproductive cells, most commonly found in the testicle and ovary. Female and male infants have essentially the same overall cancer incidence rates, but white infants have substantially higher cancer rates than black infants for most cancer types. Relative survival for infants is very good for neuroblastoma, Wilms' tumor and retinoblastoma, and fairly good (80%) for leukemia, but not for most other types of cancer.
Tips on Cancer Prevention
1. Limit alcohol.
2. Maintain a healthy weight.
3. Stay physically active.
4. Consider limiting fat in your diet.
5. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and other UVA/UVB sources, such as tanning beds.
6. Use ample amounts of sunscreen or sunblock with an SPF of 15 or higher every day, even if it is cloudy.
7. Wear large framed or wrap-around sunglasses to protect the eye area.
8. Have your skin checked by a dermatologist regularly.
9. Do avoid all poisonous chemical substances such as cigarettes, alcohol, car exhaust fumes, as well as fumes belched by factory chimneys, which are very toxic.
10. Anilin is a carcenogenic substance used for colouring food, so try to avoid artificially dyed foods and instead look for natural foods.
Juliet Cohen writes articles on health doctor and health care. She also writes articles on health disorders.

HOME::Cancer/Breast-Cancer

Questions to assess breast cancer recurrence risk are an important part of understanding your prognosis after your surgery and treatment program are concluded. While most women and men are successfully treated for breast cancer, it's a fact of life that up to 10% of breast cancer patients will have a recurrence of breast cancer in their lifetimes.

Here are some questions to assess breast cancer recurrence risk that you can discuss with your medical doctor to learn more about your particular situation.

Questions about about your health history:

Does my ethnic or racial ancestry influence breast cancer recurrence?

Do I have genetic tendencies (genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, and others) that put me at greater risk for more breast cancer?

If I have relatives (especially close relatives like my mother and sister) with breast cancer, does that change my prognosis?

Would my mother's exposure to chemicals like DES change my prognosis?

How does my age change my risk of breast cancer recurrence?

Does my reproductive and menstrual history affect my prognosis?

Questions about your particular cancer:

How does the tumor size and grade affect my breast cancer recurrence rate prognosis?

If my breast cancer is only in one breast, will the other breast get cancer in the future?

What is the hormone receptor status of the cancer and how does that change my prognosis?

What is the tumor HER2/neu (human epidural growth factor receptor-2, a gene that controls cell growth) status, and how does that affect my risk of breast cancer recurrence?

How far is the lymph node involvement?

Is there any metastasis to other areas of my body?

Questions about what you can do to help yourself:

What healthy habits should I practice to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence?

Remember, there is always something you can do to help make your life and health better. Here are some health habits you should know.

Early detection is your greatest tool. Always observe your body, do monthly self-examinations, see your doctor for examinations, and choose recommended mammograms for greatest protection.

Research on healthy habits and breast cancer shows that restricting alcohol to one drink a day and weight control, especially managing "belly fat," are healthy habits that may reduce breast cancer risk. There are also several studies showing that daily exercise, eating 5 fruits or vegetables daily, and 5 cups of green tea daily can reduce breast cancer recurrence risk by 50%.

And get involved with your body and your future by asking these questions to assess breast cancer recurrence risk.

Why The Opposite Breast Should Be Evaluated With MRI?

Breast cancer is a worldwide problem with which causes 502,000 deaths per year worldwide. In the United States breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in women. Every year more than 40,000 women in the United States die of breast cancer. It is estimated the a woman living in the United States have one in eight chance of developing breast cancer and one in thirty three chance of dying from the disease.

Incidence of breast cancer shows a dramatically increasing trend since 1970s and this increased incidence is thought to be related to the changes in life style. Compared to 1970s more women are now delaying their first pregnancy and have relatively smaller families. These factors have an effect on the level of hormonal exposure during life time and this is considered to be a major factor in the increasing breast cancer incidence in the western world.

With breast cancer being so much of a prevalent disease everything should be done to prevent the occurrence of the breast cancer and to detect the breast cancer early once it develops.

Mammogram is a technique that is very commonly used to screen women for early detection of breast cancer. Mammogram helps to detect breast cancer at a very early stage when it is more likely to be cured by surgery with or without chemotherapy and radiation therapy. MRI is a better technique to detect breast cancer early and it is proven to be more sensitive and effective in detecting breast cancer early. However this technique is not very widely available and is much more expensive compared to mammogram. Because of this reason MRI is not routinely recommended for the purpose of screening for breast cancer. However MRI is widely used in cases where the women in question are high risk for the development of breast cancer or when the mammogram result is inconclusive.

A recent study that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that women who are diagnosed with breast cancer on one breast have high risk of having breast cancer on the other breast at the time of diagnosis. This study showed that more than 3% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer had another cancer in the other breast. These were not detected by mammograms and if mammogram alone was used these 3% of women would not have found out that they have cancer in the other breast. Because of this finding it would be best if every woman with diagnosis of a breast cancer try to obtain an MRI of the opposite breast to evaluate for small breast cancer that may be present in the opposite breast. Mammogram is not enough in this setting.

The author is a paramedical professional and a freelance health information writer. Author contributes his work on various websites including medicineworld.org

Cancer Causes

Cancer causes :

There is not possible a single cause of any disease. Cancer is a group of 200 diseases in which the cells of body become abnormal and being out of control. Before describing the main causes of the cancer I am first defining in short the various types of cancer.

Types of cancer :

Breast Cancer

Brain Tumor

Bone Cancer

Bladder Cancer

Anal Cancer

Appendix Cancer

Gastrointestinal Cancer

Head & Neck Cancer

Leukemia

Lung Cancer

Lymphoma

Prostate Cancer

Skin Cancer

Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Causes of cancer :

Tobacco Tobacco is the main cause of cancer. Cigarette smoking also comes in this category. Smoking can cause cancers of the lungs mouth, throat, bladder, kidneys and several other organs. According to the records smoking causes 30% of all cancer deaths in the U.S.

Drinking of alcohol

Drinking a lot of alcohol also been increase a person’s chance of getting cancer of the mouth cavity, throat, and some other organs.

Sun Exposure Ultra Violet rays are the main cause of skin cancer. Sun burn and UV rays can damage your skin and this damage can lead the skin cancer.

Genetics If your family belongs to any kind of cancer history, it means you need to extra precautions because genetics plays very important role for many hereditary cancers, And their may a grate chance of them to develop in your body. Breast cancer genes The BRCA1 and BRCA2 are examples of genetic predisposition.

Infectious diseases Viruses are also cause of some cancers. The main viruses which affect the human cancer are hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human papillae virus.

Environmental Factors: Today’s environment is so stressful that most people are affected by a depressed immune system. Various immune problems you can face such as allergies, asthma, yeast infection, frequent cold and flu etc which may cause of cancer of various categories.

Hormonal imbalances Harmonic imbalance is also a big cause of cancer. Hormone imbalance is a type of allergic reaction which promotes the "endometrial" cancer.

Unsafe Sex: Unsafe sex can increase your risk for human papillae virus infection. If one has more the one sex partners then the possibilities of cancer in the uterus increases. Researchers also think during the oral sex the same case can be drawn to tonsil cancer.

Age Factor Various types of cancer become when a person get older. That’s cause is the changes that cause a cell to become cancerous in the first place take a long time to develop. There have to be a number of changes to the genes within a cell before it turns into a cancer cell. The changes can happen by accident when the cell is dividing. Or they can happen because the cell has been damaged by carcinogens and the damage is then passed on to future 'daughter' cells when that cell divides.

Author is running a health information site Health Online where information on several diseases like allergies, blood disorders, cancer, children’s health, digestive disorder, liver diseases etc. and tips on dieting, nutrition and improving lifestyle has been provided. Find some useful articles on cancer here cancer causes