Among all cancers in women, he takes the first place. In most cases, breast cancer develops in the presence of precancerous changes. This is primarily a benign mammary dysplasia and papilloma ducts.
Breast cancer is represented macroscopically nodular and diffuse forms, as well as cancer of the nipple and the nipple of the field (Paget's disease of the breast). For the nodular cancers are characterized by the node having a diameter of up to several centimeters. In some cases, a tight knot, is permeated with whitish layers tissue penetrating into the surrounding fatty tissue, in others - a soft, juicy on the cut, splits easily. Diffuse prostate cancer is covered for a considerable distance, the contours of the tumor are marked bad. Sometimes the cancer invades the skin and forms on the surface of decaying mushroom formation - a cancerous ulcer. In some cases, the tumor spreads along the surface of the breast and all the iron is covered with a dense shell.
In histological structure are the following types of breast cancer:
• noninvasive: intralobular and intraduct;
• infiltrative.
Noninvasive breast cancer can be intralobular (lobular carcinoma in situ), and intraduct (ductal carcinoma in situ).
Infiltrating (invasive) cancer is characterized by varying degrees of tissue and cell irregularities, which allowed to distinguish different degree of malignancy. This type of cancer include, in particular, infiltrating ductal and lobular carcinoma, which usually has the structure of scirrhus, as well as Paget's disease.
Causes of Breast Cancer.
The causes of breast cancer often are hormonal changes in the body: the entry into menopause, when there is an active restructuring of the hormonal regulation of the woman, the ovaries lose their activity, decreased production of progesterone and estrogen, the body is going through, "hormonal crisis." The mammary gland and endometrium (lining of the uterus) are most responsive to these changes, the breast tissue begins to dissolve and be replaced by fat.
Scientifically established that the female hormones estrogen-, plays a key role in the development of breast cancer. The excess hormones in the body creates a favorable background for developing the disease. The least active hormones estrogen behave during pregnancy and after birth - during breastfeeding. It is proved that the birth and prolonged breastfeeding (more than 1 year) to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. On the other hand, abortion lead to hormonal "explosion" in a woman's body that can trigger the development of tumors. So far there is no consensus about the impact on the development of tumors of hormonal contraceptive drugs, but it is believed that these drugs reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, but increase the risk of developing cancer of the female genital organs, and osteoporosis. In addition predisposition to breast cancer can cause harmful environmental factors: the environment, as well as inflammatory diseases previously deferred breast - mastitis.
In addition, patients with a family of first-degree relatives with breast cancer (mothers and sisters) risk of developing a tumor increasing by more than half - familial forms of cancer.
Benign breast diseases such as fibrocystic breast disease, or fibroadenoz intraduct papillomatosis alone do not lead to cancer, but at the same time, create an unfavorable background for its development.
The cause of breast cancer may be the effects of radiation, such as irradiation of the chest for other diseases (lung tumors, the lymphatic system), prolonged and frequent chest X-ray studies on inflammatory diseases or pulmonary tuberculosis.
Constitutional obesity can lead to cancer of the breast and female reproductive system, with an excess fatty tissue in the body, it becomes a separate endocrine organ and begins to actively produce hormones-estrogens, whose action and provokes the development of tumors.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
There are several forms of the growth of breast cancer:
- Nodular form, the most common, is characterized by a dense knot of 0.5 to 5 cm or more, it is characterized by all of the following symptoms;
- Diffuse. All of them are very aggressive, grow quickly, almost lightning speed, the tumor with no clear boundaries, "spreading" of the breast and skin. For the first two forms are characteristic signs of inflammation: pain of the breast, a bright red color of the skin it raises body temperature to 39 degrees C. In view of these symptoms often occur, and errors in diagnosis of patients treated for inflammatory diseases, which are named and are referred to these forms breast cancer. When tubular carcinoma breast cancer cover as a "skin" of its contracting and decreasing in size.
In some cases, breast cancer manifests in the form of metastases in the lymph nodes on the affected side, often fails to detect the tumor itself - show hidden breast cancer.
For small tumors of the breast, any symptoms arise. The most observant women and their husbands are able to detect tumor site in the gland by chance, but in a large breast to detect small size hard knot. Revealed a knot can be painful when pressed, round, smooth and agile, this speaks in favor of a benign tumor. Signs of malignancy other: a tight knot to touch the stone, its surface is uneven, it is stationary or slightly shifted, can be firmly fixed to the surrounding tissue or skin, usually painless, can reach a significant size (more than 3 - 5 cm and sometimes 10-15 cm).
Need to assess the surface of the skin over the tumor: the malignant process will be observed retraction of the skin, picking up in the folds, wrinkles, a symptom of "lemon peel" - a local swelling of the skin over the tumor, may be a direct tumor invasion to the skin surface, then it becomes a bright red color and sprawl as "cauliflower."
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
After Mastectomy - Breast Prosthesis Gives Shape And Balance To The Chest
Having been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be advised to undergo mastectomy. This procedure involves the removal of the whole breast. This is advised in order to remove the cancer cells in the breast; your ailment is in advance stage. Mastectomy prevents the continuous growth of cancer cells that may spread in other parts of the body like armpit and chest.
After mastectomy, the wound heals. The physical pain is gone but physical recovery is only a part of the painful experience. Emotional recovery is more agonizing. Why would it not be? Is there any woman who would not feel the grave sense of grief when she loses a breast?
After mastectomy, you lose balance and posture. One of the recommended solutions is breast prosthesis. You may find wearing prosthesis a big help as this makes you feel and look better after losing a beast. Though this will not really take the place of the lost asset, still this will give a better shape when you put your clothes on.
So - what is breast prosthesis? This is an artificial breast that you wear inside your bra to give balance to your chest. The prosthesis is designed to match the color, size and shape of the remaining breast. In fact this is meticulously weighed in order for this to move and feel like the other breast. Wearing this prosthesis, people who do not know of your mastectomy will not be able to tell that you are wearing one.
There are four types of prosthesis - temporary, permanent, partial and lightweight breast form. The temporary prosthesis is light and soft which is worn for the first six weeks after surgery. The permanent type is properly weighed to fit and match your remaining breast. The partial prosthesis, also called shaper, bra booster or shell prosthesis, is worn by a woman who had undergone breast conserving surgery. A lightweight breast form is a special kind of prosthesis that is designed to be worn inside your swim suit.
There are different ways to wear your prosthesis. You can have a bra with pocket, similar to a nursing bra, where you can put the artificial breast in place. There are also mastectomy bras for this purpose. Or - you can improvise your mastectomy bra by a sewing pocket into your normal bra. And there are other women who opt for self-adhesive prosthesis which are attached to the chest by using special glue.
After undergoing your mastectomy, you will need the prosthesis to provide balance to the chest area of your body. It is best to have your prosthesis fitted by a professional prosthesis fitter. Choosing the right artificial breast will involve several factors. These considerations are the type of surgery, the body shape, the cost and your individual choice or preference.
After mastectomy, the wound heals. The physical pain is gone but physical recovery is only a part of the painful experience. Emotional recovery is more agonizing. Why would it not be? Is there any woman who would not feel the grave sense of grief when she loses a breast?
After mastectomy, you lose balance and posture. One of the recommended solutions is breast prosthesis. You may find wearing prosthesis a big help as this makes you feel and look better after losing a beast. Though this will not really take the place of the lost asset, still this will give a better shape when you put your clothes on.
So - what is breast prosthesis? This is an artificial breast that you wear inside your bra to give balance to your chest. The prosthesis is designed to match the color, size and shape of the remaining breast. In fact this is meticulously weighed in order for this to move and feel like the other breast. Wearing this prosthesis, people who do not know of your mastectomy will not be able to tell that you are wearing one.
There are four types of prosthesis - temporary, permanent, partial and lightweight breast form. The temporary prosthesis is light and soft which is worn for the first six weeks after surgery. The permanent type is properly weighed to fit and match your remaining breast. The partial prosthesis, also called shaper, bra booster or shell prosthesis, is worn by a woman who had undergone breast conserving surgery. A lightweight breast form is a special kind of prosthesis that is designed to be worn inside your swim suit.
There are different ways to wear your prosthesis. You can have a bra with pocket, similar to a nursing bra, where you can put the artificial breast in place. There are also mastectomy bras for this purpose. Or - you can improvise your mastectomy bra by a sewing pocket into your normal bra. And there are other women who opt for self-adhesive prosthesis which are attached to the chest by using special glue.
After undergoing your mastectomy, you will need the prosthesis to provide balance to the chest area of your body. It is best to have your prosthesis fitted by a professional prosthesis fitter. Choosing the right artificial breast will involve several factors. These considerations are the type of surgery, the body shape, the cost and your individual choice or preference.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Prognosis, Symptoms And Treatment
Adenoid cystic carcinoma also referred to as AdCC or ACC, is one of the rare form of cancers that surprisingly many people today have the misfortune of experiencing. Most of us are used to hearing about the more common carcinomas including lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. While all of these illnesses are serious and possibly detrimental, it is imperative that people are aware and educated about the more uncommon forms of cancers.
This carcinoma is a unique disorder due to the fact it can develop at rapid rates throughout different parts of the human body. It can not only spread at regions around the neck, head, lungs, and breasts, but it also has the ability to impair DNA. This, among other key factors, makes it an extremely potent disorder.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast
A soar breast mass located in the milk ducts or breast glands have often resulted in breast cancer, one of today's leading types of cancers. Although still a serious carcinoma, AdCC of the breast has a more affirmative prognosis than other cancers, due to the limited involvement of lymph nodes, making treatment a fairly simple process. The main treatment method applied is mastectomy, in other words, removal of the tumor. It is always a good idea for females to get frequent breast check ups from their family doctor.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Prognosis
Medical trained professionals are the best people to learn whether or not you are suffering from adenoid cystic carcinoma. Their opinion should not be taken lightly as they will do all they can to provide you with the best treatment options and support in order to help fight off the disease. Histology can play a role in the prognosis of AdCC and it is important for patient's to consider even further investigation of their medical diagnosis based on their current cancer stage. Anything from assessing the DNA nuclear content to help determine any tumor recurrence to frequent visits to the specialist should be taken into consideration.
AdCC Symptoms
Symptoms involved with AdCC include any of the following:
lesions (painful and painless)attack of nerve cellssensory abnormalitiesparalysismuscle paindifficulty breathingchanges in the voice
These are just some of the symptoms associated with adenoid cystic carcinoma and may not actually be an indication of cancer. Always best to check with your physician.
AdCC Treatment
There are different forms of AdCC treatment and are dependent on certain factors. Such factors may involve the overall health of the patient, the cancer stage, and possibly side effects. Surgery, however, is the treatment of choice, which involves the removal of the margin, better known as the removal of the tumor itself and its surrounding tissue. Adenoid cystic carcinoma treatment can be in the form of external-beam radiation therapy in addition to neutron and proton radiation therapy. They involve the use of protons as opposed to x-rays, where a substantial amount of damage to the cancerous cells is applied by the use of energy delivered at a much more powerful intensity.
Cancerous tumors are prone to further developing to other body parts, making these neoplasms very dangerous. Consequently, the spread of growth tumors can create life-threatening ramifications. It is crucial that people continue to learn as much as they can about this rare disease, especially if they feel they are experiencing any of the above symptoms.
This carcinoma is a unique disorder due to the fact it can develop at rapid rates throughout different parts of the human body. It can not only spread at regions around the neck, head, lungs, and breasts, but it also has the ability to impair DNA. This, among other key factors, makes it an extremely potent disorder.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast
A soar breast mass located in the milk ducts or breast glands have often resulted in breast cancer, one of today's leading types of cancers. Although still a serious carcinoma, AdCC of the breast has a more affirmative prognosis than other cancers, due to the limited involvement of lymph nodes, making treatment a fairly simple process. The main treatment method applied is mastectomy, in other words, removal of the tumor. It is always a good idea for females to get frequent breast check ups from their family doctor.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Prognosis
Medical trained professionals are the best people to learn whether or not you are suffering from adenoid cystic carcinoma. Their opinion should not be taken lightly as they will do all they can to provide you with the best treatment options and support in order to help fight off the disease. Histology can play a role in the prognosis of AdCC and it is important for patient's to consider even further investigation of their medical diagnosis based on their current cancer stage. Anything from assessing the DNA nuclear content to help determine any tumor recurrence to frequent visits to the specialist should be taken into consideration.
AdCC Symptoms
Symptoms involved with AdCC include any of the following:
lesions (painful and painless)attack of nerve cellssensory abnormalitiesparalysismuscle paindifficulty breathingchanges in the voice
These are just some of the symptoms associated with adenoid cystic carcinoma and may not actually be an indication of cancer. Always best to check with your physician.
AdCC Treatment
There are different forms of AdCC treatment and are dependent on certain factors. Such factors may involve the overall health of the patient, the cancer stage, and possibly side effects. Surgery, however, is the treatment of choice, which involves the removal of the margin, better known as the removal of the tumor itself and its surrounding tissue. Adenoid cystic carcinoma treatment can be in the form of external-beam radiation therapy in addition to neutron and proton radiation therapy. They involve the use of protons as opposed to x-rays, where a substantial amount of damage to the cancerous cells is applied by the use of energy delivered at a much more powerful intensity.
Cancerous tumors are prone to further developing to other body parts, making these neoplasms very dangerous. Consequently, the spread of growth tumors can create life-threatening ramifications. It is crucial that people continue to learn as much as they can about this rare disease, especially if they feel they are experiencing any of the above symptoms.
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Breast Cancer - Should You Be Concerned If Your Mother Had Breast Cancer?
You, like most women, become anxious when one of the immediate members of your family is diagnosed with breast cancer. And you have a big question in mind - is breast cancer hereditary? This is tantamount to probing if you should be worried about being afflicted with breast cancer, just because your mother happens to be diagnosed with this ailment.
It may be true that when your mother or sister was diagnosed with the Big C in the breast, your risk is greater than any other woman who had no family history of the disease. When your mother had cancer of the breast, your risk can be twice or thrice greater than the general populace. But then this is just an increase in risk, not necessarily meaning that you too will be having the illness.
The cause of cancer of the breast is completely unknown but there had been enough convictions that this mostly occurs by chance. The hereditary factor could be due to genetic make-up.
There are three faulty genes in your system that had been usually linked to breast cancer. If you have one or more of these, you develop a risk of developing this Big C and in some instances ovarian cancer. If you carry one of these, it is likely that you will pass this on to your child. And if your mother had this kind of cancer caused by one of these faulty genes, you have a 50-50 chance of inheriting it. These faulty genes are the culprits why breast cancer occurs in some families. This is referred to as hereditary or familial breast cancer. Not all women who had inherited this faulty gene will be diagnosed with the ailment; this only increases the risk.
Breast cancer is very common to women and it is big possibility that you have a relative with this ailment. The cause may not be due to the faulty genes but the mitigating factor is chance. Most women with history of cancer in the family have the same risk as other women. However, there are some women who have greater hazards.
It is important that you are aware of the different factors that may increase your risk. These mostly pertain to blood relationship. The probability becomes high when many blood relatives are diagnosed with the disease. The younger, below 40 years old, your relative were when diagnosed with the Big C, the higher your chance is. Your relative has cancer in both of the breasts or when breast and ovarian cancer run in the family. A male relative diagnosed with such cancer also increases the possibility.
Because of these risks, you may be very concerned about your possibility of having this illness. Forget about your anxiety of being diagnosed with the affliction. To have peace of mind, see your doctor and undergo tests and assessments. The survival rate is very high when detected at an early stage and of course, when treated immediately.
It may be true that when your mother or sister was diagnosed with the Big C in the breast, your risk is greater than any other woman who had no family history of the disease. When your mother had cancer of the breast, your risk can be twice or thrice greater than the general populace. But then this is just an increase in risk, not necessarily meaning that you too will be having the illness.
The cause of cancer of the breast is completely unknown but there had been enough convictions that this mostly occurs by chance. The hereditary factor could be due to genetic make-up.
There are three faulty genes in your system that had been usually linked to breast cancer. If you have one or more of these, you develop a risk of developing this Big C and in some instances ovarian cancer. If you carry one of these, it is likely that you will pass this on to your child. And if your mother had this kind of cancer caused by one of these faulty genes, you have a 50-50 chance of inheriting it. These faulty genes are the culprits why breast cancer occurs in some families. This is referred to as hereditary or familial breast cancer. Not all women who had inherited this faulty gene will be diagnosed with the ailment; this only increases the risk.
Breast cancer is very common to women and it is big possibility that you have a relative with this ailment. The cause may not be due to the faulty genes but the mitigating factor is chance. Most women with history of cancer in the family have the same risk as other women. However, there are some women who have greater hazards.
It is important that you are aware of the different factors that may increase your risk. These mostly pertain to blood relationship. The probability becomes high when many blood relatives are diagnosed with the disease. The younger, below 40 years old, your relative were when diagnosed with the Big C, the higher your chance is. Your relative has cancer in both of the breasts or when breast and ovarian cancer run in the family. A male relative diagnosed with such cancer also increases the possibility.
Because of these risks, you may be very concerned about your possibility of having this illness. Forget about your anxiety of being diagnosed with the affliction. To have peace of mind, see your doctor and undergo tests and assessments. The survival rate is very high when detected at an early stage and of course, when treated immediately.
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Breast Cancer Treatment - Advanced Medical Care to Kill Cancer Cells and Prevent Them From Returning
If you are in need of breast cancer treatment a comprehensive medical center can provide you with the help you need. You highly can benefit from highly skilled and knowledgeable nurses, physicians, pharmacists, counselors, therapists, dietitians, and chaplains at the medical center, as they provide you with the treatment you need. This center may offer outpatient chemotherapy in addition to mastectomy surgery, and reconstructive surgery.
The two goals of breast cancer treatment include ridding your body of cancer and preventing the cancer from returning. If you have breast cancer, the type of treatment you will receive will depend on the extent of which the cancer has developed in your lymph nodes or throughout your body, the size of the tumor, and the presence progesterone and estrogen receptors. Underlying health issues, mental status, personal preferences, and age all play a vital role in the decision of what treatment to choose.
There are systematic or local breast cancer treatments available; these include:
• Surgery- This treatment can be either lumpectomy or mastectomy.
• Radiation Therapy- Uses high levels of radiation to kill the body's cancer cells or prevents the cells from growing and dividing. This treatment also minimizes the damage to your healthy cells.
• Chemotherapy-This treatment uses drugs in order to kill the cancer cells in the body.
• Hormone Therapy- Uses drugs to prevent hormones from encouraging the growth of cancerous breast cells that may stay following surgery.
• Biological Therapy- Uses drugs that work by using the body's own immune system to kill the cancerous breast cells.
In order to find the best treatment for you, call and set up a consultation with your doctor. During your consultation, your doctor may discuss all the benefits and risks of each treatment option available to you and how these treatments will relate to your own lifestyle. You should also consider joining a support group to help you with the emotional issues you may be facing that surround your diagnosis and treatment choice.
Breast cancer patients that are in the early stages of the disease may choose to have something like a partial mastectomy, which removes the tumor and a large part of the surrounding breast tissue. Individuals who have the advanced stages of breast cancer, those that have a high risk of the disease returning, or if the necessary breast tissue cannot be removed, your surgeon may recommend mastectomy treatment (a complete removal of your breast). For additional information of treatment call and schedule an appointment with a doctor at a reputable medical center.
The two goals of breast cancer treatment include ridding your body of cancer and preventing the cancer from returning. If you have breast cancer, the type of treatment you will receive will depend on the extent of which the cancer has developed in your lymph nodes or throughout your body, the size of the tumor, and the presence progesterone and estrogen receptors. Underlying health issues, mental status, personal preferences, and age all play a vital role in the decision of what treatment to choose.
There are systematic or local breast cancer treatments available; these include:
• Surgery- This treatment can be either lumpectomy or mastectomy.
• Radiation Therapy- Uses high levels of radiation to kill the body's cancer cells or prevents the cells from growing and dividing. This treatment also minimizes the damage to your healthy cells.
• Chemotherapy-This treatment uses drugs in order to kill the cancer cells in the body.
• Hormone Therapy- Uses drugs to prevent hormones from encouraging the growth of cancerous breast cells that may stay following surgery.
• Biological Therapy- Uses drugs that work by using the body's own immune system to kill the cancerous breast cells.
In order to find the best treatment for you, call and set up a consultation with your doctor. During your consultation, your doctor may discuss all the benefits and risks of each treatment option available to you and how these treatments will relate to your own lifestyle. You should also consider joining a support group to help you with the emotional issues you may be facing that surround your diagnosis and treatment choice.
Breast cancer patients that are in the early stages of the disease may choose to have something like a partial mastectomy, which removes the tumor and a large part of the surrounding breast tissue. Individuals who have the advanced stages of breast cancer, those that have a high risk of the disease returning, or if the necessary breast tissue cannot be removed, your surgeon may recommend mastectomy treatment (a complete removal of your breast). For additional information of treatment call and schedule an appointment with a doctor at a reputable medical center.
Breast Cancer Awareness Products As Promotional Giveaways
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and there are so many different fundraising events going on that pink becomes one of the most popular colors for promotional products. Customized pink products are a great way to raise both money and awareness for breast cancer.
When choosing a product to customize for Breast Cancer Awareness, keep in mind the event which you are hosting. If you have a booth set up or are raising money for a Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Run, for example, you should consider a product that is more geared towards athleticism.
Promotional sports bottles are great for events like 5K runs. Promotional sports bottles come in different materials such as acrylic, plastic, stainless steel, and aluminum. They are also available in different sizes starting from 14 ounces all the way to 34 ounces.
Sports bottles would make great items to give away at events such as 5K Runs and promote your company but they would also be great to customize and resell to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness. Sports bottles are a great choice because they are comfortable and convenient on the go items, which means runners can use them right away but they can also hold on to them for years to come.
Another great option to consider is t-shirts. Apparel is always a great choice because people will wear it for years to come as a way to show their pride or as a way to remember the event. Put a funny logo or phrase on it and it will instantly be a hit! You can choose from a wide range of different brands and styles. Shirts are a great option for Breast Cancer Awareness because you can customize them for children, women, and men so you won't be limiting yourself to just one age group or demographic.
If your purpose is to get your company noticed by a large amount of people, then a great way to do that is through pens. Pens are great because they are very affordable allowing you to give them out to several people without worrying too much. Since space is limited on a pen, you have the opportunity to put all the important company information on it without any clutter. Include your company name, phone number, and maybe the address, keep it simple and get noticed.
Whether you are shopping for a 5K Run, a fundraiser, a dinner, or any other Breast Cancer Awareness event, pink Breast Cancer promos are a great way to get your event noticed by all.
When choosing a product to customize for Breast Cancer Awareness, keep in mind the event which you are hosting. If you have a booth set up or are raising money for a Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Run, for example, you should consider a product that is more geared towards athleticism.
Promotional sports bottles are great for events like 5K runs. Promotional sports bottles come in different materials such as acrylic, plastic, stainless steel, and aluminum. They are also available in different sizes starting from 14 ounces all the way to 34 ounces.
Sports bottles would make great items to give away at events such as 5K Runs and promote your company but they would also be great to customize and resell to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness. Sports bottles are a great choice because they are comfortable and convenient on the go items, which means runners can use them right away but they can also hold on to them for years to come.
Another great option to consider is t-shirts. Apparel is always a great choice because people will wear it for years to come as a way to show their pride or as a way to remember the event. Put a funny logo or phrase on it and it will instantly be a hit! You can choose from a wide range of different brands and styles. Shirts are a great option for Breast Cancer Awareness because you can customize them for children, women, and men so you won't be limiting yourself to just one age group or demographic.
If your purpose is to get your company noticed by a large amount of people, then a great way to do that is through pens. Pens are great because they are very affordable allowing you to give them out to several people without worrying too much. Since space is limited on a pen, you have the opportunity to put all the important company information on it without any clutter. Include your company name, phone number, and maybe the address, keep it simple and get noticed.
Whether you are shopping for a 5K Run, a fundraiser, a dinner, or any other Breast Cancer Awareness event, pink Breast Cancer promos are a great way to get your event noticed by all.
Breast Cancer Diet To Include Cruciferous Vegetables
More reason to eat those veggies! Women who follow a breast cancer diet and eat lots of cruciferous (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bok choy) veggies have a greater chance of living longer and have less chance of their cancer recurring according to a large new study. It seems the more veggies the better.
Experts from the American Cancer Society estimate there will be almost 300,000 cases of cancer of the breast in the US this year. Nearly 40,000 patients will lose their lives to the disease.
The work included almost 5,000 Chinese survivors of breast cancer who were aged 20 to 75 years old who had been diagnosed in 2002 to 2006. They completed detailed questionnaires on dietary intake when the study started, and then again at the 18-month and 36 month point. The subjects were split into five groups based on their cruciferous veggie intake.
At about the five year point after diagnosis, those ladies in the top 20% (150 gms of cruciferous vegetables a day) had a 42% less chance of dying from the disease, and have a 58% lower chance of dying from any cause in comparison with those who had the lowest intake (under 54 grams per day).
Women in the top 20% were also nearly 20% less likely to experience a recurrence of their cancer.
The team of researchers also looked at other things that can impact breast cancer returning and survival rates - including how old you are, the stage of your cancer, your treatment, how active you are and other factors in your diet.
The good news is that it's very simple to add 150 grams of vegetables to your diet... and you might even like them. One cup of cooked cauliflower or broccoli or the more exotic mustard greens cabbage, kale and good old Brussels sprouts all have just about 150 grams per serving.
This research isn't the first time experts have suggested that eating these delicious veggies might help patients with breast cancer - it is one of the biggest however. Encouraging as the work is, it does not prove that cruciferous veggies made the difference. Those who eat this way might have other healthy habits (or advantages) that weren't measured by the study.
Also, Asian diets are quite different to the average western one we eat here in America. Some of the popular cruciferous veggies common in Chinese diets include turnips, bok choy and other greens. And Asians do eat more veggies overall than are in most Western diets.
So why are veggies so beneficial?
They contain large levels of compounds known as glucosinolates. These change into isothiocyanates and Indoles when ingested and have been found to have lots of anti-cancer properties - at least in the laboratory.
If you're worried about your chances of getting breast cancer, do what you can to reduce your risk. While there are factors like age and genetics that you can't change, there are plenty of things you can do to help yourself including following a breast cancer diet. You should also aim to keep your weight in the healthy range - being overweight or obese brings up your risk of breast cancer. Be more active on a regular basis as evidence continues to point to this as cutting breast cancer risk. You'll also want to limit your alcohol intake (not more than 1-2 drinks a day), and discuss the risks and benefits of birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy after menopause with your healthcare team.
Experts from the American Cancer Society estimate there will be almost 300,000 cases of cancer of the breast in the US this year. Nearly 40,000 patients will lose their lives to the disease.
The work included almost 5,000 Chinese survivors of breast cancer who were aged 20 to 75 years old who had been diagnosed in 2002 to 2006. They completed detailed questionnaires on dietary intake when the study started, and then again at the 18-month and 36 month point. The subjects were split into five groups based on their cruciferous veggie intake.
At about the five year point after diagnosis, those ladies in the top 20% (150 gms of cruciferous vegetables a day) had a 42% less chance of dying from the disease, and have a 58% lower chance of dying from any cause in comparison with those who had the lowest intake (under 54 grams per day).
Women in the top 20% were also nearly 20% less likely to experience a recurrence of their cancer.
The team of researchers also looked at other things that can impact breast cancer returning and survival rates - including how old you are, the stage of your cancer, your treatment, how active you are and other factors in your diet.
The good news is that it's very simple to add 150 grams of vegetables to your diet... and you might even like them. One cup of cooked cauliflower or broccoli or the more exotic mustard greens cabbage, kale and good old Brussels sprouts all have just about 150 grams per serving.
This research isn't the first time experts have suggested that eating these delicious veggies might help patients with breast cancer - it is one of the biggest however. Encouraging as the work is, it does not prove that cruciferous veggies made the difference. Those who eat this way might have other healthy habits (or advantages) that weren't measured by the study.
Also, Asian diets are quite different to the average western one we eat here in America. Some of the popular cruciferous veggies common in Chinese diets include turnips, bok choy and other greens. And Asians do eat more veggies overall than are in most Western diets.
So why are veggies so beneficial?
They contain large levels of compounds known as glucosinolates. These change into isothiocyanates and Indoles when ingested and have been found to have lots of anti-cancer properties - at least in the laboratory.
If you're worried about your chances of getting breast cancer, do what you can to reduce your risk. While there are factors like age and genetics that you can't change, there are plenty of things you can do to help yourself including following a breast cancer diet. You should also aim to keep your weight in the healthy range - being overweight or obese brings up your risk of breast cancer. Be more active on a regular basis as evidence continues to point to this as cutting breast cancer risk. You'll also want to limit your alcohol intake (not more than 1-2 drinks a day), and discuss the risks and benefits of birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy after menopause with your healthcare team.
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