Celebrities With Breast Cancer

There is no discrimination when it comes to breast cancer. Anyone can be a victim of this dreaded disease; whether you're rich or poor, young and old. Despite the increasing number of patients worldwide, these celebrities with breast cancer can serve as your inspiration because they were able to survive.

Famous survivors of breast cancer:

Alternative Cancer Treatments

1. Edie Falco - he was diagnosed in 2003; this soprano star secretly battled against this dreaded disease and was able to survive.

2. Melissa Etheridge - her breast cancer was discovered in 2004 and at present, she is doing quite well.

3. Gloria Steinem - a lump on her breast was discovered in 1984; she was an activist and because she is a natural fighter, she was able to combat it

4. Kate Jackson - it was in 1987 and 1989 when Kate battled against this disease. She was a star in Charlie's Angels

5. Richard Roundtree - women are not the only ones at risk of breast cancer, even men can get it like Roundtree. His cancer was detected in 1993 and he underwent chemotherapy and radical mastectomy

6. Olivia Newton John - it was in 1992 when she was diagnosed with the disease. She underwent breast reconstruction and mastectomy.

7. Jaclyn Smith - also a Charlie's Angels star was diagnosed with the disease in 2002. The treatments given were radiation and lumpectomy.

8. Suzanne Somers - actress and author was also diagnosed with cancer but she did not choose the standard medication; instead, she opted for holistic medicine and alternative therapies

9. Sandra Day O'Connor - she battled against this disease in 1982 and underwent mastectomy

10. Anastacia - in 2003, she was diagnosed with the disease and was able to survive; now, she is helping other patients in fighting against this disease and she is also raising the awareness of the public about breast cancer.

These are only ten of the survivors of breast cancer. Other survivors include Rue McClanahan, Linda Ellerbee, Jill Eikenberry, Ann Jillian, Lynn Redgrave, Cokie Roberts, and Shirley Temple Black. These patients used conventional treatments as well as alternative treatments. Oftentimes, the type of medication or treatment given is dependent on the extent of the illness. If the cancer is detected at an early stage, the chance of survival is also high.

It is vital that you conduct self examinations. If you feel any lump on your breast, it's time to consult a doctor; by doing so, you can get accurate diagnosis. After thorough examinations, the patient will be given a treatment plan. Some breast cancer patients forego with conventional medical treatments and tend to go for alternative medicines or therapy.

As you can see, even celebrities are not exempted from developing breast cancer. If celebrities can get it, then so can you! There are millions of non celebrities suffering from this illness. Let the stories of these celebrities who survive breast cancer serve as inspiration especially if you're also suffering from it.

Early detection is important so you must regularly check your breast area for any lumps or unusual bumps. Don't hesitate to consult a doctor if you're suspicious about certain lumps in your breast. There are lots of celebrities with breast cancer if they can fight this disease, then so can you.

Celebrities With Breast Cancer

Alternative Cancer Treatments

Breast Cancer Natural Treatment

Breast cancer natural treatment uses resource from nature to heal the body. It does not use conventional treatment. The natural healing process involves eating healthy organic vegetarian diet, moderate exercise and sunlight therapy.

Eating vegetables, fruits, spices, herbs, sprouted beans, legumes, whole grains, low-fat diary products, and only good oils can change the body sufficiently enough for you to notice boost of energy, higher immune system, better bowl movements, and loosing unwanted weight. naturally.

Alternative Cancer Treatments

Organic leafy greens vegetables and colorful fruits does not contain harmful pesticide and chemicals that builds more toxic in your body. The breast cancer natural treatment only supports ways to heal the body without unnecessary added chemicals, including conventional foods with artificial coloring, preservatives, or hydrated fats.

It may take some time to adjust to the breast cancer natural treatment for preparing meals. Just because you cannot eat your favorite sweet dishes that have high fat and sugar does not mean that your meals are going to be tasteless. On the contrary, there are too many tasty recipes that are easy to make. Especially if you adjust to a raw vegan diet, all or most of the foods require no heating. You can make delicious smoothies, shakes, and main dishes made from sprouted beans and tasty vegetables. Do you know that there are more nutrients from sprouted grains and beans, because they are alive?

As part of the breast cancer natural treatment, moderate exercise such as walking outside on a nice sunny day provides natural vitamin D from the sun, boosting the metabolism level and more oxygen to the body. Dr. Budwig discovered in her research that cancer cells does not thrive in blood that has good oxygen supply. The sun provides the highest level of vitamin D naturally.

How does it cause sun burns and skin cancer? Again, Dr Budwig states that a person who eats processed, saturated fats, sugar, refined carbohydrates, and meats causes the body unable to accept the natural vitamin D from the sun. Eating organic foods allows the body to accept the sun without the burns or irritation.

Breast cancer natural treatment is a whole new lifestyle that is healing and enjoyable. You can google and find many breast cancer survivors who speak of their healing process via books, support groups for breast cancer, personal websites, and forums.

Breast Cancer Natural Treatment

Alternative Cancer Treatments

Do You Have IBC - Inflammatory Breast Cancer?

This is not your normal type of breast cancer. What is the norm - you ask? It is self examination looking for lumps or a hard tissue mass, MRI exam, mammogram, etc. Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a change in the breast tissue that does create a lump or hard tissue mass. Instead it is a redness, or possible swelling, maybe a warm feeling the breast area, or it could be an infection.

Bottom line: it is some sort of change in the breast that is not normal. Check it out - immediately! If you call your Doctor and ask about about IBC, he may not know what it is. Look for a medical professional that does about IBC. As I said it is not your normal breast cancer type. Regardless of what some doctors may say IBC is not caused by an infection, it is caused by cancer cells blocking the lymph nodes. IBC is only about 1% to 3% of all breast cancers that have been detected in the U.S.

Alternative Cancer

What are the symptoms? They are definitely different than what you might expect. There are no lumps and won't probably show up on a mammogram. It appears that African-American and younger women have a higher incidence. IBC is aggressive in its growth. In fact, when it is first noticed it could already be at Stage III. By the time it is diagnosed it could be late State III or even Stage IV and may have already metastasized to other parts of the body.

So what are the signs...

Anything unusual with the breasts One breast larger than the other Soreness in one breast Redness, rough texture like an orange peel Inverted nipple Thickened areas A warm feeling which would indicate infection Any pain with breast manipulation or otherwise

If a doctor may be slow to diagnose, find another doctor. You cannot delay any diagnosis, days are important.

Locate some vitamin supplements like immune booster products, vitamin B17, apricot seeds (kernels), antioxidants, parasite and detox cleansing programs.

Cancer can be the result of a weak immune system or an immune system that is not doing its job correctly. Supplementation with vitamins, herbs and minerals that are targeted towards correcting the body's immune function is very important.

Vitamin B17 and apricot seeds, according to some information, target the cancer cells directly. Books have been written about vitamin B17 or laetrile. One is "The Death of Cancer", by Dr. Harold Manner.

Another alternative holistic natural treatment that is FDA approved is hypothermia combined with low radiating dose. All methods of treatment need to be considered especially the natural way. Chemo and radiation treatment are very destructive to the body's immune system.

Be aggressive in your research, check all forums, blogs, etc. Ask questions not only online but of the medical professionals that you have access to for any suggestions they may have on your options for treatment.

Do You Have IBC - Inflammatory Breast Cancer?

Alternative Cancer

Medical Treatments For Breast Cancer

Surgery. Treatment varies according to the type and stage of cancer, but surgery remains the first choice for most tumors. The majority of operations now are less disfiguring than the radical mastectomy that was standard until the 1970s. Operations for breast cancer are Extended radical mastectomy involves removal of the breast, underarm lymph nodes, and underlying chest muscles. This procedure, rarely performed today, is reserved for women with large tumors that are attached to or have invaded the chest muscle and its connective tissues. If the mammary lymph nodes deep in the chest are involved, they will also be removed. Modified radical mastectomy is the removal of the breast, underarm lymph nodes, and sometimes part of the chest muscle. The amount of tissue removed from the underarm depends on the spread of the tumor. This remains the most common operation for women with invasive breast cancer. Total, or simple, mastectomy is the removal of the entire breast, including its extensions to the armpit and some times near the collarbone. Because the lymph nodes are left intact, radiation therapy usually follows the operation.

Subcutaneous mastectomy involves removing the breast tissue but leaving the skin and nipple intact. A prosthesis is then slipped under the skin to restore normal appearance. This procedure is rarely performed, because it may miss cancer cells and the cosmetic results are often poor. Lumpectomy or partial mastectomy involves removal of the cancerous lump and a surrounding margin of normal tissue. Some of the armpit lymph nodes are also taken out and examined for spread, and the operation is followed by radiation therapy. Preventative, or prophylactic, mastectomy is the removal of a breast to prevent the development of cancer. This operation is done only if a woman has a very high risk of breast cancer and is so worried by the prospect that she cannot live a normal life. Breast reconstruction by a plastic surgeon can sometimes be performed immediately following a mastectomy, but more often it is done after the original incision has healed. If the opposite breast is larger, it may be reduced in size to match the reconstructed one, either at the same time as the reconstruction or in a later operation. In the past, a prosthetic implant filled with silicone gel was the first choice for reconstruction. Because questions have arisen about the long term safety of silicone, many women are now opting for implants filled with a saline solution, or a more extensive procedure in which fatty tissue from the woman's own buttocks or elsewhere is used to reconstruct a breast.

Cancer Treatments

Radiation Therapy . The purpose of this treatment is to destroy any cancer cells that may have escaped surgical removal. Radiation is routinely administered after a simple mastectomy and a lumpectomy, or if numerous lymph nodes have been affected. It is also prescribed for recurring or inoperable cancer, and to alleviate the pain of advanced cancer. Typically, radiation treatments are begun two or three weeks after the surgery, or after the scar has healed and the woman has regained the use of her arm. Immediate side effects include blistering of the skin and fatigue. Later, the skin exposed to the radiation may darken, thicken, and lack sensitivity if any nerve endings have been damaged. Long term complications may include impaired lung function due to scar tissue, an increased risk of heart disease, and easy fracturing of the ribs. Chemotherapy. Studies indicate that adjuvant chemotherapy greatly increases long term survival, even for women with localized stage I cancer.

Chemotherapy may begin before surgery; however, it is usually started a few weeks afterwards. This treatment is also prescribed for recurrent or inoperable cancers. Chemotherapy appears to be most effective in preventing a recurrence among younger women who have not gone through menopause. The side effects loss of hair, nausea, reduced immunity to infections, mouth sores, fatigue, and bleeding problems are temporary, but still very trying. For this reason, chemotherapy may not be recommended for an older woman, especially if her cancer is localized. Hormone Therapy. Cancer specialists now believe that almost all breast cancer patients can benefit from hormone therapy, even if their tumors are not the type stimulated by estrogen or proges terone. Thmoxifen (Nolvadex), a drug that blocks estrogen, is the treatment of choice. It has fewer side effects than anticancer drugs, although it may cause hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms in younger women. Other, more radical approaches to hormone manipulation include ovarian ablation, a procedure in which the ovaries are either surgically removed or destroyed by chemicals or radiation, and perhaps the removal of other hormone producing glands.

Experimental Treatments

Women with advanced breast cancer may be candidates for experimental therapies such as hyperthermia, in which very high fevers are induced to kill cancer cells, photodynamic therapy, which uses a light sensitive anticancer drug; and bone marrow transplantation, in which the woman's bone marrow is destroyed by drugs and then replaced with healthy marrow to bolster the body's ability to fight the cancer.

Medical Treatments For Breast Cancer

Cancer Treatments

Breast Cancer And Possible Treatments

According to the latest studies made by American Cancer Society (ACS) more than 190,000 women were affected with breast cancer just in the year 1996 (ACS Breast). In terms of severity, breast cancer comes just after the lung cancer, being the cause of death for hundreds of women every year. But the good side is that several options are available to treat the patients of breast cancer.

Although prevention is the better way for treating any kind of disease, no such prevention method has been discovered as yet for the breast cancer. The recommendation from ACS suggested the women in the age group of 20 and more, to go through regular self examination process of their breast. The recommendation also asked the women to go for clinical checkup for every 3 years. (ACS Breast). Tumors can also be detected by using mammography, but the issue of when and how many times the mammograms could be done is still debatable. Mammography has been proved to be an effective way to diagnose the cancerous property of any tumor.

Cancer Treatments

There are two main types if treatments for breast cancer, which are local and systemic. Local treatments are performed by surgical process and radiation therapy to control or kill the cancerous cells in the affected region. The systemic treatments are performed with the help of hormonal therapy and chemotherapy to kill or control the growth of the cancerous cells at any places of the body.

Being the common method to treat the breast cancer, the surgery or mastectomy basically deals with removing whole or part of the breast. There are different types of surgery methods for breast cancer. However, doctors might like to avoid this treatment method for the harmful after effects such as arm swelling, difficulty in moving shoulder and weakening in the nearest arm. In case there is no other way out than mastectomy, then the patient should go for breast reconstruction process performed after the surgery (Kushner 37).

The breast-sparing surgery is another variation of the surgical treatment, which consists of lumpectomies and segmental mastectomies. This surgery is performed by removing the cancerous lump without hampering the surrounding breast tissue. The patient should undergo radiation therapy as a post operative procedure for destroying the remaining cancerous cells in that region. To be on the safe side, doctors also prefer to take away the lymph nodes present under the arm to safeguard the lymphatic system against cancer.

Another known treatment method for breast cancer is the radiation therapy, which destroys the cancerous cells and holds back the growth process by using x-rays in high degree. The source of radiation could be any external source or the radioactive pellets inserted into the breasts or both. To get the radiation from outside, patients have to go to the clinic or health center in a daily basis. If the radiation is performed as a post-operative treatment of breast sparing surgery, then the patients have to take the radiation for a period of 5-6 weeks considering 5 days of radiation session per week. Finally, an additional booster dose of radiation is given to the affected area. Implant radiation requires the patient to get admitted into the hospital. The radiation therapy can generate side-effects like breast swelling and dehydrated skin at the radiated area of the body.

Chemotherapy is often used as a common procedure to treat breast cancer. Being a type of systemic therapies, it destroys the cancel cells by using a combination of certain useful drugs. The traditional method of chemotherapy is performed following a cycle of treatment period and recovery period and vice versa (NIH 23). Similar to the radiation therapy, it can also be performed for the outpatients. However chemotherapy has certain terrible side effects like loss of hair, nausea, loss of appetite, infertility, sores in the vaginal area, tiredness etc, which affects the patient very badly (ACS For Women 32). Although, all these side effects other than infertility might go away after completion of the treatment.

Among the other treatments of breast cancer, hormone therapy has come up to be a great success. In this method, medications are used to stop the hormone supply to the tumors, to impede the growth. This can be confirmed by removing hormone supplying body parts like glands and ovaries.

The bone marrow transplantation might provide positive breakthrough in treating breast cancer. This procedure involves transplanting healthy bone marrow from other part of the body or from some other person. However research is still going on to make this a great success.

It is really difficult to take the right treatment decision, as there are multiple options. Mostly the doctors and the patient jointly decide to go for a preferred type of treatment. However there are certain deciding factors on the patient's side, which include health condition, age, menopausal condition, tumor location and breast size (ACS Breast). It also considers some important features of the tumors, like the positive effect of the hormone for the growth of the tumor. More importantly the stage of the disease is determined to decide on the treatment method, which is measured by the size of the cancerous lump and the area affected by cancer.

The primary stages of breast cancer are stage I and stage II. In case of stage I, cancer cells remain inside the breast area and the tumor has the diameter of 1 inch or less. The cancer spreads to affect the lymph nodes under the arm and/or the breast tumor has 1-2 inches of diameter, in case of stage II patients.

The breast-sparing surgery combined with radiation therapy as the primary local treatment can be effective for the women having primary stage of breast cancer. Otherwise they could go for a mastectomy, which will also give the same result as the previous.

Whether the patient would go for a mastectomy or breast-sparing surgery depends on certain facts like tumor size and location, the breast size, reports of mammogram and patient's ideas on breast preservation. In both the cases, lymph nodes are taken away. Some of the stage I and most of the stage II patients have to undergo chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy. This additional part of the treatment is known as adjuvant therapy, which is provided as prevention from further occurring (LaTour 131).

In case of stage III or locally advanced cancer, the tumor grows to have a diameter more than 2 inches and also affects the surrounding tissues of the breast (131). The patients is this stage, have to go through local and systemic both type of treatments to kill the tumor and to control the cancer growth, respectively. The systemic treatment might include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or both together.

The metastatic cancer or stage IV is implied by the situation, when the other organs of the body also got affected with cancer (ACS Breast). The stage IV patients go through the chemotherapy and hormonal therapy to reduce the size of the tumor. They also have to undergo radiation therapy for controlling the spreading all over the body. Researchers are trying to prove the effectiveness of the bone marrow transplant method for the patients in their stage IV.

Considering the negative factors of the breast cancer, there are effective ways to treat this deadly disease. Even White House has also taken a step to encourage on more research on this regard. President Bill Clinton has extended his financial support for the ongoing research projects and requested the insurance organizations for providing more coverage for mammograms. This support will definitely give rise to new hopes for finding new treatment methods for this disease, which might offer full recovery by the end of this century.

Breast Cancer And Possible Treatments

Cancer Treatments

Alternative Treatments for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death by cancer among women. Most women realize the importance of knowing about this type of cancer, finding out early if they have it, or if they are at risk of contracting it in the future. Knowing all the available options when it comes to treatment is also key since finding the right treatment will help immensely in fighting breast cancer effectively.

Because the earlier breast cancer is detected, the sooner and more effective the treatment is going to be, the first step is prevention and pre-screening. A monthly self-breast exam is the easiest way to screen for breast cancer. This can be done at home after getting the proper instructions from your doctor. In this type of self-examination, particular attention is given to any changes in the breast: color or size changes, the appearance of lumps or bumps, and pain or tenderness in particular areas. Once any of these problems is found, you should immediately notify your physician or gynecologist. They can then order more tests to confirm if it is indeed cancer.

Alternative Cancer Treatments

A mammogram, typically recommended for all adult women, is another way to check for breast cancer. The age when you begin getting mammograms will depend on your risk factors for contracting breast cancer. The procedure will also aid in the detection of any changes in the breast, such as the formation of tumors or cysts.

There is the possibility that the tests described above could result in a positive diagnosis for breast cancer. If this scenario should ever occur, the important thing is to NOT lose hope. Unlike in the past, a variety of treatment options are now available. The first ones that will be offered will most probably be the traditional treatments. These include chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and mastectomies. These, however, do come with risks, are invasive, and often have serious side effects.

It is important to realize that there are now options beyond these traditional cancer treatments. A number of holistic approaches are available. There are now even clinics that cater to individuals seeking alternative treatment methods for breast cancer. Should you decide to pursue this option, the first thing that needs to be done is to find a medical practitioner who will support you. The guidance of a licensed physician to oversee your care remains a must. Finding someone who is willing to try other treatment modalities will make the process both easier and safer for you.

Nutrition is increasingly being recognized as one way of helping treat breast cancer and its symptoms. These include certain food types, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Haelan is a type of liquid soy bean extract that has been shown to help block cancer-cell blood supplies, boost the immune system, and help reduce the size of tumors. Another is flax seed oil, which has been credited with slowing cancer-cell growth and improving the condition of the immune system. Also, the removal of certain things from a person's diet has been shown to help. For example, studies have shown that a diet that is low in sugar can help in preventing cancer or in stopping cancer growth. Moving to a low-sugar diet may also aid in "starving" cancer.

Electronic or magnetic therapies are modalities that are also showing promise in treating various types of cancer, not just breast cancer. These types of treatments include electrotherapy and magnetic resonance. Electrotherapy is used to treat tumors in the breast with the aid of electrical stimulation. This technique works by destroying the tumor in a gentle manner. The procedure is typically done with local anesthesia and is not very invasive. Magnetic resonance, meanwhile, uses radio waves. These are set at a frequency that specifically resonates with cancer cells, which have a different frequency compared to normal, healthy cells.

These are just a sampling of all the alternative options that are currently out there for the treatment of breast cancer. Always bear in mind, however, that your particular treatment needs to be based on your beliefs, your cancer's aggressiveness, and your body's condition. Also, I cannot stress enough, the importance of finding a medical practitioner who is going to listen to your wishes, and go with the therapy that feels right for you.

Alternative Treatments for Breast Cancer

Alternative Cancer Treatments

Can A Particular Alternative Cancer Cure Truly Fight Breast Cancer Tumors?

Using an alternative cancer cure so that you can treat breast cancer is seldom spoken of in the doctor's office or hospital. This is because when a breast malignancy is present, the doctor's principal focus is to eliminate the cancerous growth along with the cancerous cells as soon as possible by zapping the actual cells away and also cutting the actual malignant tumor out.

Traditional treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, never get rid of the underlying cause of the illness. In fact, the potential cause of the cancer is rarely mentioned. This is the major reason why countless numbers of cancer fighters relapse and consequently pass away. This is the biggest factor that separates alternative cancer cures with standard cancer treatments. Alternative treatments address the root cause so that the tumors and cells will not reappear.

Alternative Cancer

The fact remains, countless individuals have been cured of breast cancer making use of alternative treatments. Actually, alternative cures have been in existence for countless years. Alternative remedies that eliminate tumors in the breast and throughout the body are becoming a lot more sought after currently because patients and families are little by little starting to get completely fed up with the medical industry.

Folks simply do not rely upon doctors as much as they did in the past. Toxic medicines and chemicals are the rule when it pertains to orthodox practitioners healing any medical conditions. But you need to ask, with so many breakthroughs in technology and billions of dollars paid out on breast cancer research, drug treatments, and other innovative treatments every year, exactly why are more people succumbing to cancer now far more than at any time in history?

Alternative cancer cures tackle recovery by utilizing purely natural therapies. Alternative therapies are designed to treat the total body. Zapping cancer cells as well as removing tumors can deliver a short-term resolution, but as the majority of us realize by now, cancers continue to spread inside of the body unless the root cause is addressed. Anytime the root cause is addressed using alternative solutions, the full body will heal. Not only will the cancer malignancy disappear, but a variety of other conditions will leave the body too.

With natural cancer treatment options, the practitioner views the cancerous cells and tumor serves as a sign that the body system is not in balance. An alternative cancer cure will help get the total body well, given that cancer cells will neither remain nor thrive in a body that is healthy and in balance.

Can A Particular Alternative Cancer Cure Truly Fight Breast Cancer Tumors?

Alternative Cancer

Alternative Treatment and Herbal Medicines For Breast Cancer

Cancer requires scrupulous medical and surgical treatment. Nonetheless, certain alternative therapies may play an adjunctive role in its care.

Alternative Cancer Treatments

Herbal Medicine

Herbalists have long recommended tropical periwinkle to treat breast cancer and other malignancies. Indeed, a periwinkle alkaloid is used to make vincristine, a very potent chemotherapy agent. Oncologists stress, however, that this drug should be used only under careful medical supervision rather than to resort to herbal periwinkle extracts, which can be highly toxic.

Meditation, Self Hypnosis And Visualization

Studies indicate that women with advanced breast cancer who participate in group support sessions that include these techniques have significantly longer survival rates than those who do not. Scientists have not yet been able to explain this effect, but some theorize that the methods mobilize the immune system to fight the further spread of cancer.

Nutrition Therapy

Some nutritionists recommend daily supplements of beta carotene (precursor to vitamin A) and vitamins C and E, both to help prevent cancer and to slow its growth. However, studies suggest that foods high in these antioxidants are more effective. Good sources of beta carotene are orange and dark green vegetables and yellow and orange fruits; of vitamin C, many fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits and bell peppers; of vitamin E, wheat germ, legumes, seafood, and poultry. Although the role of other dietary components remains controversial, some studies suggest that a low-fat diet may cut the risk of breast cancer and its recurrence. Such a regimen requires limiting the intake of all fats, especially those from animals, as well as animal protein, while increasing foods high in fiber, such as whole grain products and fresh fruits and vegetables. Other nutrition therapists and some naturopaths may recommend extreme macrobiotic and other restricted, low calorie diets for breast cancer patients. Oncologists warn that these diets should be avoided because they do not provide adequate calories, protein, and other nutrients that the body needs for recovery or to prevent the wasting that occurs in advanced cancer. Yog regular practice of yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can help alleviate the stress and anxiety caused by cancer, which in turn may boost immune system function.

Self Treatment

Increasingly, women are expected to playa decision making role in their overall treatment. This demands being well informed and not hesitating to question your doctor and voice your concerns. Under the best of circumstances, a diagnosis of breast cancer is psychologically devastating. Joining a support group such as the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program, or simply talking to women who have recovered from breast cancer, can be reassuring. Concerns about physical appearance following a mastectomy are normal. However, women who do not undergo immediate breast reconstruction are usually relieved to find that, with a well fit prosthesis, they can wear most of their clothing without anyone being able to tell they have had this surgery. Initially, use a temporary prosthesis such as cotton fluff inserted into your regular bra, or one that is slightly larger to accommodate bandages. lake this to the hospital with you to avoid the stress of finding something to wear for the trip home. After healing is complete, plan to shop for a permanent prosthesis. Some regular lingerie departments sell breast prostheses, but you may feel more comfortable and find a wider selection at a specialty shop. Make sure that you tryon several different types. Prices vary, but many insurance policies and Medicare cover at least part of the cost. If you cannot find a ready-made prosthesis that looks and feels right, consider investing in a customized one made to match exactly the contour of your other breast.

A prosthesis usually is not necessary after a lumpectomy, but a bra should be worn day and night for several days following surgery to prevent traction of the wound and to help the breast regain its previous shape. Self help measures can help to minimize common complications affecting the arm and hand on the mastectomy side. To minimize swelling, exercise your arm as soon as your surgeon says it is okay. Lift it as high as you comfortably can several times a day to promote the flow of lymph. Also, "walk" your fingers up a wall as high as possible and do isometric, or pumping, exercises for the hand such as squeezing a rubber ball. If arm swelling still occurs, talk to your doctor about wearing an elastic sleeve to reduce swelling and improve lymph flow. If lymph nodes have been removed, the arm and hand on that side are more vulnerable to infection. It is best to avoid anything that constricts or burdens them. Wear loose fitting clothing and switch your watch and purse to the opposite arm. Also have blood drawn or blood pressure measured on the opposite arm. Try to minimize cuts or injuries; for example, use an electric razor if you shave underarm hair; wear protective gloves for gardening and other tasks; and use special care when trimming nails and cuticles. If you do get a cut or burn, wash it immediately with soap and water and apply an antiseptic plus an antibiotic cream. Consult your doctor promptly if an infection develops.

Other Causes of Breast Symptoms

Many women experience swelling and tenderness of the breasts as part of premenstrual syndrome. Benign fibrocystic breast lumps are also exceedingly common. Nursing mothers often develop mastitis, a bacterial breast infection.

Alternative Treatment and Herbal Medicines For Breast Cancer

Alternative Cancer Treatments

Breast Cancer Survival Rate - Stage 4 Breast Cancer

The breast cancer survival rate for Stage 4 breast cancer is much lower than for breast cancer detected at earlier stages.

Stage 4 breast cancer, or advanced breast cancer, has metastasized to other tissue including bone tissue, lung tissue, or the liver. When breast cancer has overwhelmed the body's natural defenses and spread this far by the time the cancer is first diagnosed, the 5-year survival rate drops to 16%-20% in the United States (American Cancer Society).

Alternative Cancer

Up to 5% of white women in the U.S., and up to 9% of black women have advanced breast cancer spread to distant tissue at the time of first diagnosis (SEER). This difference is usually attributed to poverty and lack of health insurance.

In general, women who have advanced breast cancer at the time of diagnosis live approximately 18 months after diagnosis (median survival rate). Those who are still alive five years after their diagnosis of advanced breast cancer can live an additional 3.5 years (median survival rate) according to the American Cancer Society.

Since this is the most deadly category of breast cancer, it is important to work closely with all the health care providers. New treatments are being developed all the time, and second, or even third opinions may give the patient more information about newly discovered successful solutions.

Early detection is clearly the most important factor in breast cancer survival rates. Breast cancer detected at Stage 1 while it is still localized to the breast has a survival rate of 98%-100%, while metastasized breast cancer first detected at Stage 4 drops down to 16%-20%.

Early detection procedures must include monthly self-examinations done at the same time each month. From age 20-40, healthy women should have clinical breast exams performed by their health care providers every three years. After age 40, the breast exams should be annually and should include a mammogram or similar procedure.

North American white women have the highest rates of breast cancer in the world, but the 5-year survival rate for all stages (Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, and Stage 4) combined is 88% for the U.S. A recent study found European countries have lower 5-year breast cancer survival rates, with England at 77.8% and Ireland at 76.2% (Lancet Oncology).

The difference in these survival rates is usually attributed to life-saving early detection.

Breast Cancer Survival Rate - Stage 4 Breast Cancer

Alternative Cancer

Future Treatments for Breast Cancer

Standard treatment for breast cancer has greatly improved survival for women, but the fact remains that 40% of women still ultimately die from the disease. This fact highlights theneed for new and better therapies. Traditional anticancer therapies mostly consist of drugs and ionizing radiation that damage DNA and DNA machinery. Such treatments preferentially kill certain kinds of cancer cells because these cells have a diminished ability to survive the damage. However, normal cells, can suffer DNA damage, but have the ability to repair their DNA. Unfortunately, the same genetic defects may render some cancer cells resistant to treatment, since they may also be less adept at activating cell death in the face of DNA damage. The challenge of cancer treatment now is to take advantage of properties of cancer cells that distinguish them from normal cells and to subsequently and specifically target cancer cells. A growing understanding of cancer cell biology is leading to better methods for treating the disease by directly exterminating only cancer cells. Listed are some of the latest new and adventurous strategies that are being developed for future breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Six new breast cancer treatment strategies

Cancer Treatments

1. Oncolytic viral therapy - takes advantage of molecules that tumor cells lack. Tumor cells usually lack the protein p53 which controls the cell cycle and cell replication. Viruses can attach to a host cell and replicate continuously inside the cell. They then burst out when their numbers are sufficient, killing the cell and infecting its neighbors. An adenovirus has now been constructed that lacks the gene for the p53 protein; this virus can therefore only replicate in cells in which p53 is already inactivated-including many types of cancer cells. If this modified adenovirus is injected into a tumor, it will replicate in and kill only the cancer cells that lack p53, leaving normal cells unharmed. This strategy is presently undergoing clinical trials.

2. Interventional Radiology - Scientists are investigating a technique in which magnets are used to pull chemotherapy drugs into tumors. Microscopic magnetic particles are attached to the cancer drugs and infused into the blood vessel that feeds the tumor. A rare earth magnet is positioned directly above the tumor site. The magnet pulls the drug-carrying particles out of the blood vessel directly into the tumor. This technique is still experimental; however, early research is promising. Scientists hope that it will bolster the effects of chemotherapy and avoid drug side effects.

3. Gene Therapy - involves the alteration of the patient's genetic material to fight or prevent cancer. Although the science of gene therapy is still in the experimental stages, researchers hope that in the future the therapy can be used as follows:

Alter the cells of a patient's natural immune system with cancer-fighting genes that allow cells to more forcefully attack the cancer; Genetically alter cancer cells so that the patient's own immune system will defend against them and allow the altered cancer cells to act as a cancer vaccine; Replace genes responsible for cancer growth with "good" genes; and inject a tumor with genes that will make it more susceptible to cancer-fighting agents. Make normal tissue resistant to chemotherapy, so that drugs will destroy tumors without damaging healthy tissue.

4. Breast Cancer vaccines - Vaccination strategies are being developed that engage the patient's own immune system to eradicate cancer cells. The advantage of this is low toxicity, and high specificity as well as a sustained antibody effect due to cell memory.

5. Use of breast cancer resistance genes - Researchers at the Dana Faber Cancer Institute have found a gene that can predict a high risk of cancer recurrence in some breast cancers that have been treated with chemotherapy drugs. This finding could guide the physician in the choice of anti-tumor drugs to use and eliminate wrong ineffective choices.

6. More precise breast cancer diagnosis - Breast cancer can now be characterized at a molecular level by obtaining expression profiles for thousands of genes within the cancer. These profiles can be grouped into subclasses of breast cancers that share common features such as prognosis and probable response to certain treatments. More precise treatments can then be made for each subclass of cancer

To find out about the author and her primary business, visit the author's

Future Treatments for Breast Cancer

Cancer Treatments

Breast Cancer - Herbal Treatment

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with roughly 175,000 new cases reported each year. Conventional treatment for breast cancer generally consists of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, depending upon the extent of the disease. Some women are now opting for a more natural treatment regimen, either in conjunction with the chemotherapy and radiation, or with herbs alone. Some of the following herbs are currently being used for women with breast cancer, with promising results.

Astragalus root, Maitake mushrooms, echinacea and ginseng are used to boost the immune system, which is clearly not functioning properly in an individual with cancer.

Alternative Cancer Treatments

Black cohosh, red clover, chasteberry and turmeric are herbs that are high in phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are a form of estrogen that block the stronger, more damaging estrogens. They work by fitting into the same receptors in breast cells that estrogens do, thus preventing the estrogen's ability to fit there. Chasteberry also may inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.

Silymarin, an extract of milk thistle, and also a powerful antioxidant, has shown promise for fighting breast cancer. Silymarin also provides an added benefit of protecting the liver.

Some cancer-fighting nutrients that can be added to the diet include green tea, garlic and onions. Studies have shown that the organic ingredient of garlic, allyl sulfur, is effective in inhibiting or preventing cancer development. Green tea acts as a powerful antioxidant and stimulates the immune system. It can be either drank in tea form, or taken in a standardized capsule.

Herbs such as bloodroot, don quai, juniper and mandrake may help reduce breast cancer cell growth.

Burdock root acts as a powerful antioxidant. It helps to protect against cancer by helping control cell mutation. It also aids in elimination of toxins. Burdock purifies the blood and stimulates the digestive and immune systems.

In addition to herbs that are taken orally, homemade cancer creams may be placed on the affected breast or breasts. These creams contain extracts of herbs and work by promoting a separation of the tumor from the tissue that supports it. Cancer creams are applied to skin tumors or the skin over internal tumor sites. The ingredients differ, but usually are mixed in an oily base like beeswax, olive oil, butter or pine tar, which allow the active ingredients to penetrate the skin. Ingredients may include bloodroot, cleavers herb, lobelia, chickweed, cayenne, DMSO, chaparral, Irish moss, comfrey, marshmallow, myrrh, birch bark and mullein.

As with any health care regimen, consult your doctor or naturopath to determine the correct herbs and dosages for you.

Breast Cancer - Herbal Treatment

Alternative Cancer Treatments