1. Health

Breast Cancer: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
BSE and Breast Lumps
There are four kinds of breast lumps: cysts, fibroadenomas, pseudolumps, and cancer. When you are doing a breast self-exam (BSE) you can feel breast lumps and differences in breast texture. Knowing the difference between harmless and harmful breast lumps is important to your breast health. Learn more about breast lumps here.
Sharp Pain in Your Breast
What is that sharp pain in your breast? Knowing some of the causes of sharp pain in the breast or beneath the breast can help calm your fears. Get a diagnosis and treatment plan for sharp pain in your breast - you can learn how here.
Left Breast Pain
Left breast pain can be very distressing. Your left breast is close to your heart, so when you have this breast pain, it could be the breast or something close to your left breast. Get help for left breast pain here.
Breast Fibroadenomas
Fibroadenomas are one of the findings that can be seen on your mammogram. They are benign (not cancerous) breast tumors that are made of glandular and fibrous breast tissue. Read more to find out what you should do, if you think you have fibroadenomas.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
Breast cancer symptoms can vary because there are many types of breast cancer. Know which symptoms you can see and feel, and which of them signal early stage or advanced disease. Remember that not all lumps are symptoms of breast cancer.
Breast Cysts
Breast cysts are very common in perimenopausal women and are not usually associated with breast cancer, but they can show up on your mammogram. Read about breast cysts, mammograms and what they mean for you.
Breast Calcifications
Calcifications are a feature that can show up on your mammogram. They are not breast cancer, and they don't always mean trouble. Find out what the two kinds of calcifications are and what they mean for you.
Male Breast Pain
Male breast pain can occur at any age from puberty to the senior years. Male breasts develop and change differently than female breasts, but male breast can be painful and tender too. If you're having male breast pain, understand the possible causes and know how to get help.
Breast Pain Hub
Breast pain can happen to anyone. When it strikes you, know which doctor to see, how to get ready for a breast pain consultation, and what tests and treatments to expect. Use home remedies and professional help to get relief for breast pain. Learn all about breast pain here.
Breast Tumors
If a dense white mass with an irregular outline appears on your mammogram, it may be a malignant tumor. Read more to find out what a breast tumor feels like, and how to get it tested for an accurate diagnosis.
Nipple Changes
Nipple changes can occur in response to a lover's caress, a baby's cry, during breastfeeding, or sometimes from a medical condition. Not all nipple changes are worrisome, but knowing which are expected changes and which are signs of disease is critical to your breast health. Learn more about nipple changes here.
Stage 2 Breast Cancer
Stage 2 breast cancer is an early-stage tumor and should respond well to proper treatment. Learn the different categories of tumor classification and how that affects your options for treatment and survival.
BSE How-To
Here's now to do your Breast Self Exam (BSE), how to do it properly, when to do your BSE, and the reasons for doing your BSE regularly. Your breast health is literally in your hands. Included are illustrations to show you how to do your BSE.
Breast Pain Cyclical Treatment
Breast pain may be linked to your menstrual period.
Nipple Variations
Do you know the difference between inverted nipples, retracted nipples, and erect nipples? Inverted nipples may be normal for some women. Learn how to identify the variations on inverted, retracted, and erect nipples.
Intraductal Papillomas
An intraductal papilloma is a tiny wart-like growth in breast tissue that sometimes punctures a duct. These benign tumors are composed of fibrous tissue and blood vessels. Intraductal papillomas grow inside your breast's milk ducts, and can cause benign nipple discharge. Learn how these are diagnosed and treated.
Mammogram Images, Descriptions and Details
Mammogram Images, Descriptions and Details - What shows up on your mammogram, and what does it look like? See what benign and malignant masses look like on a mammogram. Learn why mammograms help with early detection and screening for breast cancer.
Nipple Anatomy
Breast anatomy is complex and important to reproductive and breastfeeding health. To focus on one aspect of breast anatomy, let's examine the nipple structure. Find out what's inside a nipple and how those parts relate to health and disease.
Stage 3 BC
Stage 3 breast cancer is invasive, but it is not metastatic. This cancer has not traveled to organs or other parts of the body. It involves more lymph nodes than early stage breast cancer. Learn about the diagnosis and treatment of Stage breast cancer here.
Fibrocystic Changes
Fibrocystic disease is now called fibrocystic changes, and is due to hormonal fluctuations. It is the most common benign breast condition, and doesn't increase your risk for breast cancer. Learn the symptoms and treatment for fibrocystic changes in your breast.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma -IDC
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) is the most common type of breast cancer. It begins in the milk ducts and invades nearby breast tissue. Learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatments for this type of invasive breast cancer.
BIRADS Overview
Your mammogram report includes many technical details, one of which is a BIRADS score. This gives the radiologist's opinion of the absence or likelihood of breast cancer. Understanding this score is important to your diagnosis and treatment, if any is needed.
Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound may be needed if your mammogram shows indistinct masses, or if a lump can be easily felt during a clinical breast exam. In dense breast tissue, a breast ultrasound can image soft tissue and produce a sharp, high-contrast image. This is useful when your doctor needs to distinguish between a fluid-filled cyst or a suspicious mass.
Symptoms and Explanations
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer, explanations of the causes of symptoms, what actions you should take if you find a change in your breasts
Breast Cancer Pain
Breast cancer is a sneaky disease and may not always cause breast pain. Understanding the difference between benign breast pain and breast cancer pain is important. Learn more about breast cancer pain here.
Breast Fibroadenoma Treatment
A breast fibroadenoma is a benign breast lump that you may notice when you do your breast self-exam. Premenopausal women ages 20 - 30 are most likely to have a breast fibroadenoma. There are several options for dealing with a breast fibroadenoma, you can learn how to get rid of a breast fibroadenoma here.
Definition
Breast cancer is a malignant (cancerous) growth that begins in the tissues of the breast. Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can also appear in men. Learn more about the types and symptoms of breast cancer here.
Breast Pain Types
Breast pain or breast tenderness can occur in pre- and post menopausal women, and even in men. Breast pain may be cyclical, noncyclical, or pain that only seems to be in the breast. Breast pain can be treated, and should be checked out. Learn more about the types of breast pain here.
Stage 1 BC
Stage 1 breast cancer is an early stage diagnosis. Staging of cancer is just one part of your diagnosis, but it affects your treatment options. Understand what having stage 1 breast cancer means for you and for your survival.
Breastfeeding Benefits
You can lower your risk of developing breast cancer by breastfeeding your baby. And if your baby is a girl, her risk can also be reduced. Learn how long to breastfeed to lower your risk, whether or not you can breastfeed after you've had treatment for breast cancer, and more.
Duct Ectasia
Mammary duct ectasia is a benign breast condition. It occurs most commonly in women who are close to menopause. Milk ducts can dilate (swell) and the walls may thicken, so much so that the flow of fluid is blocked. Nipple discharge can also occur. You can treat this at home, or see a doctor if it persists. Learn more about diagnosis and treatment of mammary duct ectasia.
Free Mammograms
Free mammograms are available for women with low incomes through state funding, Medicare, and support organizations. Don't skip your annual mammogram - if you find a lump but can't afford the cost, look for a free mammogram or find a place that offers low-cost mammograms. Learn how to find free mammograms here.
Normal Dense Breast Tissue on a Mammogram
See an image of Normal Dense Breast Tissue on a mammogram. Dense breast tissue may sometimes hide internal features such as cysts and fibroadenomas. Mammograms can be adjusted to screen dense breast tissue.
Breast Tumor on a Mammogram
Breast tumors can show up on a mammogram. See what a malignant breast mass looks like on a mammogram. Learn why mammograms help with early detection and screening for breast cancer.
Breast Fat Necrosis
After breast surgery or after a breast injury -- from sports, accidents, or a seat belt burn -- you may develop a lump. These types of breast lumps are called breast fat necrosis, because they are made of bruised, injured, or dead fatty tissue.
Hormone Receptor Status
Estrogen and Progesterone biomarker tests results will appear on your pathology report. Understanding the test results is important, because this information affects your treatment as well as your follow-up care, if you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Fine Needle Aspiration
Having a fine needle aspiration may seem scary, but it can give you the clearest information about the nature of the lump. If the lump turns out to be a cyst, the fluid can be drained out, relieving any pressure it may have been causing. Learn more about a fine needle aspiration biopsy.
Core Needle Biopsy
A core needle biopsy is used when you need to have more information about a breast lump than a mammogram, ultrasound, or fine needle aspiration can give. A hollow core needle can be used to get small tissue samples from a breast lump. Learn more about the core needle biopsy procedure.
CA 15-3 Tumor Marker Test
Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is a blood test that you might have if you've been diagnosed with breast cancer. It helps monitor advanced breast cancer and how it is responding to treatment.
Tumor Grade
Tumor grade is part of the data that will appear on your pathology report. Knowing more about your tumor helps your doctor decide on the treatments that will deliver the best outcome. Learn more about tumor grade.
HER2/neu
HER2, which is also called HER2/neu, and HER-2, is the acronym for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Knowing your HER2 status is an important part of your diagnosis.
Fibrocystic Breast Tissue on a Mammogram
Fibrocystic breast changes can be seen on a mammogram. Fibrocystic changes may include breast fibrosis and cysts that will appear as thickened and and thin areas on your mammogram. See what fibrocystic changes looks like on a mammogram.
Breast Calcifications on a Mammogram
Breast calcifications can appear on a mammogram. Calcifications may show up in patterns or as random arrangements. Breast calcifications are not always a sign of trouble, but need extra attention. See what breast calcifications look like on a mammogram.
Mastitis
Women who are breastfeeding may experience breast pain and lumpiness -- and feel panic. It may be mastitis, a benign breast infection that is treated with antibiotics and simple home remedies. Read more to learn about mastitis.
Why Mammo not US
Why don't doctors ask for an annual ultrasound instead of a mammogram? A mammogram is painful and uses radiation - an ultrasound is comfortable and uses sound waves. Why do we still need mammograms? Learn more about mammograms and ultrasounds for breast cancer screening here.
Phyllodes Tumor
Overview of Phyllodes Breast Tumor: Phyllodes tumor is a very rare type of breast tumor, which can be
Normal Fatty Breast Tissue on a Mammogram
Normal fatty breast tissue images clearly on a mammogram. Dense breast tissue does not image as well on a mammogram as a fatty breast. See what fatty breast tissue looks like on a mammogram.
Mammogram and MRI Breast Images Comparison
Mammograms are the most commonly used screening test for breast cancer. But breast MRIs show much more detail and use no compression. How does a mammogram and a breast MRI compare? Take a look for yourself.
Stereotactic Biopsy
A stereotactic biopsy is used take samples from a lump that cannot be felt during a breast exam, but can be seen on a mammogram or an ultrasound. Stereo mammograms are taken and sent to a computer, which guides the biopsy needle. This is a very accurate procedure. Learn more about stereotactic breast biopsy.
Manage Breast Pain
Learn to identify breast pain by type and location, then treat it at home. Understand causes of breast pain and when to see your doctor. Use some easy home remedies to get relief from your breast pain.
Subareolar Abscess
A nipple or a subareolar abscess can cause a lump and pain. If you think you have a subareolar abscess, be sure you know the symptoms of this benign breast condition. Understand the causes and treatments for a subareolar abscess. Learn more about a nipple or a subareolar abscess here.
Free Wigs for Cancer Patients
If you need a free wig during cancer treatment, here are five places to contact. Cancer treatments are expensive and can cause hair loss. Your budget may be tight or you may not have health insurance, but you can find a free wig if you need it during chemotherapy. Learn more about free wigs for cancer patients here.
Other Benign Breast Masses
Most benign (non-cancerous) breast lumps are cysts or fibroadenomas. But what if you have an unexplained breast lump? It could be due to scar tissue, radiation, compressed tissue, or old silicone. These kinds of lumps are sometimes called pseudolumps. Learn more about breast pseudolumps.
Benign Breast Conditions
While doing your breast self-exam, you find an irregularity. Is it benign or malignant? Fortunately, most breast lumps and bumps are not cancer. Learn more about when it's not cancer, known as benign breast conditions.
Importance of Lymph Nodes
Your lymph node status is a critical part of your diagnostic workup and has a majot impact on your options for breast cancer treatment. You need to know if your cancer has spread, and if so, how to choose a treatment plan that will boost your odds of survival. Learn more about your lymph node status and breast cancer treatment options here.
TRAM Flap
The TRAM flap (transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous) is a tissue flap procedure that uses muscle, fat and skin from your abdomen to create a new breast mound after a mastectomy. This procedure takes its name from the transverse rectus abdominus muscle in your tummy. A TRAM flap can be done for a single or double mastectomy, and requires a skilled plastic surgeon. Learn more about the TRAM flap reconstruction method.
Capsular Contracture
Breast implants for postmastectomy reconstruction may develop capsular contracture during healing. A stiff layer of tissue around the implant can require corrective surgery or nonsurgical treatments. Capsular contracture may be preventable.
Extra Nipples
Having a third nipple or even a fourth nipple is fairly common. Extra nipples get started before you're born, but are often mistaken for moles or freckles. Third nipples are the subject of myth, legend, and at least one famous movie. Learn more about third nipples here.
How Breast Cancer Spreads
Breast cancer can metastasize, or spread, from your tumor site to other parts of your body by traveling through your blood stream or lymph system. Breast cancer can spread to you bones, lungs, liver or brain. But if it is caught early and treated, even metastatic breast cancer can be managed like a chronic disease, and more patients are living longer after their diagnosis. Learn more about metastatic breast cancer.
DCIS
A description and definition of ductal carcinoma in situ, with signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests, staging, and treatment. Learn more about ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) here.
All About Mammograms
The American Cancer Society recommends that women have an annual mammogram, starting at age 40, to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms can detect many other features than breast cancer, and 80% of all breast masses are benign. Learn more about mammograms here.
Stages of Breast Cancer
What are the stages of breast cancer? How do the stages relate to the tumor size, the lymph node status, and if the cancer has spread? Read about why knowing the stage of a breast cancer diagnosis is important to you.
Male Breast Exam
Men who are a high risk for developing male breast cancer need to know how to perform a monthly male breast self exam (MBSE). This is a form of early detection that save your life. Learn how to do a male breast self exam.
Ki-67 Tumor Marker
Ki-67 is a cancer antigen that is found in growing, dividing cells but is absent in the resting phase of cell growth. This is not a screening test, but is useful in predicting your prognosis.
Benign Nipple Discharge
Nipple discharge is fluid that comes from the nipple. It may be different colors and textures. Most of the time, it is not malignant and it not a sign of cancer. Here are some common causes of pre- and post-menopausal benign nipple discharge.
Arm Lymphedema Exercises
Arm lymphedema (swelling) can happen after you've had lymph nodes removed during breast cancer surgery. Gentle exercise with free weights can help reduce swelling caused by lymphedema. Here's how to do these arm lymphedema exercises.
Cancer Loves Sugar
Cancer loves sugar - a very common saying and widely believed. But does cancer love sugar, and does sugar cause cancer to grow? If you cut sugar out of your diet, would that prevent or cure cancer?
Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
Axillary lymph node dissection is done to determine your risk of metastatic breast cancer. Your lymph node status affects the staging of your cancer and your treatment options. Learn more about lymph nodes and breast cancer here.
Invasive Breast Cancer
Invasive, or infiltrating, breast cancer has the potential to spread out of the original tumor site and invade other parts of your breast and body. There are several types and subtypes of invasive breast cancer.
Breast Implant on a Mammogram
What does a breast implant look like on your mammogram? See an image of a silicone breast implant on a mammogram. Learn why mammograms help with early detection and screening for breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Tumor Markers
Tumor markers are substances that show up in your blood, urine, or tumor. Oncologists use tumor marker tests to detect, diagnose, and monitor cancer. There are several tumor marker test specific to breast cancer. Learn how your test results affect your diagnosis and treatment.
Chemo Curls Care
Chemotherapy can cause hair loss as well affect hair regrowth. Your post-chemo hair might be very kinky or curly, and it is called chemo curls. Hair regrowth starts 6 - 12 months after chemotherapy stops. Learn how to take care of your new chemo curls.
Paget’s Disease
Paget’s Disease of the nipple or breast is a rare type of breast cancer, which can occur in women and men. It shows up in and around the nipple, and usually signals the presence of breast cancer beneath the skin.
CA 27.29 Tumor Marker
Cancer antigen 27.29 (CA 27.29) is a blood test that is given specifically for breast cancer. The antigen CA 27.29 is found in the blood of women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is not a screening test but is used for monitoring treatment and disease.
Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy, sometimes called a wide local excision (WLE), is a type of breast cancer surgery. This is a breast conserving surgery, that removes the least amount of tissue that is safely possible. Learn more about a lumpectomy for breast cancer here.
Fingernail Disorders
Your fingernails reveal a lot about your health. During chemotherapy for breast cancer, you may experience problems with the nails on your fingers and toes. Understanding the causes and symptoms of nail disorders can help you care for them.
Surgical Drains
After breast surgery, you most likely will have one or more surgical drains in place near your incisions. Having a surgical drain prevents blood and lymphatic fluid buildup under your skin, and encourages healing and recovery. Here are some tips to life with surgical drains.
Taxol (Paclitaxel) Profile
Taxol (Paclitaxel) is a chemotherapy drug made from yew trees. It fights cancer by interfering with cancer cell division. Taxol can be used to treat any stage of breast cancer; as well as ovarian, lung, and AIDS- related Kaposi’s sarcoma. When given in low doses it has mild side effects and is well-tolerated.
Breast Hematomas
Breast hematomas are usually benign, but can look like tumors on a mammogram. Here's what you need to know if a hematoma shows up on your mammogram.
Biopsy Overview
Do you need a biopsy or an aspiration? Which kind of biopsy is used for the most accurate results? Read about four main types of breast biopsy procedures.
Neupogen (Filgrastim)
Neupogen (filgrastim) is a drug given to patients who have neutropenia (low neutrophil count). An injection of Neupogen stimulates white blood cell production. It is a clear liquid that is usually given as an injection. Learn how Neupogen helps boost your neutrophil count.
Tumor Size
Finding out the exact size of your breast cancer tumor affects the staging of your cancer and your treatment decisions. Do you know what size your tumor is? Here's a good way to visualize your tumor size.
Latissimus Dorsi
The latissimus dorsi is a tissue flap procedure that uses muscle and skin from your upper back to create a new breast mound after a mastectomy. This procedure takes its name from the latissimus dorsi muscle. in your upper back. Learn about the latissimus dorsi breast construction method, advantages and disadvantages, and what to expect.
Compare Neulasta and Neupogen
Chemotherapy can cause your neutrophil counts to drop, which puts you at risk of infection. Neutropenia is treated with Neulasta or Neupogen, but what's the difference, and how do you choose? Read more to understand your choices.
Wire Localization
Wire localization is a technique that is used to mark the location of a breast abnormality that is quite small, or that can't be easily found by touch. Wire localization is done before a breast biopsy or lumpectomy. Learn more about wire localization.
Adenosis
Adenosis, or enlarged breast lobules, can be so small you can't feel them, or so large they can't be distinguished from a cancerous lump. Adenosis will show up on a mammogram, but still may imitate breast cancer. Read more to learn about breast adenosis.
Ductogram (Galactogram)
A ductogram, also called a galactogram, is helpful in diagnosing nipple discharge, ductal ectasia, fibrocystic changes, intraductal papillomas and breast cancer.
Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia
Atypical lobular hyperplasia is not breast cancer. If you have been diagnosed with atypical lobular hyperplasia, then you need to know how it affects your risk for breast cancer, and how to get a clear diagnosis and treatment options. Learn more about atypical lobular hyperplasia here.
Gynecomastia Overview
Gynecomastia is a benign male breast condition in which a male has one or two prominent breasts. It is not considered to increase a man's risk of developing male breast cancer. Gynecomastia is not the same as Klinefelter syndrome, but it is one of the symptoms of Klinefelter's.
Stages of Breast Cancer - Comparison Table of TNM and Staging
[What are the stages of breast cancer? How does the TNM System relate to staging? Read more to understand a breast cancer diagnosis.]
Lymph Node Status
Lymph node status is an important part of your overall breast cancer diagnosis. This information is used, together with tumor size and metastatic status, to calculate your prognosis, or outlook after treatment.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Definition and description of IBC - Inflammatory Breast Cancer, and how it is related to, and different from, ductal and lobular breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Types
A review of several types of breast cancer: ductal, lobular, and inflammatory. Rare types of breast cancer: inflammatory breast cancer, Paget's disease of the nipple.
Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia
If you found a breast lump and worry about atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) then you need to know the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments for this condition. Atypical ductal hyperplasia does not always lead to breast cancer, but some women need to be vigilant.
Bras and Breast Cancer
Bras cause breast cancer - it's a myth that been banging around the internet and email for years. But do bras really cause breast cancer? Look into the rumors and facts of the bras cause breast cancer myth.
Mammogram Views
A mammogram is the most important screening tool for breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that women 40 years old and over have an annual mammogram. What are the most common views taken during a routine mammogram? Why is more than one view needed? How does that compression help with the image? Read more to find out why you have to get squeezed more than once.
Diet and Breast Cancer Risk
Make smart choices of food, drink, and exercise to have a healthy weight. Keep slim to lower your risk for cancers, but especially breast cancer. A healthy diet has many benefits. Learn more about diet and cancer risk.
Radial Scars
Having a diagnosis of radial scar of the breast can cause worry. A radial scar doesn't cause a breast lump and doesn't change your breast skin. Radial scars are rare, but can raise your risk for breast cancer. Learn about radial scars here.
Mucinous (Colloid) Carcinoma
Mucinous (colloid) carcinoma is a rare type of invasive breast cancer that is formed when cancer cells within your breast produce mucous. This type of breast cancer rarely spreads to your lymph nodes. Learn more about symptoms and diagnosis of mucinous carcinoma of the breast.
Mammogram Report
Understanding your mammogram report is important, whether it says “no sign of cancer” or it indicates that changes have occurred which need follow-up. Your mammogram report will have several kinds of information on it, much of it expressed in medical terms. Discuss your results with your doctor to make sure you understand what it means for your breast health.
endocrine therapies for breast cancer
Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer can be treated with endocrine therapies, also called hormonal therapies. These drugs come in two classes: selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)and aromatase inhibitors. These lower your estrogen levels, and may affect your fertility, as well as preventing a recurrence of breast cancer. Learn more about endocrine therapies for breast cancer.
BC Treatment Recovery Time
Breast cancer treatment and recovery takes time out of your busy life. If you're trying to figure out how long your breast cancer treatment and recovery will take, here is some good information. Learn more about breast cancer treatment and recovery times here.
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Metastatic breast cancer is diagnosed when cells from the original breast tumor have spread beyond your breast to other parts of your body. Dr. William Gradishar, an oncologist at Feinberg School Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago, gives some statistics and treatment options for metastatic breast cancer.
Sentinel Node Biopsy
A sentinel lymph node biopsy is an important part of your breast cancer diagnosis and staging. Cancer cells from the tumor may spread to other parts of your body through your lymph system, and so checking on those lymph nodes will reveal whether any metastasis has occured. Learn what to expect during a sentinel lymph node biopsy, during recovery, and getting results.
Nipple Hub
Nipple and areola health is important to maintain. Nipples and areolas need to be healthy during breastfeeding, but you should be aware of your nipple health all your life. Learn about your nipple anatomy, nipple changes, nipple discharge, nipple pain, and nipple reconstruction. Find out all about nipple and areola health here.
Breast oil cysts
Breast oil cysts are benign breast lumps. Learn more about breast oil cysts here.
Chemo Primer Tips
If you're about to go for your first round of chemotherapy, you may have lots of questions, and some fears. Here's some tips on what do to, in order to have a good experience, and prevent problems afterward. Be prepared for your first chemotherapy treatment.
Breast Implant Reconstruction
Breast implants are the option for reconstruction that requires the least surgery. About half of all breast reconstructions are done using implants. No skin or muscle needs to be relocated for an implant reconstruction. Learn more about breast implant reconstruction after a mastectomy.
MRI and Treatment Decisions
Most of us are familiar with mammograms - but what are breast MRIs used for, and how do they affect breast cancer treatment decisions? Learn more about breast MRI and how they are used in breast cancer diagnosis and screening.
Adriamycin – Doxorubicin
Definition of Adriamycin (Doxorubicin): Adriamycin is a chemotherapy drug, a type of anthracycline antibiotic
Prevent Nausea After Surgery
Many patients have trouble with nausea and vomiting after surgery. Anesthesia drugs can sometimes cause these side effects, but we want anesthesia so we can sleep through surgery. Asking for pretreatment for nausea and vomiting is key. Learn more about avoiding nausea and vomiting after surgery here.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Breast cancer isn't always detected with the naked eye. Its early signs are often hidden within your breast tissues. Changes to your breasts that you do see may not be the result of breast cancer at all. Lumps and bumps may come and go, as your hormones ebb and flow, and as you age. Breast skin may change texture due to sunburn, radiation treatments, or infections that cause rashes. So how would you know for sure whether or not a lump, skin rash, or skin dimpling is benign or cancerous?
Surgical Breast Biopsy
Surgical breast biopsy takes the largest tissue sample and has the highest accuracy rate of all breast biopsy methods. It will leave an external and internal scar but will give you a clear diagnosis of whether your diagnosis is benign or malignant. Learn more about open surgical breast biopsy.
Prevention Strategies
Here are ten strategies that you can use to lower your risk of developing breast cancer. All of these things help keep you well and raise your defences against many kinds of illness. Take control of your lifestyle factors, and make healthy choices.
Breast Pain and Menses
Combination birth control pills prevent ovulation and can relieve or cause breast pain. Synthetic hormones in combination birth control pills affect your menstrual cycle differently than your natural hormones, making cycles of breast pain or tenderness change. Learn more about combination birth control pills and breast pain here.
Angiosarcoma
Angiosarcoma of the breast is a rarely diagnosed type of breast cancer. It can grow and spread quickly, and may affect many organs in your body. Learn the symptoms, tests to diagnose, and treatments for angiosarcoma of the breast.
Mouth Rinses For Chemo
You can use mouth rinses during chemotherapy for breast cancer to alleviate side effects symptoms. Mouth rinses are good for mucositis, mouth sores, dry mouth, and pain in the gums. Mouth rinses are easy to make at home - here are several recipes for mouth rinses.
Coffee and Breast Cancer
Moderate amounts of coffee and tea do not increase your risk for developing breast cancer. Caffeine in coffee and tea will cause fibrocystic breast lumps to swell, but that will not lead to breast cancer, either. Learn more about coffee and breast cancer.
Breast Pain Appt
Make the most of your breast pain appointment by being well prepared. Gather up critical information and write up a list of questions and symptoms. Understand what tests you may be having as well as what treatments may be offered. Get help for breast pain by seeing your doctor.
Surgical Drains Location
Surgical drains are one of the things you may have to deal with after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Surgical drains are located where they will aid the healing process. Learn more about the location of post-mastectomy surgical drains here.
Mastectomy
A mastectomy is surgery that removes the entire breast. A mastectomy is done to treat breast cancer by removing the tumor and surrounding tissue. There are several types of mastectomy, all of which remove all of the breast tissue. Learn more about mastectomy here.
BC Awareness Bracelets
A Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet is an attractive way to show support and raise funds for the cause. Many Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelets help with fund raising efforts, and generate funds for research and patient education. Here are 10 Best Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelets.
Free Headgear
Chemotherapy for breast cancer can cause hair loss. If it appears that your hair will be taking a break while you're in treatment, get some headgear to top off your wardrobe. You can cover your head with free headgear - here's how to get free wigs, hats, caps, and scarves during chemo for breast cancer. Save money and have fun with colors and styles until your hair comes back, and then donate your headgear for others to enjoy!
Breast Cancer Gene Test
Your genes come from your parents, and determine things such as hair and eye color, height, the shape of your nose, and your risk of some diseases. If you've inherited mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, your risk of developing breast cancer at some time in your life is increased above average. Should you have a genetic test?
Chemo Basics
Many breast cancer patients need to take chemotherapy treatments to prevent a recurrence, or shrink a tumor, or help control the disease. Chemotherapy affects healthy tissue as well as cancer cells, and may cause side effects. Learn about the most standard chemo regimens for breast cancer, and how they may affect your cancer and your fertility. Understand the basics of chemotherapy for breast cancer.
will my breast cancer come back
Many women who have had breast cancer wonder what their chances are of developing it again, known as a recurrence.
Young Women, Family History and Breast Cancer
The average American woman has a 12% chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime; but if you have a family history of breast cancer, your risk increases to 24% for developing breast cancer. You must balance several factors to assess your own risk: family history, genetic risk, diet and weight. Find out what your risk factors may be, and how to work with your doctor for the best way to prevent breast cancer.
Clinical Breast Exam
A clinical breast exam (CBE) helps you and your doctor keep an eye on your breast health. A clinical breast examination does not replace your monthly breast self-exam or mammogram, but is an additional way to check your breasts for cancer or benign breast conditions. Learn more about a clinical breast exam here.
Things To Do During Chemo
Here are 10 ideas for how to pass your time during a chemo infusion. When you're stuck in an infusion chair with an IV line, you can still make good use of your time. Try these 10 best things to do during chemo.
Procrit - Epoetin Alfa
Procrit is a man-made protein, given as a booster shot to help restart red blood cell production when chemotherapy for breast cancer causes anemia. Procrit is a very safe drug, and has few risks and side effects.
Breast Pain And Cancer Risk
Breast pain and breast cancer doesn't always go together. But does having breast pain increase your risk for breast cancer? Learn more about benign breast conditions, breast pain, and your breast cancer risk.
Compression Sleeve
What is a compression sleeve? and how does it relate to arm lymphedema? Learn more about compression sleeves and arm lymphedema here.
Arimidex – Anastrozole
Arimidex helps prevent the production of estrogen, a hormone that fuels many breast cancer tumors. It is considered a hormonal treatment, and can help prevent recurrence of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Soy and Breast Cancer
Soy is great food - but not everyone agrees on whether or not it's good for your health. Soy foods contain the isoflavone genistein, which may help prevent breast cancer, if you start eating it just before puberty. However, if you've had estrogen-sensitive breast cancer, soy may interfere with your tamoxifen or Aromasin. Learn more about soy and breast cancer.
Mucositis
Chemotherapy-induced mucositis is the inflammation of your mucous membranes, which are tissues that line your digestive system – all the way from your mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum to your anus.
Fibroadenoma
A fibroadenoma is a benign (non-cancerous) breast tumor that is made of glandular and fibrous breast tissue. Fibroadenomas are very common in premenopausal women, and they can occur in groups.
Stage 0 Breast Cancer
Is Stage Zero breast cancer really cancer or not? Doctors and patients don't always agree on this controversy. A diagnosis of Stage 0 is one factor that affects your treatment plans -- other things come into your decisions.
Tissue Expanders Ov
Tissue expanders are used in breast implant reconstruction. Tissue expanders come in a variety of sizes, shapes and textures. Learn more about tissue expanders and breast implant reconstruction after a mastectomy.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer that starts in the lobules of your breast, where milk is produced. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma does not always feel like a breast lump, because it may grow in a web-like mass. Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for Invasive Lobular Carcinoma.
Papillary Carcinoma
Papillary Carcinoma is a type of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This type of breast cancer is rarely invasive, and usually stays within the milk ducts of your breast. It has a good chance of recovery after treatment.
Natural Sweeteners
Natural sweeteners are part of eating healthy -- they are low on the glycemic index, so they don't raise you blood glucose levels like refined sugar does. Cancer thrives on sugar, so cutting back is a good thing. Learn about several natural sweeteners.
Treatment Overview
After your breast cancer has been diagnosed, your healthcare team will recommend treatment. There are five standard treatment options for breast cancer: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted biologic, and hormonal therapy. Learn about each one, and how a decision on which is right for you is made.
Tissue Expander Pain
There are many ways to cope with tissue expander pain – some of which you can do for yourself, and some of which require a doctor's help.  When you have tissue expanders for breast reconstruction, they may temporarily cause pain. Here's how to deal with tissue expander pain.
Tubular Carcinoma
Tubular carcinoma is a rare type of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. Tubular carcinomas tend to be small, estrogen-receptor positive, HER2/neu negative. Your chance of recovery and survival after treatment for a tubular carcinoma is very good.
psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis
A diagnosis of breast cancer is one of the most devastating things a woman can hear. After such shocking news, it is normal to feel a range of emotions, from despair to rage. But for some patients, even once the initial confusion and grief have dissipated, a serious mental health issue may develop. Learn what your emotional symptoms may be, and when and how to get help.
Tamoxifen and Antidepressants
Here is a list of antidepressants that inhibit the benefits of tamoxifen in women with breast cancer.
Estrogen
Estrogen affects your health and is a major player in a diagnosis of breast cancer. Knowing the basics, as well as facts that relate to your health risks is a good way to monitor your overall health.
Legumes
Legumes are beans, peas, lentils and peanuts. Legumes are nutritious, low in fat, high in protein, and rich in antioxidants and saponins. While they don't prevent breast cancer, they do boost your overall health. Find out more about legumes.
basics of lymphedema
Lymphedema is swelling that occurs due to the accumulation of lymphatic fluid (also called lymph) in an arm, or sometimes a leg. Many people who've undergone treatment for breast cancer worry about developing lymphedema. What are the symptoms of lymphedema to be on the lookout for? Arm yourself with knowledge about who gets lymphedema, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated.
why would i get genetic testing
Hereditary breast cancer may be associated with a number of inherited conditions; however, mutations on two genes, called BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been the most studied by researchers in women with breast or ovarian cancer.

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