Underdeveloped as they may be, men too have breast tissues. This means men are prone to developing breast cancer too, just like females, even though their risk is about a hundred times lesser than females. About 1% of breast cancer cases are those of male breast cancer.
When a man has risk factors for male breast cancer, the breast tissues may start developing cancer cells, and he may get breast cancer. There is no age requisite for male breast cancer to occur, however, men between 60 years to 70 years of age are most vulnerable. Exposure to radiation is a common male breast cancer risk factor. Also, the risk goes high if there is a family history of breast cancer. Men with Klinefelter's disease and cirrhosis have high risks too. Klinefelter's is when a man abnormally has two X chromosomes instead of one. Cirrhosis comes with high levels of estrogen, which is a big male breast cancer risk factor. Also, men with weight and alcohol problems are more prone to developing breast cancer.
About 30% cases of male breast cancer are due to heredity, compared to just 5% to 10% in females. Breast cancer genes - BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase the risk of men developing breast cancer, if the genes show defects or mutation. Genetic mutation is usually not inherited, and is acquired during the course of your life. Radiation therapies or operations may be one cause for these mutations.
Just as in females, the presence of a lump is a symptom for male breast cancer. It is often painless, and may be occur along with increasing thickness of breasts. The breast skin may appear pitted and show the peau d'orange syndrome. Changes in the nipple, fluid discharge from nipples, inverted nipples, redness around the nipples, and change in the breast skin texture are all symptoms of male breast cancer.
You should instantly get an enlarged breast or other abnormalities examined. For diagnosis, clinical breast examination, biopsies, mammograms, breast ultrasounds, even nipple discharge examination can be adopted. Mammograms are said to work better in men than in women because females have a dense breast tissue which makes the process difficult. If the biopsy reveals cancer cell presence, getting the breast tissue tested for presence of estrogen and progesterone is a good idea, since these female hormones can stimulate cancer growth, as is the case with 80% to 90% male breast cancer cases, and can be stopped at source.
If the diagnosed breast cancer has not spread outside the original site, that is, if it is in situ, a mastectomy gives great results. If the cancer is invasive, which means it has metastasized outside the site where the cancer started developing, doctors test it to see how much it has advanced. There are four stages, Stage I being the most curable and more reactive to treatment, and Stage IV meaning the cancer has metastasized beyond the stage where a certain cure is possible. This grading helps doctors determine what kind of treatment is needed for you.
For men with Stage IV of invasive breast cancer, chemotherapy, hormonal treatment and radiation therapy become imperative, since metastasis makes cure so hard. Likewise, treating male breast cancer is not very different from treating females with the disease, for any stage of breast cancer
Leading a healthy life during treatment is quintessential. Abstinence from alcohol and curing weight problems go a long way in both prevention and cure of breast cancer. You will always have family and friends for all the help and support you need, and you should never stop yourself from availing that help. Rest assured, you will lead a perfectly happy life thereafter.
Here is how men develop male breast cancer symptoms. Inform yourself about breast cancer treatments before it is too late.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
The Effect Of Breast Implants On Breast Cancer Detection And Treatment
While not commonly asked, one of the first questions a potential breast augmentation should ask is...does the breast implant interfere with being able to detect breast cancer? Since breast cancer in the United States affects one in 11 women during their lifetime, this is a fairly important question. As breast augmentation procedures continue to be on the rise, this important question should be thoroughly addressed.
In a recently published analysis of this topic by Dr. Neal Handel of Santa Barbara, California in the December 2007 Supplement issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, he does exactly that. Using over 4,000 patients over a 23 year period, he assessed how easily mammography detected breast lesions. Women with breast implants presented more frequently with breast masses, invasive tumors, and axillary node spread. However, there was no significant difference in stage of disease, tumor size, recurrence, or survival between the two groups. Despite the diminished sensitivity of mammograms to detect breast cancer in women with implants, nonaugmented women and augmented women are diagnosed at similar stages of disease and have similar prognoses. In women with breast implants, the use of conservation therapy (which almost always involves radiation) in breast cancer treatment resulted in a high rate of implant contarctures and poor cosmetic outcomes as a result.
In a companion study in the same Supplement, Dr. Dennis Deapen of Los Angeles, California evaluated literature over the past 20 years which examined breast cancer-related risks among breast implant patients. He found that women with breast implants do not experience delayed detection of breast cancer. He summarized that breast implants are not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer incidence or death and these patients do not experience delayed detection or poorer survival after breast cancer treatments.
These two published studies should go far to alleviate any concerns in potential and existing breast implant patients about the detection and treatment of breast cancer.
Dr Barry Eppley is a board-certified plastic surgeon in private practice in Indianapolis, Indiana at Clarian Health Systems. (http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com) He writes a daily blog on plastic surgery, spa therapies, and medical skin care at http://www.exploreplasticsurgery.com
In a recently published analysis of this topic by Dr. Neal Handel of Santa Barbara, California in the December 2007 Supplement issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, he does exactly that. Using over 4,000 patients over a 23 year period, he assessed how easily mammography detected breast lesions. Women with breast implants presented more frequently with breast masses, invasive tumors, and axillary node spread. However, there was no significant difference in stage of disease, tumor size, recurrence, or survival between the two groups. Despite the diminished sensitivity of mammograms to detect breast cancer in women with implants, nonaugmented women and augmented women are diagnosed at similar stages of disease and have similar prognoses. In women with breast implants, the use of conservation therapy (which almost always involves radiation) in breast cancer treatment resulted in a high rate of implant contarctures and poor cosmetic outcomes as a result.
In a companion study in the same Supplement, Dr. Dennis Deapen of Los Angeles, California evaluated literature over the past 20 years which examined breast cancer-related risks among breast implant patients. He found that women with breast implants do not experience delayed detection of breast cancer. He summarized that breast implants are not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer incidence or death and these patients do not experience delayed detection or poorer survival after breast cancer treatments.
These two published studies should go far to alleviate any concerns in potential and existing breast implant patients about the detection and treatment of breast cancer.
Dr Barry Eppley is a board-certified plastic surgeon in private practice in Indianapolis, Indiana at Clarian Health Systems. (http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com) He writes a daily blog on plastic surgery, spa therapies, and medical skin care at http://www.exploreplasticsurgery.com
7 Amazing Cures For Breast Cancer - What You Need To Know To Save Your Life
You have read the alarming statistics. Every three minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. Old school methods like surgery, hormone treatments, radiation, and chemotherapy cause women great suffering without treating breast cancer. Women suffer through physical pain, financial devastation, degrading surgery, poor health, loss, depression, and ultimately poor results.
What alternatives cures are available for breast cancer? Follow 7 simple tips to cure breast cancer naturally.
Tip 1: Consume flaxseed oil daily.
Flaxseed oil, also known as linseed oil, can be taken as a vitamin, loose fibers, or in liquid form. When you purchase flax oil, make sure the bottle is labeled as a dietary supplement. You can add 1 to 2 tablespoons of flax oil to salad dressings, yogurt, smoothies, or simply drizzle it over steamed vegetables and cooked grains.
Canadian researchers gave women with breast cancer one muffin a day containing linseed oil and discovered that the women who ate the muffins reduced their cancer by over 42%. The linseed oil muffins appeared to be more effective than the radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
Flaxseed's anti-cancer elements and dietary nutrients have been promoted since the 1950s. In addition to fighting breast cancer, flaxseed is beneficial for constipation, abdominal problems, breathing problems, sore throat, eczema, menstrual problems, and arthritis. The omega-3 fatty acid in flaxseed is believed to be the source that prevents breast cancer,lowers cholesterol levels, and boosts the immune system.
Tip 2: Take Vitamin D.
Scientists have promoted that Vitamin D, which comes naturally from the sun, dramatically reduces the chances of developing breast, ovarian, and colon cancer.
Tip 3: Oral chelation.
Oral chelation means taking natural substances orally to be absorbed into the body. Once absorbed, the natural substance grabs hold of toxic materials in your body, such as minerals, metals, and chemicals, then carries the toxins out of your body through urine and bowel movements.
Typical ingredients in chelation are amino acids, trace minerals, vitamins, and herbs such as taheebo extract, golden seal, buchu leaf, couch grass, and juniper berries. Chelation is cheap, natural, and can create spectacular results.
Tip 4: Eat fresh lemons.
Lemons prevent diseases and cancer. Lemons contain phytochemicals, which are neither vitamins nor minerals. Phytochemicals are extremely efficient in the prevention of diseases and cancer in the human body.
Tip 5: Reduce stress.
According to the law of attraction, disease cannot exist in the body of a healthy mind. Remove any destructive elements in the soul that lead to division, strife, suffering, disease, and sorrow. The physical world without is a reflection of the world within your mind. You are in control of your mind. Learn Tai Chi, Qi-Gong, yoga, or study a philosophy that teaches inner peace.
Tip 6: Increase oxygen in your body.
An underlying cause of cancer is low cellular oxygenation levels. Poor oxygenation comes from a buildup of toxins within and around cells, causing red blood cells to clump up, slowing down the bloodstream, and restricting flow into capillaries. Increasing oxygen into your body will lower your acidic level to alkaline. Cancer cells do not survive in a normal alkaline environment.
You can increase oxygen in your body by doing breathing exercises as explained in The Yogi Science of Breath, available for free on my website.<
Tip 7: Laugh frequently and often!
Deborah Peterson is the CEO of Alpha Omega Group, a local sponsor of walkers for The Three Day breast cancer walk in San Diego. If you would like to get free ebooks on natural cures, breathing exercises, or you want to donate to The 3 Day, visit us at
http://www.alphaomegasweeping.com/3daywalk
What alternatives cures are available for breast cancer? Follow 7 simple tips to cure breast cancer naturally.
Tip 1: Consume flaxseed oil daily.
Flaxseed oil, also known as linseed oil, can be taken as a vitamin, loose fibers, or in liquid form. When you purchase flax oil, make sure the bottle is labeled as a dietary supplement. You can add 1 to 2 tablespoons of flax oil to salad dressings, yogurt, smoothies, or simply drizzle it over steamed vegetables and cooked grains.
Canadian researchers gave women with breast cancer one muffin a day containing linseed oil and discovered that the women who ate the muffins reduced their cancer by over 42%. The linseed oil muffins appeared to be more effective than the radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
Flaxseed's anti-cancer elements and dietary nutrients have been promoted since the 1950s. In addition to fighting breast cancer, flaxseed is beneficial for constipation, abdominal problems, breathing problems, sore throat, eczema, menstrual problems, and arthritis. The omega-3 fatty acid in flaxseed is believed to be the source that prevents breast cancer,lowers cholesterol levels, and boosts the immune system.
Tip 2: Take Vitamin D.
Scientists have promoted that Vitamin D, which comes naturally from the sun, dramatically reduces the chances of developing breast, ovarian, and colon cancer.
Tip 3: Oral chelation.
Oral chelation means taking natural substances orally to be absorbed into the body. Once absorbed, the natural substance grabs hold of toxic materials in your body, such as minerals, metals, and chemicals, then carries the toxins out of your body through urine and bowel movements.
Typical ingredients in chelation are amino acids, trace minerals, vitamins, and herbs such as taheebo extract, golden seal, buchu leaf, couch grass, and juniper berries. Chelation is cheap, natural, and can create spectacular results.
Tip 4: Eat fresh lemons.
Lemons prevent diseases and cancer. Lemons contain phytochemicals, which are neither vitamins nor minerals. Phytochemicals are extremely efficient in the prevention of diseases and cancer in the human body.
Tip 5: Reduce stress.
According to the law of attraction, disease cannot exist in the body of a healthy mind. Remove any destructive elements in the soul that lead to division, strife, suffering, disease, and sorrow. The physical world without is a reflection of the world within your mind. You are in control of your mind. Learn Tai Chi, Qi-Gong, yoga, or study a philosophy that teaches inner peace.
Tip 6: Increase oxygen in your body.
An underlying cause of cancer is low cellular oxygenation levels. Poor oxygenation comes from a buildup of toxins within and around cells, causing red blood cells to clump up, slowing down the bloodstream, and restricting flow into capillaries. Increasing oxygen into your body will lower your acidic level to alkaline. Cancer cells do not survive in a normal alkaline environment.
You can increase oxygen in your body by doing breathing exercises as explained in The Yogi Science of Breath, available for free on my website.<
Tip 7: Laugh frequently and often!
Deborah Peterson is the CEO of Alpha Omega Group, a local sponsor of walkers for The Three Day breast cancer walk in San Diego. If you would like to get free ebooks on natural cures, breathing exercises, or you want to donate to The 3 Day, visit us at
http://www.alphaomegasweeping.com/3daywalk
Herbal Treatment For Women's Problems
The female reproductive system consists of the external and internal genital organs. Breast disorders may be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Most are noncancerous and not life threatening. Often, they do not require treatment. In contrast, breast cancer can mean loss of a breast or of life.
Thus, for many women, breast cancer is their worst fear. However, potential problems can be detected early when women regularly examine their breasts themselves and have mammograms.
Some factors may slightly increase a woman's risk of developing the disease and these are described below.
• Having had breast cancer.
• Having had certain types of benign breast disease (lobular carcinoma in situ or atypical lobular hyperplasia).
• Women who are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or have recently taken it, have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. Detailed information about HRT and breast cancer is in our health professionals section. Younger women who take HRT because they have had an early menopause, or have had their ovaries removed, do not have an increased risk of breast cancer until after the age of 50.
• Taking the contraceptive pill very slightly increases a woman's chance of developing breast cancer.
Hormonal Causes
Hormonal influences play a role in the development of breast cancer.
• Women who start their periods at an early age (11 or younger) or experience a late menopause (55 or older) have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer. Conversely, being older at the time of the first menstrual period and early menopause tend to protect one from breast cancer. Signs and Symptoms
According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is often accompanied by the following signs and symptoms.
• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• Nipple discharge or tenderness, or the nipple pulled back (inverted) into the breast
Treatment
Some studies have shown that psychotherapy can be effective in modifying endocrine and immune function, which may have an impact on prognosis and it has been reported that psychosocial intervention can prolong survival time. Other approaches to treatment under development include immunotherapy, gene therapy and cell therapy. Studies in cell therapy include the role of vitamin D3 analogues in targeting breast cancer cells.
In the future, less invasive techniques will become more effective and widely available. Treatment is likely to become more individually-orientated and, hand in hand with the development of gentler and less destructive therapies, is coming a greater understanding of the needs of the whole patient, and of the role which can and should be played by complementary therapies.
Nutrition and Supplements
Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:
• Try to eliminate suspected food allergens, such as dairy (milk, cheese, and ice cream), wheat (gluten), soy, corn, preservatives and chemical food additives. Your health care provider may want to test you for food allergies.
• Eat foods high in B-vitamins, calcium, and iron, such as almonds, beans, whole grains (if no allergy), dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), and sea vegetables.
• Eat cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower).
Read about Herbal Natural Home Remedies and Girls Discussion Forum. Also read about Beauty and Makeup Tips
Thus, for many women, breast cancer is their worst fear. However, potential problems can be detected early when women regularly examine their breasts themselves and have mammograms.
Some factors may slightly increase a woman's risk of developing the disease and these are described below.
• Having had breast cancer.
• Having had certain types of benign breast disease (lobular carcinoma in situ or atypical lobular hyperplasia).
• Women who are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or have recently taken it, have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. Detailed information about HRT and breast cancer is in our health professionals section. Younger women who take HRT because they have had an early menopause, or have had their ovaries removed, do not have an increased risk of breast cancer until after the age of 50.
• Taking the contraceptive pill very slightly increases a woman's chance of developing breast cancer.
Hormonal Causes
Hormonal influences play a role in the development of breast cancer.
• Women who start their periods at an early age (11 or younger) or experience a late menopause (55 or older) have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer. Conversely, being older at the time of the first menstrual period and early menopause tend to protect one from breast cancer. Signs and Symptoms
According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is often accompanied by the following signs and symptoms.
• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• Nipple discharge or tenderness, or the nipple pulled back (inverted) into the breast
Treatment
Some studies have shown that psychotherapy can be effective in modifying endocrine and immune function, which may have an impact on prognosis and it has been reported that psychosocial intervention can prolong survival time. Other approaches to treatment under development include immunotherapy, gene therapy and cell therapy. Studies in cell therapy include the role of vitamin D3 analogues in targeting breast cancer cells.
In the future, less invasive techniques will become more effective and widely available. Treatment is likely to become more individually-orientated and, hand in hand with the development of gentler and less destructive therapies, is coming a greater understanding of the needs of the whole patient, and of the role which can and should be played by complementary therapies.
Nutrition and Supplements
Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:
• Try to eliminate suspected food allergens, such as dairy (milk, cheese, and ice cream), wheat (gluten), soy, corn, preservatives and chemical food additives. Your health care provider may want to test you for food allergies.
• Eat foods high in B-vitamins, calcium, and iron, such as almonds, beans, whole grains (if no allergy), dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), and sea vegetables.
• Eat cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower).
Read about Herbal Natural Home Remedies and Girls Discussion Forum. Also read about Beauty and Makeup Tips
Breast Cancer - What If You Are Too Old Or Too Sick For A Breast Cancer Surgery?
Breast cancer does not stop when you get older. If you are young and healthy then your chances are good. You can do treatment, take medication and live with the side effects because you are otherwise healthy.
But what when you get diagnosed with cancer when your overall health is bad or when you are over sixty already? Sometimes life can be very hard and unfair to us. But is cancer not always unfair? If a woman gets breast cancer at a young age then we call it a tragedy. And it truly is.
Is it less of a tragedy when a woman at the age of sixty gets breast cancer just because her career may probably already lie behind her and her children have already grown up? I think this is not a discussion we should have at all. These older women still pay a very high price. Because of their age and because of the fact that they are probably not as healthy as a twenty or thirty year old woman, their chances are lower.
What if the poor health condition does not allow a surgery? There are many women in this situation. Their only chance is probably a radiation treatment and some drugs. What are their chances?
It all depends on the stage, hormone status, if the cancer has spread and where etc. We all know that. But often it is the hard true facts that limit or destroy any hope that is left. Many women today can put all hope into treatment. If they take you that, what is left?
Highly Recommended Reading:
Treatment For Breast Cancer
Signs And Symptoms Of Breast Cancer
Roselyn Capen is an expert author on breast cancer topics. Her articles about breast cancer symptoms, causes and treatments have been published on numerous web sites, forums, blogs and ezines all over the Internet.
But what when you get diagnosed with cancer when your overall health is bad or when you are over sixty already? Sometimes life can be very hard and unfair to us. But is cancer not always unfair? If a woman gets breast cancer at a young age then we call it a tragedy. And it truly is.
Is it less of a tragedy when a woman at the age of sixty gets breast cancer just because her career may probably already lie behind her and her children have already grown up? I think this is not a discussion we should have at all. These older women still pay a very high price. Because of their age and because of the fact that they are probably not as healthy as a twenty or thirty year old woman, their chances are lower.
What if the poor health condition does not allow a surgery? There are many women in this situation. Their only chance is probably a radiation treatment and some drugs. What are their chances?
It all depends on the stage, hormone status, if the cancer has spread and where etc. We all know that. But often it is the hard true facts that limit or destroy any hope that is left. Many women today can put all hope into treatment. If they take you that, what is left?
Highly Recommended Reading:
Treatment For Breast Cancer
Signs And Symptoms Of Breast Cancer
Roselyn Capen is an expert author on breast cancer topics. Her articles about breast cancer symptoms, causes and treatments have been published on numerous web sites, forums, blogs and ezines all over the Internet.
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