Breast cancer?

Question

What is the cause, What are the chances of survival after surgery,How kimo therapy can help?

Answer 1

Breast cancer is caused by the development of malignant cells in the breast. The malignant cells originate in the lining of the milk glands or ducts of the breast (ductal epithelium), defining this malignancy as a cancer. Cancer cells are characterized by uncontrolled division leading to abnormal growth and the ability of these cells to invade normal tissue locally or to spread throughout the body, in a process called metastasis.

There are a number of risk factors for the development of breast cancer, including:

- family history of breast cancer in mother or sister
- early onset of menstruation and late menopause
- reproductive history: women who had no children or have - children after age 30 and women who have never breastfed have increased risk
- history of abnormal breast biopsies

Though these are recognized risk factors, it is important to note that more than 70% of women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors. Having several risk factors may boost a woman's chances of developing breast cancer, but the interplay of predisposing factors is complex. In addition to those accepted factors listed above, some studies suggest that high-fat diets, obesity, or the use of alcohol may contribute to the risk profile. Another factor that may contribute to a woman's risk profile is hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

When a patient get the disease we should not think of the chances of survival and we have to do our best and treat the disease completely. Much depends on the stage of the disease. In some Stage IV cases it has been cured and the patients are alright.

You have to continue with all the three treatments viz. Surgery, Chemotherpy, Radiation Theraphy.

Chemotheraphy
Breast cancer surgery may be followed by chemotherapy in even the earliest stages. Chemotherapy is administered either orally or by injection into a blood vessel. It is usually given in cycles, followed by a period of time for recovery, followed by another course of drugs. Treatment time may range between four to nine months.

There may be significant side effects with some types of chemotherapy, including nausea and vomiting, temporary hair loss, mouth or vaginal sores, fatigue, weakened immune system, and infertility. However, chemotherapy for early breast cancer uses medications that cause fewer side effects.-

Answer 2

There are a range of causes for all cancers, including breast cancer.

The chance of survival is dependant on a range of factors including the type of cancer, the exact location, how long it has been growing, how large it has grown, how far it has spread, how successful the surgery is and follow up treatment via radiation and Chemotherapy.

If all the cancerous cells are removed during surgery, then chemo and radiation are purely precautionary.

If there is any chance the cancer may have spread beyond the surgery site, then chemo and radiation are a must!

Surgery removes most of the cancer. Radiation kills any leftover cells at the actual cancer site. Chemotherapy then "mops up" any cells that have spread elsewhere in the body. If the cancer is one that reacts to hormones, you are then on medication to reduce this for about 5 years.

If you go this long without a recurrance, your risk factors for developing cancer are not much higher than anyone else's!

Answer 3

Eight years ago I noticed a "dimple(?)" in my right breast. It was a puckered sort of thing. Anyway, after tests it was discovered that I had breast cancer. The surgery (mastectomy and reconstructive surgery), Chemo. and follow-ups with the doctors took a year out of my life. I stopped taking the Chemo. before the doctor thought I should--it made me so sick, I could feel my body dying. Now, 8 years later after thinking I was "home-free" doctor's have discovered that the breast cancer has metastasized into my bones. I am taking Chemo pills now which are not as harsh as the intravenous kind.

Anyway, to answer your question: The cause? Mine was Estrogen--the female hormone. My natural hormones were killing me. But breast cancer can be caused by protein, too.

Chances of survival: Depends upon how soon you catch it. Many women live their natural life times out.

How does Chemo help? Cancer cells are "mutant" cells killing good cells. (To simplify it) Chemo kills the mutant cells--but it also kills good cells. Your body's immune system will be vulnerable during Chemo.

Eat right, exercise and have regular mammograms. All the things we hear all our lives have a truth in them.

If you suspect breast cancer get to a doctor IMMEDIATELY; remember-survival depends upon how soon it is found.

Answer 4

This website has a wealth of information that should help you find answers to your questions: http://www.breastcancer.org/
You can also try: http://cms.komen.org/komen/AboutBreastCancer/index.htm
or
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/lrn/lrn_0.asp

I hope this helps.