A breast cancer patient has a
lot to cope with. From having a normal healthy life to living with the
realization that a life-threatening disease is growing inside of them is just
one of the numerous struggles.
According to the World Cancer
Research Fund International, Breast Cancer is most common in women worldwide,
with nearly 1.7 million new cases diagnosed in 2012 (second most common cancer
overall). This represents about 12% of all new cancer cases and 25% of all
cancers in women. It is the fifth most common cause of death from cancer in
women.
The good news is that the
mortality rate from breast cancer has progressively and steadily declined over
the years.
However, the National Cancer Institute estimates
that around 252,710 women
will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 in the US. In addition,
in 2017 it is estimated that around 40,610 American women will die of breast cancer.
Between the years of 2007 and
2013, the 5 year survival
rate after a breast cancer diagnosis was 89.7%. (National Cancer
Institute SEER statistics).
Recent statistics show that
between the years of 2010 and 2014 there were 124.9 (per 100,000) new cases
of breast cancer. In comparison to this there were 21.2 (per 100,000) deaths.
These
statistics are not meant to scare you but to stress the importance of being
aware of the deadliness of this disease and to take the necessary preventive
measures.
Lifestyle changes are most
important in minimizing the chances of cancer in the breasts. Below are some
measures each of us can take to reduce exposure to breast cancer.
·
Limit
alcohol intake to less than 1 drink per day.
·
Do
not smoke since accumulating evidence link breast cancer with smoking. Women in
their premenopausal period have higher chances of getting breast cancer, and
the condition is worsened with smoking.
·
Doctors
have found that breast feeding reduces chances of breast cancer. Women who feed
longer have lesser chances of having cancer.
·
Weight
is linked to breast cancer as well. Obesity and overweight are the two reasons
of developing breast cancer, particularly in women who become obese after
menopause.
·
Exposure
to radiation and environmental pollution lead to breast cancer. Various
medical-imaging methods like high doses of radiation and computerized
tomography increase chances of the disease by manifold.
·
The
right diet could help in prevention of breast cancer. You should be aware of the
foods that prevent breast cancer include leafy and dark green vegetables,
eggplant, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, peppers, foods rich in fiber like
legumes, whole grains and beans, foods rich in vitamin D and foods with
anti-inflammatory properties. In a nutshell, cut down on the junk foods and eat
more natural, organic foods.
·
Conduct
regular self-examination. Early detection and treatment save lives!
The above measures are only preventive in nature,
as currently there is not sufficient knowledge on the causes of breast cancer.
Therefore, early detection of the
disease remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control. When breast cancer is
detected early, and if adequate diagnosis and treatment are available, there is
a good chance that breast cancer can be cured. If detected late, however,
curative treatment is often no longer an option. In such cases, palliative care
to relief the suffering of patients and their families is needed. Hence the
importance of regular checks cannot be overemphasized.
Dealing
with Cancer Diagnosis
What if all these steps were
strictly adhered to, yet due to some unavoidable reason, a person is diagnosed
with breast cancer? The good news is, Breast Cancer is not necessarily a death
sentence. If detected early, there are curative treatment options. If you as much as observe anything abnormal
about the look or feel of your breasts, please see your physician immediately!
Support
Systems
This journey is not a walk in
the park and requires all the support a patient can get. Below are a few
available support systems that have proved effective over time:
1. Support
from a spouse
2. Children’s
presence, understanding and assistance
3. Care-givers’
help
4. Support
Group
5. One-on-One
Therapy
The greatest support you can
get though comes from within! You are stronger than you know. Psychologically,
the level of effectiveness you receive from any treatment is partly determined
by self will and inner strength. If you are determined enough to heal, chances
are you will! No matter what, keep the
hope alive!
Whether we are directly affected or not, we all have a
collective responsibility to join in this awareness campaign.
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