HRT Cancer Link Research Evidence

The hormone replacement therapy (HRT) controversy has been raging for over a decade now. But, finally, new research has made the HRT cancer link clear. Two recent hormone replacement therapy studies, specifically on the HRT cancer link, both report what scientists have suspected for a while - there's a definite connection between hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer. The U.S. has the highest rate of breast cancer in the world. It affects 1 out of every 8 American women in their lifetime and, next to skin cancer, it's the most common cancer for women. Breast cancer is also the second most deadly, after lung cancer.

What Is Breast Cancer?

The breast is a gland that consists of breast tissue supported by connective tissue (flesh) surrounded by fat. The easiest way to understand how the inside of the breast is formed is by comparing it to an upturned bush. Its leaves are known as lobules and they produce milk that drains into ducts that are the branches of the breast tree. These in turn drain into 12 or 15 major or large ducts which empty onto the surface of the nipple, just like the branches of a tree drain to the trunk. Breast cancer most often involves glandular breast cells in the ducts or lobules. Most patients present with an asymptomatic lump discovered during examination or screening mammography.

Men Get Breast Cancer

Next to lung cancer, breast cancer kills more women in the United States than any other cancer. It's the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 44 and one is 13 women will have it sooner or later. "Breast cancer is the third most common cancer in the world today, despite the fact that it is confined almost entirely to the female sex. Breast cancer incidence rates are rising in several developing countries, and it is already the most frequent female cancer in many, " revealed Dr. Corazon A. Ngelangel, professor, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, College of Medicine, and a consultant at the Medical Oncology Section of the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital.

Breast Cancer Myths

Because breast cancer is such a mysterious disease, there are many misconceptions about it. Many women assume, for instance, that a blow or any injury to the breast will lead to cancer. Fondling the breast is also said to encourage the growth of cancer and not a few couples have quarreled because of this. Neither of these beliefs is true. No mater how badly bruised the breast is, you won't develop breast cancer unless you belong to the high-risk group which we discussed in the previous article. Nor does breast cancer result from touching or fondling the breast. "It's purely coincidental that a woman whose breast was injured would report having cancer at the same time.

Detecting Breast Cancer

Self examination of the breasts is important in detecting cancer. More than 90 percent of breast tumors are found this way. Physical examination by a doctor and other diagnostic tests can establish whether the tumor is cancerous or not. With early detection and treatment, you have a better chance of beating the disease. "A breast tumor itself is not lethal. The disease kills by metastasizing - that is, by spreading through the lymph system of the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Thus, if breast cancer is caught early, while the tumor is small and before malignant cells have spread to neighboring lymph nodes, there is about a 90 percent chance of a cure, " according to Dr.

Why Having A Mastectomy May Not Be A Good Idea

When being diagnosed with cancer, you will be faced with many options depending on how advance your cancer has progressed. One of those options may be to have a mastectomy. Upon learning that I had cancer 5 years ago, this option was presented to me by my surgeon. Upon my next visit to my surgeon I informed him of my not wanting to having a mastectomy, now there is no scientific proof that I know of that may warrant my idea on not having a mastectomy, but I believe there can be danger in the cancer spreading to other parts of your body more quickly. Now, mind you, my cancer was very advanced when I received my diagnosis.

Breast Cancer And How To Help Avoid It Through Diet

It is often said that the most important ingredient in the Mediterranean diet is extra virgin olive oil. However, some would argue that. Most of the notoriety of the Mediterranean diet is due to research unlike other high profile diets which have normally received their promotional thrust through commercial vehicles. The facts remain that hardly anyone would take any notice of the Mediterranean diet except for the highly satisfactory findings that have resulted from universities and food research foundations across the globe. The reason I mentioned extra virgin olive oil first up is because it's always present in any of the many countries who are labeled with using the diet.

Breast Cancer

Each year hundreds of women are diagnosed with breast cancer disease. In America, breast cancer in women is the most common form of cancer, with 1 out of every 8 women being diagnosed in there lifetime. No one knows why some women develop breast cancer, but there are a number of risk factors associated with the disease. Breast cancer may be one of the oldest forms of cancer known to mankind, dating back as early as 1600 BC. Since women and men have identical breast tissue, men can also develop the disease, but the number of cases is small in comparison. Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump in the breast or the armpit area, a change in the size or shape of the breast, pain in the breast or discharge from the nipple.

I Had Breast Cancer On My Wedding Day

Have you ever thought you were "all that? " Untouchable? Invincible? On top of the world? That's how I felt on my wedding day. I was a successful single mother and Houston entrepreneur with several major awards under my belt, an Ebony magazine top bachelorette and had reconnected with my college sweetheart after a sixteen year hiatus. Yes, I was finally getting married after a string of painful relationships at the age of 35 and ready to live happily ever after. As I flip through my wedding album, all of the details are a blur. I don't notice the flowers or the detailed cake. What I cherish is the genuine smile on my face which reflects the love in my heart for so many things- life, my husband, my daughter, my family and friends.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease caused by the formation of cancerous (malignant) cells that can occur within one or more breasts. According to some sources, bladder cancer is believed to be the second most common type of cancer (lung cancer is #1). Amongst women, however, breast cancer far exceeds other forms of cancer, including cervical, as the most common cancer. Whom is at risk for breast cancer? Women are approximately 100 times more likely to develop breast cancer than men; women are at higher risk primarily because of growth effects of female hormones such as estrogen. In addition, those age 55 and older are much more likely to develop this cancer than those under 55.