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What is cancer?
 Cancer is caused by particular cells that do not know how to stop dividing. The cell may have been altered by some outside factor, or in the case of inherited cancers, a genetic mutation may have been passed down from earlier generations. Eventually, there are hundreds and then thousands of them clustering together to form a lump, mass, or tumor. Cancer doesn't appear overnight, it takes years to develop to a detectable stage. Once it grows to a certain level, it expands quickly. This is why early detection can be so important.

How does cancer affect the breast?
 The most common type of breast cancer forms in the cells of the ducts and is called ductal carcinoma. Cancer that begins in the lobes or lobules is called lobular carcinoma. Less commonly, breast cancer can affect the nipple, a condition called Paget's disease. Rarely, it can be found in the lymphatic vessels and skin, called inflammatory breast cancer.

Can breast cancer spread?
 If left unchecked, these out-of-control cells eventually spread to nearby tissues, and then to other tissues and organs farther away. Cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body in two ways: they can grow into a mass (tumor) and invade nearby tissues or organs; or they can break away and spread through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

What is the lymphatic system?
 The lymphatic system is composed of many organs dispersed throughout the body; it is responsible for cleansing the blood. Lymph nodes are tiny "filters" that remove toxins and other foreign bodies from surrounding tissues.

Source: Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Resource Room, Boston, MA

What is the difference between benign and malignant lumps/tumors?
 Breast lumps or tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A benign tumor can be removed and in most cases will not come back. A malignant tumor, on the other hand, is a collection of cells which grow and can affect nearby tissues or can break away and travel to distant parts of the body. It is important to note that most breast lumps or tumors are not cancerous.

What causes breast cancer?
 Only five to ten percent of breast cancers are hereditary; this is, they are caused by a faulty gene that has been passed down from generation to generation. The vast majority of breast cancers are caused by something else - we are still not positive on a specific cause for the disease. There are many risk factors linked to breast cancer, some that are controllable and some that are not. We ask that you think critically about the ones you can control and do not stress about the ones you cannot. Visit the risk factors page to read more.

Although you may never be faced with breast cancer personally, chances are, that in your lifetime, you do or will know someone with breast cancer. It is important that you know the different types of treatment options, both traditional and complimentary, so that you are able to make an informed decision or be a good support system should you, or someone you know, ever be faced with breast cancer. Here we will look at the different treatment options included in traditional and complimentary treatment options.

Traditional Treatment Options

Depending on the stage of cancer, doctors might reccomend one treatment option over another. These treatment options are ever-changing with new ideas, advances, and even controversies popping up. It is important to really put in the time to look at the different options to decide what is best for you. Look where the information is coming from and use different support methods to help in making the decision. These could be groups, family, books, etc. The treatment you choose can also depend on where or what stage a person is in their life.

Surgery
There are two types of surgical procedures, a lumpectomy and a mastectomy.

A lumpectomy is a procedure in which only the breast cancer cells are rmoved from the breast tissue. The primary side effect is the probably need for follow-up radiation treatment. It is most often used because it allows for breast preservation.

A radical or partial mastectomy is the removal of most or all breast tissue to take out the cancer cells and surrounding tissue that may contain cancer cells as well. It down side is that it causes physical scarring and usually is emotionally draining as well. It may be used because it allows for the avoidance of radiation and its side effects.

Radiation
Radiation is a process that uses high energy x-rays directed at the location of cancer cells. The side effects include sunburn, changes in breast consistency, chronic pain in breast or arm, fatigue, nausea, injury to lungs, ribs, and heart. It is used because it allows for the preservation of 75 - 90% of natural breast tissue, often avoiding the need for reconstruction.

Chemotherapy 
Chemotheraphy is the intravenous use of poisonous chemicals to kill cancer cells. The therapy targets reproducing and fast growing cells throughout the body. Side effects can include nausua, vomiting, hair loss, immunosupression (increased risk of infection), or fatigue. It is used because it allows for the treatment of distant disease and decreases the chance of reconstructive surgery.

Hormone Therapy
 Some types of breast cancer are stimulated by naturally occuring hormones such as estrogen. Hormone therapy targets cancers that are fed by your own hormones. LIke chemotherapy, it targets cells through the entire body. Side effects include the increased risk for uterine cancer, blood clots, menopausal symptoms, cataracts, hypertension, and head aches. It is used because it can decrease recurrence rates by up to 30 - 35%. It also proects the opposite breast from developing cancer by 35 - 40%.
Breast cancer treatment often stirs up political controversy. Tamoxifen is the most widely used drug for hormone therapy. There is a debate over the proper use of the drug as well as the number of side effects it produces. Different information comes from different sources. However, they have some things in common: for 5 years it can decrease recurrence rates by up to 30 - 35% and protects the opposite breast from developing cancer by 35 - 40%.

Complimentary and Alternative Medicines (CAM)

Some of these might not be what we would think of in terms of "medicine", but technically defined, medicine is any practice of healing. The treatments are a group of medical practices and products not considered part of conventional medicine. When used alone, treatments are referred to as "alternative." When used in conjunction with traditional treatment options, they are referred to as "complimentary." Here are some examples of alternative or complimentary medicines that can be considered:

Mediation : Can be used to reduce stress, pain, and some people even use it to mentally try to disintegrate their tumors.

Acupuncture : Can help with nausea during treatment. 

Massage: If Can decrease stress, depression, anxiety, and pain. In some cases, it can reduce 95% of pain and/or replace pain medication.

Chiropractic : Can remove interferences to your nervous system allowing your body's inborn healing ability to do its job. 

Other Examples : Art, music, spirituality, yoga, aroma therapy, and many more. 

Things to think about when considering treatment, CAM or traditional

1. Be informed - put in some time to research the safety and effectiveness of the treatment you are interested in. 

2. Consider discussing decisions about treatment with your health professional to avoid any conflicting treatments. 

3.  If you choose to use a therapy provided by a practitioner, choose the practitioner with care. You can also check and see if the treatment is covered by your insurance. 

4. Look into where the information on the different treatments you are interested in is coming from. Is the source of the information the government, a university, or a reputable medical resource? Does a manufacturer of products or drugs sponsor it? Is the information meant to inform people or to sell a product? Does it promote a certain agenda? 

5. Beware of any treatment that claims to be a "cure." Unfortunately there is no cure for cancer, only different treatment options. Don't let anyone convince you that they have the cure. 

Home | Risk Factors | Early Detection | Breast Cancer | Fighting Back | Allen Neighborhood Center

 

Healthy Bodies, Health Breasts is funded by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation .