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Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Checks and Alternative Therapies

One out of every eight women who live to the age of 85 will develop breast cancer. However, with today's treatment options, this diagnosis doesn't have to carry the fear that it once did. Breast cancer can be treated, if diagnosed early, and nine out of ten women who have early detection of the disease will be cured.

What is Breast Cancer?
Your body normally reproduces new cells as needed. However, sometimes cells divide and grow at an uncontrolled rate, resulting in a mass of tissue known as a tumor. If these cells are normal, healthy cells, the tumor is considered non-cancerous, or benign. If they are abnormal cells, the tumor is considered cancerous, or malignant. Breast cancer occurs when malignant tumors form in the breast tissue.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Here are some symptoms of breast cancer that you may notice during your monthly self-exam or that your doctor may notice during your yearly physical:

• a change in the appearance or feel of the skin on your breast
• a change in the breast's contour or shape
• a lump or mass near your breast or underarm area
• discharge from the nipple
• hardening under the skin of the breast
• redness of the nipple.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible in order to rule out breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Checks
One key to surviving breast cancer is early detection. In order to spot breast cancer soon you should map out an early detection plan. This plan should include the following:

• From ages 20 to 39 you should have clinical breast examinations every three years. Beginning at the age of 40, you should have an exam every year.
• Perform monthly breast self-examinations beginning at puberty. During your self-exam you should look for any changes in your breasts.
• Have a baseline mammogram by the age of 40.
• From the ages of 40 to 49, you should have a mammogram every one to two years, depending on previous findings.
• Women 50 and older should schedule a mammogram every year.
• Create a personal calendar to record your self-exams, mammograms and doctor appointments.
• Eat a low-fat diet, get regular exercise, avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

Alternative Therapies to Treat Breast Cancer
There are many options when it comes to alternative therapies to treat breast cancer. Most alternative therapies have not been tested in clinical studies or have little research to support their effectiveness. You should discuss alternative therapies to treat breast cancer with your doctor in order to determine what treatment path is best for you.

Here's a list of some alternative therapies for breast cancer:

• acupuncture
• diet therapy
• massage
• meditation
• megavitamins
• nutritional supplements
• psychological treatment and support
• relaxation techniques
• yoga.

Many people claim that these alternative therapies help reduce both the symptoms of breast cancer and the side effects of traditional cancer therapies (chemotherapy, raditation, etc.).