Lymphedema refers to abnormal and persistent swelling and can occur in the arms or legs. Lymphedema occurs when the flow of lymph fluid is obstructed. This condition is usually isolated to a single arm or leg, although it can present itself on multiple limbs. […]
Early detection of breast cancer offers women the best possible chance for optimal treatment. As with many cancers, breast cancer is more easily managed and treated when it is still small. To ensure early detection of breast cancer, women should educate themselves about appropriate screening and breast health care.
When breast cancer is diagnosed before it has spread or grown too large, it is more likely to be treated successfully. Five-year relative survival rates in women diagnosed with early stage breast cancers rise above 90 percent, according to the American Cancer Society.
However, this number drops to 22 percent in women diagnosed with late stage […]
When patients are diagnosed with breast cancer or other breast conditions, they may not always understand the terms used. There are several different kinds of breast cancer in addition to various other health conditions affecting the breasts. To better understand their breast health and to inform health care decisions, women should familiarize themselves with the anatomy of the breast and some breast-related health care terms.
The female breast is mostly composed of adipose tissue, a type of connective tissue made up of fat cells. A network of lobes, lobules and ducts run through each breast. There are normally between 12 and 20 lobes within each breast and each […]
Learning about breast cancer detection can potentially save your life. Early detection of breast cancer provides the best chance for optimal treatment outcomes. For the last several decades, breast cancer awareness initiatives have helped to reduce deaths from breast cancer. To ensure breast cancer patients receive appropriate care, educational efforts on breast cancer detection continue to remain relevant.
Breast self-examination can enable breast cancer detection. Breast self-exam is ideally performed after each menstrual cycle when the breast tissue is least likely to be swollen.
To perform breast self-examination, look at your breasts in the mirror. Check that they are their normal size, shape and color. Look for signs of breast cancer, […]
In true Hollywood fashion, when a celebrity speaks the masses listen.
That’s precisely what happened when Angelina Jolie penned an editorial in The New York Times that shined the spotlight on breast cancer and genetics, specifically genes that can cause the disease.
Quickly dubbed the “Angelina Jolie Effect,” the number of women requesting a blood test to reveal if they’re carriers of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes has nearly doubled since the editorial’s 2013 publication, according to various studies including one by the online journal Breast Cancer Research.
Although inherited factors account for less than 5 percent of breast cancer cases, individuals […]
Identifying the early signs of breast cancer can significantly increase your chances of recovery and cure from this disease. Though many breast cancers are detectable only through a mammogram or other imaging studies, a significant number of early diagnoses have come as the result of patients recognizing one or more common breast cancer signs. […]
In recent years, many advancements have been made in our knowledge of the relationship between genetics and breast cancer. Tests are now available to help identify numerous genetic mutations that increase your risk for breast cancer. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are two genes that have been linked to increased risk for breast cancer. BRCA testing could potentially help you to make informed decisions regarding your breast health. […]
Breast cancer is widely considered a woman’s disease, but men are also at risk. Around 1 in 1,000 men will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. Although their risk for breast cancer is low, knowledge of male breast cancer symptoms can help men to recognize this potentially deadly disease.
Male breast cancer symptoms can be very similar to those found in women. The most prominent symptom is a lump in the breast. If you notice changes to your breast tissue, you should be evaluated by a physician with experience in treating breast diseases.
While most women are aware that a lump could […]
Over the next several decades, the incidence of breast cancer is expected to rise. We will also witness shifting patterns regarding the types of breast cancer diagnosed and ages of women diagnosed. As these changes occur, it is critical for breast cancer treatment teams to consider each case individually.
It is necessary for physicians to consider each patient’s disease on a case-by-case basis. Every breast cancer and every woman diagnosed with breast cancer is different. It is critical that women receive care tailored to their individual needs. A multidisciplinary team of breast cancer specialists will consider all possible options according to cancer subtype and personal goals to ensure women receive the […]
Breastlink doctors specialize specifically in breast cancer care and treatment. While we can talk about the benefits of specialization, is there actually evidence to suggest that specialists can improve outcomes for breast cancer patients?
To answer that question, it is worth revisiting a 2003 study that investigated how patients fared following breast cancer surgery when treated by a breast-dedicated surgical oncologist.
Surgical oncology is not a boarded subspecialty. This means it can be difficult to determine whether a surgeon is a specialist in breast cancer surgery. One indicator is whether they belong to a professional medical association committed to advancing surgical oncology or breast cancer surgery.
Professional medical […]
