by Author Name Withheld 234

Created on: June 09, 2009   Last Updated: June 10, 2009

With 1 in 8 women being diagnosed with breast cancer each it year it is crucial that the proper precautions are taken to help prevent the development of the cancer. The medical field is expanding its knowledge of breast cancer, perfecting the methods of early detection, and increasing the likelihood of survival with advanced treatments. Women should be well informed on early detection, the treatment options, and the advancements in research that will aid in better understanding breast cancer, and what to do if she is diagnosed.

Importance of Early Detection:
Many types of preventative testing can help women find the breast cancer before the symptoms are exposing themselves. The most important tool in early detection is the use of a mammogram. A mammogram can help detect breast cancer in the early stages, and it is a safe way to do so. Starting in early adulthood, women should get an annual mammogram to maintain consistent monitoring of the changes in their breasts. In addition to mammograms, women should make a point to do self-administered breast exams each month. Although self-breast exams do not prevent breast cancer, it can aid in early detection of lumps and help evade malignant progression of the detected cancer. Twenty percent of breast cancer is discovered by physical examination rather than a mammogram, so it is extremely important to do these exams on a routine basis (www.breastcancer.org).



Current Treatment Options:
When a woman has been diagnosed with breast cancer, she is not left with a single option for treatment. Research has led to many options including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

The first form of treatment is surgery. The main surgical procedures are a lumpectomy and a mastectomy. A lumpectomy is the removal of the cancerous region and is considering the breast-conserving surgery. Although this may seem like a great option, it often means that radiation will be used in addition to the surgery, unlike a mastectomy (radiation may still be used but for not as lengthy of a time). A mastectomy is removes the entire breast and is very common in the United States. Most surgeons will recommend this for peace of mind that the cancer will not return. This surgery does take longer but some suggest it because it makes breast reconstruction easier to perform.

Another option is chemotherapy, which is a systemic procedure that allows medication to run through the bloodstream and stop any cancerous cells that may have traveled away from the

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