Lawsuit Follows Dying Of Woman When Doctors Failed To Screen Her As Per Cancer Screening Tips

The necessity for screening even symptomatic sufferers for colon most cancers when they're 50 or older and for testing sufferers who exhibit sure symptoms such as blood in the stool is generally accepted inside the medical community. A failure to take action might lead to a delay in the analysis of colon most cancers which in flip might enable the cancer to spread. Beneath we examine a documented case involving a lady over the age of 50 whose medical doctors not only didn't screen her when she was as symptomatic however continued to not check her even after she developed a variety of symptoms.

In this case the lady handled along with her major care physician from the time she was 50 years previous to the time she was 55. During that point her medical history included weight problems, a hernia and hypertension. Her physician, however, by no means performed or advisable that she bear screening for colon cancer.

When she was fifty five she experienced vomiting as well as diarrhea with blood clearly seen in her stool. She went to the emergency room where the attending physician identified her as having gastroenteritis. She adopted up with a physician a couple of days later. This doctor made a observe of the fact that she now had up to three bowel movements a day, all of which contained a blood. The physician recommended a wait-and-see strategy and thought that she would need a decrease G.I. endoscopy if her condition didn't improve. The physician's differential analysis was for colitis. The doctor apparently never thought of colon cancer as part of the differential diagnosis. A year later she again noticed this physician complaining of stomach issues and no less than 50 pounds of unexplained weight loss. The physician concluded that her weight-loss was the results of a change in her diet and even though she had a history of blood in her stools that physician once more did not order or carry out any exams to rule out colon cancer.

A month later the lady again goes to the hospital with complaints of pain in her abdomen and continuing diarrhea. Also, by now there was blood current when she vomited. Her stool was now a dark brown color and testing revealed blood current within the stool. The doctor at the emergency room recognized her as having a gastrointestinal bleed. The doctor subsequent ordered an x-ray which revealed a partial obstruction of the bowel. The doctor then admitted her to the hospital. Blood tests revealed that her CEA, a marker for colon most cancers, was abnormally high.

Initially a gastroenterologist carried out an higher G.I. endoscopy and took a number of biopsies. The gastroenterologist, nonetheless, didn't a colonoscopy. It was not until a masking doctor on the hospital famous that her history was suggestive of most cancers and that additional testing was required that a sigmoidoscopy was lastly carried out approximately 2 weeks later. The sigmoidoscopy revealed a big obstruction and a follow-up CAT scan showed a large tumor. Throughout surgery it was found that her most cancers had already spread to each her uterus and her bladder. In addition the pathology report of the fabric eliminated in the course of the surgery discovered most cancers in 13 lymph nodes. The diagnosis - stage IV colon cancer.

She commenced remedy with chemotherapy and after experiencing intolerance for the chemotherapy along with bowel obstructions and even renal failure, the lady died lower than a yr later. She was only 58 years old at the time of her death. She was married and had two grownup children. Her household pursued a declare in opposition to the docs for the delay within the diagnosis of her cancer. The law firm that dealt with this lawsuit documented a settlement in the case for $950,000 on behalf of the family.

Medical Oncologist For Breast Cancer

Oncology is a department of medication that deals with the research and therapy of cancer. A medical oncologist is a health care provider specializing within the said study and treatment. Nonetheless, a medical oncologist for breast cancer should first consult with a pathologist about the precise biological nature of the tumor being treated.

An oncologist deals with the diagnosis, therapy akin to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery, fixed follow-up with the affected person, and the screening of the kin of the patient. Having diagnosed with breast cancer, a affected person is knowledgeable with the three specialty areas within the therapy of the illness, that are as follows: medical oncology, surgical oncology and radiation oncology.

There are completely different methods in the diagnosis. The medical oncologist for breast most cancers could do a biopsy on the affected person (may be incisional or excisional), x-rays or a number of blood tests. If a affected person is identified to have one, the treatment for the tumor that the medical oncologist would apply varies relying on the stage of the disease.

Chemotherapy may be finished before or after surgery. Chemotherapy includes several varieties of medicine and these drugs are given to sufferers with primary breast most cancers; breast most cancers believed to haven't but spread outdoors the breast or to the lymph nodes. Chemotherapy may also be used to treat tumor that has already metastasized or have already spread to other organs in the body.

Another specialty therapy of a medical oncologist is hormone therapy. This hormone therapy interferes with the hormones in the body that stimulates the growth of the ailment. Hormone therapy may be finished to sufferers with main breast cancer or also to sufferers with tumor that has already unfold to other organs in the body.

The therapy that the medical oncologist for breast most cancers applies to patients, like chemotherapy, has certain side effects like lack of hair. These docs are expert of their field and they also are also dealing with the therapy of the unwanted side effects and issues encountered by the patient with breast cancer.

Most cancers Medical Alert Bracelets

Medical Alert Bracelets are an essential consideration for all sufferers of cancer or any illness/illness that requires a number of medicine usage. Yet it's a proven fact that most people don't wear them. Encouragement should be given to individuals of all ages to put on these as they're life-savers.
Whether you might be at present receiving therapy on your ailment or if you're in remission it is extremely essential to guantee that should you require emergency medical treatment and you can not respond to the medical professionals readily available that you give them as a lot info as attainable to deal with you appropriately. If you're unable to respond and there's no one around to talk for you the easiest manner that you are able to do this is by sporting Medical Alert Jewellery. It will alert them to the truth that you might be on a specific drug or a cocktail of them.
Traditionally Medical Alert Bracelets haven't been engaging however that is now not the case you can purchase bracelets in an entire number of fashionable and basic types so there's really no excuse to not wear one. A Cancer Medical Alert Bracelet may be as discreet or as obvious as you need it to be. Medical professionals are trained to look out for them so you possibly can afford to be delicate, if that's your style.
Selecting your Most cancers Medical Alert Bracelet is an easy process every bracelet is individually tailor-made to meet your needs. All you must do is select the following attributes from the choice supplied; the metallic, the bracelet sort, the chain kind, the clasp kind, the chain length that you desire. After you have finished this you allow them to know what gender you're and they'll make your bracelet as much as order. As a particular enhancement there are also a variety of charms that you can add to the bracelet.

My Breast Cancer Scare: Truths or Myths?

Every time I've changed Gynecologists, I filled out the dreaded medical history forms knowing the reaction my new doctor will have once she/he sees that both my grandmothers had breast cancer."Do you examine your breasts often?" "You need to be very careful", "Here put your arms up and let me see" poke poke poke...

Though I am glad for their concern I must admit that it is scary to think that you are considered high risk for breast cancer. In June of this year, I turned 30 and I can't begin to tell you all the weird changes that have been happening to my body. Some are way too weird and personal to mention, but about a month ago I did find a strange mass in my left breast. Now this is not really unusual for me since I normally have quite lumpy breasts, especially as that time of the month gets closer. So I figured it was just my natural lumps just feeling a little extra lumpy and I didn't pay it much mind. Three weeks later however it was still there and even more pronounced. So, to ward off any possibilities that it was my imagination playing tricks on me I asked my mother if she felt anything and she did. I quickly made the appointment to see my gynecologist.

I decided not to become rippled with fear about what the possibilities of an unknown mass in my breast could mean, but my panicky personality got the best of me and at times and I would picture myself losing all my hair which I had been spending so much time and money taking care of, the possibility of not being able to have kids, and worst of all losing my breast which I quickly passified by picturing myself with fake boobs. Vein and shallow!...yes I know. I reprimanded myself for thinking such thoughts and focused on God and life and thinking positive. It may be nothing.

The day of my much anticipated appointment came. As I waited in the examination room for my doctor, I lay on the bed in my robe opened to the front and busied myself with texting and bbm'ing to keep my mind of the negative. Thirty minutes later my doctor walked in with chart in-hand and stated, "What borough do you live in?" I said Queens. She said, "For How long?" Took me a while to think. I was unprepared for those questions. I was expecting something more around "How long have you had the lump?", "Who else in your family has had breast cancer?", "Seen any strange oozing?"

Seeing the confused look on my face, my gynecologist explained that the reason why she asked was because women who have lived in Queens and Long Island all or most of their lives are twice as likely to get breast cancer than women in any other borough in New York City. I was shocked! "I wasn't aware of that at all" I said and told her that I had only been living in Queens for the past 2 years and spent most of my life in the Caribbean. She then began her examination of both my breasts, starting with the right and then the left. She quickly felt the mass as well as another somewhere in the center of my left breast. She had me feel it also and yes! certainly there was something there. Not quite a lump or ball per se but definitely something. She asked me if I drink caffeine. I replied in the affirmative and told her that I had at least one cup a day give and take a few days here and there when I preferred tea. She told me that caffeine has been known to make the breasts lumpy. Again, I was shocked at that.

She also told me that taking 600 mg's of Vitamin E daily will also help prevent breast cancer. Another shocker! She also asked me if I wore wired bras. I told her "All the time" she then went on to say that I needed to get non-wired bras since the wired ones are known to put extra pressure on the glands of the breast and can lead to breast cancer also. Yet another shocker!

She never once mentioned or even brought up my grandparents, so I volunteered the information just in case she missed it. She then asked me at what age they were diagnosed. I wondered whether it mattered, point is they had it and that makes me high risk! I said one was diagnosed at 84 and another at around 60. She nonchalantly shrugged it off saying "OK they were both past menopausal age". I was like "ok", wondering if that now meant that I am no longer high risk. Talk about confused.

By the end of the examination she explained that though I am too young to have a mammogram because of the density of my breast, that she was scheduling one anyway along with a sonogram just to be on the safe side. My heart was beating as she wrote the referral, still nervous and overwhelmed from the confusing information I had just received as well as this pending mammogram which I had heard such horror stories about. Two days later I showed up for my "mamo" and "sono" and though the doctor said that the tests are never 100% percent accurate, I thank God that the results were negative and showed no abnormality.

Though I was relieved, I was still a bit confused and very concerned. Even if the less than perfect results are negative then why do I have a lump? could the test be wrong? and am I really at less of a risk for breast cancer because both my grandparents were diagnosed post menopausal? and do I really have to go buy an entire new collection of wireless bras and take 600 Mg's of Vitamin E? Clearly there were some mixed messages being sent here and we all know prevention is better than cure so it was time to get to the bottom of things. I therefore decided to do some research and here are some of my findings.

I don't know about you, but I always thought a lump in the breast was a sure and definitive sign of cancer. The September issue of Cosmopolitan however, featured a section on finding a lump in your breast and that breast cancer doesn't have to be the diagnosis. According to their source, Marisa Weiss, Breast oncologist and Founder of Breastcancer.org "boobs get lumpy all the time" and although breast cancer is uncommon in young women it is always good to be on the safe side and always check with your gynecologist. She pinpoints a few different types of lumps that can be found in the breast and what it could possibly mean. For instance, if it feels like a painless moveable sphere, it's probably a fribroadenoma which are firm growths common in women in their 20's and are perfectly harmless. If the lump(s) feel small and pebbly or knotty, it's most likely fibrocystic changes related to hormone changes in the body particularly around PMS. If the lump is spongy round or oval it could be a fluid-filled cyst formed when fluid is retained in the breast tissue and has to be drained by a procedure called needle aspiration. So for starters, we know that all lumps don't necessarily mean breast cancer especially if you're still in your child bearing years. Youth however, doesn't necessarily mean that you're not at risk for getting breast cancer either. The only way to be sure is to see your gynecologist.

The October issue of Shape Magazine really goes into dispelling some of the breast cancer myths out there with a great article called "What You Don't Know About Breast Cancer Can Hurt You" by Karyn Repinski. The first myth is: You can't get beast cancer if it doesn't run in your family. Like Sr. Weiss said, anyone can get breast cancer. The true determinants are age, hormones, biopsy history and breast density as well as other factors. According to Repinski, the real danger is in having a false sense of security so always check with your doctor to be on the safe side. The second myth is: Breast cancer always appears as a lump. The truth is signs of breast cancer can come in many ways. For example, a change in the size of your breast like a dimpled area or puckered appearance to the skin, an itchy scaly area, nipple discharge, swelling or redness of the breast or an inverted nipple. The third myth is: antiperspirants and under wire bras cause breast cancer. According to Repinski, the National Cancer Institute has done several studies that shows no correlation between breast cancer and deodorants or under wire bras. Phew! isn't that that's a relief?!

Though Respinski has cleared up a few of the smokey areas I am still confused about the family history theory as well as whether daily intake of vitamins such as Vitamin E lowers one's risk. So we know anyone can get breast cancer, but do persons with a family history of women being diagnosed in the pre or post menopausal stage make a difference in your chances of being diagnosed as well? To answer this question I took to the internet. According to Cancer.org "breast cancer risk is higher among women whose close blood relatives have the disease." If your mother, sister or daughter has been diagnosed, you are twice as likely to be at risk. If two of your close relatives have been diagnosed your risk is essentially tripled! Now interestingly enough, less than 15% of women with breast cancer have a family member(s) who was diagnosed which means that 85% of women who do get breast cancer actually have no family history of the disease. According to Breasthealthlink.com, a person with a familial history of breast cancer is one who has:

A relative who has had breast cancer in both breasts
A relative who was diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 40
A relative who has had both breast cancer and ovarian cancer
A male relative who has or has had breast cancer

Familial factors that affect your risk are:

The number of relatives with breast cancer
The age at which their breast cancer is diagnosed.
The number of first degree relatives with breast cancer

The next step in this myth debunking research is determining whether an intake of 600 Mg's of Vitamin E will really help prevent breast cancer. In regards to diet and vitamin intake, The American Cancer Society suggests eating a healthy diet focused on plant sources such as fruits, vegetables and whole grain and limiting consumption of processed foods and red meats. According to Cancer.org however, studies on the effects of vitamin intake such as Vitamin E on breast cancer are conflicting and inconclusive. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that Vitamin E's antioxidant abilities help to destroy free radicals which can damage bodily cells and DNA. The UMMC Study shows that women diagnosed with breast cancer show low levels of vitamin E in the body. Based on this observation, researchers have felt that vitamin E intake would help prevent breast cancer. However, studies have not been able to prove that intake of vitamins does in fact reduce one's risk.

Though I am more at ease about the myths and truths about breast cancer, I realize that risk factors vary greatly and can range from gender, to age as well as family history, race and ethnicity. Though I didn't touch on this, your lifestyle is also a factor in your risk for breast cancer and includes: oral contraceptive use, hormone therapy, having children, breast feeding, alcohol use and even physical activity. In reality one can never really know definitively what are the causes of breast cancer or what our individual risks are. The important thing is to educate yourself about the disease so that you can look out for any possible warning signs. Know your body. If something feels strange or looks strange be sure to check with your doctor and always get a second, third or fourth opinion.

Based on the information I've learned I understand that I am at risk. Having two second degree relatives affected by the disease increases my awareness as well as my risk. My paternal grandmother was diagnosed in her early post menopausal 60's and succumbed to the disease because of her own lack of knowledge. My maternal grandmother on the other hand was a survivor and was diagnosed in her early 80's with both breast and ovarian cancer. My cousin was also diagnosed in her early 20's. I may not be able to prevent myself from getting breast cancer but I can surely help decrease my risk. Debunking the myths and finding the truths was the first step and puts a more realistic and controlled picture in my mind. Although my "sono" and "mamo" are normal I intend to go get a second opinion being that the lump in my breast is still very much there. I also intend to lower my risk by getting into a more strict exercise routine, as well as eating a more well balanced diet made up of at least 5 grams of servings or more of vegetables and fruits per day. I will not go out and buy a wardrobe of new bras, but I do intend to continue to take my vitamins daily, yes even the Vitamin E. I also plan to continue my routine at-home breast exams. If I were not doing that exam regularly I probably would never have discovered the lump and we all know prevention is better than cure.

Women (and men) need to be aware of this disease. The only way to increase your awareness is through knowledge. There are lots of information on the internet and in your local library and don't be afraid to ask your doctor all the relevant questions. Express your concerns and talk about your personal risk. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in American women, except for skin cancer. Almost a quarter of a million women will be diagnosed in 2011 alone and almost 40,000 will succumb to the disease. At this time, there are over 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone including my grandmother. Thanks to the stellar care she received at the Queens Hospital Breast Service and early detection, she was able to survive both breast and ovarian cancer. Strong family support was also a factor. Sometimes the families of breast cancer victims are forgotten and overlooked, but they also play a very important role in the care and support that they provide to family members. Caring for a family member diagnosed with breast cancer can be extremely stressful. This breast cancer month take the time to learn more about the disease and participate in the fight for the cure.

Most cancers; How Shut Are We to a Remedy?

cancer research - It is believed that with correct research funding in the United States that we might wipe out cancer in any 5-12 months period if we set our minds to it. What would possibly this cost? About $10 to 50 Billion are the figures I most frequently see. Indeed, this is able to be an excellent funding in the way forward for America. How so that you ask?

Properly, it's also estimated that Medicare over the subsequent 25 years may cost as much as $forty trillion, if the healthcare trade is not fixed, we may reduce that figure drastically if we could wipe out cancer. As US populations age and other people live longer, more people can have cancer earlier than they die. The truth is, most cancers may also proceed to be one of the greatest killers in America.

Some might ask if all this is true how come we do not spend the money to worn out cancer? That is a extremely good question. In some regards we've been spending a lot of money already, however not at the degree have to cease it in its tracks, as that's still quite a bit of cash in cancer research. Many of the cancers that people usually have gotten previously no longer our loss of life sentences so all the earlier analysis has positively helped.

Many cancers are handled and stopped these days. But it does cost fairly a little bit of money. There's also quite a bit of money to be made within the remedy of cancer. So you ask, "It's all about money is not it?" The reply is both sure and no, however unfortunately largely yes.

So how close are we to curing most cancers? We have already right here or found ways to cease many varieties of cancers so we're well on our manner, and it's only a matter of cancer research funding to fully wipe it out. It's my perception that it is going to be accomplished in our lifetime. I actually hope for you and your loved ones that a treatment is found for all sorts of cancers earlier than it impacts your lives. Please consider all this.
cancer research

My Breast Cancer Scare: Truths or Myths?

Every time I've changed Gynecologists, I filled out the dreaded medical history forms knowing the reaction my new doctor will have once she/he sees that both my grandmothers had breast cancer."Do you examine your breasts often?" "You need to be very careful", "Here put your arms up and let me see" poke poke poke...

Though I am glad for their concern I must admit that it is scary to think that you are considered high risk for breast cancer. In June of this year, I turned 30 and I can't begin to tell you all the weird changes that have been happening to my body. Some are way too weird and personal to mention, but about a month ago I did find a strange mass in my left breast. Now this is not really unusual for me since I normally have quite lumpy breasts, especially as that time of the month gets closer. So I figured it was just my natural lumps just feeling a little extra lumpy and I didn't pay it much mind. Three weeks later however it was still there and even more pronounced. So, to ward off any possibilities that it was my imagination playing tricks on me I asked my mother if she felt anything and she did. I quickly made the appointment to see my gynecologist.

I decided not to become rippled with fear about what the possibilities of an unknown mass in my breast could mean, but my panicky personality got the best of me and at times and I would picture myself losing all my hair which I had been spending so much time and money taking care of, the possibility of not being able to have kids, and worst of all losing my breast which I quickly passified by picturing myself with fake boobs. Vein and shallow!...yes I know. I reprimanded myself for thinking such thoughts and focused on God and life and thinking positive. It may be nothing.

The day of my much anticipated appointment came. As I waited in the examination room for my doctor, I lay on the bed in my robe opened to the front and busied myself with texting and bbm'ing to keep my mind of the negative. Thirty minutes later my doctor walked in with chart in-hand and stated, "What borough do you live in?" I said Queens. She said, "For How long?" Took me a while to think. I was unprepared for those questions. I was expecting something more around "How long have you had the lump?", "Who else in your family has had breast cancer?", "Seen any strange oozing?"

Seeing the confused look on my face, my gynecologist explained that the reason why she asked was because women who have lived in Queens and Long Island all or most of their lives are twice as likely to get breast cancer than women in any other borough in New York City. I was shocked! "I wasn't aware of that at all" I said and told her that I had only been living in Queens for the past 2 years and spent most of my life in the Caribbean. She then began her examination of both my breasts, starting with the right and then the left. She quickly felt the mass as well as another somewhere in the center of my left breast. She had me feel it also and yes! certainly there was something there. Not quite a lump or ball per se but definitely something. She asked me if I drink caffeine. I replied in the affirmative and told her that I had at least one cup a day give and take a few days here and there when I preferred tea. She told me that caffeine has been known to make the breasts lumpy. Again, I was shocked at that.

She also told me that taking 600 mg's of Vitamin E daily will also help prevent breast cancer. Another shocker! She also asked me if I wore wired bras. I told her "All the time" she then went on to say that I needed to get non-wired bras since the wired ones are known to put extra pressure on the glands of the breast and can lead to breast cancer also. Yet another shocker!

She never once mentioned or even brought up my grandparents, so I volunteered the information just in case she missed it. She then asked me at what age they were diagnosed. I wondered whether it mattered, point is they had it and that makes me high risk! I said one was diagnosed at 84 and another at around 60. She nonchalantly shrugged it off saying "OK they were both past menopausal age". I was like "ok", wondering if that now meant that I am no longer high risk. Talk about confused.

By the end of the examination she explained that though I am too young to have a mammogram because of the density of my breast, that she was scheduling one anyway along with a sonogram just to be on the safe side. My heart was beating as she wrote the referral, still nervous and overwhelmed from the confusing information I had just received as well as this pending mammogram which I had heard such horror stories about. Two days later I showed up for my "mamo" and "sono" and though the doctor said that the tests are never 100% percent accurate, I thank God that the results were negative and showed no abnormality.

Though I was relieved, I was still a bit confused and very concerned. Even if the less than perfect results are negative then why do I have a lump? could the test be wrong? and am I really at less of a risk for breast cancer because both my grandparents were diagnosed post menopausal? and do I really have to go buy an entire new collection of wireless bras and take 600 Mg's of Vitamin E? Clearly there were some mixed messages being sent here and we all know prevention is better than cure so it was time to get to the bottom of things. I therefore decided to do some research and here are some of my findings.

I don't know about you, but I always thought a lump in the breast was a sure and definitive sign of cancer. The September issue of Cosmopolitan however, featured a section on finding a lump in your breast and that breast cancer doesn't have to be the diagnosis. According to their source, Marisa Weiss, Breast oncologist and Founder of Breastcancer.org "boobs get lumpy all the time" and although breast cancer is uncommon in young women it is always good to be on the safe side and always check with your gynecologist. She pinpoints a few different types of lumps that can be found in the breast and what it could possibly mean. For instance, if it feels like a painless moveable sphere, it's probably a fribroadenoma which are firm growths common in women in their 20's and are perfectly harmless. If the lump(s) feel small and pebbly or knotty, it's most likely fibrocystic changes related to hormone changes in the body particularly around PMS. If the lump is spongy round or oval it could be a fluid-filled cyst formed when fluid is retained in the breast tissue and has to be drained by a procedure called needle aspiration. So for starters, we know that all lumps don't necessarily mean breast cancer especially if you're still in your child bearing years. Youth however, doesn't necessarily mean that you're not at risk for getting breast cancer either. The only way to be sure is to see your gynecologist.

The October issue of Shape Magazine really goes into dispelling some of the breast cancer myths out there with a great article called "What You Don't Know About Breast Cancer Can Hurt You" by Karyn Repinski. The first myth is: You can't get beast cancer if it doesn't run in your family. Like Sr. Weiss said, anyone can get breast cancer. The true determinants are age, hormones, biopsy history and breast density as well as other factors. According to Repinski, the real danger is in having a false sense of security so always check with your doctor to be on the safe side. The second myth is: Breast cancer always appears as a lump. The truth is signs of breast cancer can come in many ways. For example, a change in the size of your breast like a dimpled area or puckered appearance to the skin, an itchy scaly area, nipple discharge, swelling or redness of the breast or an inverted nipple. The third myth is: antiperspirants and under wire bras cause breast cancer. According to Repinski, the National Cancer Institute has done several studies that shows no correlation between breast cancer and deodorants or under wire bras. Phew! isn't that that's a relief?!

Though Respinski has cleared up a few of the smokey areas I am still confused about the family history theory as well as whether daily intake of vitamins such as Vitamin E lowers one's risk. So we know anyone can get breast cancer, but do persons with a family history of women being diagnosed in the pre or post menopausal stage make a difference in your chances of being diagnosed as well? To answer this question I took to the internet. According to Cancer.org "breast cancer risk is higher among women whose close blood relatives have the disease." If your mother, sister or daughter has been diagnosed, you are twice as likely to be at risk. If two of your close relatives have been diagnosed your risk is essentially tripled! Now interestingly enough, less than 15% of women with breast cancer have a family member(s) who was diagnosed which means that 85% of women who do get breast cancer actually have no family history of the disease. According to Breasthealthlink.com, a person with a familial history of breast cancer is one who has:

A relative who has had breast cancer in both breasts
A relative who was diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 40
A relative who has had both breast cancer and ovarian cancer
A male relative who has or has had breast cancer

Familial factors that affect your risk are:

The number of relatives with breast cancer
The age at which their breast cancer is diagnosed.
The number of first degree relatives with breast cancer

The next step in this myth debunking research is determining whether an intake of 600 Mg's of Vitamin E will really help prevent breast cancer. In regards to diet and vitamin intake, The American Cancer Society suggests eating a healthy diet focused on plant sources such as fruits, vegetables and whole grain and limiting consumption of processed foods and red meats. According to Cancer.org however, studies on the effects of vitamin intake such as Vitamin E on breast cancer are conflicting and inconclusive. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that Vitamin E's antioxidant abilities help to destroy free radicals which can damage bodily cells and DNA. The UMMC Study shows that women diagnosed with breast cancer show low levels of vitamin E in the body. Based on this observation, researchers have felt that vitamin E intake would help prevent breast cancer. However, studies have not been able to prove that intake of vitamins does in fact reduce one's risk.

Though I am more at ease about the myths and truths about breast cancer, I realize that risk factors vary greatly and can range from gender, to age as well as family history, race and ethnicity. Though I didn't touch on this, your lifestyle is also a factor in your risk for breast cancer and includes: oral contraceptive use, hormone therapy, having children, breast feeding, alcohol use and even physical activity. In reality one can never really know definitively what are the causes of breast cancer or what our individual risks are. The important thing is to educate yourself about the disease so that you can look out for any possible warning signs. Know your body. If something feels strange or looks strange be sure to check with your doctor and always get a second, third or fourth opinion.

Based on the information I've learned I understand that I am at risk. Having two second degree relatives affected by the disease increases my awareness as well as my risk. My paternal grandmother was diagnosed in her early post menopausal 60's and succumbed to the disease because of her own lack of knowledge. My maternal grandmother on the other hand was a survivor and was diagnosed in her early 80's with both breast and ovarian cancer. My cousin was also diagnosed in her early 20's. I may not be able to prevent myself from getting breast cancer but I can surely help decrease my risk. Debunking the myths and finding the truths was the first step and puts a more realistic and controlled picture in my mind. Although my "sono" and "mamo" are normal I intend to go get a second opinion being that the lump in my breast is still very much there. I also intend to lower my risk by getting into a more strict exercise routine, as well as eating a more well balanced diet made up of at least 5 grams of servings or more of vegetables and fruits per day. I will not go out and buy a wardrobe of new bras, but I do intend to continue to take my vitamins daily, yes even the Vitamin E. I also plan to continue my routine at-home breast exams. If I were not doing that exam regularly I probably would never have discovered the lump and we all know prevention is better than cure.

Women (and men) need to be aware of this disease. The only way to increase your awareness is through knowledge. There are lots of information on the internet and in your local library and don't be afraid to ask your doctor all the relevant questions. Express your concerns and talk about your personal risk. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in American women, except for skin cancer. Almost a quarter of a million women will be diagnosed in 2011 alone and almost 40,000 will succumb to the disease. At this time, there are over 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone including my grandmother. Thanks to the stellar care she received at the Queens Hospital Breast Service and early detection, she was able to survive both breast and ovarian cancer. Strong family support was also a factor. Sometimes the families of breast cancer victims are forgotten and overlooked, but they also play a very important role in the care and support that they provide to family members. Caring for a family member diagnosed with breast cancer can be extremely stressful. This breast cancer month take the time to learn more about the disease and participate in the fight for the cure.

Cancer - Facts You Need to Know, But Won't Be Told

The most important part of any orthodox cancer treatments you will be offered is it must make a profit. Unfortunately we live in a world where the dollar reigns supreme, our entire lives and everything we do revolve around money, so why would it be any different with cancer? It is not.

If you or someone you care about are dealing with cancer, there are many facts you need to know to be able to successfully overcome it and the more information you gain and the more you get involved the greater the chance you will have of surviving the disease. There is no way you should blindly put your life in someone else's hands and except just what's on offer without knowledge.

All cancers happen for a reason and they are caused by a change in your genes but those changes are brought about by our lifestyle and environment factors. It is caused by bad diets, smoking, exposure to carcinogenic substances and our lack of exercise. Cancer cannot develop in a healthy body.

It is very rare for cancer to only have one cause, it's more typically caused by the following; nutritional deficiencies, toxins in our environment, our sedentary lifestyle and emotional conflict. Faulty nutrition is singularly the most important causative factor in the development of all cancers.

Cancer was an exceptionally rare disease many years ago and has now become a major problem, but mainly in the industrialized world. Look at the changes in the food we now eat. Our diets are loaded with processed food and many of these items contain refined sugar, salt or fat. These are all known contributors towards cancer. Refined sugar actually feeds cancer cells and that was discovered over 70 years ago and it's very sad that we are not told this. Other food items that contribute to cancer are pressed or processed meats and nearly all of these contain the food additives sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite. They are carcinogenic and no one will tell us that either.

Our immune system, which is our built in repair system has a very important role in why there is so much cancer and also, it's only through the immune system that you can become totally cancer free. All cancers are a result of an immune system that didn't destroy mutant cancer cells because it had been weakened. How do you strengthen it? There are many ways and a little exercising everyday is one of them. The immune system needs muscular activity to keep it in peak performance and you do that by getting some exercise.

We now have access to over 70,000 synthetic chemicals, most of which have been extracted from crude oil. Many of these chemicals we use on our skin as they are in personal care products and when applied, is the perfect delivery system into our blood stream. The skin is not an impermeable barrier and these products are absorb into our body the same way as medical patches work like anti nausea patches. These chemicals do cause us harm.

Any genuine treatments have to revolve around the 7 necessities of life and they are fresh air, clean water, rest, exercise and sunshine. A little sunshine helps cure cancer and doesn't cause it. Also fresh healthy fruit and vegetables for food, and hopefully a happy heart, that is, seek help to address any emotional stress related problems.

A person when newly diagnosed with cancer is already undergoing a major health crisis and it just doesn't make sense to tax the body further with toxic treatments. The human body is a miraculous living item and even as we slowly learn more about it we will never fully understand it completely because of its complexities. With that in mind, doesn't it make sense to turn to nature to help you overcome cancer?

Cancer - One Important Nutrient to Prevent It

Having cancer in the family is not a fun thing. Just to know that you may have the genetic tendency to develop cancer can really be scary. But there is one important thing that you should know. Just because you have the gene does not mean that you will get cancer. It certainly means you are at a high risk. But you are not in a predestined situation.

But there are things you can do to prevent it. The common belief that there is nothing you can do because of your genetic tendencies is just a myth.

Genes are the gun. But it is generally accepted that your life style is the trigger. What you do in your daily habits determine if you will activate this gene or keep it dormant.

So what is the one thing you can do to that will greatly help in preventing cancer and keeping that gene dormant?

The answer is: Make sure your diet is predominantly high in potassium. Yes potassium is a very important nutrient in the prevention of cancer. We usually hear about antioxidants, phytonutrients and other factors. But rarely do we hear about potassium.

This nutrient is present inside of normal cells. While in the outside, cells are being bathed with sodium (salt). This balance is important in maintaining a healthy cell metabolism. Without this balance the cells cannot receive nutrients or process them.

On the opposite side, cancer cells like sodium. They have a lot of sodium inside and very little potassium. Sodium helps the cancer's feeding mechanism.
So my recommendation for you today is:
1. Keep dietary sodium low. The body only needs a teaspoon or less a day. This is about 1500 to 2000 mgs per day.
2. Eat foods high in potassium such as bananas, all veggies, lentils, baked potato, beans, and all fruits have different levels of potassium

If you eliminate most junk foods and eat foods the way they are found in nature, you will have less trouble maintaining your sodium levels and less trouble preventing cancer. Cancer hates potassium. So keep potassium high and cancer genes will stay dormant.