Breast Cancer - Prevention and Cure!

As with any cancer, breast cancer also can be treated by one of the three options surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment would depend, however, on the extent of spread and involvement of lymph nodes. In addition to actual treatment, lifestyle changes are essential to ensure successful treatment of breast cancer.

If you have been treated for breast cancer, then you should always watch out for recurrence. Annual screening mammograms are a must for any woman after treatment. In addition, quitting smoking, being physically active, reducing exposure to pollution, and avoiding hormone replacement is important for keeping a tab on recurrence. For someone with a family history and other risk factors, annual screening mammograms after the age of 35 is recommended. This helps in early detection and treatment.

Breast cancer which is the most common form of cancer in women is determined by various risk factors. In addition to factors like family history, age, and ethnicity which cannot be modified, there are factors which can be controlled. A woman should avoid or control smoking, not take hormone supplements, breastfeed, reduce environmental pollution, and adopt an active healthy lifestyle to ensure the risk is reduced. Stress is also a big factor for developing cancer, so stress management is also very essential.

Screening for breast cancer is one of the best ways to manage the disease. In women who are a risk of breast cancer, screening helps in an early detection. If detected early, then treatment can be minimally invasive and managed with chemotherapy instead of a large surgical exercise. In women after treatment, annual screening is essential for monitoring recurrence. Talk to your doctor and learn how to self-exam your breasts. This does not take time but goes a long way in managing the problem.