Surprising predictions part 4

 Top Ten Breast Cancer Problems Faced By Women

Breast cancer affects one in eight women in the United States during their lifetime. The first step to prevent breast cancer is knowing your risk factors and how to reduce them. Make sure you know the top ten breast cancer problems faced by women and take action against them with these tips from the experts.

Mastectomy

After many years of hoping, your mammogram results show cancer. While a lumpectomy is an option for some women, most must undergo a mastectomy, which involves removal of a breast or both breasts. Many factors affect how you choose to move forward: family history, type and stage of cancer; your age and whether there are any other health conditions that may impact your survival rate; previous surgery(s) and radiation; whether chemotherapy is required or suggested; etc. What’s important is to discuss all options with your doctors so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for you as an individual. In addition to physical concerns, you should also be prepared for emotional challenges like fear, anxiety and depression. It's normal to feel overwhelmed by emotions during such a trying time in your life. You might also experience feelings of anger, guilt or frustration over having cancer in general—or even resentment toward those who have not been diagnosed yet. And finally, it’s common to experience grief after losing body parts. The process of grieving will vary from person to person but typically begins with denial and proceeds through stages of acceptance before reaching resolution. Don't try to avoid these emotions or push them away because they are a natural part of healing. Instead, allow yourself to go through each step until you reach acceptance and begin rebuilding your life again. This process could take weeks, months or even years depending on how well supported you are by friends and family members along the way. Although most people report feeling better after talking things out, sometimes professional counseling is necessary to help you cope with long-term side effects of treatment. For example, if you suffer from insomnia or lose interest in sex due to medications, talk therapy may help ease symptoms. Also keep in mind that certain lifestyle changes can help reduce risks associated with breast cancer recurrence and improve overall quality of life. For example, quitting smoking (if applicable), maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise can lower your risk for recurrence and other diseases later on down the road. Lastly, remember that you're never alone when dealing with breast cancer. Support groups and online communities provide valuable resources for information, support and friendship. If you've recently been diagnosed with breast cancer or are going through treatment right now, don't hesitate to ask your doctor about support groups near you. They'll likely know of several reputable organizations where patients share their experiences and offer one another encouragement throughout their journey together. Remember, you can do this! There is light at the end of the tunnel. There are plenty of breast cancer survivors who are living happy, fulfilling lives today. Take comfort in knowing that you can overcome this difficult hurdle and lead a happier, healthier life with family and friends for years to come.

Chemo

Unfortunately, after surgery, many women must face chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a treatment in which cancer cells are destroyed by anticancer drugs that are administered systemically (via injection or ingestion). Many women experience symptoms such as extreme nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite when going through chemotherapy. These side effects may be so severe that they are unable to keep down any food or drink at all. Most doctors will recommend eating several small meals throughout each day during chemotherapy. However, if you find yourself unable to eat even one meal, it’s important to talk with your doctor about how best to proceed. 

If you cannot eat solid foods but can manage liquids, ask your doctor about drinking protein shakes—they can be an excellent source of nutrition while undergoing chemotherapy. If you cannot tolerate protein shakes either, there are other options available—talk with your doctor for suggestions on what might work best for you. Also note that some medications used during chemotherapy can cause weight gain due to fluid retention; if you experience weight gain while undergoing chemo, speak with your doctor about whether adjusting your medication dosage might help reduce swelling and discomfort without sacrificing efficacy. Another option would be to consider switching from intravenous (IV) treatments to pill form.

 There are many different breast cancer treatments available today, including some newer oral medications that have been shown to treat breast cancer just as effectively as IV therapies. Be sure to discuss all of your options with your doctor before making a decision. It's also very important not to make changes in diet or exercise routine unless approved by your doctor first; sudden changes could compromise your recovery process and put you at risk for relapse or further complications later on. Make sure to always tell anyone involved in treating you that you're concerned about preserving muscle mass: That includes nurses, doctors, family members and friends—and yes, sometimes even husbands! Let them know that you'd like to do everything possible to preserve your strength and energy for future treatments.

 You may need additional support during chemotherapy, so let people know exactly what kind of help you need and when you need it. For example, if certain days are particularly difficult for you because of fatigue or nausea, let loved ones know exactly which days they should expect visits from you. Or maybe you'd like someone else to handle grocery shopping while chemo is underway—let them know that too! Remember: This isn't a time to try and be strong or pretend everything is okay; instead, reach out for support wheneverwheneverwheneverwheneverwheneverwheneverwheneverwhenever needed—your loved ones want nothing more than to help ease your burden. After all, you're fighting for your life—you deserve to get the most out of every single day.

Hair loss

One of every five breast cancer patients undergoes chemotherapy, which can cause hair loss. Chemo drugs kill fast-growing cells, including healthy cells like those in your hair follicles. Fortunately, most chemo drugs have little effect on hair roots once they’ve entered your bloodstream; therefore it’s rare for people to lose their entire head of hair. A possible side effect for some is a temporary loss of eyebrow or eyelash growth. Hair that does grow back after treatment may be fine and thin or may have different coloration than pre-chemo locks. Some women also experience changes in skin texture, as well as dryness and sensitivity. Post-treatment alopecia (hair loss) is common among breast cancer survivors—up to 50 percent experience some degree of permanent hair loss. It’s usually not life threatening but can lead to low self-esteem if you’re not prepared for it. To help ease any anxiety you might feel about losing your hair during treatment, talk with your doctor about ways you can help minimize these effects before starting chemo therapy. 

Your doctor might recommend wigs or other products designed specifically for women who are undergoing chemotherapy. If you don't want to wear a wig, ask your doctor about alternatives such as scarves and turbans. You should also ask your doctor about medications that can slow down hair loss. These include Propecia (finasteride), Minoxidil and Rogaine (minoxidil). There's no guarantee these will work, however. Don't use Rogaine if you're pregnant or breastfeeding because it could harm your baby. Another option is tamoxifen, an anti-estrogen drug used to treat breast cancer patients whose tumors are estrogen sensitive. Tamoxifen has been shown to slow down hair loss by up to 60 percent when taken at high doses over a long period of time. But there's no evidence yet that tamoxifen works better than Rogaine at preventing post-chemotherapy alopecia when taken at lower doses over shorter periods of time. In addition, tamoxifen may increase your risk of uterine cancer and blood clots. Ask your doctor whether these potential risks outweigh any benefits you might receive from taking tamoxifen. Finally, there's minoxidil (Rogaine), which can stimulate hair growth in men and women. It takes several months to notice results, so don't expect miracles right away. As with all medications, discuss side effects with your doctor before using minoxidil. For example, it may take several months for Rogaine to start working; initial results often look worse than what you started out with! Also keep in mind that rogaine doesn't work for everyone and sometimes causes unwanted facial hair growth or itching. And while minoxidil is generally safe when used short term, it isn't recommended for children under 18 years old due to concerns about its safety and effectiveness under long-term use. If you're going to try Rogaine, remember that it may take a few months for it to begin working.

 The best way to determine whether or not Rogaine is helping is to measure your hair loss at the beginning of your treatment and then again three or four months later. Even if Rogaine isn't helping, you can continue to use it as a preventative measure against further hair loss. However, make sure you follow the directions carefully and don't exceed the recommended dosage (two times per day). Rogaine is applied directly onto the scalp in order to reach where new hair growth is needed. When applying, rub it into your scalp with your fingertips and massage gently for about two minutes.

Weakness and exhaustion

The fatigue caused by breast cancer can be debilitating. Some cancer patients report having to take frequent naps to catch up on lost sleep; others wake in exhaustion at 4 a.m., and still others say that even two or three hours of sleep does not feel like enough. Make sure you’re getting enough rest, and if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. If your doctor prescribes sleeping pills, it should only be for a short period of time – try to wean yourself off them as soon as possible after your energy levels return to normal. In addition, it may be helpful to get a massage or other form of bodywork (e.g., acupuncture) to release tension in your muscles and stimulate blood flow. Also make sure you are getting enough exercise – aerobic activity is especially important because physical activity increases circulation, which brings oxygen-rich blood cells throughout your body, including into tissues weakened by chemotherapy treatments.

When faced with these challenges, some women may find themselves isolating themselves from friends and family out of embarrassment about their appearance. You might worry that people will stare at you when they see your bald head; some women cover their heads with scarves or wigs during chemo treatments so they won’t have to look anyone in the eye while receiving treatment. If you feel self-conscious, try to remember that it is normal for cancer patients to feel self-conscious. If possible, tell your loved ones what you are going through – they can help by encouraging you and helping keep things in perspective. Your support system can also provide a listening ear if you need someone to talk to.

The most important thing is not what other people think – it’s how YOU feel about yourself! Remember: cancer patients come in all shapes and sizes! The only way other people will know that something is wrong is if YOU tell them – no one else has x-ray vision! So don’t be afraid to go out and enjoy life; you have survived breast cancer once, now live your life to its fullest. You have nothing to be ashamed of, so don’t let your disease define who you are. You are a survivor, a fighter, a warrior; you are beautiful on the inside and out. You are stronger than you could ever imagine. Never forget that! We can help by donating money for research, or volunteering our time as a patient advocate or fundraiser. We can also support those living with breast cancer by being understanding and patient when they need us most. If we want to make a difference in someone’s life, there are many ways we can do so without spending much at all. It just takes a little effort from each of us to make a big difference for everyone affected by breast cancer.

As mentioned above, early detection is key in surviving breast cancer. It may seem like an obvious statement, but it bears repeating: regularly check your breasts for lumps (once every month) and report any changes to your doctor immediately.

Sex drive

It’s not uncommon for women to experience a drop in sex drive following breast cancer surgery and treatment. Hormone levels are often affected during chemotherapy, and can remain altered afterward; without testosterone running through your system, it can be difficult to get into a sexual mood. However, there are steps you can take if you’re interested in regaining your interest in sex. Sex is one of life’s pleasures; if you want it back, then consider talking with your doctor about restoring your hormone levels or exploring other options to address your lack of libido. After all, you deserve to feel good again! If you have children, try setting aside time when they’re away at school or out with friends so that you can reconnect physically. And remember: as long as both partners consent to having sex—even if they aren't feeling especially horny—then it's perfectly fine to have intercourse (or engage in another activity) even when desire isn't present. Your partner will appreciate knowing that he or she still turns you on! The bottom line? Don’t let a drop in libido stop you from enjoying intimacy. Take advantage of opportunities to enjoy each other’s company, whether that means spending more time together outside of bed or incorporating fun elements like toys into your lovemaking sessions. Also keep in mind that some menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness may make it harder to become aroused; if possible, talk with your healthcare provider about which lubricants might work best for you. Most importantly, communicate openly with your partner about what feels good and what doesn’t. This is an excellent opportunity to learn new things about each other while also deepening your connection—and hopefully reigniting that spark between you. You never know: you might just find yourself eager for a romp in the sack once again!

If these recommendations don't help, talk to your healthcare provider about any potential side effects caused by treatments.

Hormonal balance

Taking care of our hormonal balance is a good way to get a handle on menopause symptoms and prevent breast cancer from occurring. Fortunately, there are many natural ways to achieve better hormone balance; for example, reducing your intake of refined sugars and flours will reduce blood sugar levels, which help stop inflammation that leads to disease. Exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and consuming foods that support overall health can also promote healthy estrogen levels as well as provide other health benefits. However, if you do experience problems with your hormones it’s important to seek medical advice before making changes. In particular, if you have bleeding between periods or when not expecting them, consult your doctor immediately; these are both signs of serious hormonal imbalance that requires immediate attention. For more information about managing menopause and preventing breast cancer, check out Dr. Sinatra's book The Hormone Reset Diet: Rebalance Your Metabolism in 21 Days and Feel Younger , Stronger & Healthier Than Ever Before . It’s an excellent resource packed with tips and strategies to live healthier every day. To order a copy of his book click here .

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Fear

The obvious problem is fear. And with good reason—breast cancer kills more women in Australia each year than all other forms of cancer combined. And for women over 60, breast cancer remains Australia’s biggest killer, with almost 500 deaths every year. But there are two kinds of fear: reasonable and unreasonable. Knowing which one you are dealing with can help you deal with it better. If you experience a high level of anxiety (and uncertainty) about your diagnosis, that’s not unreasonable fear; it’s a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. That said, many women find their levels of anxiety gradually decrease over time as they gain control over their treatment plan and treatment decisions and develop coping strategies to reduce stressors and regain some balance in their lives. So if you have found yourself experiencing unreasonable fear, try talking to someone close to you or seek professional support from a psychologist or counsellor. They may be able to help you work through your fears and improve your quality of life. Your oncologist may also be able to recommend resources that can assist you during treatment. It’s important to remember that no matter how scared you feel right now, many women do get through breast cancer and go on to live long, healthy lives. You just need to keep putting one foot in front of another until things start feeling a little easier again. After all, this too shall pass! – Unknown 

Mood swings

Another breast cancer side effect is mood swings. This is more common during treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but can still happen with hormone therapies. In addition to changing your overall disposition, mood swings can also change your relationships with others, as well as how you handle personal finances. It’s important to stay organized and plan out tasks throughout your day so that you don’t fall behind at work or let things slip at home. Maintaining a balanced schedule is crucial to mitigating some of these symptoms until they pass. If your energy levels continue to suffer, it may be time to get extra help around the house—or request help from friends or family members who are willing to pitch in when needed. They can also be a great source of support for emotional distress and questions about treatment options. However, remember that everyone handles these types of situations differently, so if someone else isn’t quite what you need, find someone else! And if possible, speak to your doctor about any concerns or questions related to medication side effects before making any changes to your routine. He or she will be able to help ensure that everything goes smoothly. As always, try to focus on your quality of life rather than quantity. These emotions won’t last forever and they shouldn’t hinder your enjoyment of life. Don't forget to take care of yourself mentally and physically: Healthy habits go a long way toward boosting energy levels and fighting off depression. Get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. You might even consider consulting a professional counselor or therapist if you're struggling with anxiety or other mental health issues caused by breast cancer treatment. There's no shame in asking for help; many doctors recommend therapy as part of an integrative approach to dealing with side effects and other stressors caused by breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Sometimes all it takes is one conversation to make an impact.

Medical bills

The costs associated with breast cancer treatment can be enormous and take years to pay off. Even if you have insurance, deductibles and copays may still add up to thousands of dollars. It's estimated that nearly $9 billion is spent every year on women's preventive care, with more than half going toward services for those dealing with breast cancer issues. If you're uninsured or self-pay, financial assistance from organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure may help make coverage more affordable or provide cash grants so you don't have to put your life on hold while battling cancer. Either way, it's important to know that there are many funding resources available when you need them 

The invisibility of breast cancer

For every breast cancer diagnosis, there is also a silent survivor. Because it’s an invisible disease and not as publicized as other forms of cancer, many women (and men) don’t even know that you can be diagnosed with breast cancer. Although early detection greatly increases your odds of surviving breast cancer, most women don’t know that they can get diagnosed at any age. Did you know that 50% of all breast cancers are diagnosed in women who are 65 or older? Sadly, that statistic has remained constant for more than 40 years. It isn’t until later in life when women notice changes to their breasts—lumps or thickening, a new hardness or soreness—that they realize something might be wrong. This delay in diagnosis means that most breast cancers are found in Stage 3 or 4, which makes them harder to treat. That’s why one of our top recommendations for reducing your risk is getting familiar with what normal feels like so you can recognize if anything changes. The American Cancer Society recommends doing monthly self-exams from ages 20–40 and annual exams after 40. As always, talk to your doctor about what he/she recommends for you based on your personal health history. But we want to emphasize that anyone can get breast cancer, no matter how old you are. Your risk may be higher if you have a family history of breast cancer or BRCA1/2 mutations, but we want everyone to know that YOU CAN GET BREAST CANCER AT ANY AGE!