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Early
Detection in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is among
the more common cancers that affect women. Like most cancers, its
causes have not been determined although several studies would
indicate that the increased exposure to pollutants and chemicals in
the air as well as in the food that we eat can encourage the growth
of cancer cell in our body. At best the growth of these cells can be
avoided by a healthy organic diet with the increased intake of
antioxidants found in organically produced fruits and vegetables, a
healthy lifestyle and active physical activity which contributes to
our general well being.
While cancer can be
treated with the removal of malignant cancer cells in our body,
there are times when the cancer cells have actually begun to
permeate and spread, making it more difficult to treat and
unfortunately fatal. Luckily for women, breast cancer is one of
those cancers that can easily be detected and can thus be treated at
its early stages.
Among the several ways
with which breast cancer can be detected is through self breast
examination where women try to feel abnormal lumps and growths
around their breasts. This is usually done after menstruation when
the breasts are not as swollen. Women can do this at home by
themselves by putting an arm up while the fingers of the other hand
slowly scans the surrounding areas around the breast. The same
procedure can also be done professionally by a physician who
conducts a clinical breast examination.
Often, after a lump is
detected, the patient will be asked to undergo a breast MRI done.
MRI or magnetic resonance imaging will help determine any abnormal
growths in the breasts by producing various images of the cross
section of the breast. These images are pieced together into two
dimensional and three dimensional images where abnormal growths
appear in huge contrast to regular breast tissues.
The breast MRI however
may not be as accurate in determining whether or not the growths are
indeed cancerous or malignant. Moreover, there are those who believe
that there are abnormal growths in the breast that cannot be easily
detected with the MRI making the more invasive and painful mammogram
as well as the biopsy still necessary. This is why after a growth is
detected in the breasts using the MRI and the self breast exam, the
usual mammogram and the biopsy will follow. These procedures will
help physicians best in determining the extent and treatment of the
growth in the breasts.
Based on the growths that
have been detected physicians may advise chemotherapy treatment or
the physical surgical removal of the affected breast area. Remember
that the earlier the cancer is detected, easier the treatment and
the lesser the chances for these malignant cancer cells to spread to
both breasts as well as to other parts of the body.
Women who may find
suspicious lumps in their breasts after self breast examinations
should lose no time and immediately consult their doctors. While
these lumps may be harmless and may not pose any grave danger to
your health, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
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