When talking about breast cancer stage treatment, there are 5 main stages, the treatment for which is mentioned below:
- Stage 0 and DCIS – Radiation plus Lumpectomy or mastectomy are standard treatments although controversy does exist on the treatment of DCIS.
- Stage I and II – Again, mastectomy or lumpectomy accompanied by radiation and some sort of lymph node removal is standard operating procedure. Chemotherapy, Hormone therapy and biologic therapy are also recommended after surgery.
- Stage III – Surgery followed by chemotherapy, hormone therapy and biologic therapy are common treatment procedures.
- Stage IV – Treatment involves radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or various combinations of any of these.
Following treatment it is recommended to have regular blood tests, mammograms, etc. to ensure the cancer does not return and some women may also continue taking medication like tamoxifen.
There are many factors on which treatment of breast cancer in women depends like whether the disease is sensitive to certain hormones or if it overproduces a gene called HER2/neu.
The treatments in general include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
- Hormonal therapy
- Targeted therapy
The treatment can be local or systemic. Local involves only the area of the disease while systemic involves treatment of the entire body.
Most women receive combinations of the treatment depending on the stage. At stage I, II and III the main aim is to treat the cancer and prevent it from returning while at stage IV the main aim is to reduce the symptoms and increase the life expectancy as much as possible.
Metastatic generally means a cancer that has spread to other organs from the original tumor site. The most advanced stage of breast cancer (Stage IV) is called Metastatic breast cancer.
Metastatic breast cancer symptoms include the following:
- Pain in the bones. A possible indication of bone metastases.
- Difficulty in breathing. A possible indication of lung metastases.
- Loss of appetite. A possible indication of liver metastases.
- Loss of weight. A possible indication of liver metastases.
- Headaches, weakness and neurological pain. All possible indications of neurological metastases.
These symptoms aren’t always associated with Metastasis as most women who develop Stage IV breast cancer only start showing the symptoms when the disease has reached a very extensive stage.
Breast cancer is most often first noticed as a painless lump in the breast or armpit region. Anybody may discover the lump and the signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Lump/swelling in armpit.
- Changes in shape or size of the breast.
- The dimpling or puckering of the skin around the breast area. This is sometimes also called orange peel.
- Increased warmth, redness and swelling in the breast that is affected.
- The nipple turns inwards. This is called an inverted nipple.
- Scaling/crusting on the nipple.
Most often cancer is not the cause for any of the above symptoms. This is why a mammogram is necessary before you can be diagnosed with breast cancer.
In the early stages, breast cancer is usually painless. Breast cancer early symptoms are usually the discovery of a hard lump in the breast region. 50% of the time this lump is found in the upper outer quarter of the breast. This may make the breast look asymmetric or elevated. A retracted or scaly nipple is also common. The skin around the breast may appear to be dimpled sometimes. A clear or bloody discharge may also come from the nipple. But, most cancers do not show any of these symptoms and cannot be felt, thus the importance of regular mammogram exams is stressed upon.
A lump in the breast is the first recognizable symbol a woman will get for breast cancer. Even though, this could be just a breast lump, there are a few other symptoms to look out for.
The symptoms for Breast cancer are:
- A lump or thickening in a part of the breast
- Dimpling of the skin in that area
- Change in shape/size of breast
- Blood stained discharge from nipple
- Swelling/lump in armpit
- Nipple shrinks into breast, has irregular shape
- Rash on the nipple or the area surrounding the nipple
Like breast bumps, these signs don’t have to be cancer and a certified doctor should immediately be consulted.
Throughout Susan’s stay in hospital, because of breast cancer, instead worrying about herself she spent her time worrying about other people with breast cancer. This concern continued right till the end of her fight. This made her sister, Nancy Brinker promise her that she will try with all her heart to end breast cancer completely.
This promise led to the creation of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure ®, the biggest breast caner foundation in the world. They have succeeded in doing this with the help of events like Susan G. Komen breast cancer walk, and contributions from partner’s sponsors and supporters.
Here is a little information on the breast cancer walk for Boston, NYC and Atlanta.
A mix of old world charm and modern day sights await you in Boston. From huge historical landmarks to scenes of nature’s beauty not to mention the thousands of participants walking with you make a very pretty sight.
In New York, a city for walkers, there are bridges, rivers, parks, sidewalks. You get a feel for the history, architecture, culture and nature in a totally new way. And to add to it, you are fighting Breast Cancer. Perfect.
The dynamic city of Atlanta, known for change, right from the Civil War in the 1860’s to the Civil Rights in the 1960’s. Yet, it still maintains its southern charm. Their hospitality makes for a wonderful Breast Cancer walk.
The Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk is more than just a 60 mile walk over a long weekend. It is a month’s long journey different from the everyday.
It starts from the time of registration. Make a group in your area, train and walk together, there will be coaches available to help you every step of the way. To help you to challenge yourself and to help you to succeed.
Be sure to be fully loaded with humor and stories on the walk, not to mention numerous creative accessories.
Food and beverages will be provided, as well as rest areas, medical support and safety guidelines.
Finally, it will be amazing, the courage of the survivors, the commitment of walkers, the power of individuals and the power of many.
For this one weekend, whether you are walking or volunteering, the aim for everyone will be the same, finding a cure for breast cancer.
This year, the Avon New York Walk will be from the 10-11 of October 2009 and will serve as an opportunity like no other. Known as a city for walkers, you are most likely to see uptown, downtown, west, east, rivers, bridges, parks and sidewalks during this walk.
The Big Apple will be your jogging ground and you will get a feel for the history, neighborhoods, architecture, gardens, culture and nature of this city in an entirely different way. To add to this, you will be fighting breast cancer which makes this event perfect.
The Avon Breast Cancer Walk places a priority on donating funds to the area where each walk takes place with special emphasis on reaching out to the low-income, elderly and minority individuals and to those with inadequate health insurance.
