7 Ways to Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk Factors With the Free Online Calculator

With the amount of research being conducted into breast cancer and other cancers, much is being learned about how to prevent, treat and beat it. Usually it is too hard to determine the specific causes of individual breast cancer in individual women and men but large studies can find trends and identify risk factors. So having certain risks factors in your lifestyle increases your chances of developing cancer and successfully beating cancer.

So here are seven top risk factors for not only but other cancers and major diseases so you have a fighting chance to win any health battles:

1. Free yourself of smoking and your wallet will be heavier, your lungs lighter and your conscious easier knowing you are taking away the greatest cancer risk factor. Quitting smoking also makes a massive boost to your sex appeal because you smell, taste and look a thousand times better. The chemicals you inhale with smoke reduces the effectiveness of your immune system making it harder for your body to be healthy and strong.

2. Keep your weight to the healthy body mass index range for your height. Carrying extra weight makes the body work harder for less benefit and increases your breast cancer risk factors on a sliding scale.

3. Exercise between 1.5 - 4 hours weekly at a minimum to keep a healthy mind and body. Regular exercise really builds up your health resilience factors and gives your body a greater fighting chance to heal more quickly and fight the good fight with a healthy immune system.

4. Modify your drinking of alcohol to a maximum of two serves per day, less is better. This still fits in with the tradition of a single glass of red wine being good for the heart but lets you see the direct results of moderation while still getting to enjoy a good glass of wine or two.

5. Anti-oxidants fight the good fight and a diet high in antioxidants keeps your immune system strong and resilient. Most fresh fruit and vegetables are full of anti-oxidants but you can get dietary supplements with vitamins. Having a glass of vegetable and fruit juice each day can be a really quick and easy way to get a daily dose.

6. Stress uses up your body's reserves, depressing your immune system, using up anti oxidants, making you tired and susceptible to illness. By reducing your stress levels you reduce not only your breast cancer risk factors but many more as well.

So find ways to manage your stress levels such as exercise, improving emotional intelligence skills, meditation, or where possible changing the life style issues that are causing the stress.

7. Finding peace in our daily lives can be really hard sometimes but research is showing that just 10 minutes a day of quiet time can do wonders for our entire health. Mediation can be a great way of settling the internal to do list that rattle round inside to give space for calm and peace.

You can do a structured mediation, take time out to enjoy sitting still and watching the world go round, go to a yoga class; anything that gives you peace and slows things down for a time gives your internal systems, like your immune and nervous systems, a slower time to work in. This will also improve restorative sleep and let you function at a more efficient level when you need it.

Online Calculator to Test Your Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Now there is a free online resource tool to test your lifestyle choices and find out your personal breast cancer risk rate at the National Breast Cancer Centre's website at http://thepinkbliss.blogspot.com - an Australian health resource that is freely available to women and men all round the world.

One of the things I love about this free risk factor calculator is it lets you test the impact of changing lifestyle issues like weight, alcohol, exercise and so on so you can directly and quickly see the effect of your actions. What I really liked about the calculator was its ability to tell your body mass index (BMI) which looks at height and weight details. This free online health tool lets you test and learn what is best for you.

Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

The first step to getting a diagnosis is detection. Monitoring your own breast tissue contains 3 main components including a) Breast Self-examination b) Clinical Breast Exam and c) Mammography.

A woman may notice abnormalities while doing a self-exam. By examining your breasts every month, you will become familiar and be able to detect changes better.
The following are the steps to perform breast self-examination.

a) Breast Self-Examination

1) Put your hands on hip while standing in front of a mirror to visually examine your breasts. Then stand with your hands behind your head with fingers interwoven and look for changes in size, lumps, shape, contour, color, dimples or inverted nipples.

2) Press each nipple to see if there is a discharge.

3) Lie down putting a pillow under your left shoulder. Place your left hand under your head while lying down. Using your right hand, fingers flattened together into a pad form and press on the top portion of the left breast in a circular motion to examine the outer, then the inner circle of the breast including nipple. Use light pressure for area under skin's surface. Then add a little more pressure to feel halfway into the flesh. Finally, use deep pressure to feel down the ribs. Examine the breast and chest area under your armpit. With the same way, repeat on the right side using your left hand.

With the above self-examination method, you should be able to feel any unusual lump or thickening tissues or skin.

b) Clinical breast Exam

This is conducted during your annual gynecological examination. Your doctor will place pressure on your breasts in circular motion the pads of his or her fingers. You will have one hand tucked under your head while the other breast is being examined.

c) Mammography

Mammography is able to detect any cancerous growth before it can be felt by a manual

exam. It is an X-ray image of the breast. A screening mammogram is done when a clinical breast exam is normal. It consists of two views of each breast including:

a) An up and down view and

b) Side to side view.

A diagnostic mammogram is performed to evaluate any abnormality found during a breast exam. Mammograms may sometimes cause discomfort because the breasts must be compressed until the skin is taut. Mammograms can detect breast calcifications made of minute amounts of calcium that cannot be detected by self or clinical exams. Generally, a radiologist can make a prediction on the likelihood of a lesion is malignant based on a screening mammograms. For women who already have symptoms suggestion of breast cancer (e.g. a palpable lump), diagnostic mammographics is necessary as they include additional views to give a more accurate prediction as to the likelihood of cancer.

Top 5 Supplements For Breast Cancer Prevention

More studies are coming out showing how supplements may assist in breast cancer prevention. In some cases, supplements can decrease your risk by a significant amount. While a cure for cancer has not been discovered, the next best step is to live healthy and help your body prevent cancer from forming.

If you think about it, you have probably been told to do regular breast exams or get a mammogram to prevent breast cancer. However, this does not prevent breast cancer, but rather detects it. However, studies suggest certain supplements can actually reduce your risk.

If you ever have questions regarding the use of these supplements, I always encourage you to have a discussion with your physician. Feel free to print off the studies I reference and ask your physician to comment on them. In no particular order, these are the Top 5 Supplements For Breast Cancer Prevention:

    Fish Oil/Omega-3. On July 8th, 2010, ABCNews reported on the findings of a study which looked at the effectiveness of fish oil for breast cancer prevention. The "Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle followed 35,016 post-menopausal women who had no history of breast cancer.". These women were followed for an average of 6 years. It was found those who used fish oil supplements had a 32% reduced risk of developing breast cancer. The study was published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention and was also referenced in WebMD.
    Olive Oil. The people of Greece have some of the world's lowest rates of heart disease and cancer. And now studies are showing a direct link to their use of olive oil with regards to these decreased risks. This article from National Geographic outlines a study from 2005 which showed oleic acid (the main fatty acid in olive oil) "can cripple a cancer gene responsible for 25 to 30 percent of all breast cancers.". Another article in WebMD reported on a study which showed olive oil reduced the risk of breast cancers having the HER2 molecules. Another major study was begun this year and will last approximately 5 years.
    Grape Seed Extract. Studies show grape seed extract actually promotes apoptosis, or self-destruction, of cancer cells. An Oxford study actually promotes this finding. Currently, studies are being undertaken to specifically look at the effects of prevention in humans. However, test tube studies have been promising.
    Vitamin D. Looking just at cancer risks, the results are quite stunning. The National Cancer Institute states, "an inverse relationship was found between sunlight exposure levels in a given geographic area and the rates of incidence and death for certain cancers in that area. Individuals living in southern latitudes were found to have lower rates of incidence and death for these cancers than those living at northern latitudes. Because sunlight/UV exposure is necessary for the production of vitamin D3, researchers hypothesized that variation in vitamin D levels accounted for the observed relationships.". Furthermore, Vitamin D has shown to create apopotosis in cancer cells. They also highlighted a study which followed 1300 post-menopausal women who took calcium supplements and 1100IU of Vitamin D every day. The women taking the supplements showed a 60% reduction in cancer rates. Dr. Christine Northrup also recommends Vitamin D supplementation as a aid in preventing cancers of all types, including breast cancer.
    Vitamin E. The general consensus here is that Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. And some cancers have been shown to be the result of free radical damage. Antioxidants help protect against these free radicals. When it comes to specific studies regarding Vitamin E, the jury is still out. However, the Nurses Health Study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine 1993;328: 1444-9, studied 83,234 women for 14 years. And they found women with a family history of breast cancer who took the highest quantity of Vitamin E showed a 43% reduction in breast cancer as opposed to women with no family breast cancer history (16% risk).

As you can tell from the studies, I am not suggesting you will never be diagnosed with breast cancer. However, it appears as though your risks can be decreased.

Recognizing And Battling Breast Cancer

Breast cancer occurs due to the irrepressible growth of cells in the breast that invades the nearby tissues and spreads throughout the body. These collections of irrepressible growth of tissue are called tumors or malignant tumors. However, not all tumors are cancerous.

Breast cancer has been diagnosed in large numbers in North America and Europe. In 2001, about 200,000 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in the United States alone. Every woman has a 1 in 8 risk of developing breast cancer, but the risk of dying from breast cancer is much lower, barely 1 in 28.

The risk of getting breast cancer is generally higher among older women, women with a family history or previous history of breast cancer, women who had radiation therapy in the chest region, women who started their periods before 12 years old, women who had menopause after 50 years old, women who never had children or had them age 30 or older, or women with genetic mutation. In recent times genetic mutations for breast cancer have become a hot topic of research.

The breast cancer tumor has the following symptoms: lump or thickening that appears on the breast or underarm, changes in the breast's shape, nipple turned inwards followed by colorless discharge, red or scaled skin or nipple, or ridges on the breast skin.

If a woman experiences any of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean she has breast cancer. In such a case she should undergo a breast cancer personal check-up. It is estimated that 95% of breast cancer is detected through personal check-up. The breast cancer personal check-up includes checking for lumps in the breasts after each menstrual period, puckering the skin, and checking for nipple retraction or discharge. For consistent result, every woman should do a breast cancer personal check-up at the same time every month. Various other techniques such as mammography, thermography, ultrasonography, computerized tomography scan etc, can also help detect breast cancer.

Breast cancer treatments include surgery that removes cancerous tissues, with breast conservation therapy (BCT) being one such surgery. Other breast cancer treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy and biologic therapy. Radiotherapy is a common breast cancer treatment, and radiation treatment and chemotherapy may follow surgery to ensure the destruction of the stray cancer cells.

Even after undergoing many or all of these breast cancer treatment measures, unfortunately almost half the women suffer from a recurrence of the disease.

Relieve Breast Cancer Stress With These Healing Techniques

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Statistics show over 1 million women worldwide will be given this diagnosis over the next year. The good news is there has been tremendous improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of this illness. The bad news is that chances are you will know someone close who is battling breast cancer.

The Link between Stress and Cancer

Most women take on task after task and never equate the stress this causes with ill health. This health burnout comes from juggling family life, career and job advancement anxieties, friends and relationship problems while not allowing enough time for personal needs and relaxation. This woman is a prime candidate for a stress related major illness to occur sooner or later.

The link between increasingly taking on tasks, the stress they place on the body, the body's fatigue and breakdown of the immune system sets the stage for increase in the production of abnormal cells. The immune system is the body's natural defense against illness and contains and destroys cancer cells. A weakened immune system leaves the body at its lowest point to combat these abnormal cells. Now we have the optimal conditions for cancerous growth.

The Mind-Body Healing Connection

Of critical importance to cancer patients are the effects of emotional stress to suppress the immune system, compromising the body's natural defenses against cancer. If you are diagnosed, steps must be taken to strengthen your belief in your body's defenses in treating this cancerous growth.

Stress Relief Techniques for Healing

Learning to relax, visualization for wellness and self-help skills in nutrition and simple exercises will help you own the process of getting well. A regular relaxation routine helps reduce fear, anger, depression and the effect that tension and stress place on the body.

Exercise, any exercise, even if it's only lifting the arm or pointing the toes in a routine and repetitive daily regimen produces "feel good" endorphins which increases the feeling of well being.

Visualization is used to create mental images of the desired health outcome. It is a very focused tool used as a weapon to fight and win against disease. Below is a powerful mental imagery process devised by the Simonton Cancer Counseling and Research Center for its cancer patients:

A. Begin by Practicing a Relaxation Technique:

Sit in a quiet room. Loosen or remove all restricting clothes, shoes, belts, etc. Begin to focus on your breathing. Take several deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling slowly. Close your eyes and mentally moving from head to toe, think and relax each part of your body.
Rest.

B. Then Begin the Mental Imagery Process:

(1) Visualize the cancer cells as weak in whatever way that appears to you.
(2) Visualize treatment as a strong and powerful symbol in whatever form that symbol takes.
(3) Visualize the healthy cells and white cells invincible, able to defend the body and defeat the weak cancer cells.
(4)Visualize the dead cells being flushed from the body
(5) Visualize/imagine a picture of you healthy and energetic and fulfilling your life's purpose.

Practice three times a day for ten or fifteen minutes.

This is Your Life

Managing stress in combination with your medical treatment, are steps you can take to change the feeling of helpless victim to that of a person in charge of her life. Become an active participant in your recovery process and all medical decisions. Ask your doctor (s) plenty of questions - and seek answers. Research alternatives.

Positive reinforcement is vital to your recovery efforts. Seek out compassionate, supportive people during this process. Set goals for three months, six months and one year to increase the positive outlook that comes with having something to look forward to.

How Football Teams Are Fighting Breast Cancer in 2013

Each year in October as the world goes pink in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, people are silently wondering whether or not the pink movement really does cancer advocacy any good. In particular, has the NFL's annual pink-wearing campaign really paid off? Has it made some difference in the lives of cancer patients, survivors and potential victims?

This year, football teams have shown support for breast cancer awareness in different ways. Here are some stories:

The Arizona Cardinals hosted a Breast Cancer Survivors' Dinner on September 30. Amber Carrington from Season 4 of The Voice sang the National Anthem at the dinner. Carrington's mother passed away due to breast malignancy.

The Atlanta Falcons treated five survivors to a night of fine dining in a dinner they dubbed as the 5th Annual Dazzle and Dine event. During the singing of the national anthem, the cancer survivors held a large pink ribbon. The Falcons flag was also unfurled by the survivors and their families.

The Baltimore Ravens hosted a tribute on the football field for breast cancer survivors and patients in the community. Pink shirts were given to all the survivors. The wives, staff members and fans of the Ravens also staged the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.

The Buffalo Bills made a ceremonial pink illumination of the Niagara Falls and also staged a pink fireworks show.

The Carolina Panthers gave away game tickets to who submitted their stories to the team's website, magazine and program. Panthers player Greg Olsen, whose mother is herself a survivor, served as honorary drummer prior to the kick-off.

The Chicago Bears printed pink shirts with the slogan "Real Bears Fans Wear Pink" and sold them for the benefit of cancer patients. Proceeds of the sale were used to deliver critical breast care services to women from low-income families.

To date, the NFL has been able to raise a total of $4.5 million for the American Cancer Society out of the proceeds from the sale of pink merchandise. Players, coaches and referees are required to wear pink uniform such as pink uniforms, pink cleats and pink football socks during the games in the month of October. All the pink merchandise are then autographed by the owners, auctioned off and the proceeds donated to breast cancer and other cancer advocacy groups.

Football fans can also take part in the pink advocacy as some NFL partners are selling pink merchandise in stadium retail stores as well as online. Again, a percentage of the profits from the sale of pink merchandise benefits breast cancer charities.

After years of coaching and cheering for his children's teams, Tim Barth founded Team Warehouse in 2004 to help bring fun stuff to sports. Specializing in funky socks and uniforms for soccer, volleyball, softball and more, TeamWarehouse.net has served over 68,000 happy customers.

What You Need To Know About Breast Cancer And Why

During the month of October, have you ever noticed all the pink ribbons everywhere that you look? Well, the reason for this is that October has been designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You will find many companies and nonprofit organizations selling merchandise in pink to raise funds for cancer research and to raise public awareness about breast cancer.

One of the best defenses against breast cancer is to learn as much as you can in order to prevent it, and to learn when it is time to get screened. In most cases if breast cancer is caught at a very early stage, recovery rates are exceptionally good. On the Internet there are many sources to find information on breast cancer, but during the month of October it is really highlighted so that women will take notice and learn the things they should be looking for, all about the different options, and that breast cancer is treatable if it is caught at an early enough time.

Always make sure that you get your facts from as many reputable sources as you can, as is the case with any type of issue concerning your health. Most doctors are up on the latest research and will give you a clear picture on everything that you need to know, all the latest findings and information and anything else that is relevant in order to keep you informed and up-to-date. Knowing all the latest facts is good because it can help you share information with other women that are close to you concerning this issue. Also it can help you determine if you have any type of risk factors.

Obviously you want to make sure that you do get a mammogram on a regular basis as prescribed by your doctor, especially if there has been any incidence of breast cancer in your immediate family. You should also stay up to date on self examinations and how to check for lumps, as finding a lump early can greatly enhance your chance for success in the event that it does turn out to be cancerous.

Honestly, for a lot women it is hard to discuss the matter, however it is important for you to share this information with any women in your life and let them know how important self exams and early detection really are.

How to Get Yourself Involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer awareness month is a worldwide celebration that promotes awareness, information distribution and charity events for breast cancer awareness and proceeds are being given to research, patient and other alternative breast cancer treatment.

Breast cancer is among the main reasons for death from cancer, third in line to Cancer of the lung (number one cancer killer) and Colon Cancer (second). It is alarming to know that Breast cancer is the second top most cancer killer with this year's National Cancer Institute's statistics, at the same time as the second most frequent cancer to women in the United States (next to Skin Cancer). It does not leave Men safe mainly because you will find also a large number of cases reported globally, which leaves tens of thousands of people losing their Parents, grandma and grandpa, family and friends simply because of this dreaded disease.

There are a lot of ways on how to join and make contributions. This celebration is not merely for the bereaved, but it is a celebration of life. It is for those who are diagnosed and still fighting the battle, the survivors, and for their loved ones. We all can make a difference and save lives by getting involved and making contributions through:

Spreading the word. You will find a lot of ways in spreading the message of commemorating this event, we can share stories of struggle, faith and hope from survivors, and a few heartbreaking stories of fall from the cancer diagnosed families and friends. We can also share Cancer tips for prevention, alternative treatments for breast cancer, breast examination (mammogram) benefits along with other information via blogging, writing and submitting articles, posting and sharing in social networking sites, along with other mediums like, publications, television, radio and pamphlets.

Joining events. There are a lot of events organized that would benefit those beneficiaries above. Worldwide, you will find events for example Races (walking, run and ride) like the most popular event in the United States, the sixty mile fundraising walk for the benefit of "Susan Komen for the cure" Research which is sponsored by Avon. Some organize Concert events, Fashion shows and forums.

Purchasing Breast Cancer Awareness Month Products. There are groups of people from small time entrepreneurs up to large corporations that help various events that donate the proceeds to their chosen charitable organization, cancer research center and alternative treatment center for breast cancer. From as simple as pins, t-shirts, cakes, up to watches and automobiles. You can definitely help not only by purchasing, but extending your support through wearing, displaying and patronizing these products.

Donating and/or seeking donation. You can absolutely donate any kind of amount and present them directly to the foundation and/or you can also collect donation in kind from your family members, friends, officemates, organizational mates and neighbors and extend your cause.

Visiting a treatment center for diagnosed patients. Show them love, allow them to have hope, cause them to become happy, let them recognize that there are still random people who care for them and for them that's the best alternative cancer treatment.

Making everyday a Breast cancer awareness Day. Breast cancer awareness should not merely be celebrated every October but should be everyday of the year specially if you've loved ones fighting it, cured and cleared from it and for people who died who stood up and fought until their last breath.

Breast Cancer Diet To Include Cruciferous Vegetables

More reason to eat those veggies! Women who follow a breast cancer diet and eat lots of cruciferous (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bok choy) veggies have a greater chance of living longer and have less chance of their cancer recurring according to a large new study. It seems the more veggies the better.

Experts from the American Cancer Society estimate there will be almost 300,000 cases of cancer of the breast in the US this year. Nearly 40,000 patients will lose their lives to the disease.

The work included almost 5,000 Chinese survivors of breast cancer who were aged 20 to 75 years old who had been diagnosed in 2002 to 2006. They completed detailed questionnaires on dietary intake when the study started, and then again at the 18-month and 36 month point. The subjects were split into five groups based on their cruciferous veggie intake.

At about the five year point after diagnosis, those ladies in the top 20% (150 gms of cruciferous vegetables a day) had a 42% less chance of dying from the disease, and have a 58% lower chance of dying from any cause in comparison with those who had the lowest intake (under 54 grams per day).

Women in the top 20% were also nearly 20% less likely to experience a recurrence of their cancer.

The team of researchers also looked at other things that can impact breast cancer returning and survival rates - including how old you are, the stage of your cancer, your treatment, how active you are and other factors in your diet.

The good news is that it's very simple to add 150 grams of vegetables to your diet... and you might even like them. One cup of cooked cauliflower or broccoli or the more exotic mustard greens cabbage, kale and good old Brussels sprouts all have just about 150 grams per serving.

This research isn't the first time experts have suggested that eating these delicious veggies might help patients with breast cancer - it is one of the biggest however. Encouraging as the work is, it does not prove that cruciferous veggies made the difference. Those who eat this way might have other healthy habits (or advantages) that weren't measured by the study.

Also, Asian diets are quite different to the average western one we eat here in America. Some of the popular cruciferous veggies common in Chinese diets include turnips, bok choy and other greens. And Asians do eat more veggies overall than are in most Western diets.

So why are veggies so beneficial?

They contain large levels of compounds known as glucosinolates. These change into isothiocyanates and Indoles when ingested and have been found to have lots of anti-cancer properties - at least in the laboratory.

Risks With Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is also called by its more formal name of reduction mammaplasty. Women who choose to have this type of operation are usually quite relieved and happy with the results. Extremely large breasts can be cumbersome, painful and the subject of ridicule and embarrassment. After achieving a more proportionate shape, post-op patients often feel a great sense of freedom. There are risks, however, that females who are considering this type of operation should be aware of. Here are some things to think about:

-Cumbersome: Excessively large bosoms make buying clothes a difficult process. It's hard to achieve a proper fit when one's chest is out of proportion. Participating in certain sports, especially those that entail running and jumping, can be out of the question. The pain experienced by toting this extra poundage cannot even be alleviated with a sturdy sports bra.

-Painful: Huge breasts rub against the skin on the midsection below them as well as against the lower portion of a bra. This can cause skin irritation and rashes which can be very uncomfortable. Bra straps often dig into the shoulders' flesh due to the weight of the bosoms. Posture problems, shoulder and neck aches, and backaches may occur, as well.

-Embarrassment: Many females develop these immense chests at young ages such as twelve years old. They may still be children, but they are often already the subject of men gawking, ogling, staring and making cat calls. This can be highly embarrassing for these pre-teens and something that they will likely experience into adulthood.

A reduction mammaplasty is a surgical procedure performed by a plastic surgeon in a hospital or clinical setting. The operation takes two or three hours and is performed under general anesthesia. An overnight stay is usually required before a patient is ready to be released. There will be pain and swelling initially which will recede over time. Pain medication is given at first in order to make the patient more comfortable. During surgery, the nipple and areola will be removed and reattached after a portion of the breast skin and tissue is removed. Liposuction may be done to remove excess fatty deposits. There will be scarring but it will fade over time.

Some risks that patients should be aware of before the procedure include:

-Unexpected scarring: No one knows ahead of time exactly how the scars will look. Some individuals' scars end up fairly light and barely noticeable while others have much more pronounced results.

-Infection: All surgical procedures carry some risk of infection. This is usually easily controlled with antibiotics.

-Breastfeeding may be impossible: A woman who is planning to have future children should realize that her ability to breastfeed may be limited or nonexistent.

-Loss of sensitivity: Nipple sensitivity may be lessened after the procedure.

Breast reduction surgery can lighten a woman's load both physically and emotionally. It can be a great change in her life but she needs to be aware of the risks of complications before going under the scalpel.

Breast Cancer Stages

Breast cancer is divided into five stages. Stages 0-2 are considered "early", stage 3 considered "advanced", and stage 4 "late". Staging categories are important for predicting future prognosis, and determine optimal treatment recommendations.

Stage 0 is DCIS, or ductal carcinoma in situ. Breast cancer arises from the cells that line the milk ducts. When the cancerous cells are still contained inside the duct, it is diagnosed as DCIS. This can only be determined by a pathologist doctor looking at the tissue under a microscope. In general, when the DCIS lesion is small, there is no need to suspect cancer spread outside the breast.

Stage 1 is invasive or infiltrating cancer. Here, the cancer cells have broken through the duct wall and are found outside the ducts as well. In this case, doctors need to determine whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

Stage 1 breast cancer must be equal or smaller than 2 cm in its invasive component, AND have no spread to lymph nodes. Often, the tissue removed at surgery contain DCIS in addition to the invasive cancer. However, only the dimensions of the invasive cancer count. If the patient needs to have multiple surgeries and the invasive cancer is found at more than one operation, usually the dimensions are added together to arrive at the final size.

Stage 2 has two subcategories. In stage 2A, the invasive cancer can be 2 cm or less and has spread to axillary (armpit) lymph node(s), i.e. positive node(s). Also, the invasive cancer can be as large as 5 cm, but has not spread to lymph nodes, i.e. negative nodes. In stage 2B, the invasive cancer is between 2cm and up to 5 cm and has spread to nodes. Here, cancer may measure even larger than 5 cm if it has not spread to nodes.

Stage 3 includes invasive cancer larger than 5 cm that has spread to lymph nodes.

Also, cancer of any size that heavily involves the axillary lymph nodes to the point that these nodes are bulky and stuck together or stuck to other structures in the axilla (armpit) are in this stage. Tumor spread to lymph nodes either above or below the clavicle bone, or to nodes underneath the sternum (breast bone), also falls into this category. Furthermore, if the cancer of any size is attached to the chest wall (pectoralis muscle and/or ribs), it qualifies as stage 3. Inflammatory cancer, where the skin of the breast is red and swollen, is classified in this stage, regardless of size.

Stage 4 is invasive cancer found outside the breast and axillary lymph nodes, or "metastatic" to distant sites. At this stage, it does not matter how large the primary cancer in the breast is. Nor does it matter whether axillary/clavicle/breast bone lymph nodes have cancer or not. The most common sites for metastasis for breast cancer are bone and liver, followed by lungs and brain. Standard testing include bone scan and CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. More recently, PET scan is often done to look for cancer spread. Sometimes, a brain MRI or CT is also useful.

Breast Reduction Covered By Insurance?

For some women, having large breasts means experiencing pain every single day. This condition, also known as macromastia, often causes physical pain and brings about emotional distress. While some women may learn to live with the physical and emotional hardships that come with having large breasts, others want to address this condition with reduction mammaplasty (breast reduction). For my patients in Los Angeles, a breast reduction can enhance self-confidence in addition to providing physical relief.

Breast Reduction Methods

Before discussing insurance coverage for breast reduction, it is important to understand the surgical methods available to achieve more proportionate breasts. The goal of any reduction procedure is to remove excess fat, breast tissue and skin. There are different types of incision methods, largely dependent on how much breast tissue or fat needs to be removed.

Anchor-Shaped Incision: This method uses an incision circling around the areola, descending down vertically toward the bottom of the breast, and running horizontally along the crease of the breast. The nipple (still attached) is then moved to a higher position on the breast, and the excess tissue, fat or skin is removed. The breast is then lifted and tightened.

Lollipop Incision: This technique is typically utilized when less skin or tissue needs to be removed. Also known as the short-scar method, the incision encircles the areola and descends vertically down the breast. Excess skin and tissue is removed at this time.

Liposuction: Liposuction may be performed along with a breast reduction to help reshape the breast. While not always used with breast reduction, liposuction can help remove fat from under the arms and around the bottom of the breast crease. It can also be performed on its own as a way to reduce the size of the breast, but this is not very common.

Insurance Considerations

Because this procedure is far more than cosmetic, many insurance carriers will offer full or partial coverage for breast reduction surgery. However, many women remain unaware of what their insurance will cover. In almost all cases, an insurer will require that the procedure is being performed for medical reasons in order to extend coverage.

Often, the physical discomfort of large breasts is one of the factors in determining insurance coverage. Some of the physical difficulties associated with having large breasts include stretched skin, back and neck pain, headaches, poor posture, grooves in the shoulders from bra straps, and the inability to exercise.

Before insurance companies cover the cost of a breast reduction procedure, they first need to make sure that oversized breasts are not the result of being overweight. For heavier patients, Insurance companies require a larger amount of breast tissue to be removed for the surgery to be covered.

Your Individual Case

Some patients' insurance companies cover the entire cost of the procedure, while others cover only a portion of the cost. Not all insurance companies provide the same coverage. After meeting with a surgeon and determining if you are a good candidate for breast reduction surgery, submitting necessary documents to insurance companies is important as pre-certification is required for reimbursement or coverage. As a final note, for those who have had a mastectomy and require a breast reduction on their normal breast to achieve symmetry, under federal law, insurance companies are required to pay for the cost of this procedure.

Los Angeles Breast Reduction-Why And How

If you are considering a Los Angeles breast reduction procedure in order to achieve that perfect breast size, the decision needs to be a well-contemplated one. You need to weigh your options carefully before deciding to go under the knife. Breast reduction is a surgical process performed to remove excess fat, skin, and glandular tissue from the oversized breasts. Yes, if the size of your breast embarrasses you and causes immense social depression, a Los Angeles breast reduction procedure could be one of the ways out. In addition, you should also look out for certain added signs and problems before deciding to spend on one.

When Should You Consider A Breast Reduction?

Breast Reduction Surgery Should Be Performed When:

* You have oversized sagging breasts that make you look overtly busty and highly inappropriate.

* There are rashes under your breasts.

* You need to resort to poor posture.

* You are suffering from poor self-image and low self-esteem.

* You daily activities are restricted as a result of heavy breasts.

* You have deep grooves in your shoulder as a result of excessive pressure on your bra.

* You cannot find a size for your bra which is large enough.

* When you are suffering from chronic shoulder, back, and neck pain.

If all or some of these conditions are wreaking havoc in your life, breast reduction surgery is definitely an option.

Los Angeles Breast Reduction-The Process

A Los Angeles breast reduction procedure should follow some pre-established guidelines.

For example, when you meet your doctor for the first time, the following actions would be typically executed to kick-start the process:

* He would perform a detailed evaluation of your overall medical history.

* He would have a detailed discussion with you regarding your expectations from the process.

* The surgeon will explain the entire process to you inclusive of the benefits and risks.

* Once the explanations have been completed, he would take measurements of your breasts and record the size in photographs.

* He would also explain the anesthesia which would take place during surgery.

* Insurance and other cost-related aspects would also be discussed.

Besides, you will also be asked to go through several laboratory tests, complete a baseline mammogram, as well as quit smoking for a given period of time.

You would also need to refrain from taking NSAIDS like aspirin and also refrain from consuming herbal supplements.

Once these prerequisites are taken care of, the actual surgery would be scheduled. The process incorporated would vary as per the requirement, from person to person. Post-surgery, both breasts would be bandaged or covered with gauge. Pipes may also be fitted which would pass through your underarm. This will allow the excess fluid and the blood to flow out. Subsequently, your breasts would remain sore and painful for some time. The scars would be visible initially, but will fade over time. Medications will be prescribed by a Los Angeles breast reduction surgeon, primarily for nausea and pain.

Tits aesthetically pleasing breast reduction surgery

Do you feel your breasts large oddly begun in proportion to the structure of your body? You may want to cut fat and excess breast skin and glandular tissue to achieve a perfect breast size in proportion with your body. After all, a dream of every woman to have breasts aesthetically pleasing, but some of their overly large breasts become a nightmare.

What to do?

There are some good reasons to talk about breast reduction surgery. It removes excess breast fat, skin and glandular tissue to achieve a higher proportion of female size, shape and contour. Women with excessively large breasts, not only will face many embarrassing situations, but also suffer a major upset placed on your back, neck and shoulders. If you want to improve his best form and symmetry with increased confidence and self-respect, breast reduction surgery is the surest way to reduce the size of her breasts and stay healthy.

What causes excessively large breasts?

Large breasts can call physical discomfort, emotional and social.

However, the exact causes of large breasts do not become manifest. There may be many factors that may play a role in the development of excessively large bosomsand its complications.

• Hormonal changes, such as during periods

• The condition of the inheritance

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Obesity

• Side effects of drugs and medicines

Benefits of breast reduction surgery - Some of the main benefits of breast reduction surgery are:

• Reduce back pain, neck and back

When a woman's breasts are too large to be supported by the body structure, the result can be uncomfortable, embarrassing and painful. A significant number of women seek breast reduction surgery to improve their physical appearance and to relieve the discomfort imposed on his back, neck and shoulders. Breast reduction surgery commonly known as mammoplasty to reduce the size of your breasts and help you avoid all the hassles.

Improves aesthetic appearance

It becomes very uncomfortable for the woman when her large breasts attract unwanted attention. With the help of this surgery, you can live freely and feel more rested and happy. Breast reduction surgery can give your breasts the right shape, making it look more attractive and feminine.

Improves flexibility

Women with large breasts have difficulty performing certain physical activities like running, exercising, swimming and other activities. Since your body is overloaded with excess weight, get tired easily and it affects your ability to work. If you opt for this surgery, you will be able to participate in favorite activities and working with energy.

• Use what you want

Sometimes it is difficult for women with large breasts to find clothes in proportion to their body size. This surgery reduces the size of your breasts and you can wear whatever you want.

Quality of care in skilled surgeon

When considering breast reduction surgery is essential to do your research and find the best surgeon. It is important to choose a surgeon with experience not only take into account their personal desires, but also take into account your height, weight and breast size and natural shape.

According to medical researchers, breast reduction surgery is the best opportunity for women with large breasts to improve their quality of life, including physical and psychological health. Women with large breasts not only experience the originality of sagging breasts, you will feel incredible.

Breast Cancer, The Cure?

Breast Cancer, The Cure?


There is no known cure for breast cancer. More than 1.5 million people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year worldwide.


Scientists don't know why most women get breast cancer, yet breast cancer is the most frequent tumor found in women the world over. A woman who dies of breast cancer is robbed of an average of nearly 20 years of her life. Breast cancer knows no social boundaries. It's a disease that can affect anyone. Some prominent women who's lives that have been touched by breast cancer include Jill Eikenberry actress age 52; Peggy Fleming age 49 figure skater; Kate Jackson age 50 (Charlies Angels); Olivia Newton-John age 50 actress singer; Nancy Reagan age 77 former first lady; Melissa Etheridge age 43 singer; and the beautiful Suzanne Summers actress. These high rates of breast cancer are not acceptable to the women of the world and must be met with scientific research that provides results.


Despite over a decade of research, and more than .7 billion spent, hundreds of women worldwide are dying from breast cancer every day. Yet doctors don't know how breast cancer starts or how to cure it. Doctors are still approaching treatment for breast cancer in the same old fashioned ways: surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Barbaric treatments? And scientists keep doing the same old redundant research that's simply not working. It doesn't have to be that way. Gen Cells Cures is a scientific biotechnology company that is focused on a cure for breast cancer. The company is dedicated to curing breast cancer before it's too late for you. We're not interested in a cure in five, ten, or twenty years from now. We want your cure for breast cancer within a year or two. We don't want you to have to under go surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or take toxic drugs.


Why Gen Cells Cures? You can search the medical journals; you can search the internet until your blue in the face. You will find the same old news which is no new news about breast cancer research and treatments. Breast cancer research is locked up in a black whole. Gen Cells Cures is approaching the cure for breast cancer from different angles and using tomorrow's scientific technologies today. Our expertise is in stem cell research and genomics. Malfunctioning stem cells have already been linked to the development of breast cancer. We're not talking about using generic stem cells from an egg and sperm cell. There is no genetic match for you with the politically controversial generic stem cells that are always in the news. The isolation of cancer stem cells, coupled with our understanding of genetic mutations causing cancer, and our knowledge of genomics will result in ways to eliminate cancer cells while sparing normal breast tissues.


http://treat-breast-cancer.info/ has more information that you need to make an informed decision. Visit today...

Breast Reduction - Everything to Know About It

Breast reduction is a very individual decision. It's highly personal and one should not take such decisions just to imitate somebody or because any celebrity goes for it or it is thought to be ideal. One should always consult their doctors before taking such an invasive and a body-altering decision. The doctor may be able to suggest some alternatives rather than a breast reduction surgery. There have been many alternative considerations but one should check with the doctor if one is eligible for it.

The breast reduction surgery mainly includes reducing some grams of tissues from both the breasts equally. The important part is the post-operative care to be taken. There may be breast pain for some time but it is said to reduce with the intake of mix of vitamin B1 and B6. But one should be careful, as usage of vitamin B6 for more than 50 mg can cause possible nerve damage and make the extremities numb.

Even vitamin E can help to reduce pains but one should not exceed 200 mg per day. A fatty acid called Primrose oil, helping to prevent arthritis and maintain brain functions can also help but one should always consult the doctor before its usage.

Such an important decision like breast reduction, surely calls for support from friends and family. It's the emotional support that counts and these people, with whom such experiences are shared about how the surgery affects, would be a lifeline. There should be some support as it helps the patient overcome the little glitches on the road to recovery. Not everybody would understand the decision to have smaller breasts and hence it is the support of family that counts and supports this decision.

Before going for this surgery, one should also consult about the cost of this surgery.

The cost basically depends on the size of reduction and the insurance cover. Breast reduction can also include nipple reduction and its attachmen0t to blood supply. Estimates should be taken from the doctor for every procedure to be done. One should also remember that this surgery should not take place near the menstrual periods. One should choose that doctor whom one felt comfortable with, during the consultation as it is his hands to alter the rest of life and if the doctor is such who does not pay attention to concerns and worries, he is not the best choice.

One should keep all these things in mind before taking this important decision of a breast reduction surgery.

Complications of Breast Reduction Surgery - What Women Should Know

Women who are not satisfied with the size of their breasts are considering breast surgery because they believe that it is the only solution. Breast surgery is the most common cosmetic surgery and most big breasted women are thinking about reducing their breast size through surgery. But before subjecting yourself under the knife, you have to do your homework and know the complications of breast reduction surgery.

Infections are the most common complications of breast reduction surgery. Infections may occur within the first few days after the operation. Symptoms of infections include fever, pain on the breast area, severe swelling and discharge. It is important to keep the affected area clean and consult your doctor at the first sign of infections.

Loss of nipple sensitivity after the procedure is one of the most disturbing complications of breast reduction surgery because this can also affect your personal life.

Sensation may return after several months but there is also a possibility that the loss of nipples sensation is permanent.

The complications of breast reduction surgery include the complaints of women on the unsightly appearance of their breasts. There are women who are complaining about the uneven shapes of their breasts or one breast is bigger than the other. Another problem is that the nipples are pointing in opposite directions. Some women are complaining about the presence of lumps under the nipples and some experienced permanent scarring or the formation of keloids.

There are cases that the complications of the surgery can be corrected by your surgeon but in some cases the complications are irreversible. It can be very frustrating to deal with the complications of breast surgery because the procedure is supposedly a corrective procedure that will set you free from the cosmetics and medical problems of carrying huge breasts and not to create new problems.

Natural treatment is an option for you to avoid the complications of breast reduction surgery. It is best to explore other options before taking the drastic step of surgery. Reduce your breast size naturally, visit Natural Breast Reduction Treatment

To know more about beauty and health remedies visit Health and Beauty Link

Breast Cancer Prevention Diet

Many factors can increase a woman's chance of preventing and surviving breast cancer. Lifestyle factors such as regular physical activity, minimizing stress, and eating a healthy balanced diet can help reduce your chance of getting breast cancer. Over the years, the link between a healthy diet and breast cancer has become even more evident.

People have increasingly begun to look to good nutrition as a way to prevent and survive this form of cancer. However, it is not necessarily a specific food that can reduce your risk, but a combination of different healthy foods that make up a well-balanced breast cancer prevention diet. In general, a healthy low-fat diet offers the best protection and the most important items to include in your cancer prevention diet are healthy fats, lots of fruits and vegetables and foods high in fiber.

The daily consumption of foods containing omega-3 fatty acids is vital to breast cancer prevention.

The body uses omega-3 fatty acids as an anticoagulant and they can also help lower your triglycerides. That means they are very useful in preventing cardiovascular disease as well as cancer and are an important part of a balanced diet. Some excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish, like salmon and sardines, olive oil and flaxseed. There may also be a particularly valuable benefit in combining omega-3 fatty acids with other nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E or beta-carotene.

Perhaps the most important aspect of your breast cancer prevention diet is increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, phytochemcials and reduce the free radicals in your system. Antioxidants neutralize carcinogens and help your body recognize and eliminate malignant cells.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and dark green leafy vegetables are especially high in phytochemicals. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, guava and red grapefruit. Yellow and orange vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and squash are also significant sources of vitamins and antioxidants.

Fiber is the final key to a breast cancer prevention diet. Eating high fiber foods can help lower your estrogen levels and fight breast cancer. Fiber also lowers blood fat levels by increasing the elimination of fats from your body. Good sources of fiber are oatmeal, beans, whole wheat bread and brown rice

There are several other dietary changes that can increase your body's cancer fighting ability. It is important to drink lots of water and green tea while reducing your consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Also, try to eliminate cold cuts, lunchmeats, processed foods, white flour and sugar as much as possible. Avoid trans-fats and partially hydrogenated oils completely.

Unlike other cancers, there is not a single action or bad habit that you can give up to reduce your risk of breast cancer. Eating a low-fat diet, high in fruits, vegetables, fiber, fish and olive oil as well as exercising regularly is your best defense. In addition, a positive mental attitude can go a long way in keeping your body happy and healthy.

Breast Cancer Awareness

This October is the month of the Breast Cancer Awareness. Lots of people are going to cooperates in this event through wearing pinks. It is very important that we became a part of this kind of events, to educate people around the globe about this kind of illness.

Over 1.3 million of women are diagnosed who acquired this kind of disease every year. Wherein almost half a million of its patients died, on its record 40,000 of them came from the US.

Many of us are unaware about the signs of breast cancer, and it is very important to know the early signs of this illness for early treatments and medications.

Most of the times, there are no outer signs that you can see or feel to know if you have acquired the illness. However, we can say that the only sign that you can recognize is the occurrence of a lump or a thickening area in the breast.

Other signs to recognize are enlargement of the underarm lymph node, breast swelling and redness of the area.

Even you experienced all of this signs of breast cancer; it does not mean that you already have the cancer. In most cases, having breast lumps does not ensure you that you have an acute kind of cancer, it usually turn out to be benign, a not cancerous type of lumps.

If your major concern is to know whether these lumps are cancerous, it is very important for you to visit your doctor immediately to ease your worry. Having a physical breast examination can help you find if you do have lumps that have big potential of becoming cancerous.

Women who are in their late 40's are the most affected and at risk of having this kind of illness. Having annual mammogram and monthly physical examinations can help you for easy detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.

Breast Reduction Prague- Gives an appropriate shape to your breast

Cosmetic Surgery Europe is being very popular nowadays with both men and women. Some of the most famous cosmetic surgeries are tummy tuck with liposuction, breast enlargement and eyelid surgery. Cosmetic surgery is a choice that people use to choose for varying reasons. In the early years, if you found yourself for cosmetic surgery Prague, you might have got handful of agents giving you clinic prologue for Cosmetic Surgery Abroad. Today, there is an outbreak of agent offering the service of cosmetic surgery abroad. Well, surgery is a word that made us scare and if given a chance we may not even wish to go under a doctor’s knife if the problem can be solved out without any surgery.

Breast Reduction Prague comprises common information about the procedure of Breast Reduction, local news of Breast Reduction Prague and some other Breast Reduction related material.

Women who are having large breasts may undergo from pack pain, skin infections under the breast folds and breathing problem. While operation generally extra fat, skin and breast tissue are being removed and the surgeon makes a smaller breasts as per woman`s proportions.

Well, there are two methods to achieve breast reduction that is with longer scar or an anchor scar. This is the process of selection in a case of very large breasts. The surgeon use to cut through the nipple down and at the back the breast folds. Next, the surgeon use to lift the nipple upward and give a shape to the breast. The cut is usually made through the nipple and the fold.

Our Laderma Clinic in Prague offers top quality services in the field of Cosmetic Surgery.All the necessary pre-operation examinations can be carried out within our centre, thus saving yur time and money.

We provide many services, Cosmetic Surgery Abroad, Cosmetic Surgery Europe, Breast Reduction Prague.