Liz Hurley is pretty in pink raising breast cancer awareness. A pink caravan raises breast cancer awareness and screens for breast cancer in the remote parts of UAE. Breast cancer survivors taking part in a fashion show in Dubai to create awareness and as for me I am writing this post and dedicating it as a tribute to all the women of the past, present and the future.
In this post I will be walking you through the risk factors, symptoms and some latest research connected with breast cancer. Breast cancer starts in the breast tissue. There are two kinds of it: Ductal carcinoma and lobular carcinoma. Estrogen plays a role in the development of breast cancer. Some genes can also increase the aggressiveness of this disease.
It is found that one in eight women will be diagnosed with this disease during their lifetime. Women who matured very quickly say before 12 years and got their menopause late say after 55 years are at risk, gene abnormalities, drinking alcohol and women who did not attain motherhood or had late child births are also at risk.
Those who undergo hormone replacement therapy, radiation therapy especially in the chest area should be careful. As for the symptoms if you notice a lump in the breast or in the arm pit, changes in the nipple or breast, any fluid coming out, bone pain, breast pain, skin ulcers, swelling of one arm and weight loss; it will be in your best interest that you immediately see your doctor for further advice.
It is wise to do a self examination and also visit your doctor for routine check ups to prevent it. Furthermore you should limit alcohol, have proper exercise schedule, and be physically active. If you have babies try to beast feed them, if you are undergoing hormone therapy just discontinue it, avoid environmental pollution, maintain a healthy body weight, eat nutritious food, limit red meat and include lots of whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
Academics have found a simple blood test that can detect the beginning stages of breast cancer and non-small lung cancer in a matter of about half an hour even before symptoms like coughing and weight loss starts. Researchers have found that the extract from Virgon’s Mantlem which is found commonly in Pakistan may help treat breast cancer. It does not produce the side effects caused by other cancer treatments such as hair fall, drop in blood count and diarrhea.
There are some latest research studies that are very effective in treating this disease. I am not explaining it because they are too scholarly and your doctor would be the best person to advise you about all these. And for heaven’s sake if you find any changes in your breast just tell it to your family and see your doctor.
I read in an article that a very educated woman from a well off background noticed a lump in her breast and went for a mammogram. When the hospital recalled her for an ultra sound she was so terrified that she did not even tell it to her husband and hid this fact for about one month hoping that the lump would just vanish. And as the story goes she later told her husband who was very supportive, underwent treatment and is now leading a happy, complete and cancer free life. This statement offers hope to all the women who are affected by breast cancer. A woman who suffered breast cancer underwent treatment and is now cancer free says that she sees life as a daily miracle; her ambition is to become the longest living woman in the family tree. That sounds really great!! Her grandmother made it to 91.
Hope you see is the essence of life.
Take care,
Swarnam
photo of pink caravan courtesy of Gulf News
Take care,
Swarnam
Swarnam
