My advice for cancer prevention is much more straightforward, involving simple lifestyle strategies that virtually everyone has the power to make.

All you need to become empowered to make these cancer-preventive changes is knowledge, and that is what I seek to give you by the time you finish reading this comment … I suggest you not only learn this information for your own benefit, but also share it with other women in your life as well.

Using the Wrong Antiperspirant May Influence Your Breast Cancer Risk

Putting on antiperspirant is a routine part of most people’s day, and you may not think much about it. But here’s why you should: if you use one containing aluminum, you could be increasing your risk of breast cancer.

Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores that release sweat under your arms — with the active ingredient being aluminum. Not only does this block one of your body’s routes for detoxification (releasing toxins via your underarm sweat), but it raises concerns about where these metals are going once you roll them (or spray them) on.

Research, including one study published this year in the Journal of Applied Toxicology, has shown that the aluminum is not only absorbed by your body, but is deposited in your breast tissue and even can be found in nipple aspirate fluid a fluid present in the breast duct tree that mirrors the microenvironment in your breast. Researchers determined that the mean level of aluminum in nipple aspirate fluid was significantly higher in breast cancer-affected women compared to healthy women, which may suggest a role for raised levels of aluminum as a biomarker for identification of women at higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Cancer-Causing Aluminum From Antiperspirant May Collect in Your Breasts

In a 2007 study published in the Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, researchers tested breast samples from 17 breast-cancer patients who had undergone mastectomies. The women who used antiperspirants had deposits of aluminum in their outer breast tissue. Concentrations of aluminum were higher in the tissue closest to the underarm than in the central breast.

Why is this a glaring red flag?

Aluminum is not normally found in the human body, so this study was a pretty clear sign that the metal was being absorbed from antiperspirant sprays and roll-ons. Please note that aluminum is typically only found in antiperspirants. If you are using a deodorant-only product it is unlikely to contain aluminum but might contain other chemicals that could be a concern.

Aluminum salts can account for 25 percent of the volume of some antiperspirants, and a review of the common sources of aluminum exposure for humans found that antiperspirant use can significantly increase the amount of aluminum absorbed by your body. According to the review, after a single underarm application of antiperspirant, about .012 percent of the aluminum may be absorbed.

This may not sound like much until you multiply it by one or more times a day for a lifetime, which adds up to massive exposure to aluminum — a poison that is not supposed to be in your body, and may be more toxic than mercury. Aluminum salts can mimic the hormone estrogen, and chemicals that imitate that hormone are known to increase breast cancer risk. Animal studies have also found that aluminum can cause cancer. Aside from vaccinations, your antiperspirant may be your largest source of exposure to this poisonous metal!

You Need to be Careful with Natural Deodorants, Too

There are many brands of chemical-free, aluminum-free deodorants on the market, and many of these are safe alternatives. And as a general rule, deodorants tend to be less problematic than antiperspirants, as they work by neutralizing the smell of your sweat and by antiseptic action against bacteria, rather than by preventing sweating. As such, some deodorants do not contain any aluminum, but you’ve got to be careful about this. While many claim to be aluminum-free, they are referring to aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum chloride, aluminum hydroxybromide or aluminum zirconium, which are the types most commonly used in antiperspirants and deodorants.

“Crystal” deodorant stones, which are a popular natural deodorant alternative often used by health-conscious shoppers looking to avoid aluminum, often claim to be aluminum-free, but some actually contain a different type of compound known as an alum, the most common form being potassium alum, also known as potassium aluminum sulfate.

Potassium Alum or Ammonium Alum are natural mineral salts made up of molecules that are too large to be absorbed by your skin. They form a protective layer on your skin that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. These deodorants are recommended by many cancer treatment centers, but while this may be a better alternative to most antiperspirants and deodorants on the market, it is not completely aluminum-free.

So be sure, when choosing a natural deodorant alternative, that it truly is made of toxin-free ingredients. Aluminum is just one of them — you can find other chemical toxins to avoid in your personal care products here. Alternatively, just use plain soap and water. This is what I use, typically in the morning and after I exercise.

Additionally, last year I found an ever more effective strategy and that is to expose your armpits to sunshine. Essentially you tan your armpits. The UVB rays in the sunlight are highly effective germicidal agents and sterilize your armpits in addition to raising your levels of vitamin D sulfate to healthy levels.

This article and information was taken from Dr. Mercola’s website. Although I found this article to contain very useful and helpful information please remember this is an opinion of one doctor.
Dr. Marcola has very useful information on his website with regards to many health issues, but he also expresses strong opinions which are sometimes negative. I believe that knowledge plus action equals power, however when information is presented in a negative way, we sometimes seem to deem it less important. Please consider this to be educational information and be sure to qualify any conflicts this may have with your personal opinions.

Your feedback is very important. Please feel free to share ideas, suggestions and/or thoughts in the comment area.

· Ductal Carcinoma:
starts in the cells which line the breast’s ducts, beneath the nipple and areola. The ducts supply milk to the nipple. Between 85% and 90% of all breast cancers are ductal. If the cancer is DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), it is well contained, not invasive, and can be very successfully treated. Usually removed during a lumpectomy, if the tumor margins are clear of cancer, follow-up treatment may include radiation. If ductal cancer has broken into nearby breast tissue (invasive cancer) then a mastectomy may be needed, and your doctor may also recommend chemotherapy.

· Lobular Carcinoma:
begins in the lobes, or glands which produce milk in the breast. The lobes are located deeper inside the breast, under the ducts. About 8% of breast cancers are lobular. If the cancer is LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ) that means the cancer is limited within the lobe and has not spread. It may be removed during a lumpectomy, if the tumor margins are clear of cancer, follow-up treatment may include radiation. If lobular cancer has spread into nearby breast tissue (invasive cancer) then a mastectomy may be needed, and your doctor may also recommend chemotherapy.

Second most common is a group of breast cancers that invade nearby tissue:

· Invasive (Infiltrating) Breast Cancer
Invasive, or infiltrating, breast cancer has the potential to spread out of the original tumor site and invade other parts of your breast and body. There are several types and subtypes of invasive breast cancer.

This rare form of breast cancer is named for its appearance:

· Inflammatory Breast Cancer:
is the least common, but most aggressive of breast cancers, taking the form of sheets or nests, instead of lumps. It can start in the soft tissues of the breast, just under the skin, or it can appear in the skin. Unlike ductal and lobular cancers, it is treated first with chemotherapy and then with surgery. When caught early, inflammatory breast cancer can be a manageable disease, and survival rates are increasing.

Least common is a cancer of the nipple, named for Sir James Paget, who first noticed the relationship between changes in the nipple and the underlying breast cancer:

· Paget’s disease of the nipple/areola often looks like a skin rash, or rough skin. It resembles eczema, and can be itchy. The itching and scabs (if scratched) are signs that cancer may be under the surface of the skin, and is breaking through. Paget’s is usually treated with a mastectomy, because the cancer has by then invaded the nipple, areola, and the milk ducts. Although Sir James has several other diseases named for him (bone disease and disease of the vulva) those conditions are not related to this condition of the breast.

Next month I will follow up this article with additional information about each type of breast cancer. Knowledge and being proactive creates power so let’s get intelligent about our decisions!

Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Please leave comments, ideas and suggestions in the comment area.

Acupuncture is an age-old healing practice of traditional Chinese medicine in which thin needles are placed at specific points in the body. It’s primarily used to relieve pain but also has been used to treat other conditions. More than 3 million Americans use acupuncture, but it is even more popular in other countries. In France, for example, one in five people has tried acupuncture.

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture seeks to release the flow of the body’s vital energy or “chi” by stimulating points along 14 energy pathways. Scientists say the needles cause the body to release endorphins — natural painkillers — and may boost blood flow and change brain activity. Skeptics say acupuncture works only because people believe it will, an effect called the placebo effect.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very thin, and most people feel no pain or very little pain when they are inserted. They often say they feel energized or relaxed after the treatment. However, the needles can cause temporary soreness.

Acupoint: Other Pain

People have tried acupuncture for neck pain, muscle pain, tennis elbow, and menstrual cramps, hoping to avoid medicines and their side effects. The World Health Organization lists 28 different conditions that are sometimes treated with acupuncture. In the U.S., a review by the National Institutes of Health called for robust research to verify the promise that acupuncture holds for many different conditions.

A Boost for Pain Medicine

Acupuncture may provide added pain relief when it’s used along with pain medicine or another therapies, such as massage. Acupuncture can reduce the need for medicine and can improve the quality of life of people with chronic pain.

Acupoint: Nausea

Acupuncture at the pericardium (P6) acupuncture point on the wrist can reduce the symptoms of nausea and vomiting, even after cancer drug treatments or surgery. Studies compared 10 different acupuncture methods — including needles, electrical stimulation, and acupressure — to medicines that block nausea or vomiting and found the acupuncture treatments worked.

Acupuncture and Cancer Care

Because acupuncture can lessen pain, nausea, and vomiting, it is sometimes used to help people cope with symptoms of cancer or chemotherapy. It also can help manage hot flashes associated with breast cancer. Be sure to talk to your doctor first and seek a practitioner who has experience working with cancer patients.

When to Consider Acupuncture

Because acupuncture rarely causes more than mild side effects, it is a potential alternative to pain medications or steroid treatments. It is also considered a “complementary” medicine that can be used along with other treatments. It is best to discuss the use of acupuncture with your health care provider.

Acupuncture Risks

Although acupuncture is generally safe and serious problems are rare, there are some risks. Needles that are not sterile can cause infection. In some acupuncture points, needles inserted too deeply can puncture the lungs or gallbladder or cause problems with your blood vessels. That is why it is important to use a practitioner who is well-trained in acupuncture.

Who Shouldn’t Use Acupuncture

People with bleeding disorders or who take blood thinners may have increased risk of bleeding. Electrical stimulation of the needles can cause problems for people with pacemakers or other electrical devices. Pregnant women should talk with their health care provider before having acupuncture. It’s important not to skip conventional medical care or rely on acupuncture alone to treat diseases or severe pain.

Choosing a Practitioner

It is important to receive treatment from someone who has met standards for education and training in acupuncture. States vary in their licensing requirements. There are national organizations that maintain standards, such as the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (a physician group) or the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Make sure that your practitioner uses sterile needles that are thrown away after one use.

Acupuncture Variations

Several other therapies use a different way of stimulating the acupuncture points. Moxibustion involves the burning of moxa, a bundle of dried mugwort and wormwood leaves, which can then be used to heat the acupuncture needles or warm the skin. Electroacupuncture adds electrical stimulation to the needles. Another recent variation uses laser needles that are placed o

Acupressure vs. Acupuncture

If you are afraid of needles, you may be able to get much of the same effect from acupressure. Acupressure involves pressing or massaging the acupuncture points to stimulate the energy pathways. Scientific comparisons of acupressure and acupuncture are limited, but acupressure has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and lessening labor pain.

This article was taken from a WebMD newsletter. I found the information very easy to understand and thought you would appreciate it.
Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Please leave ideas, thoughts and suggestions in the comment area.

If you’re having trouble reaching your goals, don’t give up on those goals.
Make them even more ambitious and even more meaningful.

Yes, life can be filled with inconvenience, frustration, and disappointment.
The people you deal with can be rude, incompetent, arrogant and downright
abusive.

But you don’t have to let any of it get to you. Just as easily as you can
choose to be angry, you can choose to be positive, productive, purposeful
and enthusiastic.

When the negativity gets thick, respond with positive enthusiasm. For that
is precisely when it can have the most powerful effect.

When being positive is not working out, double down on your positively. Base
your response not on how life has been, but on how you would like it to be.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Please be sure to leave ideas, suggestions and thoughts in the comment area.

For a long time, the only option was a mammogram that records images of the breast on screen. Now, digital mammograms are available. These machines actually store and analyze the information collected using computers.

All mammograms work by sending X-rays through the breast tissue to obtain images. These pictures are then analyzed for abnormalities and assessed for changes from previous tests. Whether your doctor recommends a film or digital mammogram, your testing experience will be the same.

To get the best images possible in either a film or digital mammogram, the technologist needs to flatten and compress your breasts before taking images. Your breasts will be flattened between two special plates before X-rays are used to take the image. For both types of mammograms, the entire test lasts about 20 minutes.

X-rays have been used for nearly a century to detect breast cancer. But the modern-day film mammogram was invented in 1969. In this procedure, images are recorded on film much in the way a traditional film camera takes pictures.

In a digital mammogram, X-rays are still used. But they are turned into electric signals that can then be stored in a computer. This is similar to the way digital cameras take and store pictures.
How do rates of detecting breast cancer compare for film and digital mammograms?

Although film mammograms are very effective, some research suggests that they may miss between 10% and 20% percent of breast cancers.

A study published in September 2005 in the New England Journal of Medicine compared digital mammograms to film mammograms. The study involved 49,000 women in North America with no known signs of breast cancer. The women were screened using both digital and film mammograms at the beginning of the study and again one year later. Breast cancer was found in 335 of the women. The researchers determined that digital mammograms were superior to film mammograms for three groups:

· women under 50 years of age
· women with dense breasts
· women who have not yet gone through menopause, or who have been in menopause less than one year.

Digital mammograms did not prove to be more beneficial for post-menopausal women over age 50 that do not have dense breasts. Additionally, both forms of mammogram had the same rate of false positives.

It cannot be told from the study whether the increased use of digital mammography over film mammography would result in fewer deaths. However, the researchers did note that the types of cancer caught by digital mammograms after being missed on film are the forms of the disease that can be fatal.

What are the potential benefits of digital mammograms?

· Enhanced interpretation. Mammograms can be extremely difficult for radiologists to interpret. Digital mammograms, though, are stored electronically. That means they can be analyzed by computers as well as by radiologists.

· Image manipulation capabilities. Film mammogram images cannot be changed. Digital mammogram images can be manipulated digitally for better clarity and visibility. For instance, the contrast of the images can be changed where necessary to provide a clearer picture.

· Lower average radiation dosage. Digital mammograms may take more views of each breast than film mammograms. But they use approximately 25% less radiation than film mammograms. That’s because smaller areas of the breast are imaged in each view

· Easier second opinions. Since digital mammograms are stored in computers, they can easily be sent electronically to other health care professionals for analysis.

· Easier to store. Film mammograms produce bulky sets of films that must be stored and revisited for comparison in future tests. Digital mammogram results are stored on computers for ease of access and retrieval.

Who should get a digital mammogram?

Women younger than 50, premenopausal or perimenopausal (those with a menopause duration of less than 1 year) women, and women with dense breasts might benefit from digital mammogram screenings. For other groups of women, research indicates that film and digital mammograms have similar detection results.

Digital mammograms cost much more than film mammograms. And the vast majority of mammogram facilities in the U.S. do not have digital capabilities. However, even if you are a woman that might benefit from digital mammograms, not having access to digital mammogram technology does not mean you should forego a regular film mammogram.

The American Cancer Society recommends that all women age 40 and above have an annual mammogram to screen for breast cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) does not recommend screening for women in their 40s. For women between the ages of 50 and 74, USPSTF experts say women should have mammograms every two years.

If you are at high risk for developing breast cancer, you might also benefit from an annual MRI in addition to a yearly mammogram.

This article was copied from a online publication provided by WebMD. I found the information to be important and valuable, although quoted by the American Cancer Society the information contained therein can be directly related to the Canadian Cancer Society. You may be interested to know we now have a digital mammography machine available right here in Nova Scotia!

Please feel free to share ideas, thoughts and/or suggestions in the comment area.

In one of these studies, researchers have found that women who have one drink per day have an overall higher risk of developing certain types of cancers such as breast, liver, rectum, throat, mouth and esophagus cancers. In the meantime, there are several different studies from the past that have shown heart health and alcohol have a positive relationship.

So, what does this mean? Who do you believe? While some experts disagree on some answers, they do agree that anyone with a dependency issue with regards to alcohol and women who are pregnant should not drink alcohol. Following are some opinions they have on general health and alcohol consumption.

The research on health and alcohol use suggests some harm and some benefit. Studies show a link to breast and liver cancer with the consumption of alcohol as well as to other cancers. Reduction of alcohol intake can reduce your incidence of head, neck, and colorectal cancer, but there seems to be a benefit of alcohol and heart health.

Doctor Arthur Klatsky, former practicing cardiologist and now a investigator for research, says that there isn’t one answer for everyone. “It must be individualized according to a specific person and it is crucial to take into consideration age, sex, specific medical conditions, and family history. There is not a one size fits all answer.”

For example, a 60 year old man who has given up smoking but has a family history of heart attacks, a less than ideal cholesterol level and no dependency issues with alcohol decides to have a glass of wine per day with dinner…well he would be better off continuing this practice.

On the other hand, a 25 year old, health conscious woman with no risk for heart disease, who drinks very little should not boost her wine intake just for heart health. It just isn’t going to do any good for 40-50 years. For men 40 and older and women 50 and older there are benefits from alcohol for heart health with moderate drinking. Moderate drinking is defined as one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Considering alcohol and cancer risk only, studies show new potential links and studies have shown the link for many decades. There seems to be a clear link to alcohol consumption and cancer of the head and neck, especially among cigarette smokers.

“We can confidently say that even moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a modestly higher risk for breast and colorectal cancer. If you don’t drink there is no reason to start. If you are someone who drinks and you’re a woman, limit drinking to one a day; if a man, to two a day” says Susan Gapstur, PhD, MPH and V/P for epidemiology for the American Cancer Society, Atlanta. If you are at a high risk for cancer you may want to limit yourself to less than that.

A family history of certain types of cancers, such as breast, head or neck may be a good reason to limit your intake or to consider abstaining from drinking alcohol all together, with the exceptions of special occasions. This advice is equally for both men and women. Alcohol combined with tobacco especially boosts the risk for head and neck cancers. However, those with a family history of only heart disease may do well with moderate drinking as it seems to be a benefit.

Research is showing that there does indeed seem to be a gender gap with developing or increasing your risk to getting cancer, but experts tend to disagree on to the extent of this. For example, even light to moderate drinking is associated with female breast cancer but for men light to moderate drinking doesn’t seem to have any effect on an increased risk to cancer. It is not protective, but it will not increase the risk. This is generally true, but living in an area that has high pollutant levels may also pose an increased risk of cancer.

When all is said and done we have to read the evidence, study the science and look at our own individual situation, health and history to determine what is best for us. The research seems to point out there is no exact science that can determine that one drink per day is fine for everyone. Nothing is safe for everyone but there is a sensible level of drinking that must be tailored to the individual. Sensible does not mean “saving” them up and then drinking a weeks worth of alcohol in two days. That is considered binge drinking and is not considered healthy for anyone.

Is it better to drink a little each day or just twice or three times a week? Experts do not agree on this either some saying, to be on the safe side a glass of wine twice a week whereas others say just a little each day is healthier. Again, do what you need to do to get this right for you as an individual.

The original article, which has been rewritten, came from the website Web-MD.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Please leave ideas, thoughts and suggestions in the comment area.

James Allen

1. A lump in the breast is almost always cancer.

True / False

Explanation:
A lump in the breast is not always cancer. When a lump turns out not to be cancer, what else might it be? It could be a cyst, an abnormal noncancerous growth, or a blood clot that causes lumpiness. It could also be a “pseudo lump,” caused by hormonal changes that isn’t a lump at all. Still, whatever the cause, it’s important to get any lump evaluated.

2. How often do doctors recommend breast self-exams?

A. Once a week
B. Once a month
C. Once a day
D. Twice a Year

Explanation:
It was once widely recommended that women check their own breasts once a month. The current thinking is that it’s more important to know your breasts and be aware of any changes, rather than checking them on a regular schedule.

3. Breast cancer CAN BE inherited.

True / False

Explanation:
If you have a strong (positive) family history for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or even prostate cancer, this information is relevant to your diagnosis. A strong family history in this case usually means that a mother, sibling, child, or father has had a related malignancy. Information about other family members (aunts, nieces, etc.) is also important.

4. Which is NOT a term describing a normal part of the breast?

A. Ducts
B. Lymph Nodes
C. Fat
D. Mastalgia

Explanation:
Mastalgia is the medical term for breast pain. It does not describe a part of the breast.

5. Abnormal cells that do not function like the body’s normal cells are called…

A. Stem cells
B. Muscle cells
C. Cancerous cells
D. Mitochondrial

Explanation:
Cells in the body normally divide (reproduce) only when new cells are needed. If however, the cells that are growing out of control are abnormal and do not function like the body’s normal cells, the tumor is called malignant (cancerous).

6. What causes breast cancer?

A. No one knows
B. Living near highly industrialized cities
C. Low levels of bodily hormones
D. Vaccines

Explanation:
We do not know what causes breast cancer, although we do know that certain risk factors may put you at higher risk of developing it. A person’s age, genetic factors, personal health history, and diet all contribute to breast cancer risk.

7. Which is the most common form of breast cancer?

A. Invasive ductal carcinoma
B. Ductal carcinoma in situ
C. Infiltrating (invasive) lobular carcinoma
D. None of the above

Explanation:
Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common form of breast cancer, accounting for 80% of invasive cases. This cancer starts in the milk ducts of the breast. Then it breaks through the wall of the duct and invades the fatty tissue of the breast.

8. The medical term for the spread of cancer is called ________________.

A. Mammary embolism
B. Metastasis
C. Suffusion
D. Diffusion

Explanation:
The medical term for the spread of cancer is called metastasis.

9. Benign tumors in the breast are capable of metastasis.

True / False

Explanation:
Tumors in the breast can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Benign tumors are not as harmful as malignant tumors. Benign tumors:
- are rarely a threat to life
- can be removed and usually don’t grow back
- don’t invade the tissues around them
- don’t spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body

10. What are breast cancer risk factors for women?

A. Childbearing later in life
B. Having never had children
C. Being overweight after menopause
D. All of the above

Explanation:
Certain risk factors for breast cancer are:
- Childbearing later in life
- Having never had children
- Being overweight after menopause

Note: Having risk factors does not mean that a woman will get breast cancer. In fact, most women who have risk factors never develop breast cancer.

11. Bloody discharge from the nipple can be a symptom of breast cancer.

True / False

Explanation:
Early breast cancer usually doesn’t cause symptoms. But as the tumor grows, it can change how the breast looks or feels. The common changes include the following:
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
- A change in the size or shape of the breast
- Dimpling or puckering in the skin of the breast
- A nipple turned inward into the breast
- Discharge (fluid) from the nipple, especially if it’s bloody
- Scaly, red, or swollen skin on the breast, nipple, or areola (the dark area of skin at the center of the breast). The skin may have ridges or pitting so that it looks like the skin of an orange.

12. What percentage of women will discover a lump at some point in their lives?

A. 10%
B. 20%
C. 30%
D. 40%

Explanation:
About 40% of women will discover a breast lump at some point in their lives. Although a lump doesn’t necessarily mean cancer, what women do immediately after that discovery can mean the difference between survival or not. It is important to see your health-care provider if you detect any lumps or other abnormalities in your breast.

13. Of eight women who live to be 85, how many are expected to develop breast cancer?

A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four

Explanation:
If eight women were to live to be at least 85, one of them would be expected to develop the disease at some point during her life.

14. Breast pain is a common symptom of breast cancer.

True / False

Explanation:
There are often no symptoms of breast cancer, but sometimes women may discover a breast problem on their own. Signs and symptoms to be aware of may include the following:
- A painless lump in the breast
- Changes in breast size of shape
- Swelling in the armpit
- Nipple changes or discharge
Breast pain can also be a symptom of cancer, but this is not common. Either way, all pain in the breast needs to be evaluated by a health-care provider.

15. You or someone you know has found a lump in the breast. Now what?

A. Make an appointment with your doctor
B. Do nothing
C. Go immediately to the nearest emergengy room
D. Apply ice packs to the breast to reduce swelling

Explanation:
First, don’t panic. Eighty percent of breast lumps are not cancerous. Lumps often turn out to be harmless cysts or tissue changes related to your menstrual cycle. But you should let your doctor know right away if you find anything unusual in your breast. If it is cancer, the earlier it’s found the better. But if it isn’t cancer, testing can give you peace of mind.

Answers:
1. False
2. B- Once a month
3. True
4. D- Mastalgia
5. C- Cancerous cells
6. A- No one knows
7. A- Invasive ducal carcinoma
8. B- Matastasis
9. False
10. D- All of the above
11. True
12. D- 40%
13. A- One
14. False
15. A- Make an appointment with your doctor

Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Please be sure to share ideas, suggestions and thoughts in the comment section.

Here are the 15 possible cancer symptoms women sometimes ignore.

1. Unexplained Weight Loss

Although most women would be very happy to lose weight without trying it can be a symptom of something more serious. If you experience sudden weight loss, 10 lbs. in a month, without changing your eating or exercising habits, you should see your doctor.
It could be something other than cancer, such as an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism. The doctor should check for this and then do a process of elimination for other causes.

2. Bloating

Some symptoms of ovarian cancer is bloating. Other symptoms include abdominal or pelvic pain, feeling full quickly when eating very little, and urinary problems such as an urgent need to use the washroom.
If you experience bloating on a daily basis and lasts more than a few weeks you need to see your doctor.

3. Changes in your breasts

Most women know their breasts, even if they do not do self exams on a regular basis. We are always on the lookout for lumps but that is not the only obvious symptoms. Redness and a change in the thickness of the skin in your breasts could be a symptom of a rare but aggressive type of breast cancer known as inflammatory breast cancer. If you have a rash that persists over w few weeks you need to make an appointment with your doctor.
Changes in the nipple can also be symptoms. If you have a discharge coming from your nipple and you are not breast feeding, get it checked. Likewise, if your nipple is usually turned out and now it is turned in, that is not a good sign. If they are inverted (turned in) naturally, no worries. It is the change in appearance that could be a worrisome concern.

4. Between Period Bleeding or Other Unusual Bleeding

Think of what is normal for you in regards to your regular periods. If you never spot in between your periods and you have started to do so, that is abnormal. For some other women that may be normal, spotting between periods.
Premenopausal women have a tendency to ignore between period bleeding as well as bleeding from the GI tract, which they attribute to their period. In between period bleeding, especially if you are regular, should be checked out. GI bleeding could be a sign of colorectal cancer. As should bleeding after menopause as that could be a sign of endometrial cancer. This is a common gynaecologic cancer and at least three quarters who get it have had abnormal bleeding as a sign.

5. Skin Changes

As well as looking for changes in moles you should also look for a change in pigmentation of the skin as a warning. If you suddenly develop bleeding on your skin or excessive scaling you should have it checked. Although it is hard to say how long you should watch these signs, you should have it checked within a few weeks if it does not clear up.

6. Difficulty Swallowing

You may have noticed this symptom already and decided to adjust your food intake accordingly, such as soups, liquids and protein shakes. That difficulty could be a sign of GI cancer, such as in the esophagus. Be sure to have this checked out by your doctor.

7. Blood in the Wrong Place

If you notice blood in your urine or your stool get it checked! It could be colon cancer. Expect your doctor to ask questions and perhaps send you for a colonoscopy to examine your colon.
Seeing blood in the toilet from a menstruating woman would not be unusual but if not menstruating it could be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer.
Coughing up blood could also be a symptom and should be evaluated. If it happens once it may be nothing but if it happens more than once get it checked!

8. Gnawing Abdominal Pain and Depression

Any woman who has consistent pain in the tummy and is feeling depressed needs to see her doctor. There is a correlation between these two symptoms that relates to pancreatic cancer. The connection is not well understood but has been detected.

9. Indigestion

Women who have been pregnant may relate well to indigestion as they gained weight. Indigestion that is sudden and lasting should be checked. It could be a prelude to cancer of the esophagus, stomach or throat.

10. Mouth Changes

Smokers in particular should keep an eye out for white patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue. Both can point to a precancerous condition called leukoplakia that can progress to oral cancer. Be sure to go to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

11. Pain

As we age we all seem to get aches and pains that we didn’t have before. Although most pain is not caused by cancer, as vague as it may be, can sometimes be associated with early symptoms of cancer.
Pain that persists and is unexplained needs to be checked out. Your doctor will decide if further investigation is required.

12. Changes in the Lymph Nodes

If you notice a lump in your armpit or in your neck it may not be a good sign. Although lumps can appear for different reasons, such as a swelling of the glands to fight infection from a sting for example, an increase in the size of the lump/lymph node that lasts for longer than a month needs to be checked.

13. Fever

If you have a fever that is not related to influenza or another infection it could point to cancer. Fevers more often occur in cancers that have metastasized or migrated from it’s original source. It can also point to early stages of blood cancer such as leukemia and lymphoma. Other cancer symptoms can include jaundice or a change in the color of the stool.

14. Fatigue

Fatigue is another vague symptom that can point to cancer as well as a number of other diseases. It can set in as time goes on with cancer but sometimes it occurs earlier in some cancers such as leukemia and certain types of colon and stomach cancers. Better to be safe than sorry and get it checked if you have been tired for a long period of time.

15. Persistent Cough

Coughs are expected when sick with a cold , the flu, or allergies but not so when it is unexpected and persistent. A cough lasting for a month or longer without any other explanation has to be checked out. Your doctor will do a thorough exam which may include x-rays and lung functioning tests.

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Fertility isn’t the only concern that these young women may have to endure. There are many challenges that come with a diagnosis but young women are now dealing with possible tumors that are more aggressive and then their treatment must match. They may be pregnant at diagnosis and some may need help with childcare, transportation, meals, and a host of personal challenges.

Fertility in Young Women:

This is a challenge for young women but making correct choices can lessen the burden. Naturally we are concerned with our own mortality when a diagnosis of any cancer is given but knowledge plus the appropriate action equals power.

There are several chemotherapy drugs that can temporarily and sometimes permanently cause infertility. If you are pre-menopausal when you have been diagnosed and nowhere near the age of menopause you may want to discuss the options available with your oncologist. Be sure to have this discussion before letting any treatment begin and know your options. Too many do not realize their fertility may be compromised with chemotherapy treatments so do your homework, have the discussion and ask the tough questions.

You do have several choices to protect your fertility before chemo treatments and preservation afterwards. Ask your oncologist about Lupron injections to prevent ovulation during treatment. You may choose to visit a fertility clinic and have some of your eggs frozen for future use or tissue for future fertility. Many women have found they were able to conceive and have children after treatment for breast cancer but having the information before can lessen the challenges down the road. The good news is that having children does not raise the risk of reoccurrence of the disease.

My best advice to those of you who find yourself in this situation is to do your homework, ask the tough questions. We sometimes don’t want to ask those tough questions because we are afraid of the answer or what we don’t know can’t hurt us. I urge you to change your thought process in this instance and get the answers you need.
Will chemo drugs push you into early menopause? What can I do to protect my fertility during the treatments? Can I have children after having chemotherapy? How long should I wait?

Be sure to ask and plan after getting those answers, for help during and after treatment. There are literally millions of survivors out there and are willing to help so contact a support group locally or go online if that is what is comfortable for you now.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Please feel free to leave suggestions, ideas and thoughts in the comments area.