By the Author of
Epilepsy You’re Not Alone
Breast Cancer: Questions, Answers & Self-Help Techniques
Author
STACEY CHILLEMI
Breast Cancer: Questions, Answers & Self-Help Techniques
The Complete Herbal Guide: A Natural Approach to Healing the Body
By Stacey Chillemi
rev 08.21.11
Copyright Stacey Chillemi 2007-2011
Smashwords Edition License Notes:
This free ebook may be copied, distributed, reposted, reprinted and shared, provided it appears in its entirety without
alteration, and the reader is not charged to access it.
Cover design by Stacey Chillemi
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I feel blessed that I have family and friends who are as wonderful as my friends are. My family and friends stood by my side, helped me, and supported me with their love encouragement and prayers. I especially want to thank my wonderful husband, Michael, for his love and sacrifice, and my three children, Mikey, Alexis, and Anthony, who opened my eyes to see the beauty of life in a completely different light. They made me realize how precious life is and they give me the motivation and reason to live a positive lifestyle and to do everything I can to make sure I am healthy and fit.
I am also extremely grateful to Marie, my best friend, who has been there for me since we were kids. I would also like to convey my love and appreciation to my friend Michelle who is a breast cancer survivor and Terri Gill who is like family. Terri and Michelle were my motivation for writing this book. I have never seen so much strength in these two people. The stories they shared, their positive attitudes, their displays of strength were unbelievable.
Michelle and Terri never gave up and with the support of their family and friends; both of them fought breast cancer and came out of the battle a winner and a true hero. This book is for you Terri and Michelle.
FORWARD
All my life I have been writing books and poetry about epilepsy. As I have been getting older now in my mid-thirties I have seen several of my friends develop breast cancer and other types of cancers.
I have learned over the years that words can be very powerful and can change a person’s life. I myself have not experienced breast cancer, but I wrote this book to help educate women about breast cancer, so they can help prevent it or catch it in the early stages when it can be treated and cured. I also wanted to teach my coping skills and techniques. These powerful techniques were created to help women with breast cancer.
Today, approximately one in almost every eight women (13.4%) will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Why take changes with your life. I have learned over the years that doctors are people too, not miracle workers. It is up to us to research and do what ever possible to help maintain a happy, healthy and productive life.
CONTENTS
Section 1
What is Breast Cancer………………………...…11
How Does Breast Cancer Begin?..........................14
The Causes of Breast Cancer…............................16
The Risk Factors of Breast Cancer…...................17
The Warning Signs….............................................22
How to Perform a Self – Examination (in the mirror, in the shower, lying down)……………...23
The Stages of Breast Cancer……………….……29
How Breast Cancer is Diagnosed ……………….31
How Breast Cancer is Treated…………………..32
What Happens After Treatment? ………………33
Section 2 - Recovery
Nutrition…………………………………………..35
Understanding Food Groups……………………36
Getting Nutrients from Foods………………..…39
Balancing Your Diet………………………..……43
Section 3 - The Myths about Breast Cancer
The Myths about Breast Cancer………………46
The Myths about Breast Cancer Surgery……..51
The Myths about Radiation Therapy…………54
The Myths about Chemotherapy………………57
Section 4 – Self Help Techniques
Your Inner Self…………………………………...60
Creating The New You…………………………..67
Being Honest with Yourself……………………...77
Your Dreams Are Not Just Dreams – The True Meaning of Dreams………………………………80
The Importance of Self Esteem & Self Confidence………………………………………...84
Using Meditation to Help Cope with Breast Cancer……………………………………………89
Diagnosed with Cancer: What Is The Next Step?.......................................................................94
Sections 5 – Stories & Poetry about Breast Cancer
Stories & Poetry about Breast Cancer………...113
Breast Cancer: Resources………………………118
Glossary………………………………………….122
About the Author…………………………………………169
References…………………………………………………172
1. What Is Breast Cancer?
Each month, a woman's breasts go through temporary changes associated with menstruation, and a lump may form. While the vast majority of these growths are not cancerous, any lump should be examined immediately.
Lumps are most common in the lobules -- small sacs that produce milk -- or the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. But they occasionally start in other tissue. The two main categories of breast cancer are lobular and ductal carcinomas.
Breast cancer usually begins with the formation of a small, confined tumor. Some tumors are benign, meaning they do not invade other tissue; others are malignant, or cancerous. Malignant tumors have the potential to metastasize, or spread. Once such a tumor grows to a certain size, it is more likely to shed cells that spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and lymphatic system. Different types of breast cancer grow and spread at different rates; some take years to spread beyond the breast, while others move quickly.
Men can get breast cancer, too, but they account for less than one-half of one percent of all cases. Among women, breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths -- behind lung cancer.
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. Two-thirds of women with breast cancer are over 50, and most of the rest are between 39 and 49.
Fortunately, breast cancer is very treatable if detected early. Localized tumors can usually be treated successfully before the cancer spreads; and in nine in 10 cases, the woman will live at least another five years. Experts usually consider a five-year survival to be a cure.
Once the cancer begins to spread, getting rid of it completely is more difficult, although treatment can often control the disease for years. Improved screening procedures and treatment options mean that at least seven out of 10 women with breast cancer will survive more than five years after initial diagnosis, and half will survive more than 10 years.
What Causes Breast Cancer?
Although the precise causes of breast cancer are unclear, we know what the main risk factors are. Still, most women considered at high risk for breast cancer do not get it, while many who do have no known risk factors. Among the most significant factors are advancing age and a family history of breast cancer. Risk increases slightly for a woman who has had a benign breast lump and increases significantly for a woman who has previously had cancer of the breast or the ovaries.
A woman whose mother, sister, or daughter has had breast cancer is two to three times more likely to develop the disease, particularly if more than one first-degree relative has been affected. Researchers have now identified two genes responsible for some instances of familial breast cancer -- called BRCA1 and BRCA2. About one woman in 200 carries it. Having the gene predisposes a woman to breast cancer but does not ensure that she will get it.
Generally, women over 50 are more likely to get breast cancer than younger women, and African-American women are more likely than Caucasians to get breast cancer before menopause.
A link between breast cancer and hormones is gradually becoming clearer. Researchers think that the greater a woman's exposure to the hormone estrogen, the more susceptible she is to breast cancer. Estrogen tells cells to divide; the more the cells divide, the more likely they are to be abnormal in some way, possibly becoming cancerous.
A woman's exposure to estrogen and progesterone rises and falls during her lifetime, influenced by the age she starts and stops menstruating, the average length of her menstrual cycle, and her age at first childbirth. A woman's risk for breast cancer is increased if she starts menstruating before age 12, has her first child after 30, stops menstruating after 55, or has a menstrual cycle shorter or longer than the average 26-29 days. Current information indicates that the hormones in birth control pills probably do not increase the risk. Some studies suggest that taking hormone replacement therapy after menopause may increase risk, especially when taken for more than 5 years. The jury is still somewhat out on this matter though. Heavy doses of radiation therapy may also be a factor, but low-dose mammograms pose almost no risk.
The link between diet and breast cancer is debated. Obesity is a noteworthy risk factor, and drinking alcohol regularly -- more than a couple of drinks a day -- may promote the disease. Many studies have shown that women whose diets are high in fat are more likely to get the disease. Researchers suspect that if a woman lowers her daily calories from fat -- to less than 20%-30% -- her diet may help protect her from developing breast cancer.
2. How Does Breast Cancer Begin?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, after nonmelanoma skin cancer. Over the past 50 years, the number of women diagnosed with the disease has increased each year. Today, approximately one in almost every eight women (13.4%) will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer -- and is the leading cause of cancer death among women ages 35 to 54. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 211,240 women are going to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and approximately 40,410 will die. Although these numbers may sound frightening, research reveals that the mortality rate could decrease by 30% if all women age 50 and older who need a mammogram had one.
As a woman, I firmly believe that we cannot wait until the doctors diagnose us with a frightening disease, such as breast cancer and hope for a miracle cure. It is up to each individual to educate themselves, understand what breast cancer is, how it is caused and how we can help ourselves, so the chances of getting breast cancer is increasing low.
How does breast cancer begin?
First, I would like to explain to you how breast cancer begins. The cells in our breasts normally reproduce only when new cells are needed. Sometimes, cells in a part of the body grow and reproduce out of control, which creates a mass of tissue called a tumor. If the cells that are growing out of control are normal cells, the tumor is called benign which means not cancerous. If however, the cells that are growing out of control are abnormal and they do not function like the body's normal cells, the tumor is called malignant which means the tumor is cancerous.
Cancers are named after the part of the body from which they originate. Breast cancer originates in the breast tissue. Like other cancers, breast cancer can infect and grow into the tissue surrounding the breast. It can also travel to other parts of the body and form new tumors, a process called metastasis.
The medical field is still unsure what causes breast cancer; they 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.
3. What Causes Breast Cancer?
Although the precise causes of breast cancer are unclear, we know what the main risk factors are. Still, most women considered at high risk for breast cancer do not get it, while many who do have no known risk factors. Among the most significant factors are advancing age and a family history of breast cancer. Risk increases slightly for a woman who has had a benign breast lump and increases significantly for a woman who has previously had cancer of the breast or the ovaries.
A woman whose mother, sister, or daughter has had breast cancer is two to three times more likely to develop the disease, particularly if more than one first-degree relative has been affected. Researchers have now identified two genes responsible for some instances of familial breast cancer -- called BRCA1 and BRCA2. About one woman in 200 carries it. Having the gene predisposes a woman to breast cancer but does not ensure that she will get it.
Generally, women over 50 are more likely to get breast cancer than younger women, and African-American women are more likely than Caucasians to get breast cancer before menopause.
A link between breast cancer and hormones is gradually becoming clearer. Researchers think that the greater a woman's exposure to the hormone estrogen, the more susceptible she is to breast cancer. Estrogen tells cells to divide; the more the cells divide, the more likely they are to be abnormal in some way, possibly becoming cancerous.
A woman's exposure to estrogen and progesterone rises and falls during her lifetime, influenced by the age she starts and stops menstruating, the average length of her menstrual cycle, and her age at first childbirth. A woman's risk for breast cancer is increased if she starts menstruating before age 12, has her first child after 30, stops menstruating after 55, or has a menstrual cycle shorter or longer than the average 26-29 days. Current information indicates that the hormones in birth control pills probably do not increase the risk. Some studies suggest that taking hormone replacement therapy after menopause may increase risk, especially when taken for more than 5 years. The jury is still somewhat out on this matter though. Heavy doses of radiation therapy may also be a factor, but low-dose mammograms pose almost no risk.
The link between diet and breast cancer is debated. Obesity is a noteworthy risk factor, and drinking alcohol regularly -- more than a couple of drinks a day -- may promote the disease. Many studies have shown that women whose diets are high in fat are more likely to get the disease. Researchers suspect that if a woman lowers her daily calories from fat -- to less than 20%-30% -- her diet may help protect her from developing breast cancer.
4. The Risk Factors of Breast Cancer
Every woman is at SOME risk for breast cancer—this is merely the "risk" of living as a woman. However, many risk factors can make one woman's picture differ substantially from another's. When you understand your own particular risk profile, you are in a better position to manage it and do not have to fear the unknown.
Reasonably higher risk
Getting older. Your risk for breast cancer increases as you age. About 77% of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year are over age 50, and almost half are age 65 and older. Consider this: In women 40 to 49 years of age, there is a one in 68 - risk of developing breast cancer. In the 50 to 59 age group, that risk increases to one in 37.
Direct family history. Having a mother, sister, or daughter ("first degree" relative) who has breast cancer puts you at higher risk for the disease. The risk is even greater if your relative developed breast cancer before menopause and had cancer in both breasts. Having one first-degree relative with breast cancer approximately doubles a woman's risk, and having two first-degree relatives increases her risk 5-fold. Having a male blood relative with breast cancer will also increase a woman's risk of the disease.
Genetics. Carriers of alterations in either of two familial breast cancer genes called BRCA1 or BRCA2 are at higher risk. Women with an inherited alteration in either of these genes have up to an 80% chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime.
Breast lesions. A previous breast biopsy result of atypical hyperplasia (lobular or ductal) increases a woman's breast cancer risk by four to five times.
Somewhat higher risk
Distant family history. This refers to breast cancer in more distant relatives such as aunts, grandmothers, and cousins.
Previous abnormal breast biopsy. Women with earlier biopsies showing any of the following have a slight increased risk: fibroadenomas with complex features, hyperplasia without atypia, sclerosing adenosis, and solitary papilloma.
Age at childbirth. Having your first child after age 30 or never having children puts you at higher risk.
Early menstruation. Your risk increases if you got your period before age 12.
Late menopause. If you begin menopause after age 55, your risk increases.
Weight. Being overweight (especially in the waist), with excess caloric and fat intake, increases your risk, especially after menopause.
Excessive radiation. This is especially true for women who were given radiation for postpartum mastitis, received prolonged fluoroscopic X-rays for tuberculosis or who were exposed to a large amount of radiation before age 30 -- usually as treatment for cancers such as lymphoma.
Other cancer in the family. A family history of cancer of the ovaries, cervix, uterus, or colon increases your risk.
Heritage. Female descendents of Eastern and Central European Jews (Ashkenazi) are at increased risk.
Alcohol. Use of alcohol is linked to increased risk of developing breast cancer. Compared with nondrinkers, women who consume one alcoholic drink a day have a very small increase in risk, and those who have 2 to 5 drinks daily, have about 1.5 times the risk of women who drink no alcohol. Alcohol is also known to increase the risk of developing cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.
Race. Caucasian women are at a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer than are African-American, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American women.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Long-term use of combined estrogen and progesterone increases the risk of breast cancer. This risk seems to return to that of the general population after discontinuing them for 5 years or more.
Low risk
Pregnancy before age 18.
Early onset of menopause.
Surgical removal of the ovaries before age 37.
Factors not related to breast cancer
Abortion or miscarriage.
Fibrocystic breast changes.
Multiple pregnancies.
Coffee or caffeine intake.
Antiperspirants.
Under wire bras.
Breast implants.
Only 5-10% of breast cancers occur in women who developed cancer because it is in their family heritage. Most women who get cancer have no direct family history of the disease. The risk for developing breast cancer increases as a woman gets older.
5. The Warning Signs
The warning signs of breast cancer include:
Lump or thickening in, near the breast, or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle.
A mass or lump, which may feel as small as a pea.
A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast.
A bloodstained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple.
A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed).
Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple.
An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast.
A marble-like hardened area under the skin.
These changes may be found when performing monthly breast self-exams. By performing breast self-exams, you can become familiar with the normal monthly changes in your breasts.
6. How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam
Breast self-examination should be performed at the same time each month, three to five days after your menstrual period ends. If you have stopped menstruating, perform the exam on the same day of each month.
How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam:
In the mirror:
Stand undressed from the waist up in front of a large mirror in a well-lit room. Look at your breasts. Do not be alarmed if they do not look equal in size or shape. Most women's breasts are not. With your arms relaxed by your sides, look for any changes in size, shape or position, or any changes to the skin of the breasts. Look for any skin puckering, dimpling, sores or discoloration. Inspect your nipples and look for any sores, peeling or change in the direction of the nipples.
Next, place your hands on your hips and press down firmly to tighten the chest muscles beneath your breasts. Turn from side to side so you can inspect the outer part of your breasts.
Then bend forward toward the mirror. Roll your shoulders and elbows forward to tighten your chest muscles. Your breasts will fall forward. Look for any changes in the shape or contour of your breasts.
Now, clasp your hands behind your head and press your hands forward. Again, turn from side to side to inspect your breasts' outer portions. Remember to inspect the border underneath your breasts. You may need to lift your breasts with your hand to see this area.