Brain And Spinal Cord Tumors
There are many types of brain and spinal cord tumors, and the treatment and outlook for each is different. In children, most brain tumors start in the lower parts of the brain, such as the cerebellum or brain stem . Adults are more likely to develop tumors in upper parts of the brain. Spinal cord tumors are less common than brain tumors in all age groups.
Brain tumors can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, blurred or double vision, dizziness, seizures, trouble walking or handling objects, and other symptoms.
Changes Due To Breastfeeding
The changes that happen to the breasts during pregnancy prepare them for feeding a baby. The Department of Health recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months of your babys life, if possible, and then continuing to breastfeed alongside solid foods for as long as mother and baby wish. Research shows that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
Although breastfeeding is a natural process it can sometimes take a little time to get right. If youre finding it difficult, talk to your midwife or health visitor.
Some women choose not to breastfeed because it hasnt been possible or they simply do not feel it is the right choice for them and their baby. There is not a right or wrong decision you just need to feel youve made the best decision for you and your baby.
Women whove had breast surgery due to breast cancer, breast reduction, surgery to the nipple or breast implants, for example may find that theyre unable to breastfeed. This is due to the formation of scar tissue. However, some women are still able to breastfeed after surgery. You can ask your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding counsellor for help if needed.
You can find more information about breastfeeding on the NHS website. You can also call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 for confidential breastfeeding support and information.
What Factors Increase The Risk Of Developing Breast Cancer
Although there is no way to predict whether or not your pet may develop mammary cancer, some factors could increase its chances:
- Gender: Female dogs are 62 times more likely to develop mammary cancer than male dogs . Male dogs with mammary cancer also typically only develop benign tumors, which provide a better prognosis than malignant ones.
- Spayed status: The age at which a dog is spayed or neutered could also play a role in the risk of cancer development. If a dog is spayed before her first heat cycle, the chance of developing mammary tumors is 0.5%. If spayed before her second heat cycle, the probability is 8%
- Breed: Some breeds of dogs are more prone to developing tumors. The complete list of breeds can be found below.
- Age: Dogs over six years of age are more likely to have mammary cancer than younger ones
- Diet: Feeding your dog a diet of home-made food consisting of lots of beef and pork, as well as obesity early on in your dogs life, could increase its chances of developing mammary tumors
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Things You Can Change
Fortunately, there are risk factors for breast cancer that are under your control. These factors include:
- Sedentary lifestyle: Women who are not physically active are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
- Obesity: Older women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Hormone replacement therapy: Women who take hormones such as estrogen or progesterone for over five years during menopause are at higher risk of developing breast cancer. Women who take oral contraceptives may also be at higher risk.
- Alcohol use: A womans risk of breast cancer may increase with the number of alcoholic drinks she consumes.
Causes Of Breast Cancer In Teens
Doctors arent entirely sure what causes teenage breast cancer because there are so few cases.
In general, though, its thought that childhood cancers develop because of changes in cells and DNA that occur early in life. These changes can even happen while youre still in the womb.
The ACS also notes that childhood cancers arent strongly associated with environmental and lifestyle factors such as smoking or eating certain foods.
However, if you introduce these unhealthy behaviors early in life, they can increase your risk for breast cancer when youre older.
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Mammograms For Women Under 40
There is no evidence to support the routine use of mammograms in women aged under 40. One of the reasons, is the higher density of the breast tissue in younger women can make it difficult to detect cancers.
For this age group, there’s an increased chance of a false positive result or a false negative result .
All women aged over 40, however, are entitled to a free mammogram if they wish to have one, and all women aged between 50 and 74 are strongly encouraged to be screened every 2 years.
In 2005, there was a 40% increase in mammogram bookings in some states during the 2 weeks of media coverage following Kylie Minogue’s breast cancer diagnosis at age 36. The Medical Journal of Australia
If youre under 40 and are worried that you might be at high risk of breast cancer due to your family history, for example, you should speak to your GP about breast screening.
A Little Help From Our Friends
When I started chemo, my friends showed up. Round after roundI was never alone. So much so that my nurse often joked that I had an entourage every time I came in for treatment. I cant imagine going through my diagnosis without the love and support of my friends who just got it. Even when no one knew quite what to say, they were present. And even when I would say Im ok, they would insist on being there.
They were truly a light in one of the darkest times of my life. In fact, my breast cancer diagnosis taught me a lot about the relationships in my life. It had always been important for me to make sure my friends felt like they could lean on me. I always wanted to be the rock. I wanted my boyfriend to know that I was a strong, independent woman.
But I realized the importance of letting people be there. It was OK for me to lean on my friends. It was OK for me to be vulnerable and admit that I wasnt always OK.
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Be Breast Aware: Know The Signs And Symptoms
Getting to know your breasts is one of the best ways to detect signs of breast cancer particularly for women who may be too young for mammograms.
Most breast cancers in young women are diagnosed as a result of investigating a lump or other symptom. Breast changes to look out for include:
- a new lump or any lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast
- changes to the shape or size of your breast, including any ‘thickening’
- any change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion
- nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing
- changes in the skin over your breast, such as redness or dimpling
- persistent and unusual pain
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it does not mean you have breast cancer. But you should see your doctor.
Top Risk Factors Linked To Breast Cancer
- Aging. Your breast cancer risk increases as you get older. By age group, breast cancer is diagnosed in:footnote 2
- 4 out of 1,000 women in their 30s.
- 15 out of 1,000 women in their 40s.
- 24 out of 1,000 women in their 50s.
- 36 out of 1,000 women in their 60s.
- 38 out of 1,000 women in their 70s.
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Can A 12 Year Old Girl Get Breast Cancer
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‘i Felt Something Like A Hard Round Piece Of Cheese’
After a shower one night, I did a self-breast check. I felt something like a round, hard piece of cheese about the size of a quarter. I had just had a mammogram six months earlier. I felt healthy, biked all the time, and wouldnt have guessed that something wasnt right in my body. But I didnt wait to see what was going on. I went to the doctor immediately and was referred for an ultrasound and needle biopsy. I was diagnosed at age 46 with stage 3 breast cancer, and soon after had a mastectomy. I would never recommend to anyone to ‘wait and see.’ While it was a very scary realization, youre only saving yourself if you take care of it aggressively.
Sandy Hanshaw, founder of Bike for Boobs, San Diego
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What Are The Causes Of Breast Cancer In Dogs
Mammary tumors are the most common cancer developed in female dogs . Despite its prevalence, the causes of breast cancer in dogs are not thoroughly understood. However, there is some evidence that exposure to increased progesterone levels could cause cancer development .
Progesterone stimulates the secretion of growth hormonetumors develop due to cancer cells dividing and growing uncontrollably . The increased levels of growth hormone could cause these rapidly multiplying cells to do so even faster, leading to the development of mammary cancer.
British Columbia Specific Information
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in British Columbia. Breast cancer can occur in men as well, but it is not as common. Tests and treatments for breast cancer vary from person to person, and are based on individual circumstances. Certain factors such as your age, family history, or a previous breast cancer diagnosis may increase your risk of developing breast cancer. For information about your specific risk factors, speak with your health care provider.
A number of screening methods, including mammograms in women, can help find and diagnose breast cancer. The decision to have a mammogram or use any other screening method may be a difficult decision for some women. While screening for breast cancer is often recommended, it is not mandatory. Speak with your health care provider for information regarding how to get screened, the facts and myths about screening tests, how to maintain your breast health, and to get help making an informed decision.
For more information about breast cancer and breast cancer screening, visit:
If you have questions about breast cancer or medications, speak with your health care provider or call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse or pharmacist. Our nurses are available anytime, every day of the year, and our pharmacists are available every night from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
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How Do Breasts Change During Pregnancy
Your breasts change during pregnancy to prepare them for feeding your baby. These changes are caused by an increase in hormones, and may include the following:
- Tenderness or a change in sensation of the nipple and breast
- An increase in breast size
- Changes in the colour and size of nipples and areola
- Bigger and more noticeable Montgomery glands
From about the 16th week of pregnancy the breasts are able to produce milk. Its not unusual for small amounts of straw-coloured fluid called colostrum to leak from the nipples. If youre worried that it may be noticeable on your clothes, you can use a breast pad inside your bra.
In the last few weeks of pregnancy the nipples become larger and the breasts continue to grow as the milk-producing cells get bigger. Your breasts may feel uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Wearing a well-fitting bra may help relieve any pain or discomfort. Its fine to sleep in a bra if its more comfortable for you.
Women are usually advised to avoid certain types of pain relief while pregnant, but if your breasts are particularly painful you can talk to your GP or midwife for advice on pain medication.
Triple Negative And Her
A subset of women diagnosed with breast cancer will be told that their tumor is triple negative, which means that the cells within the tumor lack receptors on their surface that respond to hormone epidermal growth factor receptor 2 as well as estrogen and progesterone receptors.
What does that mean? Some of the drugs used to treat breast cancer, which are designed to interact with these receptors, wont be useful in these cases. Doctors will need to tailor a treatment regimen to other weaknesses in this tumor type.
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Questions To Ask The Doctor
- Do you know the stage of the cancer?
- If not, how and when will you find out the stage of the cancer?
- Would you explain to me what the stage means in my case?
- Based on the stage of the cancer, how long do you think Ill live?
- Do you know if my cancer has any of these proteins: estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or the HER2 protein?
- What does it mean if my cancer has any of these proteins?
- What will happen next?
There are many ways to treat breast cancer.
Surgery and radiation are used to treat cancer in a specific part of the body . They do not affect the rest of the body.
Chemotherapy, hormone treatment, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy drugs go through the whole body. They can reach cancer cells almost anywhere in the body.
Doctors often use more than one treatment for breast cancer. The treatment plan thats best for you will depend on:
- The cancer’s stage and grade
- If the cancer has specific proteins, like the HER2 protein or hormone receptors
- The chance that a type of treatment will cure the cancer or help in some way
- Your age
- Other health problems you have
- Your feelings about the treatment and the side effects that come with it
Dog Breast Cancer Prognosis: What To Expect
One of the most significant factors that affect your pets prognosis and life expectancy is early detection.
- Benign or malignant: A dog with a benign tumor has a far better prognosis than a malignant tumor. Benign tumors grow at a much slower rate and therefore are easier to treat.
- Size of the tumor: The earlier a tumor is detected, the smaller it will be in size, and the better your dogs chances of survival.
- Metastasis: The spread of malignant tumors can result in a significantly poorer prognosis. The spread of a carcinoma or malignant tumor to the lymph nodes usually indicates an unfortunately low survival rate . The lymph nodes connect to several major body organs, which could decrease your pets survival time should the cancer reach them.
- Ulceration: Ulceration is a sign of a highly malignant tumor, possibly inflammatory carcinoma . Its usually a sign of a poor prognosis.
- Age: The older the dog, the greater the possibility of developing multiple tumors, decreasing overall life expectancy.
Mammary cancer in dogs progresses in stages and the later your dog is treated, the lower its chance of survival.
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What Is The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a network of tiny vessels and small, bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes that carry lymph throughout the body. Lymph is a clear, colorless fluid that contains a few blood cells. It starts in many organs and tissues. The lymphatic system is part of your immune system. It helps protect and maintain the fluid balance of your body by filtering and draining lymph and waste products away from each body region. The lymphatic system also helps the body fight infection.
Body Image And Sexual Problems
Your feelings about your body may change after treatment for breast cancer. Managing body image issues may involve talking openly about your concerns with your partner and discussing your feelings with your doctor. Your doctor may be able to refer you to groups that can offer support and information.
Sexual problems can be caused by the physical or emotional effects of cancer or its treatment. Some women may feel less sexual pleasure or lose their desire to be intimate. For more information, see the topic Sexual Problems in Women.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Breast Cancer
If you notice any of the following symptoms, check in with your healthcare provider.
- Any lump in or near the breast or underarm
- Warmth or unexplained tenderness in the breast
- A hardening, thickening, or swelling area in the breast
- Nipple tenderness without another cause
- Nipple discharge , especially clear or bloody discharge
- An unexplained change in color, texture, size, or shape of the breasts or nipples
- Skin dimpling on the breast or enlarged pores
- Swelling, redness, scaliness or general pain in the breast or nipples
- Nipples that turn inward without explanation
- Irritated or itchy breasts
- Breast cancer rash, which can be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer
While a lump can be a sign of cancer, nearly 80 percent of lumps found in the breast turn out to be noncancerous. The most common causes of noncancerous lumps include:
- Fibrocystic changes as a result of hormonal fluctuations
- Cysts
- Wart-like growths called intraductal papillomas
- Fatty tissue that occurs as a result of trauma to the breast