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It’s estimated that more than 232,000 women and 2,300 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. But improved research, prevention, screening, and treatment options are making a difference in the lives of those touched by the disease. Use this resource guide to learn more about breast cancer, and then share the posts with those you love.
Here you’ll learn about:
- Breast cancer stats and facts (infographic)
- Treatment options for breast cancer
- How to cope with chemotherapy
- Lymphedema
- Bone marrow suppression
- Recovering from breast cancer
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string(961) "One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. It also happens to be the second deadliest cancer among women.
When diagnosed late (distant stage) instead of early (local stage), five-year survival rate decreases by 75 percent, so it is essential to know the signs of breast cancer and be aware of your risk factors.
Check out our infographic to discover the facts, risk factors, and symptoms of breast cancer so you can join the fight against the disease.
Breast Cancer Facts and Figures
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string(41) "Infographic: Breast Cancer by the Numbers"
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string(392) "1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. When diagnosed late (distant stage) instead of early (local stage), 5-year survival rate decreases by 75 percent, so it is essential to know the signs and be aware of your risk factors. Check out our infographic to discover the facts, risk factors, and symptoms of breast cancer so you can join the fight against the disease."
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1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. When diagnosed late (distant stage) instead of early (local stage), 5-year survival rate decreases by 75 percent, so it is essential to know the signs and be aware of your risk factors. Check out our infographic to discover the facts, risk factors, and symptoms of breast cancer so you can join the fight against the disease.View Infographic
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string(4297) "Treatment options for breast cancer vary widely among patients and are based on the stage of cancer, tumor size, and type of cancer. Each person is different, and so is their cancer diagnosis. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your personal diagnosis.
You will likely have some combination of the following treatments:
Breast Cancer Chemotherapy and Hormone Therapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill the cancer cells or stop them from dividing. It can be given by mouth, as an injection, or as an infusion. The drugs used vary depending on the type of breast cancer, such as the hormone receptor status.
In certain types of cancer, hormones can cause the cancer to grow. Hormone therapy removes hormones or blocks them from acting. Tamoxifen, an antiestrogen, blocks the effects of estrogen on the cancer cells and is commonly given as hormone therapy in early-stage breast cancer.
Aromatase inhibitors are another type of hormone therapy that prevents androgen from turning into estrogen. This is given to women whose cancer needs estrogen to grow.
Breast Cancer Surgery
Most patients have surgery to remove the tumor, tissue around the tumor, or lymph nodes under the arm. You may receive chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumor.
Breast cancer surgery options range from the removal of the tumor and a small amount of tissue, called a lumpectomy, to removal of the whole breast, called mastectomy. The type of surgery suggested depends on how much the cancer has spread and your risk of recurrence.
To help the surgeon determine how much to remove, he or she may perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy. This is the removal of the first lymph node that receives drainage from the tumor. The physician will check the tissue for cancer cells to determine whether the cancer has spread.
Breast reconstruction surgery may also be performed at the time of a
mastectomy. The breast can be rebuilt using your own tissue or using implants.
Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. The goal of radiation is to target the tumor as specifically as possible and avoid damaging the surrounding healthy tissue as much as possible.
As with surgery and chemotherapy, the type of radiation, dose, and length of treatment depends on the tumor size and location.
Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer
As researchers understand more about the differences in breast cancers, more targeted therapies are becoming available. These treatment options use drugs to kill or block specific cancer cells and spare the healthy cells. Targeted drugs may be used in combination with chemotherapy or other treatment options.
Your doctor can explain the risks and benefits of each treatment option and how they work for your diagnosis to develop a tailored care plan.
To learn more about
cancer treatment options and customized treatment plans, visit the
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center website.
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string(47) "Understand Your Breast Cancer Treatment Options"
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string(154) "Breast cancer treatment involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy. Know your options and how they target the cancer."
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string(354) "Depending on the individual patient, breast cancer treatment can vary widely. The stage of cancer, tumor size, and type of cancer will determine the treatment plan your doctor will develop. Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, surgery, radiation and targeted therapy are common treatment options. Read more to discover your treatment options for breast cancer."
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Depending on the individual patient, breast cancer treatment can vary widely. The stage of cancer, tumor size, and type of cancer will determine the treatment plan your doctor will develop. Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, surgery, radiation and targeted therapy are common treatment options. Read more to discover your treatment options for breast cancer.Watch Now
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string(4014) "Living with cancer is challenging mentally, physically, and emotionally. Although chemotherapy is a successful treatment option for many, it can have side effects that affect your quality of life during and after treatment. From nausea to hair loss and feeling tired and drained, chemotherapy can bring about dramatic physical and emotional changes that can be just as challenging as a cancer diagnosis itself. However, there are a number of ways you can cope with the effects of chemo.
Common Chemotherapy Side Effects
Chemotherapy kills the cancer cells, but it also may damage healthy cells, leading to side effects.
When undergoing chemo, and even after you've completed treatment, you may experience:
- Hair loss
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
- Fatigue
- Memory changes
- Sexual issues, including vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and fertility problems
- Swelling or lymphedema
- Pain
With so much going on in your body and your life, depression, anxiety, or other mood problems are also common when undergoing cancer treatment.
Ways to Cope with Side Effects
You may experience different side effects at different points during chemo treatment. Some may even develop after treatment, and some can be lasting effects. Talk to your doctor about developing a complete plan that addresses the issues you experience and that suits your needs and lifestyle.
Physical activity
Exercise has shown to help with swelling, fatigue, and depression and may help you recover faster. Physical activity does not have to be strenuous. A light walk, yoga, or tai chi are great options to get your blood and endorphins flowing.
Medication
Your doctor can prescribe medications to help with gastrointestinal side effects, such as:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
You can also get medication to treat pain and other issues you may experience during treatment.
Therapy and support groups
Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is difficult and may not be something you want to do alone. Some side effects of chemotherapy, such as sexual side effects or hair loss, can't be treated with medication. In these cases, joining a support group to talk about your experience and learn from other people can help you cope with these changes.
If you prefer a more private setting,
meet with a counselor or try cognitive behavioral therapy to manage some of the emotional, mental, and mood challenges.
Complementary therapies
Contemporary therapies include:
- Acupuncture
- Mind-body techniques
- Massage therapy
Complementary medicine can help with swelling, pain, nausea, stress, sexual side effects, and more.
Throughout the treatment process, it's important to be open with your doctor about any side effects you're experiencing or the changes to your body that you're noticing.
You can work with your doctor to develop a care plan combining different coping strategies and therapies to help you get back to your normal life.
Have you gone through chemotherapy? What were some coping strategies you used to get through this period of your cancer treatment? Please share your stories with us and others in the comments.
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Although chemotherapy is a successful treatment option for many, it can have side effects that affect your quality of life during and after treatment. From nausea to hair loss and feeling tired and drained, chemotherapy can bring about dramatic physical and emotional changes that can be just as challenging as a cancer diagnosis itself. Read more to discover the common side effects of chemotherapy and various ways to cope.Watch Now
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string(3797) "Lymphedema is the fluid buildup in soft tissue, causing swelling in the limbs, usually in the arms/legs or breast. It is one of the most common complications patients face after breast cancer treatment. Risk of lymphedema increases for patients who had radiation treatment after surgery. Not only is the condition uncomfortable and makes the patient's arm feel heavy, it can impact doing normal everyday activities, cause infection, and even make it difficult to wear sleeves on the arm affected by lymphedema.
Why Is Lymphedema Common in Patients with Breast Cancer?
The cancer itself, treatment, or infection can block lymph nodes or vessels in the lymphatic system, which can lead to swelling.
When treatment removes or damages lymph nodes or vessels, fluid builds up in surrounding tissue causing swelling. Because breast cancer surgery usually involves the removal of one or more lymph nodes, lymphedema is a common complication of treatment. Radiation therapy can also cause damage to lymphatic vessels. The more lymph nodes and vessels removed, the higher the risk of developing lymphedema.
How Can I Tell if I'm Getting Lymphedema?
There is no cure for lymphedema, but detecting it early will help you and your doctor develop a plan to manage the side effects.
Symptoms of lymphedema include:
- Swelling in the arm or breast
- A heavy feeling in the arms/breast
- Shiny, warm, or red skin
- Hardened or thicker skin
- Pain or discomfort
- Small warts or blisters that leak clear fluid
The condition is not always an immediate complication of treatment. It can take months or years to develop, so always talk to your doctor at follow up about any possible signs of lymphedema.
What Can I Do About It?
You may not be able to prevent lymphedema, but if you're at high risk based on treatment, taking steps to lower your risk will also help
manage the side effects of lymphedema.
For example, maintaining a healthy weight and wearing loose fitting clothing and accessories can help keep fluid flowing properly and reduce the risk of fluid buildup.
Today's technology can diagnose lymphedema although there is no clinical symptom. Monitoring patients after breast cancer treatment is the key element of diagnosis lymphedema early and lowering the risk of clinical lymphedema (obvious swelling) and infection.
Managing Lymphedema
Ways to help relieve lymphedema side effects include:
- Exercise regularly. A therapist can show you exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion.
- Undergo manual lymphatic drainage, a technique performed by a therapist to help blocked fluid drain properly.
- Use prescribed compression garments, designed to keep proper fluid motion.
- Maintain excellent hygiene and skin care. Lymphedema raises your risk for infection from cuts or injury.
- Keep the swollen limb elevated.
Your doctor may also prescribe a compression pump, laser treatments, medications to help with pain, or antibiotics to prevent infection.
Lymphedema is a long-term complication of treatment, but your doctor can help you develop a plan to manage your risk of lymphedema as well as side effects. The earlier it is detected, the more your doctor can do to help you manage lymphedema.
If you or a loved one are undergoing treatment for cancer, you may have a lot of questions. To learn more about the latest in cancer treatments, visit
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center online.
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Lymphedema is one of the most common complications of breast cancer treatment. It is the fluid buildup in soft tissue, causing swelling in the limbs, usually in the arms/legs or breast, which can impact everyday activities, cause infection, and make it difficult to wear sleeved shirts. Learn more about the complication and what you can do to manage it.Read More
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string(3893) "Blood disorders are a common side effect of breast cancer treatment. These are often caused by bone marrow suppression, which happens when the marrow doesn't make the normal amount of blood cells.
Chemotherapy, radiation, and major surgery can damage tissues in bone marrow so that it doesn't work properly. Your doctor may notice a drop in blood cell counts about a week after treatment. While it's a side-effect of treatment itself, suppression of bone marrow can lead to a new set of side effects that may need to be monitored by your doctor.
Types of Bone Marrow Suppression
Bone marrow makes white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. There are three types of disorders caused by bone marrow suppression depending on what blood cells are affected.
Anemia
Anemia occurs when red blood cells are low.
Anemia symptoms
Symptoms of anemia include:
Leukopenia/neutropenia
This happens when your white blood cells are low. White blood cells help your body fight off diseases. Leukopenia doesn't cause many noticeable side effects, but it means you will be at higher risk of developing an infection. Your doctor can detect leukopenia through blood tests during and after treatment.
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia is when your platelet count is low. If you have this disorder, you will likely notice that you bruise easier, bleed easier, have tiny red spots on your skin, or have blood in your urine.
Managing Bone Marrow Suppression
Your doctor will perform a blood test to determine which type of blood cell is affected and develop a specific treatment plan based on the severity.
In cases of extremely low cell counts, you may need medication or a blood transfusion. Other times, you may be able to manage the blood disorder by taking extra precautions during chemotherapy treatment and in the weeks after:
Bone marrow suppression occurs during treatment or for a short time after and is not an ongoing problem. By following your doctor's advice, you should be able to manage any side effects from blood disorders until your body is producing cells properly again.
If you or a loved one are currently undergoing treatment for cancer, you may have questions about side effects as a result of treatment. Visit the
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center online to read more or make an appointment with an expert.
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Chemotherapy, radiation, and major surgery can damage tissues in bone marrow so that it doesn’t work properly. While it’s a side-effect of treatment itself, suppression of bone marrow can lead to a new set of side effects that may need to be monitored by your doctor. Read more to learn about types of bone marrow suppression that are common after breast cancer treatment.Read More
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string(4506) "During breast cancer treatment, it can be overwhelming to absorb all of your doctor's follow-up guidelines. You will likely be balancing multiple treatment options that bring their own care instructions. Not only will you be managing a number of treatments and follow-up care, you'll also be dealing with the emotional and physical aspects of recovery taking their toll on you. With so much on your mind, it can be difficult to keep track of everything that is going on.
Your experience with treatment will be unique and based on your diagnosis, treatment options, and treatment order. It may be helpful to take notes or bring a friend or family member along to your appointments to help you remember your doctor's recommendations.
What to Expect During Recovery
Breast cancer surgery
Recovering from surgery varies by your diagnosis and the type of breast cancer surgery. Your doctor will show you how to care for yourself after surgery and prescribe pain medications, if needed.
A lumpectomy is an outpatient procedure, and you will be able to go home the same day. If you have a mastectomy, you will likely have to remain in the hospital for a few days.
After breast cancer surgery, you will likely have a drainage device in place that you will need to empty. You will also need to change your bandages daily.
Keeping the incision area and bandages clean are important to preventing infection after surgery. Be sure to contact your doctor if you have any questions about how to care for the incision area.
Doing some light stretching exercises after surgery will help you regain mobility and range of motion.
Breast cancer chemotherapy
Chemotherapy recovery comes down to working treatment into your schedule and managing side effects. Depending on what side effects you experience and the severity, you may need to take time off work during treatment to rest and recover.
Some chemo side effects can continue for months or even years after chemotherapy is complete, so work with your doctor to develop a care plan that helps you manage these after-effects. Exercising, such as light walking, yoga, or meditation, may also help you recover quicker and overcome some side effects of chemotherapy.
Breast cancer radiation therapy
Radiation therapy usually lasts for a few months, but the frequency and duration of treatment varies based on your situation. During radiation, you will likely be able to keep up most of your normal activities and routine.
You may feel tired in the weeks during treatment and after. Keeping up good habits for diet and sleep will help aid your recovery.
The skin around the area where you receive radiation can become irritated. You'll want to be sure you take care of the skin where radiation was administered. Use mild lotion for dry skin and avoid direct sun exposure until the skin has healed.
Managing Depression and Anxiety
A breast cancer diagnosis brings about a lot of fear and anxiety in most patients. While your body undergoes difficult treatment, you may find yourself physically and emotionally exhausted and overwhelmed from your follow-up plans and discharge instructions.
If you find yourself feeling sad, anxious, or in fear often, contact a counselor or find a breast cancer support group. Talking about your experience with others may help you gain more understanding of your experience and learn strategies to cope with the changes breast cancer has brought to your life.
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string(375) "Managing multiple treatments, follow-up care, and the physical and emotional aspects of recovery can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Although your treatment will be unique, knowing what to expect can help you take the steps to cope and fight harder against the disease. Read more to learn exactly what you can expect during recovery from breast cancer treatment."
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Managing multiple treatments, follow-up care, and the physical and emotional aspects of recovery can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Although your treatment will be unique, knowing what to expect can help you take the steps to cope and fight harder against the disease. Read more to learn exactly what you can expect during recovery from breast cancer treatment.Watch Now
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string(4233) "The only thing that may feel more frightening than a breast cancer diagnosis is living in fear of a diagnosis.
Whether it's the abundance of celebrities who have battled the disease publicly or a family member who has faced the painful ordeal of a breast cancer diagnosis, the worry that you may someday deal with the disease first-hand can be all-consuming. As more people reveal that they had breast cancer, especially if they talk about having a BRCA gene mutation, you may start to wonder if you are at risk. Or, you may want to know in general what risks you can eliminate.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. More than 200,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Early detection is key, and it's important to know your body and what signs to look for, and if you are at risk.
Breast Cancer Risks Include
- Age – your chance increases with age
- Family history – having a mother or sister with breast cancer
- Menstruation history — onset of menstruation at an early age (under 12)
- Reproductive history — older age at first birth or never having given birth
- Dense breast tissue
- Having a gene mutation (BRCA gene)
- Treatment with radiation therapy to the breast or chest (as an infant or child)
- Taking hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone (after menopause)
- Drinking alcohol
- Race
- Obesity
The best approach to monitoring your risk for developing breast cancer is by following recommended screening guidelines. Women of average risk should begin annual screening mammograms at age 40, as recommended by the American College of Radiology and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This has been shown to save the most lives from breast cancer. Just as with any medical advice, a woman should discuss the risks and benefits of screening with her doctor.
Women of higher risk should consider starting at an earlier age.
Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
Undergoing testing can reveal a potential higher risk for developing breast cancer. One of the most common genetic markers associated with inherited breast or ovarian cancer susceptibility is a mutation in the BRCA genes. These gene mutations can be passed down by a mother or a father. Typically, you must have a diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer, or have a family history of these cancers in a number of family members to qualify for genetic testing.
Genetic testing information may help you:
- Learn if you have an increased likelihood of developing breast cancer
- Discover if inherited factors have contributed to your or a family member's cancer
- Make more informed medical decisions
You should always talk to your doctor about your risks and to see if genetic testing is right for you. If you are concerned about your or a loved one's cancer risk, you can undergo an evaluation through the
UPMC Cancer Genetics Program.
For more information about breast cancer, risks, and genetic testing, visit the
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Awareness page and the
Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC's Breast Cancer Program.
"
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string(414) "Knowing your risk is an essential first step in combating any medical condition. For breast cancer, factors like age, family history, and obesity play a role in risk evaluation. The best approach to monitoring your risk is by following recommended screening guidelines and undergoing genetic testing if necessary. Learn more of the risk factors for breast cancer and what you can do to better understand your risk."
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Knowing your risk is an essential first step in combating any medical condition. For breast cancer, factors like age, family history, and obesity play a role in risk evaluation. The best approach to monitoring your risk is by following recommended screening guidelines and undergoing genetic testing if necessary. Learn more of the risk factors for breast cancer and what you can do to better understand your risk.Read More
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string(5278) "Breast cancer is diagnosed in an estimated 207,090 women and 1,970 men in the United States each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control, it is the most common cancer among women across all races and ethnicities.
Knowledge about breast cancer has come a long way, thanks to the ever-growing support of patients, survivors, loved ones, doctors, and comprehensive basic and clinical research.
Breast Cancer Symptoms To Look Out For
At this point, many women know what to look for when performing breast exams on themselves: a lump in the breast. But, there are some more subtle changes and symptoms that women should be aware of when performing a monthly self exam. Awareness of these small changes may help lead to earlier detection and more successful treatment of the disease.
Particularly in the early stages of breast cancer, symptoms of the disease are not intense. However, the breast may look and feel different as the tumor grows.
Here are some breast cancer symptoms you should look for, in addition to a lump or thickening:
- Swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening
- Change in the size or shape of your breast
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Itchy, scaly, sore, or rash on the nipple
- Pulling in of your nipple or other parts
- Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
- New pain in one spot that does not go away
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor to make an appointment for an examination. However, early detection is key in beating breast cancer. Even if you have none of these symptoms, follow screening guidelines.
Screening Options for Breast Cancer
Women at high risk of developing breast cancer may benefit from more intensive screening and should consider making an appointment with the
Magee-Womens High-Risk Breast Cancer Program.
In addition to screening mammography, the following tests can be helpful in determining whether or not you have breast cancer:
Types of Breast Cancer
Although there are many different types of breast cancers, most are classified by:
- Ductal carcinoma: The most common type of breast cancer, which begins in the cells that line the milk ducts of the breast.
- Lobular carcinoma: Begins in the lobules of the breast, the glands that make milk. It's more often found in both breasts than other types of cancers.
In addition, breast cancer may be categorized based on estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER 2 (a protein found in excess on the surface of the cancer cell in about 20 percent of patients). Doctors use these and other criteria to help define optimal treatment. The vast majority of women in the United States who are diagnosed with breast cancer have a variety of therapeutic options and can live with no evidence of disease.
Learn more
about breast cancer risks and treatment at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center website."
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string(37) "Breast Cancer Symptoms You Can't Feel"
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string(135) "Do you know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer? During this October, brush up on your knowledge for Breast Cancer Awareness Month."
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string(417) "Because late diagnosis can decrease the 5-year survival rate by 75 percent, it is essential to be aware of the signs of breast cancer. Particularly in the early stages of breast cancer, symptoms of the disease are not intense. However, the breast may look and feel differently as the tumor grows. Read more to discover the symptoms of breast cancer and the steps you can take to proactively fight against the disease."
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Because late diagnosis can decrease the 5-year survival rate by 75 percent, it is essential to be aware of the signs of breast cancer. Particularly in the early stages of breast cancer, symptoms of the disease are not intense. However, the breast may look and feel differently as the tumor grows. Read more to discover the symptoms of breast cancer and the steps you can take to proactively fight against the disease.Read More
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string(4212) "In October, when the color pink is popping up everywhere, it's hard not to think about breast cancer. This disease has touched the lives of far too many men and women. Even if you yourself are not at risk for breast cancer, chances are you may have had a friend, family member, or acquaintance who has battled the disease.
Statistics show that one in eight women in the United States can expect to be diagnosed with the disease in her lifetime.
"Finding it at an early stage increases the chances for effective treatment and patient survival," says LaJuana Fuller, director of Women's Imaging at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.
While there isn't a sure way to prevent it, here are four things women can do to help reduce their risk and increase the odds of it being detected at an early, more treatable stage.
1. Know Your Risk
A family history puts you at an increased risk for the disease. Learn your family health history and share that information with your doctor.
2. Get Screened
Women of average risk should begin annual screening mammograms at age 40, as recommended by the American College of Radiology and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This has been shown to save the most lives from breast cancer. Just as with any medical advice, a woman should discuss the risks and benefits of screening with her doctor. Women of higher risk should consider starting at an earlier age. If you're at a higher risk, ask your doctor about the screening tests and frequency that's right for you.
3. Check Yourself
"We strongly encourage breast self-awareness for women of all ages," says Ms. Fuller. "If you know how your breasts normally look and feel, you're more likely to notice a change."
Statistics show that 40 percent of diagnosed breast cancers are found by women who feel a lump, often times during a regular activity like bathing or dressing. Most breast changes aren't cancer.
If you do notice any of the following breast changes, be sure to call your doctor:
- Lump, hard knot, or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
- Swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening of the breast
- Change in the size or shape of the breast
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Itchy, scaly, sore rash on the nipple
- Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
- Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
- New pain in one spot that doesn't go away
4. Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
A study by the
National Institutes of Health showed that women who followed a healthy lifestyle — getting regular exercise, limiting their
alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy body weight — lowered their risk by 25 percent.
For more information on breast cancer and prevention, visit the
Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC online or schedule an appointment, call 1-866-MyMagee (696-2433).
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string(348) "We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. While there isn’t a sure way to prevent it, there are things women can do to help reduce their risk and increase the odds of it being detected at an early, more treatable stage. Read more to discover what women should know about their bodies and what signs to notice during a self-exam."
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We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. While there isn’t a sure way to prevent it, there are things women can do to help reduce their risk and increase the odds of it being detected at an early, more treatable stage. Read more to discover what women should know about their bodies and what signs to notice during a self-exam.Read More
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string(2366) "Did you know your whole body — not just your mouth — can be an excellent communicator? Recognizing changes in your body can help in the early detection and treatment of cancer and other serious medical problems.
There are numerous warning symptoms for cancer, many of which also can point to other serious medical conditions. According to Edward Chu, MD, chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at UPMC and deputy director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, you should call your primary care physician (PCP) if you have any unusual or persistent symptoms that last longer than two to three weeks.
Symptoms to Watch
Common cancer warnings that most know about include:
- A sore that does not heal
- A thickening or lump in the breast, or lumps in other parts of the body
- Blood in the stool or urine
- Changes in the size or color of a mole on the skin
It is also important to be aware of more generalized body changes (also known as constitutional symptoms) that can compromise your overall well-being. They can include:
- Increasing tiredness (fatigue)
- Unexplained weight loss (typically 10 pounds or more) or loss of appetite
- Changes in how food tastes or smells
- Fever and chills
- Night sweats
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Unexplained headaches that persist
However, do not assume you have cancer just because of unusual symptoms. “These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have cancer,” said Dr. Chu. “But if they worsen or linger for a prolonged period, it’s important for your doctor to rule out — or treat — possible problems.”
By getting to know what’s typical for your own body, you’ll be better able to recognize unfamiliar changes when they occur."
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string(463) "There are numerous warning symptoms for cancer, many of which also can point to other serious medical conditions. According to Edward Chu, MD, chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at UPMC and deputy director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, you should call your primary care physician (PCP) if you have any unusual or persistent symptoms that last longer than two to three weeks. Read more to discover the common warnings signs of cancer."
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There are numerous warning symptoms for cancer, many of which also can point to other serious medical conditions. According to Edward Chu, MD, chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at UPMC and deputy director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, you should call your primary care physician (PCP) if you have any unusual or persistent symptoms that last longer than two to three weeks. Read more to discover the common warnings signs of cancer.Read More
