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(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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Infographic: Breast Cancer by the Numbers
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
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. " ["post_title"]=> string(47) "Understand Your Breast Cancer Treatment Options" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(154) "Breast cancer treatment involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy. Know your options and how they target the cancer." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(31) "breast-cancer-treatment-options" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(31) "https://share.upmc.com/?p=57801" ["menu_order"]=> int(838) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> 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." }Understand Your Breast Cancer Treatment Options
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
- 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
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.
" ["post_title"]=> string(35) "How to Cope with Chemo Side Effects" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(149) "Cancer treatment is hard physically and emotionally. Chemo brings its own set of side effects; work with your doctor to develop a complete care plan." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(42) "how-to-cope-with-chemotherapy-side-effects" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-12-27 12:23:09" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-27 17:23:09" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(31) "https://share.upmc.com/?p=58241" ["menu_order"]=> int(830) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(425) "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." }How to Cope with Chemo Side Effects
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
- 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
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.
Managing Lymphedema During and After Breast Cancer Treatment
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
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.
RELATED: Understand Your Breast Cancer Treatment Options
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:
- Avoid strenuous activity
- Eat high-protein foods
- Wash your hand thoroughly to avoid infection
- Avoid crowds or areas where there may be more people with contagious disease
- Drink plenty of water
- Get plenty of rest
Understanding Bone Marrow Suppression During Cancer Treatment
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
What to Expect During Recovery from Breast Cancer Treatment
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
- 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
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
Breast Cancer: Am I At Risk?
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
- 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
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.- Digital mammography with computer-aided detection, including 3D mammography
- Minimally invasive breast biopsy (ultrasound or stereotactic guided)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Ultrasound
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.
Related: Breast Self-Awareness: What Women Should Know
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." ["post_title"]=> string(37) "Breast Cancer Symptoms You Can't Feel" ["post_excerpt"]=> 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." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(32) "breast-cancer-symptoms-cant-feel" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2020-10-19 09:04:52" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2020-10-19 13:04:52" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(31) "https://share.upmc.com/?p=26841" ["menu_order"]=> int(1025) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> 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." }Breast Cancer Symptoms You Can’t Feel
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
- 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). " ["post_title"]=> string(45) "Breast Self-Awareness: What Women Should Know" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(153) "Learn more about breast cancer symptoms and self-breast exams. Follow four simple tips to help reduce your risk and increase the odds of early detection." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(32) "breast-self-awareness-women-know" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-10-30 22:45:54" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-10-31 02:45:54" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(31) "https://share.upmc.com/?p=27211" ["menu_order"]=> int(1000) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> 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." }Breast Self-Awareness: What Women Should Know
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
- 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
- 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
Cancer Talks: Listen to Your Body
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
