Some info on breast cancer prevention and treatment:

The partial mastectomy should generally be followed by radiation to destroy cancer cells that may have remained in the breast. It reduces the risk of a recurrence of tumor.

In case of mastectomy, radiotherapy is not always necessary.

Chemotherapy :

Chemotherapy uses a class of drugs called antineoplastics to treat cancer. For breast cancer, it is usually given after surgery. It is used to destroy cancer cells that would escape the primary tumor. The choice of whether or not to chemotherapy depends on the stage of disease progression.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is most often associated with surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

If examination of the tumor shows that the cancer has hormone receptors, its development is sensitive to sex hormones. Some drugs can slow or stop the progression of colorectal cancer by blocking the action of hormones.

There are two types of hormone:

* Anti-estrogens such as tamoxifen Nolvadex-D which binds to the surface of cancer cells, the receptors normally occupied by estrogen. The drug is administered orally in tablet form;

Targeted therapy

Sometimes, in women with invasive breast cancer, cancer cells overexpress the HER2 gene.This causes a more rapid growth of the tumor. When this happens, we can give a drug, trastuzumab Herceptin , which specifically blocks the action of the HER2 gene. The drug is administered intravenously.

Research continues to find other biological therapies. This type of treatment usually causes fewer side effects than chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, because it is more targeted.



How to prevent or treat lymphedema?

Lymphedema arm is an important complication that can occur after treatment. It is characterized by swelling of the arm (affected side). The arm becomes heavy and painful.Lymphedema occurs in approximately 25% of women who undergo surgery to treat cancer sein10. The risk depends on the extent of tissue removed by surgery. The recess of the underarm lymph nodes and radiation near the armpits increase this risk. Lymphedema can occur several days after treatment or months or even years later.

Various measures to help prevent lymphedema or prevent it getting worse:

* Inform the doctor as soon as possible if a heaviness in the arm appears after treatment;
* Avoid lifting heavy objects in the days following surgery, using his arms and stretching out gradually;
* Be sure to protect the skin of the arm at risk of cuts, burns and insect bites, avoiding all types of bites on the arm (vaccines, blood, acupuncture needles, etc..), Especially if theLymphedema is installed;
* Wear gloves for manual tasks (cleaning, renovations, garden, etc..)
* Do moderate exercise on a regular basis, these exercises should involve arm movements and solicit good arm muscles, your doctor can advise you on this subject;
* Lose weight if obese, because obesity can cause or exacerbate the onset lymphedema;
* Avoid the hot temperatures if it seems to cause heaviness in the arm in the very hot water baths, steam baths, hot climates.

There is no effective treatment in the short term to overcome lymphedema. Some measures can nevertheless relieve symptoms:

* Wear a compression garment made to measure that tightens the whole arm, 24 hours 24;
* Drainage practice exercises and stretching the arm and shoulder;
* Physical exercise suited to the abilities (walking, swimming, yoga, etc.).
* Receive treatment manual lymphatic drainage, a gentle massage technique that stimulates lymph flow.



Like any cancer, breast cancer is scary. Undergoing treatment is a great test. Fortunately, today we have much knowledge about the treatment of cancer. Each woman with a salary "measure". Although breast cancer is very common, fewer and fewer women die. Have confidence in your chances of recovery.

When ever had breast cancer, it is more likely to be achieved by a second. If this is your case, have a regular monitoring with your doctor and practice good habits. These are the best ways to do your part to fight this disease and also to live better.