Sunday, August 10, 2008

Breast Cancer Treatment

By Ray Lam

At present rate it is estimated that more than 40% of the population in America and industrialized world will develop some form of cancer in their life time. This epidemic could swamp the health care system and cause colossal loss. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women. Every year more than 250,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Though in many cases state will fund the cost of diagnosis and detection treatment costs can quickly run up to $200,000.

It can spread to the back and hip bones, lungs, liver and brain. What are the treatments for breast cancer? Breast cancer is treated by surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. Generally two or more treatments are combined together for better effect. Doctors combine surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and radiation. The treatment varies depending on many factors like the patient, the stage of breast cancer and instance of reoccurrence.

Surgery: Lumpectomy or the removal of the lump is a technique in surgery. Doctor may need to remove lymph nodes from your armpit or breast depending on the stage.

Chemotherapy: Drugs and medicines are used which restrict or stop cancer cell growth. These medicines may also reduce the size of the lumps and tumors. Some medicines even kill the tumours.

Hormonal therapy: Doctors use some anti-estrogen, aromatase inhibitors or LHRH analogues to stop the hormone estrogen production and effects. Estrogen is a sex hormone found in women body which helps in growth of the breast cancer. When Estrogen is stopped then the growth of the tumours also ceased.

Every woman diagnosed with breast cancer wants complete recovery and the ability to return to a normal life. The path to total recovery may be filled with time consuming treatments and recovery processes.

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