cancer diagnosis
Don't ever blame yourself for getting breast cancer. Scientists have identified
a number of risk factors, but no one knows what causes this disease. Wracking
your brain for reasons is a waste of energy; there are no answers. And don't
feel pressured to carry out your "to-do" list to the degree that you did before
your diagnosis. For example, forgive yourself if you are late for a lunch date
or forget to send your nephew a birthday card. People will understand.
Source: American Cancer Society
2. Fatigue to be expected
If you are undergoing cancer treatment or expect to be, it's important to plan
for the eventuality that you may feel very fatigued during the treatment period.
If possible, arrange in advance to have friends and family pitch in with meal
preparation, childcare, caring for your pets and other household tasks in case
you just don't feel up to it. Speak with your employer about taking time off or
working flexible hours while you're undergoing treatments. Studies have shown
that general fatigue, including fatigue caused by anemia, affects more than
three-quarters of patients undergoing cancer treatment. Other side effects of
treatment can include nausea, depression and pain.
Sources: The 11th Annual European Cancer Conference (ECCO 11), October 2001,
Lisbon, Portugal. Proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology,
1999; 18:573A
3. HRT increases breast cancer risk
Taking combined estrogen-progestin replacement therapy may increase your breast
cancer risk more than taking estrogen alone, according to a study of 16,000
women in the federally funded Women's Health Initiative (WHI). The study found
that for every 10,000 women who took combined hormone therapy consisting of .625
mg conjugated estrogens plus 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (a form of
progestin) daily for one year, compared to 10,000 women who took a placebo,
eight more women on the drug would develop invasive breast cancer.
Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, July 17, 2002, Vol. 288,
No. 3
4. Free and low-cost mammograms available
Most health insurers and Medicare cover mammography, an x-ray screening for
breast cancer that generally costs $50 to $150. If you are not insured and
cannot afford mammography, call the American Cancer Society, 1-800-ACS-2345;
your state health department, or the nearest YWCA (ask about the ENCOREplus
Program) for referrals to free or low-cost mammography to qualifying women.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, when many mammography
facilities offer special fees and extended hours. If you are unable to schedule
a mammogram another time of year, it helps to call in September to reserve an
appointment.
Source: National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations
5. Lumpectomy 'standard of care' for older breast cancer patients
In the past it was assumed that breast cancer patients who are 65 or older who
underwent lumpectomy followed by radiation did not fare as well as their younger
counterparts who had the same breast-conservation therapy (BCT). However, a new
study shows that BCT provides excellent disease-free survival rates among
elderly women with breast cancer. The five- and 10-year survival rates were 96
percent and 91 percent, respectively. "This treatment should be considered as
the standard of care for elderly patients" who do not suffer from severe
co-existing diseases, the researchers said.
Source: Cancer 2001 Sep 1;92(5):1092-100
Source :
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