The Importance of Early Screening For Breast Cancer

According to Mayo Clinic, breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women in the United States and the most common cancer worldwide. Considering the cancer crisis on a global scale, we all must take the necessary precautions to secure our health.

Fortunately, many ways exist to reduce one's risk of breast cancer. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and choosing the proper birth control are steps we can take as early as today. Additionally, people undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may need to be cautious and ask their doctor about the possible associated risks. If you have a family history, you must be more careful than others.

Another way to ensure we stay risk-free is to schedule regular mammograms. A mammogram is a breast X-ray that doctors use to detect signs of breast cancer in an early stage. Both men and women should have periodic mammograms. However, experts recommend that men and women get annual exams by age 40. While it's uncommon for men to get mammograms, a doctor may recommend it if a person has a genetic mutation that increases their likelihood of the condition.

Breast cancer screening is imperative because it detects early signs of breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, early detection of breast cancer, which doesn't spread, helps increase a person's survival rate to a whopping 99%! This news is incredibly hopeful because it gives people a chance to take charge of their health and live through the condition with hope. Considering that we're in a time of faster developments in modern medicine, people have a higher survival rate than ever.

If you need help scheduling a mammogram, you may want to consider asking your doctor when you can start taking regular annual mammograms. If you have a family history of members who had breast cancer, you may also need to ask your doctor how to reduce your risks. Remember, health is wealth, so never leave your health to chance!

Educating Kids About Cancer With Stories

Receiving a cancer diagnosis as an adult can be an overwhelming and shocking experience. The first thing that most people tend to do after the shock wears off is wonder how they will break the news to their loved ones, especially their children.

There are many reasons why talking to children about cancer is challenging. One reason is that cancer is a complex condition with no definite prognosis. Another is that, as adults, we're expected to handle things rationally instead of emotionally to avoid instilling fear in children.

However, children are a lot more perceptive than we give them credit. Even if we don't outright say we're worried or bothered, they can pick up on our feelings and wonder if they can do anything about it.

When this happens, it helps to be honest with the child. Being truthful can be painful, but it also lets the child know you trust them.

Nevertheless, it's also essential to remember that you must communicate in a way a child can understand. This step means avoiding overly complicated terms, getting to the point, and being patient when they ask questions or share their concerns.

Another way to help children understand the nature of cancer is through books and stories. For example, one book, "Jeannie Ann's Grandma Has Breast Cancer," tells the story of a six-year-old girl who quickly learns her grandmother has breast cancer. The story brings up fears, questions, and misunderstandings from facing a medical challenge. With her family by her side, Jeannie Ann quickly learns what cancer can bring and why listening to our loved ones matter.

If you're trying to explain the nature of the disease to a child, consider educating them through stories instead. Once you read through the illustrated pages, you can ask your little one how they feel about the story and what questions they may have, and listen to their thoughts and feelings.

Repurposed Leukemia Drug May Help Prevent Secondary Breast

Secondary breast cancer is a severe occurs when a person's breast cancer has spread to other body parts. These places may include organs like the lungs, brain, and even one's bones.

The reason why secondary breast cancer is so severe is that it is incurable. At best, this diagnosis can be managed by reliving its symptoms and ensuring a person's quality of life stays constant. Fortunately, many patients with this diagnosis can still live fulfilling lives.

However, there is news that scientists are working to find a treatment course for secondary breast cancer. One of which involves using a drug for leukemia.

According to News Scientist, a repurposed drug used to treat leukemia shows promising results in treating secondary breast cancer.

Imatinib is widely prescribed to people who have chronic myeloid leukemia. In an experiment led by Frances Turell at the Institute of Cancer Research in the UK, administering Imatinib to mice with estrogen-receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer slows down the growth rate of secondary tumors.

ER+ breast cancer is the most common type of breast cancer diagnosed. During experimentation, the effect of administering Imatinib helped prevent secondary breast cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body.

Considering that secondary breast cancer is incurable, finding possible prevention of breast cancer cells spreading is a milestone that offers a lot of hope.

However, because it's in the initial stages of research, there is no telling whether this drug may be effective for human use.

It's also important to note that Imatinib has uncomfortable side effects like stomach and fatigue, making it a risk for a few. Still, there is hope, and as long as researchers continue to make progress, patients may finally have more options for treatment.

While there is little information on whether Imatinib may be a potential drug for breast cancer treatment, modern medicine is clearly on the path of finding newer and innovative ways to treat breast cancer.

- by Diane Davies, author, Jeannie Ann's Grandma Has Breast Cancer

Ways to Cope Emotionally After Receiving a Cancer Diagnosis

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be an experience that changes a person's entire perspective and future. Once someone receives such heavy news, the person's emotions may range from disbelief, shock, anger, overwhelming sadness, denial, regret, and, hopefully, acceptance.

However, before reaching the "acceptance" stage, one must understand that one needs time to process these emotions at their own pace. Here are some tips for coping after receiving a cancer diagnosis:

1. Take Time to Process Your Emotions.

Allow yourself to feel your emotions without suppression or denial. When a person welcomes emotion without hesitation, dealing with it one feeling at a time becomes more manageable and less overwhelming.

2. Try to Learn More About Your Condition.

It may sound strange to learn more about cancer the minute you get the news. However, on a logical note, learning about one's condition can help someone slowly accept reality once the person understands what to expect in the future.

3. Get Some Time to Be Alone.

Sometimes, it helps to be alone and process one's emotions without distraction. However, it's also crucial to remember that one should never isolate themselves from their loved ones.

4. Share Your Feelings Honestly to Whoever or Whatever You Trust

Once one has accepted the reality of the situation, it may help to share these emotions with someone or something. Sharing one's fears and worries with their spouse, friends, or journal can help ease the burden one may unconsciously carry.

Bottomline: Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be devastating. However, it helps to remember that one still has a fighting chance for a long and healthy life. While it's natural to be fearful and anxious, remember that these are just feelings, not truths. If you're struggling with these emotions, please get in touch with your healthcare provider for adequate treatment asap.

- by Diane Davies, author, Jeannie Ann's Grandma Has Breast Cancer