Take time off to fight breast cancer

MANILA, Philippines - Breast cancer screenings should be at the top of a woman’s list of “must-do” appointments. Taking time amidst a busy schedule to do breast self-examinations and physical examinations will prove to be a powerful tool in ensuring that a person can remain breast-cancer free, or at least diagnosed early for better recovery.

During these examinations, it is best to prepare oneself for a possibility of discovering an unusual lump in the breast or armpit area. If this happens, don’t panic. Although the growing incidence of breast cancer is alarming, it is one of the most well-studied and treatable types of cancer. Unlike a few decades ago, being diagnosed with breast cancer does not mean that your life is over.

 Instead of rushing through things, it is better to talk to your doctor and be proactive in your treatment and recovery every step of the way.

Waiting for the diagnosis can be very nerve-racking. Even so, remain calm. Most breast lumps are harmless, with up to three of four lumps that are suspected of being cancerous turning out to be benign cysts, fibromas or lipomas. If discovered early, breast cancer is highly treatable. Once breast cancer is diagnosed, surgery is often done to remove lumps. Various types of treatment are available, each with its own benefits or risks. It is best to discuss diagnostic procedures and treatment options with your physician and family.

The diagnosis, no matter how grim, concerns your breast, your body and your life. You must not act in haste. Before you decide on a course of treatment, you must have a deeper understanding of breast cancer and what the results of your diagnosis indicate. You must also understand which type or combinations of treatment will be best for you. The specific treatment will depend on your test results, age, general health and family history.

A number of treatment methods can be administered on patients to cure breast cancer, limit the spread of the disease and provide relief of symptoms. These include: primary systemic therapy (neo-adjuvant therapy) – aims to reduce tumor size for breast conserving surgical treatment, surgery – removing the tumor through a lumpectomy, Adjuvant Radiation Therapy – high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells, Hormonal Therapy – some breast cancers are dependent on estrogen (ER-positive). This therapy blocks the growth of ER-positive tumors. Chemotherapy – used as a component of treatment in both early disease and advanced disease settings. A number of chemo drugs are used alone of in combination with other therapies such as anthracyclines, taxanes, alkylating agents and oral chemotherapy capecitabine, which lessens symptoms associated with chemotherapy and can be taken orally in the patient’s convenience, usually at home.

The C-Network Free Breast Cancer Screening and Awareness Lectures

October 2010 will again turn pink as we commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In partnership with the Department of Health, Philippine Cancer Society, Philippine Society of Oncologists, and the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, and pharmaceutical company Roche, the C-Network will hold free breast cancer screenings and lectures with different patient support groups. For more information, you can call the C-Network Secretariat at 527-0478 or visit www.cnetwork.org.ph.