THE EARLIER YOU DETECT BREAST CANCER, THE MORE TREATMENT OPTIONS YOU HAVE. Every October, during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, women are reminded to take care of their breast health. Early detection of breast cancer saves lives, it’s just that simple. The sooner the cancer is found and treated, the greater the chances of a full recovery. Women in the earlier stages of the disease also have more treatment options available than ever before. Treatment options for early-stage breast cancer depend on the woman and the situation. The first choice most women have to make with their doctor is whether to have a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. During a lumpectomy or breast conservation therapy, the surgeon removes the cancerous tissue and some of the surrounding normal tissue. This can be done on an outpatient basis but may require several weeks of radiation after surgery. The breast’s resulting appearance depends on the amount of tissue removed. A mastectomy removes more of the breast tissue – sometimes the entire breast, sometimes the breast, and the lymph nodes under the arm. Both types of mastectomies cause little breast pain, but lymph node removal may cause uncomfortable swelling around the arms. In breast cancer’s early stages, lumpectomies and mastectomies have the same survival rate. This leaves many women wondering why anyone would choose a mastectomy – the more invasive option. However, some women are not good candidates for a lumpectomy, while others don’t have time to undergo the daily radiation treatments required by lumpectomies. Talk to your doctor about all your options. Make sure to write down your questions and don’t be afraid to request a second opinion.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
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