Male breast cancer, it is true and does happen, be aware

If pink ribbon is to bring about awareness about breast cancer in women, the ribbon is to talk about breast cancer in men. Since it’s an uncommon disease, men may ignore the warning signs and also delay in seeing a doctor.

In 2017, about 2,470 men are estimated to be diagnosed with the disease and about 460 men will die from breast cancer as per a statistics. Besides this, there are studies which show that one in 400 men is at high risk of contracting the disease. 

A scholar says, “In most of the cases, breast cancers in men are diagnosed at more advanced stages than women. Men may not notice breast lumps or else they see their doctor only when the lumps have become large. Early detection and prompt treatment are the best strategies to reduce the number of male breast cancer cases. Hence, it is always recommended to invest in prevention as it can help with early diagnosis of the health problems that may become serious at later stages”.

Symptoms to watch for:
A lump in the breast is a most significant indicative factor. As men possess a small and flat breast tissue, identifying a lump becomes easy. Also, there may be an occurrence of one or more symptoms like dimpling and scaling of skin surrounding the breast area or nipple, nipple pain and discharge, sores around the nipple, under arm enlargement of lymph nodes and areola region. In exceptional cases like enlargement of breasts in men called ‘gynecomastia’, it may lead to breast cancer.

 Treatment
In the initial stages, when the disease has a presence only in the breast or armpit, (stage I and II) surgery comes into play, which includes complete removal of the breast area with a clearance of the lymph nodal area in order to form the mainstay of treatment.

To restrain the recurrence, the patient may have to go through radiation, chemotherapy or both, depending upon the stage of the disease. Undergoing hormonal therapy often helps in curbing the disease for long. Subsequent to these extensive treatments, patients are given anti-hormonal drugs to help them recover with the after-effects of surgery and radiation therapy.

Risk factors for breast cancer in men
    Genetics doesn’t play a big role in breast cancer in women, but it does in men. Genetic deviation like Klinefelter Syndrome elevates estrogen levels in men
    Orchitis, an inflammation of the testicles increases the risk
    Obesity due to unhealthy dietary habits
    Chronic alcoholism/Smoking
    Habitual of consuming hormonal medicines or herbal supplements
    Previous radiation treatment to the chest
    If a family has a history of breast cancer then the risk of occurring stands high in a person since they may inherit either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
    Individuals (especially youngsters) who go through radiation therapy for conditions like Hodgkin’s disease need to be more cautious as the chances of developing breast cancer are high.
    Preventive Measures for breast cancer
    There are a number of things men can do to lower the risk of breast cancer which includes:
    Maintaining an ideal body weight
    Regular exercise
    Healthy and balanced diet
    Restricting smoking and alcohol consumption

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   
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Health Checks Worth Doing on a Regular Basis

Illness is something we as humans are forever dreading, especially since we know some cases can be chronic or life-threatening. The worst part is, we don’t realize we're ill until the symptoms become unavoidable. By following the self-checks below you can assure yourself of your body's health - they’re quick, easy and definitely worth knowing! You’d be surprised to see what the smallest sign in your body may indicate.

1. Check your eyes for cholesterol levels

A lack of white in your eyes normally indicates that you’re tired or hung-over, but surprisingly enough, excess white in your eyes, such as a white line circling your iris, might be indicative of high cholesterol levels. Finding that your eyelids have a flat, yellowish color with velvety patches is also a serious sign. Do not let this symptom go unnoticed and risk getting further complications, such as coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks in the future. See your GP to get your cholesterol checked and treated!

2. Count your moles to check for skin diseases

Moles are generally harmless, but if you find that you have more than 50 moles on your body, take this as a big warning sign, especially if they are multi-colored, growing in size, seem inflamed, or have a ragged edge. If you notice any of these signs in your moles, a good idea would be to regularly keep a record of their development by taking photos so it would be easier for your doctor to inspect them. If your moles also start to redden, become itchy or even bleed, seek medical advice as soon as possible. Such unusual-looking moles may be the cause of a type of skin cancer called malignant melanoma. 

3. Look for signs before you flush the toilet

Our excretions can also tell us about the health of our intestines, our digestion and our level of hydration. Every stool color, for instance, indicates different dietary causes or even problems. For example, a yellow color indicates excess fats, due to a malabsorption disorder such as celiac disease. What is most worrying is finding black or red stools, which may signify stomach or intestinal bleeding. These call for prompt medical attention. Urine can also be checked for its color: A pale color signifies good health, whereas a dark yellow color might mean you're dehydrated and need to increase your intake of water.

4. Check your eyebrows for thyroid health

If you notice an unusual lack of thickness in your eyebrows, it could be that you are suffering from an underactive thyroid, which means that your thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones. You may need to speak to a doctor, especially if you are also gaining weight and feeling tired and/or depressed. A blood test should easily confirm this problem. If  left untreated, it might lead to heart disease, the appearance of goiters, pregnancy complications and other health issues.

 

5. Watch your stomach for signs of Ovarian cancer

Bloating in your stomach area can have a range of different causes, including menstruation, intolerance to dairy products, eating too fast, constipation, medical side-effects, and a typically common assumption - weight gain. However, did you know this could also be the cause of very serious health conditions? Ovarian cancer is one of them, and its symptoms also include nausea and persistent pain or cramps in the stomach or back. Speak to a doctor if you experience these in a severe way so you can treat it in its early stages. Reduce general stomach bloating by eating more slowly, consuming less carbonated drinks, and avoiding chewing gum and drinking through straws.

6. Check your breathing by doing some step-ups

Have you been feeling more tired than usual after climbing up a flight of stairs? This can also be directly connected to your health. Doing some exercise can both act as a test for yourself and also as practice. Step-ups are mostly recommended because they elevate the heart rate and hence our breathing. For this exercise, you must find a relatively high step (not higher than your hips) and step up and down. Try doing 70 of these in three minutes and then put your fingers on your pulse to check it. If it’s over 100 and you’re still out of breath 10 minutes after the exercise, then you need to consider exercising more frequently. Lack of exercise can lead to serious diseases such obesity, breast cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even early death.

7. Calculate the time you spend sitting down daily

As we become more technology-dependent, we are adopting more of a sedentary lifestyle. According to the US Women’s Health Study, women over 50 who sit for 11 hours a day reduce their life expectancy by 9 years! The consequences for a sedentary lifestyle can be very serious, including deep vein thrombosis, colon cancer, osteoporosis, kidney stones and a Spinal disc herniation (slipped disc). Improve your lifestyle by adding regular physical activity to your routine, at least 2.5 hours a week.

8. Look out for temperature changes in your body

Care for your blood vessels' health and circulation by observing the temperature changes in your body, especially in extreme temperature conditions. Excess heat from the sun, stress, and eating very spicy food may cause flushing in the face – particularly redness in the cheeks and nose. This means that the blood vessels are dilating and this may not be a healthy sign, especially if you are a woman between 30 and 55. Cold conditions can be just as dangerous to our body if we aren’t prepared for them – frequently experiencing cold feet or hands indicates lack of circulation, which could lead to Raynaud’s disease (suffering from excessively reduced blood flow). So, make sure to take the necessary precautions before this becomes a risk!

9. Inspect your nipples for signs of breast cancer

A well-known pointer that calls for a professional body check-up is having abnormalities in your nipples. Be on the look-out for inward-facing nipples as this could be a typical sign of breast cancer. If your nipples show any eczema, discharge or bloodstains, take action. Make sure to look out for these signs regularly when showering and find time to do regular exercise, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, and drink less alcohol to reduce the risk of getting breast cancer.

10. Examine your nails to look out for fungal infections

It is rather easy for toenails to get an infection and one of the obvious symptoms of this event is when the nail becomes discolored, thickens, or becomes brittle, causing discomfort in your feet. Keep your feet safe from this by checking them regularly, keeping them clean and dry from excess sweat due to the heat, using shoes that are just right for your feet and not too old, not trimming or picking the skin around the toenails, and avoid walking barefoot in public places. If you do suffer from an infected toenail, seek medical assistance and use antifungal spray or powder to treat it.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.






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Discover the 5 Unconventional Signs of Breast Cancer

  Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide in which affects both women and men. As you get older, the risk of getting the disease increases, but early detection saves lives.

Although most cases of breast cancer diagnosed at the ages of 40 and older, those cases of illness in patients under this age are usually more aggressive, so early detection of the early stages of the disease is critical. Early stages of breast cancer does not cause pain and therefore it is important to have awareness and knowledge of the body. Finding a lump is in fact the most frequent finding indicating the presence of disease, but until this stage the disease undergoes several stages of progression and sometimes it takes even several years. Therefore finding a lump can be a sign of an advanced stage of breast cancer within the body.
The American Cancer Society advertises signs that require thorough investigation by a specialist. It is important to remember that these signs are not definitive proof that this is indeed breast cancer because they may indicate hormonal or other health factors, so diagnosis and follow-up of an expert is necessary. Obvious signs are: changes in breast structure, lump appearance, changes of the skin or nipple and more. But there are unusual signs that may also indicate the presence of the disease:

 1. Itching, redness and pain

Sore breasts are sensitive during the menstrual cycle, but in this case the sensitivity remains even after the monthly period. In addition, swelling and warmth which are felt to the touch may indicate a less known type of breast cancer – inflammatory breast cancer which is diagnosed in 3% of all breast cancers diagnosed. The same type of cancer can cause the chest to be swollen, itchy and painful. The skin may appear scaly or has blue markers similar to haemorrhages. The look can be like cellulite holes on the breast. Some women say they thought they had an allergic reaction on the breast like tingling and itching that don’t disappeared after a few days. It is important to know that this type of cancer characterized by relatively rapid progress which blocks the blood vessels that feed the skin which is what actually causes redness, warmth and sensitivity.

2. Back pain

In many cases, before any other sign of breast cancer patients feel back pain, usually in the upper back between the shoulder blades. This pain is usually attributed to muscle pain, inflammation of the spine or stretching of the tendon or ligament in the back. But it is important to know that sometimes tumours develop deep the in breast tissue in the chest and are actually felt in the spine or ribs. Another risk is the possibility that there are metastasis or spread to the ribs or spine.

3. Pain and tenderness in the armpit

According to studies, the first place breast cancer spreads is the axillary lymph nodes. Just like the lymph nodes in the throat and neck are a sign for a flu, so axillary lymph nodes may be the first sign of the existence of breast cancer. Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or pain and tenderness may indicate the presence of tumour before it is felt in the breast itself. Any pain in the underarm area is a sign that should be tested, initially by the person itself in comparison to the other armpit, and when there are questions or doubts, by a professional expert. Sometimes there is a hard lump that is felt in the armpit and adjacent tissues surrounding it, and it does not move when touched. Another sign is thickened and dense tissue in comparison to the other armpit. Breast tissue reach very close to the armpit, and sore spot may indicate a number of other things then the development of a tumour. On the other hand, what feels in the underarm area can turns out to be part of the breast tissue, so medical evaluation is important in these cases

4. Nipple discharge or changes

One of the most common places for breast cancer is under the nipple. The presence of a cancerous lesion may change the appearance of the nipple, texture and feel (as well as color change, tenderness and shape). Women describe decrease in sensitivity when touching the nipple, particularly during intimate relations. Another sign is discharge from the nipple of various types including bleeding, milk, clear liquid, that don’t happen during breastfeeding. The reason given for this is due the tumour being in the milk ducts near the nipple or behind it. That causes the skin to jostle to one side, and the tumour itself may cause irritation and inflammation that lead to various discharge from the breast. Medical evaluation is needed of course, but it is important to remember that most tumours are intrinsically benign, but early detection and follow-up are necessary.

5. Changing shape: oval instead of a circle

popular belief among women all over the world is that an easy to touch big hard lump close enough to the surface of the skin is a sign of breast tumour. However, quite a few women describe instead that they noticed one breast has elliptical shape than the other. Other women reported progression of breast tissue on one side down or to another side. Some women have felt a change in feeling or appearance while wearing a bra. In addition, many women came to medical investigation when their spouse turned their attention to change in the shape. The best way to detect such changes, that are not accompanied by pain or other sensations, is to learn about the size and shape of your breasts. Recommendation of  breast cancer organizations is to sit in front of a mirror and to look at the structure of the breast, by lifting the hands and examining the variability of skin stretch on both sides. Routine follow-up is necessary in this situation to be able to notice change in configuration. Any of these signs require consultation with a specialist who can give a real answer to the fear, hoping of course that everything is fine, but on the other hand if a person has breast cancer, early diagnosis in the early stages may save lives.

 

PS- THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.

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Paget's Disease: A New Kind of Breast cancer

New kind of Breast Cancer - DO NOT DELETE Please forward to all of the women in your lives mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, friends etc.   In November, a rare kind of breast cancer was found.  A lady developed a rash on her breast,  similar to that of young mothers who are nursing..   Because her mammogram had been clear, the doctor treated her with antibiotics for infections.  After 2 rounds, it continued to get worse, so her doctor sent her for another mammogram. This time it showed a  mass. A biopsy found a fast growing malignancy.  Chemo was started in order to shrink the  growth; then a mastectomy was performed;  then a full round of Chemo; then radiation.  After about 9 months of intense treatment, she was given a clean bill of health.  She had one year of living each day to its fullest. Then the cancer returned to the liver area. She  took 4 treatments and decided that she wanted quality of life, not the after effects of Chemo.  She had 5 great months and she planned each detail of the final days.   After a few days of needing  morphine, she died.  She left this message to be delivered to women  everywhere:    Women,   PLEASE be alert to anything that is not normal, and be persistent in getting help as soon as  possible.     Paget's Disease: This is a rare form of breast cancer, and is on the outside of the breast, on the nipple and aureole.  It appeared as a rash, which later became a  lesion with a crusty outer edge.  I would not  have ever suspected it to be  breast cancer but it was. My nipple never seemed any different to me, but the rash bothered me, so I went to the doctor for that. Sometimes, it itched and was  sore,  but other than that it didn't bother me.   It was just ugly and a nuisance, and could  not be cleared up with all the creams  prescribed by  my doctor and dermatologist for the dermatitis on my eyes just prior to this outbreak.  They seemed a little concerned but did not warn me it could be cancerous.   Now, I suspect not many women out there know a lesion or rash on the nipple or aureole can be breast cancer.   (Mine started out as a single red pimple on the  aureole. One of the biggest  problems with  Paget's disease of the  nipple is that the symptoms appear to be  harmless. It is frequently  thought to be a  skin inflammation or infection,  leading to unfortunate delays in detection and  care.)    What   are the symptoms?  1.   A persistent redness, oozing, and crusting  of  your nipple causing it to itch and burn  (As I  stated, mine did not itch or burn  much, and had no oozing I was aware of,  but it did have a  crust along the outer  edge on one side.) 2.  A sore  on your nipple that will not heal. (Mine was on the aureole area with a whitish thick looking area in center of  nipple). 3  Usually only one nipple is affected. How is it  diagnosed? Your  doctor will do a physical exam  and should  suggest having a mammogram of both breasts, done immediately.  Even though the redness, oozing and crusting closely resemble dermatitis (inflammation of the  skin), your  doctor should suspect cancer  if the sore is only  on one breast. Your  doctor should order a biopsy  of your sore  to confirm what is going  on.  This   message should be taken seriously and  passed on  to as many of your relatives and  friends as  possible; it could save someone's life. My breast cancer has spread and metastasized to my bones after receiving mega doses of   chemotherapy, 28 treatments of radiation and  taking Tamaxofin.  If this had been diagnosed as  breast cancer in the  beginning, perhaps it would not have spread.... TO  ALL  READERS: This is sad as women are not aware of Paget's disease.  If, by  passing  this around on the e-mail, we can  make others aware of it and its potential danger, we are helping women everywhere. Please,  if you can, take a moment to forward this  message to as many people as possible,  especially  to your family and friends. It only takes a moment, yet the results could save a life.           Ps- best wishes to all for the coming festive season, take care, enjoy yourselves. for those interested in recipes, you may kindly view my blog http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

I'll be away for a month, so more posts after my return, take care.