Dr. Kapendra Shekhar Amatya

I. Introduction  Breast cancer is a pervasive health concern that affects millions of women worldwide. It not only poses significant physical challenges but also exerts a profound impact on the mental well-being of those diagnosed. In this article, we will explore the intersection of breast cancer and mental health, shedding light on the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of this disease. A. Brief overview of breast cancer statistics and its impact on women  Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, it is estimated that approximately 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed globally in 2020. These statistics emphasize the alarming prevalence of breast cancer and its far-reaching effects on women of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Breast cancer knows no boundaries and can strike at any stage of life. It can bring about profound changes in a woman’s body, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal treatments. Coping with the physical symptoms and side effects of these treatments can be challenging, but the emotional toll of breast cancer can be equally significant. B. Importance of addressing mental health alongside physical health in breast cancer patients A breast cancer diagnosis is often accompanied by a whirlwind of emotions, including fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, and uncertainty. Patients may grapple with the fear of mortality, concerns about treatment outcomes, and worries about how cancer will impact their quality of life. Moreover, the stigma and body image issues associated with breast cancer can add to the emotional burden. Recognizing the emotional challenges faced by breast cancer patients is crucial. Mental health plays a fundamental role in a patient’s overall well-being and ability to navigate their cancer journey effectively. Here are a few reasons why addressing mental health alongside physical health in breast cancer patients is of utmost importance: II. Understanding Breast Cancer  Breast cancer is a complex disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Understanding its various aspects, from types and prevalence to risk factors, early detection methods, and treatment options, is crucial for both patients and healthcare professionals. A. Types of breast cancer and their prevalence  Breast cancer is not a single entity; rather, it comprises several distinct types, each with its characteristics and behavior. The prevalence of these types can vary among different populations. Here’s an overview: B. Risk factors and early detection methods  Understanding the risk factors for breast cancer and the importance of early detection is crucial for prevention and timely intervention. Key points to consider include: C. Treatment options and their physical side effects Breast cancer treatment aims to eradicate or control the disease while preserving the patient’s quality of life. Treatment decisions are highly individualized and may involve a combination of approaches. Key points to explore include: III. The Emotional Impact of Breast Cancer  Breast cancer is not merely a physical health challenge; it carries a profound emotional burden as well. Coping with the emotional aspects of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be as challenging as addressing the physical aspects. This section explores the intricate emotional journey that individuals with breast cancer often experience. A. Emotional rollercoaster: diagnosis and initial reactions  Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can trigger a wide range of emotions, and it’s not uncommon for individuals to feel like they’re on an emotional rollercoaster. Here are some common emotional reactions during this period: B. Coping with fear, anxiety, and uncertainty Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty are common emotional responses when faced with challenging or uncertain situations. Whether it’s a health crisis, financial worries, relationship problems, or other life stressors, these emotions can be overwhelming. However, there are effective strategies to help you cope with these feelings and regain a sense of control and well-being.   C. Dealing with body image and self-esteem issues Breast cancer treatment often involves surgical procedures, such as mastectomy or lumpectomy, which can have a significant impact on body image and self-esteem. Coping with these changes includes: IV. The Connection Between Breast Cancer and Mental Health  A. Statistics on mental health challenges among breast cancer patients The journey through breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery can be an emotionally and psychologically taxing experience. Understanding the connection between breast cancer and mental health is crucial for providing comprehensive care to patients. Here, we explore the statistics that shed light on the mental health challenges faced by breast cancer patients.   B. How physical symptoms can affect mental well-being  The physical symptoms and side effects of breast cancer and its treatments can take a toll on a patient’s mental well-being. Understanding these challenges is vital for healthcare providers and support systems to offer the necessary assistance. C. The role of stress in breast cancer progression The connection between stress and cancer is an area of ongoing research. While stress alone is not a direct cause of breast cancer, there is evidence suggesting that chronic stress can potentially impact the progression of the disease. V. Coping Strategies for Breast Cancer Patients  Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be a life-altering experience, often accompanied by a range of emotional and physical challenges. Coping with breast cancer is a complex journey, but there are several effective strategies that can help patients navigate through it with resilience and hope. Below, we outline some key coping strategies for breast cancer patients: A. Emotional support from family and friends One of the most crucial sources of support for breast cancer patients comes from their loved ones. Friends and family can provide emotional strength, comfort, and companionship during this challenging time. Here are some ways in which you can leverage this support:   B. The importance of professional help: therapists and support groups  In addition to the support of family and friends, seeking professional help is a valuable component of coping with breast cancer. Consider these options: C. Self-care techniques and stress management Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is essential during and after breast cancer treatment. Here are … Read more

What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Breast cancer awareness month is the focus of Sun, Oct 1, 2023 – Tue, Oct 31, 2023. It is one of the most common cancers among Nepalese women, so awareness is being raised for it. To effectively communicate about this disease, your organization may benefit from this awareness month campaign. People, corporations, and communities have gathered every October since 1985 to support the millions of people affected by breast cancer. The month of Breast Cancer Awareness provides an opportunity to reflect, give back, or celebrate. Many people are also reminded of the many lives lost to this disease during awareness Month. Different parts of the breast can be affected by breast cancer. A breast is an organ situated above the rib cage and chest muscles. There are left and right breasts with glands, ducts, and fatty tissue. During childbirth, women’s breasts produce milk and deliver it to their babies and newborns. The size of a breast will differ depending on how much fat there is. There are several parts to the breast: • Lobules • Ducts • Nipple • Fat and connective tissue • Blood vessels and lymph vessels. When did Breast Cancer Awareness Month Start? An Imperial Chemical Industries-American Cancer Society partnership was formed in 1985 for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As part of the AstraZeneca company, Imperial Chemical Industries manufactures breast cancer drugs. This campaign encouraged women to get mammograms, but it has since expanded to address treatment, research, and funding issues. Why is it Important to Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month? The purpose of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, treatments, and cure. Public education is an important aspect of awareness. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, campaigns are promoting awareness of breast cancer symptoms and prevention strategies, including self-examinations, proper screenings, and the importance of mammograms. New, effective treatment options and surgeries for breast cancer patients are also highlighted during the month, including those that are in development or are not widely known. To continue developing new therapies and targeted treatments that have improved outcomes, reduced mortality rates, and given hope to patients, researchers organize different activities throughout the month to raise funds. The most important aspect of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is showing support and solidarity to those who are affected by the disease, as well as celebrating those who have overcome it. What Can You Do to Raise Awareness about Breast Cancer? As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you can donate, volunteer, or raise funds. To raise awareness and get people talking, many schools or workplaces have a “Wear Pink” day for people to wear pink as much as possible. An important conversation can be started by simply wearing a pink ribbon. Raise funds: Breast cancer research is funded by numerous large corporations, but you can also participate in fundraisers organized by local organizations. Online fundraising or virtual fundraising has become popular in recent years. It is even possible to start your fundraiser. Plan a talent show, auction, or quiz night, or partner with a bigger organization to hold a raffle or bake sale. If you want to help, there are many ways to do so. Run or walk: Throughout October, different running or walking events are organized to raise money and raise awareness for breast cancer. Depending on where you live, you may be able to participate in local races. Donate: There are breast cancer organizations where you can donate directly. It makes a difference whether a donation is one-time or recurring because every penny counts towards fighting breast cancer in the community. Become a volunteer: It’s not just in October that we should support those with breast cancer. Getting involved with breast cancer organizations, nonprofits, or clinics may be possible for you. Supporting patients, survivors, loved ones, and medical professionals can be as simple as volunteering your time and energy. Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the Context of Nepal? Nepalese women are more likely to suffer from breast cancer than other malignancies. The diagnosis of breast cancer at late stages is common in countries with low resources, such as Nepal, where women may not receive adequate treatment for pain or palliative care. It is difficult to prevent breast cancer in Nepal due to socioeconomic disparities and a lack of financial resources. Anyone can be affected by breast cancer at any age. More than one-quarter of women diagnosed each year are under the age of 50, although the disease is more prevalent in women aged 60 and older. Breast cancer can also occur in men, although it is rare. Most people know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. To improve detection, treatment, and survival rates for breast cancer, we must raise awareness about the disease. It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which gives us a chance to raise awareness about the disease and how it impacts our community. Even though most of us are aware of the disease, we often fail to take the necessary steps to detect it at an early stage and encourage others to do the same. Make a difference by going pink: Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the color pink is synonymous with the cause. The month of October is the perfect time to think about organizing a fundraiser or supporting one of the many organized activities in your community. For the month of October, transform your brand into pink: Turning your logo and brand pink for the month of October is one of the most effective and easiest ways to raise breast cancer awareness. When you turn your brand pink and share it on social media channels, you help raise awareness and promote a conversation with friends and family about why breast cancer needs more attention. In support of the campaign, some of the world’s biggest brands go pink every year. Make your employees aware of breast cancer by organizing an event: Promote awareness … Read more

It is not uncommon for people to think that breast cancer is their first thought when they feel a lump in their breast. It is most commonly the case that breast lumps are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. There is no gender difference in benign breast lumps. It is referred to as benign breast disease. You may develop breast cancer later in life if you suffer from these breast changes. Despite this, these changes do not pose a threat to the recipient’s life or cause cancer. It is more likely that you will get breast lumps if you suffer from benign breast disease. Although finding a lump can be frightening, these breast changes are harmless. The risk of breast cancer increases with certain breast diseases. Any breast lumps or changes should be reported to your healthcare provider. There is no need to treat most noncancerous lumps. Causes of Benign Breast Disease: Several factors can lead to benign breast conditions. Among them are the makeup of your breasts, your age, and any hormonal issues you may be experiencing. Infection, thyroid disease, menopause, hormonal therapy, and birth control pills can all cause them. You can often determine the exact cause based on your specific diagnosis. A hormone imbalance leads to male breast problems such as gynecomastia. A severely overweight person can also suffer from this condition due to hormone therapy, some diseases, or a combination of those factors. Symptoms of Benign Breast Disease: While doing a breast self-exam, getting dressed, or showering, you may notice breast changes or a lump. A mammogram may be able to detect these changes. Breast lumps are not the only signs of benign breast disease; other signs include: • Pain in the breast • The nipple discharge • A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breasts • Nipples with inversions, creases, or scaly skin • Breasts that are dimpling, puckering, or scaly. Major Types of Benign Breast Diseases: An abnormal growth or other change in the breast tissue that is not cancerous is known as a benign breast condition. There is often a fear associated with benign breast conditions since the symptoms are often similar to those of breast cancer. It is possible to feel a lump or see nipple discharge, or your mammogram might show something that needs to be examined further. Here are some common benign breast diseases: • Breast Cysts • Fibroadenoma • Calcifications • Central Intraductal Papilloma • Papillary Apocrine Change. Breast Cysts: Fluid fills breast cysts, which can be round or oval in shape. It is estimated that 25% of all breast masses are cysts. There is no increase in the risk of breast cancer associated with breast cysts. Depending on their size, they can be very small or large enough to detect on imaging tests or feel through the skin. There is a wide range of cyst types.  It’s most common for women in their 40s to develop cysts, but they can happen at any age. It is more common for women to develop multiple cysts simultaneously or gradually over time. Cysts that can be felt are usually round and quite mobile under the skin if they are large enough to be felt. The breast can also become painful, tender, or lumpy due to cysts. There may be times during the menstrual cycle when those symptoms worsen and when they get better. Fibroadenoma: The most common benign breast tumor is a fibroadenoma, which does not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. In general, fibroadenomas occur in younger, premenopausal women, although they can occur at any age. Fibroadenomas are usually well-defined, round, or oval-shaped, feel rubbery, and are not painful. Instead of being stuck in one place under the skin, it moves easily under the skin when you touch it. Fibroadenomas can grow or shrink in size over time. There is no typical fibroadenoma size, but they can range from the size of a marble to 2.5 cm in diameter. Fibroadenomas that grow to 5 cm or more are called giant fibroadenomas. Menopause often causes fibroadenomas to shrink, while pregnancy or hormone therapy can make them bigger. Calcifications: A calcium deposit appears on a mammogram as a bright white speck or dot on the soft tissue background of the breast. X-rays from mammograms are readily absorbed by calcium. Ultrasounds and MRIs do not typically detect calcium deposits. Mammograms commonly reveal calcifications, and they become more prevalent after menopause. Calcium in your diet has nothing to do with calcifications. Additionally, they cannot lead to breast cancer. As a result, they serve as markers for underlying processes in the breast tissue. It is usually benign in most cases. Calcifications can occur in people as they age due to benign cell changes. Calcium can sometimes be secreted onto ducts by glandular cells in the breast. Central Intraductal Papilloma: Intraductal papillomas are benign cancers that grow within the breast duct. There are several types of central intraductal papillomas; they usually occur as one growth, but they can also appear as multiples. It is not associated with an increase in breast cancer risk if a central papilloma has normal-looking cells. Papillomas are usually small, tan-pink growths less than 1 cm in diameter, but they can grow up to 5 cm or 6 cm in diameter. Women between the ages of 30 and 50 are most likely to develop it. Screening mammograms sometimes detect it. In addition, it may be diagnosed when you experience symptoms such as nipple discharge or a lump within your nipple. A spontaneous discharge of blood or clear fluid often occurs in this situation. Papillary Apocrine Change: An abnormality of the glands lining the breast ducts is called papillary apocrine change. The cell wall is filled with a grainy gel-like substance, indicating an overgrowth of cells with apocrine characteristics. It is common for cells to have snout-like growths. Breast cancer risk is not increased by papillary apocrine changes. Breast cancer can sometimes cause these changes as well. As … Read more

One of the cancers that affects women the most frequently is breast cancer. Invasive breast cancer affects approximately 1 in 8 women and 1 in 1,000 men at some point in their lives. As a result, effective and long-lasting breast cancer treatment is urgently required. If breast cancer is detected early, current treatment options typically involve surgery. Chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, surgery, and/or radiation may be used to treat breast cancer, depending on its stage and molecular characteristics at the time of diagnosis. What is immunotherapy for breast cancer? A form of cancer treatment known as immunotherapy or immuno-oncology makes use of the body’s immune system to prevent, manage, and eradicate cancer. Immunotherapy is a relatively new method of treating breast cancer that uses the body’s immune system to locate, destroy, and target breast cancer cells. While chemotherapy and radiation therapy are as yet standard breast malignant growth therapies, medical services suppliers are hopeful about immunotherapy’s capability to treat repeating breast disease, metastatic bosom disease, and triple-negative breast malignant growth. How does immunotherapy work? Understanding the development of breast cancer helps us understand how immunotherapy works. When something disrupts the way your body makes the cells that make up your breast glands, ducts, and tissues, you get breast cancer. Your breast cells are constantly dividing and reproducing, like all cells. Your breast cells form a mass of tissue or a tumor when something speeds up their production. These tumors can be cancerous or benign. Moreover, bosom malignant growth therapy endeavors to reevaluate disease cells. Radiation treatment does that with powerful X-beams. That is what drugs do with chemotherapy. That is accomplished by immunotherapy using so-called active or passive immunotherapies. What are active immunotherapies? In active immunotherapy, the patient’s immune system is activated to fight cancer cells. Patients who are unable to produce immune molecules are given immune molecules as part of passive immunotherapy. The two methodologies can be explicit or vague. At the point when your invulnerable framework runs into an antigen, it pursues the antigen. Drugs that target cancer cells can be developed by healthcare providers by identifying antigens on cancer cells. What are passive immunotherapies? The treatment for cancer known as passive immunotherapy, also known as adoptive immunotherapy, involves administering antibodies and other substances to the patient to induce an immune response that has been created in a test tube. Nonspecific or specific, the passive approach can be used. Checkpoints, and proteins in your immune system, prevent your immune system from becoming overactive and causing harm. Disease-battling cells that run into insusceptible designated spots know to continue toward different targets. Tragically, disease cells now and again utilize these designated spots to dodge your malignant growth-battling cells. Does breast cancer respond to immunotherapy? Even though breast cancer was once thought to be difficult to treat with immunotherapy because it is immunologically “cold,” clinical studies and new drugs have shown that immunotherapy can improve outcomes for patients with breast cancer. In the meantime, there are many clinical preliminaries including immunotherapy, especially taking a glance at how immunotherapy and chemotherapy could be utilized together to treat breasts malignant growth. What benefits of Immunotherapy? According to cancer net, clinical trials are beginning to provide researchers with some clues regarding the patients for whom immunotherapy may be most effective. Immunotherapy, for instance, may be more effective for people with triple-negative breast cancer than for people with other types of breast cancer. Side effects of Immunotherapy? One of the difficulties of immunotherapy is not knowing who is most likely to benefit from the treatment. Second, immunotherapy can cause significant aftereffects, including perilous ones. The most well-known immunotherapy secondary effects are skin responses, like redness and rankling, and influenza-like side effects, like fever, queasiness, shortcomings, and body aches. Different immunotherapies may result in distinct adverse effects. The high cost of this treatment, which insurance companies may not cover, is a significant third obstacle.                      MS (NMC Regd.2902) Dr.Kapendra Shekhar Amatya Head of the Department, Sr.Consultant Surgical Oncologist at Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center Director: Breast Cancer Program Interest: Breast Cancer Surgery, Gastro Intestinal Cancer Surgery (Stomach and Colo-Rectal Cancer) Consult now

This blog article will offer an overview of breast cancer diagnostics as well as strategies for treatment such as radiation therapy for breast cancer. To eradicate cancer cells, radiation treatment for breast cancer utilizes high-energy X-rays, protons, or other particles. Rapidly developing cells, such as cancer cells, are more vulnerable to the effects of radiation treatment. It can also be used for relieving pain and other symptoms associated with advanced breast cancer. In addition, the X-rays or particles are not harmful and are not visible. Types of radiation therapy for breast cancer Internal Radiation Additionally, you’ll consult with your radiotherapy oncologist before receiving any internal radiation. They will:  The majority of internal radiation, or brachytherapy, is delivered by a catheter. It is a short, flexible tube that is surgically inserted into the empty area left during breast-conserving surgery. However, there are potential long-term impacts of External beam radiation, such as making your breast smaller and firmer. While Internal radiation has fewer adverse effects than external beam radiation. The following are the most prevalent side effects: External Beam Radiation Therapy Before beginning treatment with external beam radiation, you will visit your radiation oncologist and a nurse. They will explain what to expect from external beam radiation, as well as both the risks and benefits of this treatment. The most prevalent kind of radiation treatment for women with breast cancer is EBRT. A machine outside the body directs the radiation to the cancerous region. The regions that require radiation are determined by whether you underwent a mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Possible side effects of external beam radiation: Although the professionals treating you will do everything necessary to protect healthy cells, it is practically impossible to avoid all damage. When healthy cells are destroyed, adverse effects occur. Fatigue, or feeling fatigued, is the most prevalent adverse effect of radiation treatment. Other negative effects may occur depending on the location of the cells that are damaged and may include: Nonetheless, your experience will be one-of-a-kind. Side effects of EBRT may differ between two patients with the same kind of cancer. External beam radiation types and regimens for breast cancer • Whole breast radiotherapy To eliminate breast cancer cells, whole breast radiation treatment employs high-powered X-rays. The radiation treatment is delivered to the whole breast (or chest wall if the breast was removed) with this sort of directed radiation therapy. Cancer cells proliferate quicker than normal body cells. Because radiation is more dangerous to rapidly expanding cells, radiation treatment harms cancer cells more than normal cells. This stops cancer cells from growing and dividing, resulting in cancer cell death. Accelerated partial breast irradiation Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is a breast-conserving treatment (BCT) strategy in which radiation (RT) is provided in a shorter length of time than whole breast irradiation (WBI), resulting in increased patient convenience and cost savings. Brachytherapy, intraoperative RT, and conformal external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) can all be used to give APBI. Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) uses precise radiation beams to kill cancerous cells in a smaller area of the breast (partial breast) versus the whole breast or chest area. Our doctors deliver the radiation in a shorter (accelerated) course of treatment over a few days instead of several weeks. APBI may provide advantages over other kinds of radiation therapy, such as:  Several different types of accelerated partial breast irradiation: Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT): This method involves administering a single large dose of radiation to the area where the tumor was removed (tumor bed) immediately following BCS (before the breast incision is closed). Though, IORT necessitates specialized equipment that is not readily available. 3D-conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT): The radiation is delivered with particular equipment in this procedure, allowing it to be more precisely targeted to the tumor bed. This saves more of the natural breast tissue around it. Treatments are administered twice daily for 5 days or once daily for 2 weeks. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT): IMRT is similar to 3D-CRT, but it additionally modifies the strength of certain beams in specific regions. This delivers higher dosages to specific areas of the tumor bed, reducing harm to neighboring normal body tissues. Brachytherapy: Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy in which radiation-containing seeds, ribbons, or capsules are implanted in your body, in or near the tumor. Brachytherapy is a local treatment that only targets a specific area of your body. It is often used to treat head and neck cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, and eye cancer. How is brachytherapy implemented? The majority of brachytherapy is delivered through a catheter, which is a tiny, elastic tube. Brachytherapy is sometimes administered using a bigger instrument known as an applicator. The method of brachytherapy application is determined by the type of cancer you have. Before you begin treatment, your doctor will insert the catheter or applicator into your body. Techniques for placing brachytherapy: Interstitial brachytherapy is a type of radiation treatment in which the radiation source is put into the tumor. This method is used to treat prostate cancer, for example. Intracavity brachytherapy is a type of radiation treatment in which the radiation source is implanted into a bodily cavity or a surgically produced cavity. Radiation can be used to treat cervical or endometrial cancer, for example. The radiation source is linked to the eye in episcleral brachytherapy. This method is used to treat ocular melanoma. Possible side effects of intracavitary brachytherapy Some brachytherapy adverse effects occur during or shortly after treatment and normally improve after approximately 2 weeks. If you are undergoing brachytherapy following chemotherapy and radiotherapy (chemoradiation), you may already be fatigued and ill, so knowing what more to expect may be helpful. The most prevalent short-term negative effects of brachytherapy are given below. It is critical to inform your healthcare workers about your symptoms and how you are feeling. This might be the medical facility’s team or your primary care physician. They will be able to evaluate you and maybe send you … Read more

A lumpectomy surgery involves removing cancerous or abnormal tissue from your breasts. An initial lumpectomy removes a small amount of healthy tissue surrounding the cancer or other abnormality. Having all the abnormal tissue removed in this way ensures that it is completely removed.  Early-stage breast cancer can be treated with lumpectomy. It is sometimes used to rule out cancer after a lumpectomy. To reduce the chances of cancer returning after lumpectomy surgery, radiation therapy is usually administered to the breast. Who Should Go for Lumpectomy? A lumpectomy may be right for you if:  • Your breast is only affected by cancer in one area.  • When compared to the size of your breast, a tumor is relatively small  • It is expected that you will have enough remaining tissue after your tumor has been removed to reshape your breast.  • Radiation treatment can be completed.  When Should You Not Choose Lumpectomy as an Option? Several factors may prevent your healthcare provider from recommending a lumpectomy. Large cancer or multiple tumors in one breast may prevent you from undergoing this procedure. A lumpectomy is usually followed by radiation therapy. In the case that your provider doesn’t recommend radiation therapy or you do not wish to have radiation, a lumpectomy might not be a good option for you. In cases where you previously received radiation therapy in the same breast or are pregnant, your provider may recommend avoiding radiation. A lumpectomy and radiation may also be avoided if you have:  • An increase in your risk of getting breast cancer again due to a genetic mutation  • An inflammatory breast cancer  • Radiation therapy side effects may be more severe if you suffer from Lupus or another medical condition. Why Should You Choose Lumpectomy Over Other Procedures?  The purpose of a lumpectomy is to remove cancerous tissue from your breast while protecting its appearance. For early-stage breast cancer, a lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy is as effective as removing the entire breast (mastectomy). If a biopsy shows that you have cancer, and if the cancer is small and in its early stages, your doctor may recommend a lumpectomy. A lumpectomy may also be used to remove abnormalities of the breast that are not cancerous or precancerous. Is it Effective to Get Radiation after Surgery? Radiation treatments are usually performed after lumpectomy surgery to eliminate any remaining microscopic cancer cells. Breast cancer patients typically receive this combination of treatments. This treatment effectively treats cancer while preserving more of the natural appearance and feel of your breast. According to research, lumpectomy plus radiation is nearly as effective at extending life as mastectomy (removal of a whole breast). How is Lumpectomy Usually Done? When we see a suspicious breast lump first question that arises is, Is this Cancer?  Here we still rely of the triple assessment  1. Clinical Examination 2. Imaging: Mammogram, USG Breast, and if needed MRI Breast. 3. Tissue diagnosis: Core Biopsy (FNA as the last resort). This will give us the answer if the lesion is malignant or not. When diagnosed with Cancer, we further need to address two key issues. 1. What type of cancer it is? This is also called it subtyping; for this we rely on IHC for ER/PR, Her2Neu, Ki67. 2. Staging or Has the cancer spread? a.      How extensive is the cancer involvement within the breast? The extent of cancer involvement within the breast is usually determined by the findings of the biopsy, the results of the mammogram, the ultrasound, and, in some cases, the results of the breast MRI scan. b.      Is there evidence that the tumor has moved to areas outside of the breast (metastasized)? When these tumor cells lodge themselves in a lymph node (gland) or an organ such as the liver or the bones, they grow, eventually producing a mass or lump that can sometimes be felt or may only be evident because they cause symptoms such as bone pain and/ or can be seen on an imaging test such as a  CT scan, a bone scan, or a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. Patients usually go home the same day after lumpectomy surgery. Typically, the procedure lasts about an hour. The surgeon cannot see breast cancer, so the cancer is usually marked before surgery to assist in guiding them. The radiologist can insert a small chip or wire into the breast cancer to localize the cancer before surgery. A lumpectomy involves removing the tumor and healthy breast tissue along with the tumor. In order to ensure that no cancer cells are left behind, surgeons leave a thin border of healthy breast tissue surrounding the tumor. To preserve your natural breast, providers remove only the tissue necessary to treat cancer. At the time of surgery, the pathologist and surgeon are unable to see the cancer. Therefore, determining the pathology results takes approximately seven to ten days.  To help reduce the amount of pain you will experience after surgery, your surgeon will probably administer pain medication to the surgical area. Additionally, the surgeon will place small marking clips at the site of the lumpectomy to assist the radiation oncologist. A dissolvable, internal stitch is then used to sew the breast tissue back together.  Consulting with Doctor for Lumpectomy Surgery So as to go for the lumpectomy procedure, you must first consult with your oncologist thoroughly. You can either make an appointment with a surgical oncologist or a medical oncologist who will tell you everything in detail about your surgery. Your breast cancer oncologist will help you in each and every step during the entire surgical procedure. The breast cancer treating doctor can also help you deal with any additional side effects of the surgery.  What Happens Before The Lumpectomy Procedure? Oncoplastic lumpectomy is a combined team approach surgery that enlists the help of a plastic/reconstructive surgeon in cases of large tumors. Unlike a traditional lumpectomy, an oncoplastic operation involves removing a larger piece of breast tissue and reshaping it … Read more

A vital part of staying healthy is being aware of your breast health. Women are more likely than men to develop breast cancer, which is second only to lung cancer in terms of prevalence. In addition to benign breast changes, you can also have intraductal papillomas or cysts in your breasts. It is important to keep an eye on any changes in your breasts and to consult your healthcare provider if you notice any abnormal changes. Why to Prioritize Your Breast Health? Every day is filled with too many things to do. There are a lot of responsibilities in life, such as family, career, and taking care of others. While working through your to-do list, it can be challenging to prioritize self-care. Nevertheless, it is important to take time for yourself and focus on your health, wellness, and breast health. It is so important to schedule a screening mammogram each year for a variety of reasons. A few of them are listed below: There is a high incidence of breast cancer among young women as well In addition to being a woman, aging is one of the biggest risk factors for breast cancer. One in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime, and one in six will develop it between the ages of 40 and 49. Breast cancer is more likely to be hereditary among young women than among older women, although most women diagnosed have no family history of the disease. A young woman who develops breast cancer is also more likely to find it at a later stage and to have a more aggressive and difficult time treating it. It is for all of these reasons that breast health experts recommend having an annual screening mammogram starting at forty years old. The biggest mortality reduction, the most lives saved, and the greatest life years gained have been shown by clinical experience to be achieved by annual screening at age 40+. Mammography saves 40% more life in women in their 40s than in women any age other than their own. This can be seen as one of the reasons why early detection of breast cancer saves more lives than late detection. Detecting cancer early saves lives Patients and their families can save more lives with early breast cancer detection, less invasive treatments, and reduced healthcare costs. Screening mammography has made it possible to detect breast cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable. In order to improve patient outcomes, 3D mammograms can detect breast cancer 2-3 years before the patient or physician feels a lump. Five-year survival rates for women diagnosed with Stage 0 or Stage 1 are nearly 100%. Each year, mammograms save approximately 6,500 women’s lives and reduce breast cancer deaths by approximately 40%. Breast health experts warn women against skipping your yearly mammogram or going longer intervals in between as this may leave cancers undetected, putting them at greater risk. Because of the importance of annual mammograms in detecting and treating breast cancer, they do not recommend skipping your yearly screening or going longer intervals in between. If you have any changes in your breast health or potential risk factors for breast cancer, discuss them with your provider at your annual well visit. Mammograms can be performed starting at age 40 if there are no concerns. To establish a baseline, women at risk for breast cancer can begin screening at 35 if they have identified risk factors. You can fit it into your busy schedule Annual mammograms can be scheduled around your busy schedule. Appointments can be scheduled at convenient times and even the next day, and the examination itself will take less than 30 minutes. Women age 40 and over do not need a physician’s referral to receive an annual screening mammogram, and most insurance plans cover 100% of the cost. The importance of prioritizing your breast health cannot be overstated. No matter when you schedule your mammogram, it is vital for your wellbeing. Best Breast Health Tips For You Here are some tips for breast care if you’re ready to start feeling your best and pursuing a healthier lifestyle.  Ensure breast health by screening yourself You can detect early signs of cancer by regularly checking your breasts once a month. Set a reminder on your smartphone to remind you to do this each month so you don’t forget. Take a breast self-exam You will become familiar with your breast’s size, shape, and texture over time as you regularly perform self-examinations. As a result, you’ll notice if anything feels off or if there are any discharges, rashes, or lumps on your breast. You should schedule an appointment with your doctor if you notice a lump or something irregular. Keep calm and don’t panic. It is possible for breast lumps to be caused by other conditions besides cancer. The best way to determine if there are any concerns is to consult with your doctor. Stop smoking cigarettes There is no doubt that smoking is one of the most important causes of many serious illnesses, including breast cancer. Compared with non-smokers, women who smoke have a 30% higher risk of breast cancer. The risks associated with smoking increase with time, with years of smoking increasing the risk. You may be able to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer later in life if you quit now. Learn about your family’s history Make sure to ask your relatives and loved ones if they have any history of breast cancer. Gene mutations passed down from parents to children are believed to cause 5-10% of breast cancer cases. This information can help you detect any mutation early on if you share it with your medical provider. Weight management Your breast health is important to the health of your body, as we mentioned earlier. There have been links between high estrogen levels in fat cells and certain types of cancer. It is actually possible for staying active to shrink fat cells, thus reducing the amount of … Read more