Showing posts with label Breast Cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Breast Cancer. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The Link Between Obesity and Breast Cancer


To a woman, no two words bring more fear and uncertainty than Breast Cancer. According to the American Cancer Society there were about 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women in 2010. They estimate the chance of a woman getting breast cancer sometime in her life is around 1 in 8 and death rate is around 1 in 35.

Some people think that those risks sound low and that could never happen to them. While others go out of their way to avoid any risks that could increase the chances of breast cancer. Regardless of which category you may fall into, there is some news that everyone might want to hear - especially if you (or someone you care about) needs motivation to lower your Body Mass Index (BMI). Researchers have now found a link between obesity and the increased risk of triple-negative breast cancer. While that type of breast cancer is rare, it is often more deadly because it is difficult to treat.

The study conducted on patients in the Women’s Health Initiative found that women with the highest BMI had a 35 percent increased risk of the triple-negative breast cancers. These women were also found to have a 39 percent increased risk of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers.

While these findings may sound scary, the good news is that there is still something you can do about it! Start working your way towards a healthier you today - Don’t become just another one of these statistics! Here at Aesthetic Enhancements, our goal is to help you look and feel your very best.  We recommend two personal trainers, Sage Hansen and Amie Russell, that can help you reach your fitness goals, call 407.218.4550 for more information.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Is Hormone Therapy A Potentially Deadly Cure for Menopause Symptoms?

Hot Flashes. Forgetfulness. Night Sweats. Mood Swings and Chocolate Binges. These symptoms might sound like the morning after a good bender – but in reality these indicators are just a few of the common woes that women experience during an utterly confusing and traumatic time of change – MENOPAUSE. 

For years, doctors have used Hormone Replacement Therapy to help treat peri-menopausal symptoms. However, according to a recent article in the New York Times, a new study finds that this treatment may cause the deadly advancement of breast cancer.

Although we’ve known there is a risk for the development of breast cancer with hormone replacement therapy for some time, most doctors were under the impression that the risks were relatively small, and they were not well understood.  The new study suggests not only an increased risk of breast cancer development in patients taking hormone replacement, but also that the cancers experienced by these women are more likely to be aggressive and fatal. Hmmm…

But wait, there is more…Hormone treatments can also cause delays in diagnosis by increasing the density of the breasts, making it harder for tumors to reveal themselves on mammograms. Pretty scary, huh?

If you have already used this type of treatment, don’t panic- it seems the jury is still out and not all in the scientific community are in agreement. In another study of 10,000 women, the data shows that only .0002% additional breast cancer deaths were found per year among those taking hormones. 

So, Where do we go from here? Is it safe to use hormone replacement at all?

It is not known whether there is any length of time for which these hormones can be taken without increasing breast cancer risk. For women who endure unbearable symptoms, doctors are now suggesting the use of short-term hormone therapy with the lowest possible doses to help ease symptoms.

Your best bet is to discuss this carefully with your doctor and educate yourself as much as possible about your risks and options.

While the signs of menopause may seem cruel and tortuous at the time, it’s a part of every woman’s life that thankfully will eventually pass.




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Friday, October 15, 2010

Positively Pink - Show You Care, Be Aware!

Sadly, cancer seems to touch all of us in some way.  That is why every October mothers, aunts, daughters and survivors everywhere come together to raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer.  Statistics show that 1out of 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer throughout the course of her lifetime. 

However, as a result of the breast cancer research performed each year, there have been more than 2.5 million brave and inspiring breast cancer survivors in the U.S. this year alone.

Unlucky for us ladies (though men can develop it too), the most significant risk factors for breast cancer are gender & age.  Although we can’t control the aging process, we can take steps to avoid cancer or at least find it during its early stages.

Most doctors feel that early detection tests have saved the lives of thousands of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year, but the number of survivors could be even higher if more took advantage of these simple screenings.  Though what we can do to avoid breast cancer may be limited, the amazing number of survivors shows the great strides that have been made in early detection and treatment.    

Steps To Take:
Know Your Risk.   Learn about your family’s health history.  Understand your risk by talking to your Doctor.

Check Yourself.  You should begin breast self-exams (BSE) in your early 20’s to be familiar with the look and feel of your breasts.  This way if there ever is a subtle change in your breasts you will know.  If you do note any lumps, tenderness or discharge from your breasts, be sure to bring it to your doctor’s attention ASAP.

Get Screened.  Women in their 20’s & 30’s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) by a health professional, at least once every 3 years.  Women age 40 and older should have a CBE once a year, along with a yearly mammogram (although some controversy exists about the best mammography schedule- talk to your gynecologist about your risk and appropriate screening).

Lower Your Estrogen Levels.  Living a healthy lifestyle by exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting your alcohol intake can help to reduce your odds of developing breast cancer by lowering your levels of estrogen.

The effects of battling breast cancer can sometimes leave women feeling as if they have lost a part of their femininity.  It is comforting to know that despite the emotional distress, there are aesthetic options available through breast reconstructive surgery to help you look and feel your best again.  

When considering breast surgery, it is important to consult with an expert who can deliver the safety and outcome you deserve. Call Aesthetic Enhancements for your complimentary consultation with board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Armando Soto and visit www.realself.com to view before & after pictures of his very happy patients.