Here are some suggestions to help you prepare for a mammogram:
  • Try to schedule the mammogram one or two weeks after your period. Breasts may be less tender at this time.
  • Avoid food or beverages with caffeine before the mammogram.
  • On the day of the mammogram, do not wear necklaces, deodorant, lotion, perfume or powder.
  • Wear a two-piece outfit.
  • Tell the technician about any changes you have noticed in your breasts.
  • Don’t feel shy about speaking up if you feel any discomfort during the screening.
  • After taking the X-rays, the technician will check to make sure they are clear. If they are not clear, more X-rays may be needed to get the best possible view.
  • If you do not receive results within 10 days after your mammogram, call the doctor’s office.
  • Remember the value of getting a mammogram and try to maintain a positive attitude during the exam.

 10 Top Causes of Death in Women in the United States

 

top 10 killers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Inflammatory Breast Cancer

 

(Yes, men get this too!)

 

In inflammatory breast cancer, the breast looks red and swollen and feels warm. The redness and warmth occur because the cancer cell block the lymph vessels in the skin. The skin of the breast may also show the pitted appearance called peau d'orange (like the skin of an orange). Inflammatory breast cancer may be stage IIIB, Stage IIIC, or stage IV.

 

Stage IIIB breast cancer is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. In stage IIIB, the cancer may be any size, have spread to tissues near the breast (the skin or chest wall, including the ribs and muscles in the chest), and may have spread to lymph nodes within the breast or under the arm.

 

Stage IIIC breast cancer is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. In stage IIIC, cancer has spread to lymph nodes beneath the collarbone and near the neck; and may have spread to lymph nodes within the breast or under the arm and to tissues near the breast.

Stage IV breast cancer. Cancer has spread to other organs of the body, most often the bones, lungs, liver or brain.

 

 

 What are the symptoms of Breast Cancer?

 

Breast Cancer can cause:

  • A change in the way the breast feels. The most common symptom is a painless lump or thickening in the breast or underarm.
  • A change in the way the breast looks. The skin on the breast may dimple or look like an orange peel. There may be a change in the size or shape of the breast.
  • A change in the nipple. It may turn in. The skin around it may look scaly.
  • A clear or bloody fluid that comes out of the nipple.

See your doctor right away if you notice any of these changes.

 

Many people think that only women get breast cancer. But about 1 in every 100 cases of breast cancer occurs in men. So any man who has a breast lump should be checked.

 

 

Explaining In Situ and Invasive Breast Cancer

 

Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of the cells that line the ducts and lobes of the breast. The classification of breast cancer is based on:

  • Whether the cancer started in the ducts or the lobules of the breast.
  • Whether the breast cancer cells have invaded other tissue in the breast.
  • What the cancer cells look like under the microscope.

Classification also takes into consideration such information as how rapidly the cancer cells are multiplying (tumor grade) and whether breast cancer cells are present in the nearby lymph nodes.

 

The following classifications describe the most common types of breast cancer.

  • In situ: A tumor that hasn't spread beyond the area where it began is called in situ.
    • Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): Although not a true cancer, LCIS increases a woman's risk of developing cancer. For this reason, it's important for women with LCIS to have a physical exam 2 or 3 times a year, as well as a mammogram every year.
    • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): This is a precancerous condition also called Stage 0 breast cancer. It is noninvasive and is confined to the ducts. Nearly 100% of women with cancer at this stage can be cured.1 The best way to detect DCIS is with a mammogram.
  • Infiltrating (invasive) ductal carcinoma (IDC): This cancer starts in a milk duct, breaks through the wall of the duct, and invades the fatty tissue of the breast. From there, it can spread to other parts of the body. IDC is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for nearly 80% of cases.
  • Infiltrating (invasive) lobular carcinoma (ILC): This cancer starts in the mammary, or milk, glands (lobules) and can spread to other parts of the body. About 10% of breast cancers are this type.

 

Ovarian Cancer Whispers - so listen carefully . . .

 

Watch for Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort

  • vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, and indigestion
  • frequency and/or urgency of urination in the absence of an infection
  • unexplained weight gain or weight loss
  • pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating and/or feeling of fullness
  • ongoing unusual fatigue
  • unexplained changes in bowel habits

    If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, ask your doctor for a combination pelvic/rectal exam, CA-125 blood test, and trans-vaginal ultrasound.

    A Pap Test WILL NOT detect ovarian cancer.

 

Locks of Love

locks of love LAKE WORTH, Fla.- Locks of Love is a not-for-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under the age of 18 with medical hair loss. These custom-fitted hair prosthetics are provided free of charge or on a sliding scale to children whose families meet the Locks of Love Board of Directors guidelines.

Donors provide the hair, volunteers staff the office, and the manufacturer hand-assembles each piece, which requires approximately four months.

The organization, which began in 1997, has helped over 1000 children since its first year of operation. Thousands of bundles of donated hair arrive from around the country as a result of national publicity Locks of Love received in newspapers, magazines and television programs.

The donations continue to pour in. Most donors mail a note and a photo with their bundle of hair. Children comprise over 80 percent of the donors, making this a charity where children have the opportunity to help other children.

1.Locks of Love will accept 10" minimum hair length (tip to tip), not wigs, falls, or synthetic hair Please bundle hair in ponytail or braid.

2. Hair needs to be clean, dry, placed in a plastic bag, then padded envelope.

3. Locks of Love needs hair from men and women, young and old, all colors and races.

4. Hair may be colored or permed, but not bleached or chemically damaged (if unsure, ask your stylist).

5. Hair swept off the floor is not usable.

6. Hair cut years ago is usable if it has been stored in a ponytail or braid.

7. Hair that is short, gray, or unsuitable for children will be separated from the ponytails and sold at fair market value to offset the cost of manufacturing.

8. You may pull curly hair straight to measure the minimum 10".

9. The majority of all hair donated comes from children who wish to help other children.

10. Layered hair may be divided into multiple ponytails for donation.

Please note: Anyone can cut your hair as long as the above guidelines are followed.

 

Phone (561) 963-1677
Fax (561) 963-9914
Toll Free Information Line (888) 896-1588


LOCKS OF LOVE
2925 10th Avenue N
Suite 102
Lake Worth, FL 33461-3099

 

Partners for Breast Cancer Care

9470 HealthPark Circle - Fort Myers, Florida

(239) 454-8583 - Fax (239) 454-8326

Partners for Breast Cancer Care e-mail