Breast Cancer and Survival
Your Guide to Breast Cancer Survival
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The worst case of breast cancer is that the disease is fatal. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in cancer for women. It is the most common cancer among women besides non-melanoma skin cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1.3 million women will be diagnosed with breast cancer annually worldwide, and about 465,000 will die from the disease. Breast cancer death rates have been dropping steadily since 1990 because of earlier detection and better treatments. In 2010 it is estimated that there will be about 210,00 new cases and 40,000 deaths from breast cancer.
There are more statistics and information on the National Cancer Institute Website. The survival rates of breast cancer are increasing due to more attention on early diagnosis. The earlier the cancer is found the greater your survival rate, so it is important to take your health care in your own hands. Being assertive and attentive to your own health will help you recognize breast cancer early and increase your chances of survival.
Some women may have to undergo a mastectomy in order to save their lives. Mastectomy is a surgery in which the entire breast often including the nipple and areola is removed often as a treatment for breast cancer. An alternative is a lumpectomy which removes the tumor and the surrounding tissue. Women may chose to have a mastectomy over a lumpectomy if the tumor is large, if she doesn't want to undergo radiation treatment after a lumpectomy, or if a mastectomy will reduce her anxiety of cancer reoccurring. A mastectomy is a surgery that can cause emotional repercussions. The act of losing a breast can change your perspective and outlook on womanhood.
If your breast cancer becomes terminal, dealing with death can be a difficult process. Here are some links to help give perspective to you:
