benana0123
Breast Cancer Radiation
The incidence of breast cancer among women worldwide has been on the rise. An increasing number of cases are reported in the US too. This prevalence of breast cancer can be attributed to several factors. However, there are two major aspects that multiply the risks associated with this disease. The first risk is associated with aging. As you get older, your risk of being diagnosed with it increases. The second risk is linked to being female as this type of cancer is more common among women and rare among men. The radiation or surgery is one of the most common methods employed for treating such cancers.
Over the years, extensive research has been carried out on this cancer to understand the conditions that lead to its occurrence. Here are some conditions that might be directly or indirectly responsible for causing this cancer among women:
If you have had a non-cancerous disease of the breasts, you are more vulnerable to being diagnosed with breast cancer in the subsequent years. The fact that you have heavy or dense breasts could also multiply your risks. Similarly, women who have been diagnosed with this could have a recurrence.
If women in your family (especially your grandmother, mother, sister, or cousins) have a history of this cancer type, your risk increases too. If you have such a family history, it is advisable to get genetic test done to assess your risk and take preventative measures at an early age.
Certain studies have also established that the intake of more than one alcoholic drink per day, or more than seven drinks per week could increase your cancer risk.
Your race could be another deciding factor. It is seen more commonly in White women than those of Hispanic, Asian, or Black descent.
Hormonal factors could also affect the occurrence of this type of cancer. For instance, prolonged estrogen-progestin hormone therapy has in some cases been linked to the prevalence of cancer. Having your first baby late or not bearing a child at all could also be linked to this cancer. There are several other hormonal factors that your medical doctor can throw light on.
The treatment process when undergoing radiation therapy is painless, but some patient can experience side effects. These may include dryness and discomfort of the skin that can be treated by your general practice if it occurs. However, it can take up to twelve months for the effects to completely heal. There is also the inevitable side effect of fatigue which normally happens around a fortnight into treatment. Fatigue can last up to a month after treatment is completed, but can be countered by getting more rest and having early nights.
Blood will need to be checked regularly for reduced counts and some women will experience a sore mouth or throat if treatment is carried out around that particular area. There are also significant lifestyle changes that may have to be made while radiation therapy is taking place. Rest is imperative and close attention needs to be paid to a healthy diet.
Regular blood tests will be necessary, and visits to the doctor should be made if unusual symptoms such as coughing, sweating, fever or pain occur. The affected area should receive extra care and be treated gently. Tight clothes around the area should be avoided to prevent rubbing. It's also important to moisturize the affected area after radiation therapy is complete and the treated area must also be kept out of direct sunlight.
The advances in radiation therapy means that long-term side effects are quite rare but they do still occur. Rib fractures, lung inflammation, damage to the heart, scarring and the association of other tumors like sarcoma are all possible but not as common as they once were.
Breast Cancer Radiation
The incidence of breast cancer among women worldwide has been on the rise. An increasing number of cases are reported in the US too. This prevalence of breast cancer can be attributed to several factors. However, there are two major aspects that multiply the risks associated with this disease. The first risk is associated with aging. As you get older, your risk of being diagnosed with it increases. The second risk is linked to being female as this type of cancer is more common among women and rare among men. The radiation or surgery is one of the most common methods employed for treating such cancers.
Over the years, extensive research has been carried out on this cancer to understand the conditions that lead to its occurrence. Here are some conditions that might be directly or indirectly responsible for causing this cancer among women:
If you have had a non-cancerous disease of the breasts, you are more vulnerable to being diagnosed with breast cancer in the subsequent years. The fact that you have heavy or dense breasts could also multiply your risks. Similarly, women who have been diagnosed with this could have a recurrence.
If women in your family (especially your grandmother, mother, sister, or cousins) have a history of this cancer type, your risk increases too. If you have such a family history, it is advisable to get genetic test done to assess your risk and take preventative measures at an early age.
Certain studies have also established that the intake of more than one alcoholic drink per day, or more than seven drinks per week could increase your cancer risk.
Your race could be another deciding factor. It is seen more commonly in White women than those of Hispanic, Asian, or Black descent.
Hormonal factors could also affect the occurrence of this type of cancer. For instance, prolonged estrogen-progestin hormone therapy has in some cases been linked to the prevalence of cancer. Having your first baby late or not bearing a child at all could also be linked to this cancer. There are several other hormonal factors that your medical doctor can throw light on.
The treatment process when undergoing radiation therapy is painless, but some patient can experience side effects. These may include dryness and discomfort of the skin that can be treated by your general practice if it occurs. However, it can take up to twelve months for the effects to completely heal. There is also the inevitable side effect of fatigue which normally happens around a fortnight into treatment. Fatigue can last up to a month after treatment is completed, but can be countered by getting more rest and having early nights.
Blood will need to be checked regularly for reduced counts and some women will experience a sore mouth or throat if treatment is carried out around that particular area. There are also significant lifestyle changes that may have to be made while radiation therapy is taking place. Rest is imperative and close attention needs to be paid to a healthy diet.
Regular blood tests will be necessary, and visits to the doctor should be made if unusual symptoms such as coughing, sweating, fever or pain occur. The affected area should receive extra care and be treated gently. Tight clothes around the area should be avoided to prevent rubbing. It's also important to moisturize the affected area after radiation therapy is complete and the treated area must also be kept out of direct sunlight.
The advances in radiation therapy means that long-term side effects are quite rare but they do still occur. Rib fractures, lung inflammation, damage to the heart, scarring and the association of other tumors like sarcoma are all possible but not as common as they once were.