About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer 
-- occurs when abnormal cells in the milk ducts or lobules of the breast grow out of control, and can then invade the surrounding breast tissues. If left untreated, cancer cells in the breast tissue can break away and spread to other parts of the body through the blood stream or lymphatic system.


Risk Factors
The causes of breast cancer are not fully known, but there are certain risk factors that are linked to the disease. Having one or more risk factor for breast cancer does not mean that you will get breast cancer. It means that your chances of developing breast cancer are higher than women who have fewer risk factors. However, many women with breast cancer do not have any known risk factors aside from being female.

Simply being female and getting older put you at risk. Additionally, there are a number of other risk factors listed below that are linked to the disease. It is important to remember that there are some risk factors that you can control and others that you can not change.

• Being female
• Getting older
• Family history of cancer (breast, ovarian, uterine, colon)
• Any personal history of benign breast disease
• Previous breast biopsy
• Previous cosmetic or other breast surgery
• Exposure to large amounts of radiation, such as frequent x-rays in youth
• Early onset of menarche (before age 12)
• Late onset of menopause (after age 55)
• Having no children
• Not breastfeeding
• Late age at first pregnancy (after 35)
• Use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Atypical hyperplasia or LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ)
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Obesity

Sign and Symptoms

Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any of these changes in your breasts:

• Lump, hard knot, or thickening of the breast
• Asymmetry in breast shape or contour
• Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin
• Rash or swelling
• Scaling of the nipple or breast skin
• Change in the breast/nipple skin or color
• Nipple discharge, crusting, or ulceration
• Nipple that has changed position

Staging for Breast Cancer

Stage	Definition
Stage 0	Cancer cells remain inside the breast duct, without invasion into normal adjacent breast tissue.
Stage I	Cancer is 2 centimeters or less and is confined to the breast (lymph nodes are clear).
Stage IIA	No tumor can be found in the breast, but cancer cells are found in the axillary lymph nodes (the lymph nodes under the arm)  OR  the tumor measures 2 centimeters or smaller and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes  OR  the tumor is larger than 2 but no larger than 5 centimeters and has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.
Stage IIB	The tumor is larger than 2 but no larger than 5 centimeters and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes  OR  the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.
Stage IIIA	No tumor is found in the breast. Cancer is found in axillary lymph nodes that are sticking together or to other structures, or cancer may be found in lymph nodes near the breastbone  OR  the tumor is any size. Cancer has spread to the axillary lymph nodes, which are sticking together or to other structures, or cancer may be found in lymph nodes near the breastbone.
Stage IIIB	The tumor may be any size and has spread to the chest wall and/or skin of the breast  AND  may have spread to axillary lymph nodes that are clumped together or sticking to other structures, or cancer may have spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone.  Inflammatory breast cancer is considered at least stage IIIB.
Stage IIIC	There may either be no sign of cancer in the breast or a tumor may be any size and may have spread to the chest wall and/or the skin of the breast  AND  the cancer has spread to lymph nodes either above or below the collarbone  AND  the cancer may have spread to axillary lymph nodes or to lymph nodes near the breastbone.
Stage IV	The cancer has spread — or metastasized — to other parts of the body.

 FAQs  

• Does smoking cause breast cancer?
At this point in time, there is no conclusive link between smoking and breast cancer. However, due to the number of health risks associated with smoking, quitting can significantly increase survival rates.
• Can drinking alcohol increase the risk of breast cancer?
Habitual and frequent drinking has been shown to slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. The greater the levels consumed, the higher the risk.
• Can physical activity reduce the risk of breast cancer?
Exercise pumps up the immune system and lowers estrogen levels. With as little as four hours of exercise per week, a woman can begin to lower her risk of breast cancer.
• Can a healthy diet help prevent breast cancer?
Breast cancer can not be prevented. However, a nutritious diet that is low in fats and includes plenty of fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. A high-fat diet increases the risk because fat triggers estrogen production that can fuel tumor growth.
• Does a family history of breast cancer put me at a higher risk?
If you have a mother, grandmother, sister, or daughter who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, this puts you in a higher risk group. Make sure you talk to you doctor about your risk, and have a baseline mammogram five to ten years prior to the youngest breast cancer case in your family. You should also get annual clinical breast exams starting at age 20.
• How does menstrual and reproductive history affect breast cancer risks?
Women who began their menstrual cycles before age 12 or began menopause after age 55, have not had any children, or have had their first child at age 30 and older, are at a higher risk.
• Does stress have an impact on breast cancer?
Although some studies have shown that factors such as traumatic events and losses can alter immune system functions, these studies have not provided any evidence of a direct cause-and-effect relationship between stress and breast cancer.
• Are mammograms painful?
In general, mammograms are not painful yet they might cause slight discomfort for a very brief period of time. Sensitive patients are advised to schedule their mammograms a week after their menstrual cycle, when the breasts are least likely to be tender.
• What can I do to detect breast cancer early?
Your best protection against breast cancer is early detection. Survival rates are directly connected to early detection and reach up to 95% if breast cancer is diagnosed in its early stages. If you are woman at normal risk, follow the Early Detection Plan below, which summarizes the national recommendations for breast cancer screening in Jordan:

Screening/ Age	20-29	30-39	40-49	50+
Self Breast Exam	Monthly	Monthly	Monthly	Monthly
Clinical Breast Exam	Once every 1-3 years	Once every 1-3 years	Annually	Annually
Mammogram	----------	----------	Every two years	Annually

Breast Cancer "Myths and Facts"

Myth#1: All breast lumps are cancerous

Fact: In general,80%of lumps are benign (non-cancerous).However,this does not mean that you should not see your doctor immediately if you detect any changes in your breasts such as a persistent lump.

Myth#2: Being diagnosed with breast cancer means that a woman will lose her breast.
Fact: Many women who are diagnosed with breast cancer will undergo some type of surgery as part of their treatment. However, breast-conserving therapy is becoming common treatment for early stage breast cancers.


Myth#3: Chemotherapy will make a woman’s hair fall out.
Fact: Hair loss is a temporary side effect of chemotherapy, and is not necessarily experienced by all women. Hair will re-grow after chemotherapy has ended.


Myth#4: Under wire bras cause breast cancer.
Fact: Years ago, a book was published that suggested that under wire bras can constrict the body’s lymph node system, causing breast cancer. However, the link between under wire bras and breast cancer is false and completely inaccurate.


Myth#5: The best place to practice a self breast exam (SBE)is in the shower.
Fact: Starting at age 20, women should practice monthly SBE standing in front of a mirror and lying down. The steps performed in each position may be repeated while showering, as soap eliminates friction and may have a better efficacy for detecting lumps.


Myth#6: Nipple discharge indicates breast cancer.
Fact: Nipple discharges do not necessarily indicate a cancerous condition, but should be checked with your doctor. Nipple discharge is a concern if it is bloody or watery with a red, pink, or brown color, or sticky and clear in color or brown to black in color or if it is persistent, unilateral (on one side), or appears spontaneously without squeezing the nipple.


Myth#7: Breast-feeding causes breast cancer.
Fact:Breast-feeding does not cause breast cancer. In fact, some preliminary studies reveal that breast-feeding may decrease a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.


Myth#8: Antiperspirants and deodorants can cause breast cancer.
Fact: Antiperspirants and deodorants do not cause breast cancer; this link between antiperspirants and breast cancer is completely false.


Myth#9: Breast cancer is contagious.
Fact:Cancer is not a communicable disease, which means that you can not catch cancer or transfer it to someone else.


Myth#10: Small-breasted women can not get breast cancer.
Fact: The amount of breast tissue a woman has does not affect her risk of developing breast cancer. Breast size is certainly not a significant risk factor for breast cancer.


Myth#11: Drinking coffee increases a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Fact: Coffee does not cause breast cancer, and in several studies with rats, coffee has been shown to actually prevent cancer.


Myth#12:Older women are less likely to get breast cancer than younger women.
Fact: As a woman’s age increases, her risk of getting breast cancer also increases. In fact, age is one of the strongest risk factors for developing breast cancer.


Myth#13: A woman with lumpy breasts is at high risk of developing breast cancer.
Fact: In the past, healthcare professionals believed women with lumpy breasts were at higher risk for breast cancer. However, this myth has recently been dispelled. 


Myth#14: Only women with a family history of breast cancer are at risk.
Fact: While a family history of breast cancer can mean that a woman is at higher than average risk of developing breast cancer, many women diagnosed with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors aside from being female.


Myth#15: Only women get breast cancer.
Fact: Men can also get breast cancer. 

Cancer Myths and Facts

Myth #1: Microwaving food in plastic containers releases dioxins that cause cancer. FACT: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its Website, does say substances used to make plastics can leach into foods. But the agency has found the levels expected to migrate into foods to be well within the margin of safety based on information available to the agency. As for dioxin, the FDA says it “has seen no evidence that plastic containers or films contain dioxins and knows of no reason why they would.” Myth #2:Cancer is a fatal disease with no chance of cure. FACT: Cancer is a treatable disease. If diagnosed early, most types of cancer can be completely cured. Even in advanced stage cancer, much can be done to alleviate symptoms and prolong survival. Cancer should be considered a treatable disease. Myth #3: The only sure way to help prevent lung disease is to stop smoking. FACT: Taking all the following actions can greatly decrease a person’s chances for developing lung cancer, although there is no way to prevent the disease entirely. Quitting smoking Avoiding occupations like mining, installing asbestos and working with other harmful chemicals. Eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise Visiting a family physician at least once a year Myth #4: Using indoor tanning beds does not cause skin cancer.  FACT: Tanning beds produce the same ultraviolet radiation as the sun. Any tan—no matter how you get it—is a sign of skin damage. To prevent skin cancer, limit your exposure to the sun or tanning salons, use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher when outside, and cover up with protective clothing and sunglasses. Myth #5: Chewing tobacco, snuff, or smoking hubbly bubbly (argila) are safe alternatives to cigarettes.  FACT: There is nothing healthy about snuff, argila and chewing tobacco. They are just as addictive as cigarettes and can cause cancers of the throat and mouth.  Myth #6: Chemotherapy drugs usually cause death and avoiding these drugs is a better option when they are needed. FACT: Chemotherapy is considered safe when given by experts. Only rarely, do severe complications occur. Oncologists usually avoid using toxic medications, unless they are absolutely necessary. Not receiving chemotherapy is a personal choice that leads to failure of treatment and ultimately death from the spreading of the cancer. Myth #7: Most cancers are hereditary.  FACT: It’s estimated that only 5% to 10% of all cancers are truly hereditary. Tests can now determine if a person with a strong family history of breast or colon cancer carries the altered genes that put him or her at high risk for these diseases.  Myth #8: There is nothing I can do to prevent cancer.  FACT: Wrong! Up to two thirds of all cancers may be preventable if you avoid tobacco, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, protect yourself from the sun, limit or avoid drinking alcohol, and get recommended screenings regularly.  Myth #9: I’ve smoked for 20 years and the damage has been done. It’s too late to stop smoking.  FACT: It’s never too late. Smokers who quit before age 50 halve their risk of dying in the next 15 years in comparison with those who continue smoking. Smoking is the single most preventable cause of disease, responsible for 87% of all lung cancer cases and 30% of all cancer deaths. It also places the smoker’s family at risk for lung disease. Myth #10:  Only people with a high risk of cancer need to get cancer screening.  FACT: All adults should get regular cancer screening exams because early detection provides the very best chance for successful cancer treatment.

Out Reach Program in Polo Owwa

The very first out reach program organized by Filipino nurses organization held in Polo Owwa attended by 37 distressed OFW’s here in Amman, Jordan.The Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters was consisted of five topics with Filipino nurses lecturers from different hospitals in Jordan.We are so glad that the crowd was interested, attentive and interactive.

opening prayer

Ms. Pinky Cuaton of specialty hospital gave the first topic about Sexually transmitted disease. 

distressed OFW's in Jordan

Ms. Charm Sierra of Esraa hospital gave the second and the third topic about contraception and pregnancy. 

Ms. Pamela Basto of Farah Hospital gave the third topic about the pap smear

Ms Vanessa Eroy of Jordan Hospital gave the last topic about menopausal.

the crowd and the organizer team.

the team with Ms. Gemma Ramos ( administrative officer in Polo Owwa)

Distributing the small gifts to our kababayan 

The seminars was a success and for the people behind this success we are glad to have you on the team.
Kudos Guys,the only problem is that you did such a great job I'll probably end up asking you to help again! Thanks so very much. :)
Mabuhay kayong lahat.