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BREAST HEALTH
Description
Though
both men and women have breast
tissue on their chest, the male
breast is basically a rudimentary
gland while the womans is a milk
secreting glandular organ.
The
breast develops at puberty triggered
by sex hormone estrogen. The breasts
are highly vascular and enervated
organs that respond to sexual
stimuli. In addition, the breast is
composed mostly of adipose (fat)
tissue so that it changes size due
to factors like puberty, menstrual
cycle, pregnancy and weight gain or
loss. Aside from their function of
producing milk, breasts play a role
in human sexual behavior.
Statistical studies
show the following:
50-70% of breast disorders are benign in nature. Those include inflammations/infections, discharge and fibrocystic changes. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women after nonmelanoma skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer. After age 35 the incidence of breast cancer is higher among white women as opposed to the African American woman whose occurrence is slightly higher before the age of 35. About 80% of breast cancer is found in women over the age of 50. Though men do develop breast cancer the incidence is a small fraction compared to that of women.
Types and Symptoms
Breast Pain
This is
the most common complaint of women
regarding their breasts. Breast pain
can be cyclical responding to the
onset of the menstrual cycle or
non-cyclical that has triggers that
can not be identified. It can be
localized or diffuse involving all
of the breast tissue.
Causes of Breast Pain include:
Hormonal Changes
Certain medication such as birth
control pills, hormone
replacement drugs, and caffeine
containing stimulants.
Caffeine in certain women
Cyst
Infection
Fibrocystic Disease or Change
Women
will find on breast self exam dense,
firm breast tissue with palpable
lumps and frequently gross cysts.
Symptoms tend to be more severe
before a period and decrease
afterwards.
Causes
Though unknown some researchers
believe that increase caffeine
consumption may be a contributing
factor in the development of
fibrocystic changes
Symptoms include
Free moving smooth lumps with
defined edges usually found in
the upper outer sections of the
breast
Intermittent pain related to
periodic swelling of the breasts
Itchy nipples
Nipple Discharge
After
breast pain and lumps, the most
common breast complaint by women
seeking medical advice is nipple
discharge. Most nipple discharges
are associated with hormonal changes
but women should consult their
health practitioners if there is any
abnormality in the discharge
Types of Discharge
Cloudy and white discharge
usually caused by lactation but
may be due to increased
stimulation or drugs that
stimulate the production of
Prolactin
Clear or Light White is caused
by pregnancy
Red usually contains blood is
caused by either infection or
breast cancer
Yellow or Green discharge is due
to pus being excreted from the
nipples when infected.
Breast Infection
This
infection usually occurs during the
time of breastfeeding, but it can
occur in women after menopause.
Other causes that are less prevalent
are chronic mastitis or a very rare
form of cancer called inflammatory
carcinoma. If breast infection is
left untreated it can develop into
an abscess requiring surgical
intervention.
Symptoms include:
Redness, warmth and pain of
breasts
Swelling
Breast engorgement
Fever and chills
Generalized body aches
Breast Cancer (See
Conditions -
Breast Cancer)
Breast Cancer is present when cells
begin to grow rapidly and out of
control in the breast. In some
cases the cancer cells than travel
along to other parts of the body as
lymph is drained from the breasts
into the lymph system.
Symptoms include:
Lump in
the breast or armpit (usually the
first warning sign)
Change in the size, shape, or color
of the breast or nipple
Dimples or redness of the skin on
the breast
Spontaneous red nipple discharge
Questions to ask the
expert
How many years
experience have you had treating this
disorder
What is your success
rate
Certificates and
Licenses
References
General Tips
Avoid
caffeine and alcohol; they increase
the risk of getting breast cancer
Eat
five fruits and vegetables a day
Get
regular exercise- Researchers have
found that about 30 minutes of
exercise three to four times per
week may help decrease your risk of
breast cancer,
Seek
medical advice for abnormal nipple
discharge, signs of infection
Do a
regular breast self exam (best done
when not menstruating)
American Cancer Society recommends
yearly mammograms after the age of
40 and more frequently for those
women with family history of breast
cancer
Eat
broccoli, maitake mushrooms and
drink green tea (prevention and aid
in the fight against breast cancer
List of Products &
Services
Mammo Guard ( Breast Health Assurance ),
500mg - 60 Caps
This 100% natural herbal product is based on
proven Chinese decoctions, and effective
western herbs used for improving mammary and
lymphatic systems health. Including herbs
that the Chinese have used in breast
hyperplasia, cancer, lumps, acute or
suppurative mastitis, inflammation and
breast cellulitis, fibrocystic breast, etc.
Breast Support Wellness Oil, Nature's
Inventory, 2 fl oz
When you use the
Wellness Oil in conjunction with your
monthly breast exam, the oil will help to
support and drain the lymphatic system. It
is developed specifically for the breast
tissue, and is a must have for any womans
medicine cabinet as a preventative measure
for breast cancer.
BOOKS &
Publications
Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman
Way (Wise Woman Herbal Series, Book 4) (Wise
Woman Herbal Series) (Paperback) by
SUSAN S. WEED
The Informed Woman's Guide to Breast Health:
Breast Changes That Are Not Cancer
(Paperback) by Kerry A. McGinn
Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book:4th Edition
2005 (Paperback) by Susan M. Love
(Author)
Secrets for Reducing Your Breast Cancer Risk
(2005) - DVD
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