Battling Cancer

About 1 in 12 women will contract breast cancer some time during their life, with the odds increasing as they age. But with modern medicine, treatment can be relatively simple and effective. Key to that success, though, is early detection. A regular mammogram is one traditional and still highly useful tool to do so.

A mammogram is a simple x-ray photograph of the breast area. The plates are then examined by a radiologist, who is trained to look at the subtle differences in the picture for indications of tumors. It is an important part of the regime to distinguish between benign cysts and cancerous growths.

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Source: CBC News

Death count mounts in breast cancer test fiasco

Last Updated: Friday, February 22, 2008 | 5:30 PM NT
CBC News

The number of deceased patients involved in a controversial series of breast cancer tests in Newfoundland and Labrador is significantly higher than previously thought, officials said Friday.

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Recently, I have spent most of my day in intimate contact with a number of newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families. I’ve written this guide specifically from the view of the recently diagnosed for their friends, family and acquaintances of people with cancer. This is the third installment of the series — you can read part one here and part two here. 

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This is the second installment of a continuing series for friends, family and acquaintances of people with cancer. You can read part one here.

 

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I’ve been in a situation lately that requires me to spend a great deal of my day every day working intimately with cancer patients. Of those, some have just learned of their diagnosis and are still in shock. Some have been in treatment for awhile, but have not yet come to terms with the full reality of the situation. Some have been told that there is no curative treatment available to them and are wrestling with the idea that they will die of cancer.

I’ve said it before — every person reacts differently. I see shock, anger, denial, depression and hope. I see all of the above in the same person at different times.

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Here’s a look at some of the latest news in prostate cancer:

The New York Times published an in-depth article about prostate cancer and theFrom “No Answers For Men With Prostate Cancer,”

Last year, 218,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, but nobody can tell them what type of treatment is most likely to save their life.

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I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about my friend’s recent cancer diagnosis in the last few days. I think I’m coming to realize that you or a person you love becomes sick, it’s natural reaction to feel as if you’re the only person in the world who has ever been through that situation before.

In the spirit of strength in numbers, I’m compiled 20 positive and supportive internet communities for cancer patients, survivors and their family and friends. I hope that you find them useful!

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I’ve had the opportunity to make many wonderful friends with Battling Cancer readers who email me.

However, we have another opportunity to foster community discussion at Battling Cancer — our comments!

Here’s what former Battling Cancer readers have had to say recently:  More →

For many patients with cancer, your oncologist may recommend radiation treatment in addition to or instead of chemotherapy and surgery.  This therapy involves using x-rays aimed at the tumor and surrounding areas to destroy the cancer cells.

Radiation therapy can be curative for solid tumors, like breast, prostate and head and neck cancer, that have not spread to other parts of the body. It is also very helpful in controlling pain associated with tumors that are compressing normal organs.

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It looks like Julie and Michael from the other Battling for Health sister sites have also been thinking about caregivers lately:

Battling Diabetes | Caregiving 101

Battling Alzheimer | Who’s Being Cared For, Anyway?

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