Monday, November 28, 2011

Side Effects Of Breast Cancer Hormone Therapy Chemotherapy

Breast cancer is usually separated into invasive and noninvasive types. Invasive breast cancer spreads from its original site to the surrounding tissues. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the most frequent type of breast cancer in women. On the other hand, noninvasive cancer cells are unable to spread and are confined to their original site. Risk factors of cancer include hereditary, age over 50, early menstruation, late menopause, exposure to radiation therapy, history of hormone replacement therapy, late or no childbirth, and alcohol use.

Breast can be treated successfully if detected early. It is highly advised that every woman should get familiar with their breasts and check them regularly for any abnormal changes. Self breast exam is the best way to detect the early signs of cancer. Actually, the proportion of deaths caused by breast cancer is now decreasing, mainly due to the increased awareness among the women and advanced breast cancer treatment options. Women who discover a lump or any other abnormality in their breasts are recommended to visit their doctor as soon as possible.

Side Effects of Breast Cancer: Although it can be effectively cured, the treatment can cause several physical, psychological, and psychosocial effects. This noxious disease can lead to several changes in the body, such as loss of the affected breast, and weight changes. Breast cancer treatment often causes premature menopause and menopausal symptoms. The patients who undergo radiation therapy for breast cancer may suffer from fatigue, a red-colored scar on the breasts, changes in the size and appearance of the breast, and lymphoedema or collection of fluids in the tissues. There is also a risk for damage to other organs like heart and lungs and breaking of ribs.

Hormone therapy is mainly used to treat this cancers that are hormone sensitive. Some of the possible side effects of this cancer hormone therapy are fatigue, headaches, hot flashes, skin rash, vaginal discharge and irritation, jagged menstrual periods, hot flashes, joint pain, and muscle pain. Rarely, hormone therapy can result in serious complications, including stroke, heart problem, cataract problem, uterine cancer, osteoporosis, bone loss and the subsequent broken bones.

In many cases, chemotherapy is used as a primary treatment or in combination with other treatment methods to treat this cancer. The short-term side effects of this cancer chemotherapy include fatigue, hair loss, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, mouth sores, increased risk for infection, and easy bleeding or bruising. These chemotherapy side effects can vary from patient to patient. Some types of chemotherapy can have lasting side effects, such as infertility, osteoporosis, damage to the heart, nerve damage,, concentration and memory problems, and leukemia (very rarely).

The breast cancer chemotherapy patients may also exhibit emotional symptoms like isolation, fear, and sadness. Definitely, breast cancer and its treatment can affect the emotional wellbeing of a woman. Many women feel devastated, upset, and vulnerable when they are diagnosed with breast cancer. Anxiety and depression are very common among women who suffer from this dreadful medical condition.

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