What is breast cancer?
"Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. The term 'breast cancer' refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. Over time, cancer cells can invade nearby healthy breast tissue and make their way into the underarm lymph nodes, small organs that filter out foreign substances in the body. If cancer cells get into the lymph nodes, they then have a pathway into other parts of the body. The breast cancer’s stage refers to how far the cancer cells have spread beyond the original tumor." (Visit What is Breast Cancer, Breastcancer.org for more information).
Different types of breast cancer:
"The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which begins in the cells of the ducts.
Cancer that begins in the lobes or lobules is called lobular carcinoma and is more often found in both breasts than are other types of breast cancer.
Inflammatory breast cancer is an uncommon type of breast cancer in which the breast is warm, red, and swollen." (Visit Breast Cancer Treatment, National Cancer Institute, for more information).
Types of treatments:
Depending on the breast cancer type and its stage of advancement, treatments may be local or systemic. A local treatment means that only the area around the tumor is affected, whereas systemic treatments impact cancer cells throughout the body. Systemic treatments are usually drug therapies.
COMMON LOCAL TREATMENTS
COMMON SYSTEMIC TREATMENTS
Visit Treating Breast Cancer, American Cancer Society, for more information
Caring For a Loved One with Breast Cancer
Caregiving Tips: Supporting Your Spouse or Partner With Breast Cancer - CancerCare
This webpage provides useful tips about caring for your loved one with breast cancer and yourself, such as helping with practical needs, giving emotional “space,” finding a support group, and knowing your rights as a caregiver.
Breast Cancer: Tips for Family- WebMD
Breast Cancer: Tips for Family lists steps to ease the burden of cancer caregiving. This resource recommends writing down medical questions in advance of appointments, keeping active and taking care of yourself, and asking other family and friends to pitch in.
Caring For a Loved One with Breast Cancer
Caregiving Tips: Supporting Your Spouse or Partner With Breast Cancer - CancerCare
This webpage provides useful tips about caring for your loved one with breast cancer and yourself, such as helping with practical needs, giving emotional “space,” finding a support group, and knowing your rights as a caregiver.
Breast Cancer: Tips for Family- WebMD
Breast Cancer: Tips for Family lists steps to ease the burden of cancer caregiving. This resource recommends writing down medical questions in advance of appointments, keeping active and taking care of yourself, and asking other family and friends to pitch in.