KK's Cancer Page
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is considered a heterogeneous disease—differing by individual, age group, and even the kinds of cells within the tumors themselves. Obviously no woman wants to receive this diagnosis, but hearing the words “breast cancer” doesn’t always mean an end. It can be the beginning of learning how to fight, getting the facts, and finding hope.
Women in the United States get breast cancer more than any other type of cancer except for skin cancer. It is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women.
Each year it is estimated that nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. Approximately 1,700 men will also be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year. The evaluation of men with breast masses is similar to that in women, including mammography.
Symptoms:
Early breast cancer usually does not cause symptoms. This is why regular breast exams are important. As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:
•Breast lump or lump in the armpit that is hard, has uneven edges, and usually does not hurt
•Change in the size, shape, or feel of the breast or nipple -- for example, you may have redness, dimpling, or puckering that looks like the skin of an orange
•Fluid coming from the nipple -- may be bloody, clear to yellow, green, and look like pus
Men get breast cancer, too. Symptoms include breast lump and breast pain and tenderness.
Symptoms of advanced breast cancer may include:
•Bone pain
•Breast pain or discomfort
•Skin ulcers
•Swelling of one arm (next to breast with cancer)
•Weight loss
Start a plan:
The best way to fight breast cancer is to have a plan that helps you detect the disease in its early stages.Start your Early Detection Plan today.
Our Thoughts:
Kristina & I are very passionate about breast cancer, a very dear friend of ours is a cancer survivor. After hearing about her triumphs and her struggles during her fight, we learned that something as little as finding a bra that would fit her was quite a task. So Kristina and I decided that we wanted to help somehow, so we decided to be a “one stop shop” and carry prosthetics and bras in our store, we also became certified breast fitters. We offer our services for sizing in our store or at your home, we hope that even the “small things” that we can do will help other survivors on their journeys.
Here are some other helpful links:
National Breast Cancer Foundation
http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/about-breast-cancer/what-is-breast-cancer.aspx
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/index
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
http://www.cancercenter.com/
Breast Cancer
http://www.breastcancer.org/
