Breast Cancer Medicines

Az-M380 is a 52-year-old female from Indonesia. About seven years ago (in 2001) she detected a lump in her left breast. She refused medical treatment and opted for jamu instead. This treatment with the local Indonesian herbs was not effective. By 2003, the lump grew bigger. Az underwent a mastectomy in a private hospital in Medan. This was followed by six cycles of chemotherapy. No radiotherapy was indicated. She took tamoxifen for a year and then gave it up.

Barely three years later (in 2006) there was a swelling on her left neck. Az did not seek further medical help. She went to see a sinseh (Chinese physician) instead and was on his treatment for six months. The treatment was not effective.

Az went to Bogor, Java, and was treated by another alternative practitioner for six months. This treatment too was not effective. Az had a new swelling in her arm pit. Her left arm became swollen. There was also a small lump in her right breast. An X-ray done in October 2007 indicated the cancer had spread to her bones.

Not wanting to give up alternative treatments, Az again went to Sukabumi, in Java, and received treatment from an alternative practitioner. She was given herbal extract through infusion and also took some herbal drink. This treatment required that she stay in Jakarta for the entire duration of her treatment.

Az told us that she refused to seek further medical treatment because the doctor wanted her to undergo chemotherapy again. She was not willing to receive anymore chemotherapy due to the side effects.

Az heard about us and decided to fly to Penang to seek our help on 6 June 2008. She presented with the following:

1) She had pulling pains at the left collarbone area. This area was also swollen.

2) Her left breast was also swollen.

3) She had pains in her right thigh.

Az was prescribed Caspsule A, Breast L Tea, Breast M Tea, Bone Tea, Pain Tea and Upper Edema Tea.
After five days on these herbs, Az and her husband reported the following:

1) She started taking the herbs on Friday evening. The next two days - Saturday and Sunday, she suffered the most severe pains in her entire life. She thought she would die and requested her husband to bring her home to Medan.

2) Az persisted in taking the herbs. The pains subsided and after five days, 80% of the pains were gone. The pulling pains in the collarbone which she suffered earlier were also gone.

3) Her swollen left arm became softer.

4) There was less pain in her right thigh.

Az continued to take the herbs and returned to Medan. A month later, 6 July 2008, Az came back and reported the following progress:

1) Generally there was much less pains.

2) The swelling of the left arm was about 70% gone and on some days it was not swollen at all.

3) The swelling in her left collarbone seemed to be smaller and softer.

The results of her blood test done on 9 June 2008 were: ESR = 46 High, RBC = 4.3, Haemoglobin = 13.2, Platelet = 204, WBC = 6.6 and CA 15.3 = 15.2

The liver function test done on 7 July 2008 showed: Albumin = 42, Alkaline phosphatase = 81,
AST = 113 High, ALT = 96 High, GGT = 37 High. In view of the elevated liver function values, Az was prescribed additional herbs for her liver.

Comments

There are many things we can learn from this story.

1. Does surgery and chemotherapy cure breast cancer? The answer is NO. Barely three years after the treatment the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes at the collarbone region. (Caution - since no biopsy was done to confirm this, we can only assume that the cancer had spread).

2. Az did not want to see her doctor anymore. If she were to see her doctor, what do you think the doctor would do to her? Answer: More chemotherapy - what else? The big question is: What do you think would have happened to Az after more chemotherapy? This is a million dollar question! Would Az be still alive today? No one can say for sure.

Let me quote what Amy Soscia, a breast cancer patient said: “There is no cure for metastatic breast cancer. It never goes away. You just move from treatment to treatment”.

An Oxford University professor, Michael Gearin-Tosch was diagnosed with cancer. The oncologist told him: “No cure. But we have treatment”. Professor Tosch wondered: “Why treat if you cannot cure?” He did not see the logic of it all and declined chemotherapy and lived to write a book, Living Proof.

Professor Tosch also recalled the experiences of his friend Rosemary and many others like her. They were “never told what would happen. They had ghastly treatments. Then more ghastly treatments. And in the end? The hospital turns around: Nothing more we can do for you. Go home and die”. (Living proof, pg. 31, 32).

3. It is indeed unfortunate that Az liver function has deteriorated. What do you think is the reason? Is it due to the cancer per se or the treatment that she had received earlier? Does any want dare to ask if the six cycles of chemotherapy and/or the tamoxifen that she had earlier, had contributed to this deterioration? No one dare to ask or ever bother to want to know! And most often the finger is pointed to the taking of herbs or supplements.

4. Az was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was forty-five years old. It has been more than seven years now and she is still alive. I have come across many patients who died two, three or four years after their diagnosis, in spite of the fact that they had undergone the best medical treatments. I told Az and her husband: “Let us all be grateful that Az is still alive - in spite of failures of alternative therapies!” From here, we hope to be able to help Az live a little more longer.

5. Az suffered a healing crisis after taking the herbs. Many patients would have cursed Chris Teo for this suffering. Patients should learn from Az’s experience. Below are excerpts of our conversation about the healing crisis that Az had gone through. This was recorded on 11 June 2008, five days after she started taking the herbs.

Chris: Did you take the herbs after seeing me last Friday?

Az: Yes - for five days now. Oh, I suffered so much pain after I started taking the herbs.

Husband: Since 2001 up to this day, my wife suffered the most severe pain in her entire life during the past few days.

Az: The pains were so severe that I was not able to sleep.

Husband: I too was unable to sleep because of that. She was so restless - moved here and there. She had to put her hands against the wall and she wanted me to bring her home to Medan that very night.

Az: I told my husband that I might die here that night.

Chris: Very good, very good. If you take the herbs and you did not suffer such “healing crisis” then the herbs are not doing anything to you. They are not effective! So I am glad to hear this! Good for you. Okay, tell us what happened. On the first day, did you suffer any pain?

Az: On the first day - a few hours after I took the herbs, I started to feel the pains. Then the pains continued to the second day. On the third day the pains were just as severe. But on the fourth day the pains was less.

Chris: Good. After taking the herbs, generally you would suffer pains. These pains become more severe. Then after a few days, the pains gradually decrease. So, tell us when was the most painful experience after taking the herbs?

Az: I took the herbs on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday the pains were really severe. By Monday the pains had decreased.

Husband: The pains started in the left collarbone area, than they moved down to the left breast and then the whole left arm. We could not even touch her arm. It was so painful.

Az: I really do not know how to describe such pains.

Chris: While suffering such pains, did you ever feel of wanting to throw away the herbs and give up? You have lost confidence in the herbs?

Az: No! I told my husband that this could be the reaction from the herbs. I would continue taking the herbs.

Chris: Did you stop taking the herbs during those five days?

Az: No, I continued taking them.

Husband: I told her. Continue taking the herbs. Believe in the herbs! We have been to so many other alternative healers and we believe that the “real” doctor is here.

Chris: (Checking through her medical history). Oh, you have gone to so many alternative healers before. Let me ask you - after receiving their treatments, did you ever experience such pains or healing crisis like you had just experienced in the past few days?

Az and husband: No, no - never!

Husband: As I have said earlier, since 2001 - when she first had this problem, she had never suffered such severe pains before. The pains on that Friday night were the start of the Mother of All Pains.

Az: I had never suffered such pains before.

Chris: Most patients would have given up or stop taking the herbs after such pains.

Az and Husband: No, no, we did not do that.

Chris: Yes, I would predict that such reaction would happen to you. Today is the fifth day - have the pains become much less?

Az: Yes, very much less. If Friday was a 100 point, today it is only 20 points.

Chris: I am predicting that in the next few days you would be much better and you will suffer much less pains.

Husband: Tomorrow we plan to return to Medan.

Chris: Okay, after all that experience, do you still believe in the herbs?

Az: Yes!

For more information about complementary cancer therapy visit: http://www.cacare.com, http://www.BookOnCancer.com

The complex interaction of anti-canerous substances in mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (ling zhi, picture) and green tea has been shown to suppress progression and invasiveness of metastatic breast cancers, according to a study done at the Cancer Research Laboratory, Methodist Research Institute, Indianapolis. Epidemiological studies have suggested that consumption of green tea may decrease the risk of a variety of cancers. In addition, Ganoderma lucidum has been used for the promotion of health, longevity and treatment of cancer in traditional Chinese medicine.

In the present study, the researchers showed that that extract from green tea increased the anticancer effect of Ganoderma lucidum extract on cell proliferation as well as colony formation of breast cancer cells.

This effect was mediated by the down-regulation of expression of oncogene c-myc in breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 cells), i.e. desensitized genes that increase the malignancy of a tumour cell.

Down regulation is the process by which a cell decreases the number of receptors to a given hormone or neurotransmitter to reduce its sensitivity to this molecule. This is a locally acting negative feedback mechanism. An increase of receptors is called up regulation.

What is oncogene c-myc? c-myc is a proto-oncogene. An oncogene is a modified gene, or a set of nucleotides that codes for a protein, that increases the malignancy of a tumour cell. Some oncogenes, usually involved in early stages of cancer development, increase the chance that a normal cell develops into a tumour cell, possibly resulting in cancer. The proto-oncogene c-myc may play a role in controlling the growth and division of normal cells, and abnormalities of the gene have been implicated in the genesis of a substantial variety of human tumours.

c-myc is expressed in proliferating cells in the body, such as keratinocytes, hepatocytes, bone marrow cells, fibroblasts, and vascular smooth muscle cells. It is repressed when these cells withdraw from the cell cycle.

Although individual extract from green tea and Ganoderma lucidum extract independently inhibited adhesion, migration and invasion of the breast cancer cells, their combination demonstrated a synergistic effect, which was mediated by the suppression of secretion of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) from breast cancer cells, which plays an important role in malignant tumour progression.

What is urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR)? uPAR is a cell-surface molecule that urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) binds to. When bound to uPAR, uPA is activated converting plasminogen into plasmin. Plasmin digests fibrin, allowing room for endothelial tube formation. The urokinase plasminogen activator system plays a central role in malignant tumour progression.

The researchers suggest combined green tea and G. lucidum extracts has the potential to suppress growth and invasiveness of metastatic breast cancers.

[Int J Oncol. 2007 Apr30(4):963-9.]

I?m a Vancouver-based newspaper editor. I have long wished to build an info website about evidence-based Chinese medicine. Chinese Medicine News is an info weblog dedicated to reporting evidence-based studies and research on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). With the growing interests in alternative medicine from the public around the world, it is important for them to get informed of the validity and reliability of the herbs they want to take / are taking. For more information please visit: Chinese Medicine News.

Your body is made up of cells, which are the main elements in the tissue that your body uses to create and maintain your organs. When some of these cells grow and divide in improper ways, they can turn cancerous and form into a mass called a tumor. As cells grow old and die within your body they?re replaced with new ones. At least, this is what happens when cells behave as they?re meant to.

When this process of cellular regeneration falters for whatever reason, the cells have nowhere to go and that?s part of the reason they form into these growths. The tumors can be classed as either benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancerous although they?re just as scary when found in your body. They aren?t life threatening and can usually be removed easily. Benign tumors do not spread or invade the cells around them. Malignant tumors on the other hand, are cancerous and are definitely bad for your health in all cases. Though they can generally be removed, they sometimes grow back or invade other nearby organs or tissue. This spreading of the malignant cancer cells to other parts of the body is called Metastasis.

With breast cancer, the diseased cells are usually located within the lymph nodes near the infected breast. Breast cancer can spread to other areas of the body as well, with the most common areas being the liver, lungs, brain or bones. This is known as metastasic breast cancer and the cells in the other infected areas are still composed of breast cancer cells. Doctors generally term this sort of tumor migration as, distant metastasic cancer.

Breast cancer has no set type of woman that it attacks. Doctors have no explanation for why some women get the disease while others don?t. However, women with certain risk factors are more likely to develop cancer than women without these factors. Some of these factors can include:

1. A woman?s age is directly proportionate to her chances of developing cancer. Older women are at greater risk, while younger women rarely develop the disease before they reach menopause

2. A family history of cancer will raise the risk factor of developing the disease

3. If a woman has already had the disease in one breast, the chances are high that she will develop cancer in the other one

It is important to remember that women with high risk factors do not always get cancer, just as women who develop breast cancer may not fall into any of the high risk groups. This is why it?s hard to predict who will get this terrible disease and who will be spared. Other than those in higher risk groups, there?s no real way to tell. It?s very important to have yourself screened for the disease before any symptoms develop. The earlier that this cancer is caught, the sooner it can be treated and the more likely it is that you?ll survive the disease. If you have any breast pain or any other symptom of the disease, don?t panic. Many similar symptoms are attributed to many other problems and are generally not cancerous.

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Genetic alterations are key factors in breast carcinogenesis. However, it is not fully understood what causes the genetic damage. Is it the woman's environment or her life that does the damage? Or is it hormones? If so, is it her own, or the ones she takes? Or is it toxic chemicals or a virus or radiation that causes these alterations? If it were possible to identify the causes and block or eliminate them, it wouldn't matter quite as much which genes were being altered.

A good example is lung cancer. It is well known that cigarette smoking triggers the disease, so it must cause the genetic alterations. Thus, it is less crucial to find out what the alterations are, because it is not necessary to neutralize the causative genetic alterations. People can just be told to stay away from cigarette smoke and, if they do so, that will tremendously reduce the risk of lung cancer. So in the case of breast cancer, thinks like diet, alcohol consumption, hormone replacement, pesticides in the environment and electromagnetic waves are currently being studied to find carcinogens, but so far, none has been found equivalent to smoke in lung cancer. Both the environmentalists and the basic researchers are right, at least to an extent. You can't simply say, “Toxic chemicals are the cause of cancer”. Alone, they are not. Many people are exposed to environmental toxicants such as pesticides and never develop cancer. But on the other hand, you can't also simply say, “All cancers are genetic, environmental contaminants are irrelevant”. It is the interaction between genes and the environment that will, in the end, explain cancer.

Another important aspect of breast cancer genetics are very important genes called tumor suppressor genes. These genes tamper with oncogenes (genes that have mutated) and proto-oncogenes (normal, non-mutated genes). These genes serve as breaks for the cell cycle system. While there are some genes that push the cells to grow and divide, tumor suppressor genes function in reverse to this. Sometimes, this happens because the cell is defective in which case the tumor suppressor gene signals the cell to stop replicating or, in some instances, causes the cell to undergo a programmed type of death, known as apoptosis.

The tumor suppressor gene, p53, keeps cells with DNA mutation from dividing. It is believed that BRCA 1 and BRCA 2, which are breast cancer genes, are actually tumor suppressor genes normally functioning as DNA repair molecules. Since these genes maintain the balance in the cell cycle system, mutations or loss of function could be disastrous for the cell.

In most cancers, there is not just one but several mutations. One of the more important questions is whether the mutations come in sequentially. Will one develop breast cancer is she has the oncogene Her-2/neu mutation initially, followed by alteration of the tumor suppressor gene p53, but not if the p53 mutates first? There is still so much to be discovered with regard to the genetic causes of breast cancer. We don't have the answers yet, but we are definitely on the verge of solving the mystery.

Michael RussellYour Independent guide to Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer. For most women it is something they dread hearing, but it is something more and more will hear in their lifetime. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, but also occurs in a small number of men. It is most commonly associated with those above the age of 50. It can be contracted by those in younger age groups, but the risk is not as high as for those in the older age range.

There is currently no defined cause for breast cancer, although there are factors which can put someone at a higher risk. Some risk factors are unavoidable, while some are not.

Unavoidable risk factors include

- Gender: Women are more susceptible to contracting breast cancer than men.

- Age: The older a person gets, the greater the risk factor.

- Family history: If a family member has previously contracted the disease, the chances of another family member contracting it rises considerably.

- Genetic predisposition: If the body carries a gene associated with the disease, the odds can increase greatly. This gene can be passed down through generations. If a parent is known to carry a genetic predisposition, it is also possible for their children to carry the gene as well.

- Race: White women are much more susceptible to contracting breast cancer than black or Hispanic women.

- Prolonged exposure to estrogen: Those who enter the menopause at a more advanced age than normal (55+) are believed to have a higher risk factor. Estrogen is believed to play a part in causing breast cancer to form.

Factors which can be controlled include

- Weight: As in most cancers, those who are overweight place themselves at a higher risk of cancer. Anyone overweight would be advised to begin an exercise program and improve their diet as soon as possible. Especially if coupled with age factors. Always be sure to consult with a doctor before beginning a rigorous exercise program.

- Smoking: Again, as with other cancers, those who smoke are putting themselves at a higher risk for cancer. Quit smoking as soon as possible to reduce the risk of cancer.

- Drinking: Those who drink more than one alcoholic beverage per day are thought to be at greater risk of breast cancer. If you struggle with alcohol, seek help to quit and cut the risk. If that is not possible, try to limit yourself to only one alcoholic beverage per day.

There are many symptoms, which may point to breast cancer. Finding a lump or hardening of the breast, or areas near the breast, is the most common symptom. Other symptoms can include a change in breast size, discharge from the nipple itself, tenderness and even a change in how the breast feels. If you experience any of these symptoms, you are advised to visit a doctor as soon as possible.

If caught in the early stages, breast cancer is much easier to combat and in most cases can be beaten. If allowed to reach an advanced stage, the survival rates are much worse. That means screening and preventative measure are essential. If you are over the age of 50, a mammogram is an essential tool in breast cancer prevention. Have your doctor schedule one at appropriate intervals. If you find a lump, have it checked. A little prevention can go a long way in avoiding an unnecessary battle with the advanced stages of this dreaded disease.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Breast Cancer

The management of breast cancer has changed substantially over the past twenty years.

Improved screening techniques, better adjuvant therapy options, and refined surgical practices have led to a huge fall in mortality and improved survival from breast cancer by a huge rate, which is actually very good news.

This trend is likely to continue as these modalities of treatment are continually improved to give better results and better care. The beginning of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, earlier diagnosis, improved survival, quality of life issues and a more holistic approach has resulted in tailored and individualized surgical planning to give better results and allow a better healing of breast cancers.

The fact that patient and doctor expectations raised has actually resulted in a need to optimise cosmesis and minimise psychological morbidity whilst maintaining safe removal of the cancer. Traditionally the breast cancer surgeon would actually resect the breast cancer, and subsequent restorative surgery would be completed immediately or at a later date by a plastic surgeon that would have no connection with the surgeon who did the work on the cancer.

Patients who underwent mastectomy were often not offered immediate reconstruction and this unfortunately remains the case in some private or public centres in the United Kingdom today.
Worldwide, the traditional model of a general surgeon with an interest in breast disease is changing where cross-specialty skills acquired from breast oncology and plastic surgery are leading to the emergence of the “oncoplastic breast surgeon” trained in new techniques such as sentinel node biopsy and skin-sparing mastectomy that could help patient even more.
The result of that is seamless specialist breast cancer surgery in which ablation of the cancer is merged with reconstruction. These require careful planning and a balancing of oncological need with aesthetic aim.

Any patient with a breast lump should be subjected to rapid “triple assessment”. This triple assessment involves a detailed history and physical examination, imaging of the breast using mammography, ultrasound and MRI scanning if required, and biopsy of any specific area of concern. Any breast clinic offering oncoplastic breast surgery usually also offer a rapid triple assessment of all symptomatic breast patients in a convenient and comfortable environment. So whether you go for a private breast cancer surgeon or a public one, do no wait if you think you have a breast cancer. Remember that breast cancer is actually the second most common type of cancer right after the lung cancer.

The author is working as a private breast cancer surgeon and is an oncoplastic breast surgeon breast cancer treatment

What You Don’t Want to Hear

“You have breast cancer” are words that can put fear into anyone’s heart, and knowing breast cancer symptoms may help save your life. Women should follow their doctors recommendations regarding mammograms. Early detection of breast cancer means more treatment options and a better chance of cure.?

What to Look For

While often breast lumps aren’t cancerous, the most common sign of breast cancer, for both men and women, is usually a thickening or lump in the breast. Generally, early breast cancer does not cause pain. Five warning signs include:

• A change in the size or contours of your breast
• Any flattening or indentation of the skin over your breast
• A spontaneous clear or bloody discharge from your nipple, often associated with a breast lump
• Retraction or indentation of your nipple
• Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange

A change in size or feel of your breast can be caused by a number of conditions other than breast cancer. Pregnancy and your menstrual cycle naturally changes breast tissue during that time. Fibrocystic changes, cysts, fibroadenomas, infection or injury are other possible causes of noncancerous (benign) breast changes. ?

What Reduces Risk

Two molecules, touted as “miracle molecules”, help reduce the risk of breast cancer. These molecules are Resveratrol and Ellagic? Acid. A great source of these comes from grapes (red wine) and pomegranates. Supplementing your diet with these antioxidant molecules can have a significant effect on your chances of hearing those words “you have breast cancer”.

Genesis, by Symmetry Direct, contains in one serving the amount of resveratrol equivalent of one bottle of wine. You can find Genesis at http://www.symmetrydirectgenesis.com.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women; more and more young women are suffering from breast cancer. There are 4 major factors leading to breast cancer.

1. The Change In Hormone Levels

More and more young women are suffering from breast cancer. As a medical point of view, the age of incidence of breast cancer is becoming younger, mainly because of urban lifestyle changes.

Environmental pollution, food contamination, the tense psychological pressure, the change in hormone levels and some other man-made factors have led to the increase in risk of breast cancer in young women.

2. Too Much Spiritual Pressure

One of the important factors lead to breast cancer is related to mental stress. Many people today face more competitions, and loss the natural way of life. Usually work overtime in the evening, drink more coffee, smoking, eat more genetically modified food, etc.

3. Late Marriage, Postponement Of Childbearing And Less Breast-feeding

Epidemiological statistics show that late marriage, late childbearing, less breast-feeding is a negative factor to women. However, it is not very sure whether this is a real risk of breast cancer incidence. We recommend women bear naturally in the age for fertility.

The breast will proliferate after women bear. If there is no breast-feeding, it is unfavorable to the baby health, on the other hand it is negative to the natural cycle of women. Breast-feeding can reduce the risk of breast cancer.

4. Breast Enlargement Products Containing Excessive Hormones

If there contains unhealthy or excessive hormone in breast enlargement products, it must be unfavorable to breast.

Win Ho writes articles about cancers, introduces symptoms of several types of cancer, cancer causes, treatment and more. You can find more cancer informations in his site http://www.helpcancertreatment.com

Breast cancer has become a more common disease among women in modern times. Once known as an older women's disease, women in their 20's are now experiencing more cases of it. Statistics reveal that the average breast cancer risk is 14%. This climbs by 32% for smokers. The incidence of breast cancer could also be inherited but is likely more too environmental factors and lifestyle. Studies show that two genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 should normally prevent cancer cell growth but when there are abnormalities in these genes, they can become the cause of higher breast cancer risk. Combine this with the present toxic environment and multiple carcinogens and the higher rates are easier to understand.

Typical breast cancer symptoms are the formation of lumps, swelling or skin changes in the breast. However, a cyst or an infection could also exhibit the same symptoms. Regular self-examination of the breast and an annual mammogram would help in early diagnosis of breast cancer. If there is a doubt and concern that breast cancer may be starting, further scans like ultrasound, MRI, CAT, and PET scans should be taken.

Breast cancer treatment depends on several factors, like the size and stage of the tumor, as well as the lymph node and hormone receptor status. Breast cancer is classified as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), and invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC).

Modern technology has ushered in several treatment options. They are surgery, radiation, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy. These treatments could be done singly or in a combination of more than one. Normal breast cancer surgery, called lumpectomy, is done where only the tumor in the breast is removed. Normally, radiation therapy is applied as a follow-up measure to ensure that the remaining breast tissues are hopefully cleansed of cancer cells. In mastectomy, the entire breast is removed and in most cases followed up by radiation and/or chemotherapy. This is because the current understanding of cancer is that they really don't know the cause or the extent so they recommend this in hopes that it gets all the cancerous cells.

In persons having invasive breast cancer, surgery and radiation might be supplemented by an axillary lymph node dissection. Further hormonal therapy or chemotherapy - or both - might be needed in a few breast cancer patients. Radiation therapy is an effective process for the destruction of cancer cells that might remain after surgery. Radiation therapy reduces the risk of recurrence significantly. The side effects of radiation therapy are dependant on the type, duration and health of the patient. Dietary changes and nutritional supplements are highly recommended.

If the breast cancer is hormone-receptor-positive, then hormonal therapy is a primary method of breast cancer treatment. Hormonal therapy stops the hormone known as estrogen to stimulate breast cancer cell growth. In recent times, aromatase inhibitors are preferred to tamoxifen, particularly for breast cancer treatment of post-menopausal women who have hormone-receptive-positive breast cancer. Chemotherapy is resorted to mainly to eliminate any cancer cells that could have spread from the breast to other parts of the body. However, the chemotherapy treatment regimen would differ with each individual. It is very important to be regular in the treatment plan and continue with follow-up checkups to avoid recurrence, as well as a change in lifestyle.

Darren Dunner is the author of this article on Breast Cancer Treatment . Visit today http://www.facr.org