8. How did BCPT and STAR use the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool to add
to our knowledge of breast cancer risk?
Both breast cancer prevention studies, BCPT and STAR, explored ways of
reducing the risk of developing breast cancer; their findings have increased our
knowledge of risk. Both trials involved women who have not had breast cancer,
but were at high risk of developing it. BCPT used the Breast Cancer Risk
Assessment Tool to determine eligible participants by projecting each woman's
individualized estimate of breast cancer risk. The projections were accurate;
thus the BCPT results validated the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool. STAR
researchers used the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool for determining
eligibility for enrollment. All STAR participants had to have an increased risk
of breast cancer equivalent to or greater than that of an average 60- to
64-year-old woman.
9. What else can a woman do about breast cancer?
NCI recommends that women in their 40s and older get screening mammograms
every one to two years. Women who are at higher than average risk of breast
cancer should talk with their health care providers about whether to have
mammograms before age 40 and how often to have them. Women also can take an
active part in the early detection of breast cancer by having regular clinical
breast exams (breast exams performed by health professionals).
Advances in screening have provided new tools for detection. In September of
2005, preliminary results from a large clinical trial of digital vs. film
mammography found no difference in detecting breast cancer for the general
populations of women in the trial. However, the Digital Mammographic Imaging
Screening Trial (DMIST) found that women with dense breasts, who are pre- or
perimenopausal (women who had a last menstrual period within 12 months of their
mammograms), or who are younger than age 50, may benefit from having a digital
rather than a regular film mammogram. More information about DMIST can be found
at http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/DMISTQandA.
Source: U.S. National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, http://www.cancer.gov
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the “change of life." Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and emotional symptoms such as mood swings. Treatment of menopausal symptoms varies, and should be discussed with your physician.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. Symptoms include a lump in the breast or underarm area, nipple pain, change in breast size or shape, an inverted nipple, nipple discharge, and breast skin changes. Treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy, hormone therapy, or surgery.
Alcoholism is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as losing a job or getting into trouble with the law.
Normal vaginal bleeding (menorrhea) occurs through the process of menstruation. Abnormal vaginal bleeding in women who are ovulating regularly most commonly involves excessive, frequent, irregular, or decreased bleeding. Causes of abnormal may arise from a variety of conditions.
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, a treatment of drugs that destroy cancer cells.
There are a number of different methods of birth control to include: barrier methods, IUDs, hormonal methods, natural methods, and surgical sterilization. Birth control methods can be reversible or permanent. In simple terms, all methods of birth control are based on either preventing a man's sperm from reaching and entering a woman's egg (fertilization) or preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the woman's uterus (her womb) and starting to grow.
Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
Lifestyle changes, a healthy antioxidant-rich diet, exercise, and weight reduction can help reduce a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. It's important to be aware of how risk factors such as family history, lifestyle factors, breast conditions, radiation therapy, and hormonal factors may influence your chances of developing breast cancer. Mammography and breast self-examinations are crucial steps in breast cancer prevention.
Cancer RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the