Breast cancer is rising in this country, and it continues to be one of the deadliest and most common forms of cancer. Yet, despite all of this, people still don’t really know about the mastectomy procedure or other treatment options that are available to them. It is important to understand what these treatments involve, so that you can choose the one that is right for you and gives you the biggest chance of recovery.
The Mastectomy
The mastectomy is used the world over in the treatment of breast cancer in the world. This is a surgical procedure whereby either one or both breasts are removed in full. In so doing, any tumors and cancerous cells are also removed in full.
Around 77% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer in Europe will have a mastectomy. Yet, in the United States, only around 56% of women do. They will choose different treatment options instead.
Breast Cancer and Early Detection
Breast cancer is a form of cancer that can be treated very successfully, but only if it is caught early. Early detection, however, still needs to be improved on. Unfortunately, many women don’t regularly check themselves for breast cancer signs. This is in part because they don’t know what to look for, but also because they are afraid of finding something.
In 2004, a study showed that around 216,000 women in this country received a breast cancer diagnosis. 40,000 of these cases proved to be fatal. Depending on early detection and treatment, the survival rate for breast cancer is between 10% and 98%. The different variables involved in the disease are what make these percentages sway so much Breast cancer can occur in men and women, but it is 100 times more common in women. This is why it is women who must focus so much on proper early detection.
To improve current statistics, women should become more knowledgeable about the treatment options that are available to them. They should also know how to conduct self-examinations and commit to performing those at least once a month. With all forms of cancer, but particularly so with breast cancer, early detection is key to successful survival rates. The sooner cancer is identified, the more likely it is that a woman will survive it as well.
Breast cancer is serious and it is important to understand that it certainly has the potential to be deadly. It can also occur in anyone, regardless of age or gender. Women are more likely to develop it, and particularly women over 50, but that does not mean that men or those under 50 should not worry about it at all. The reality is that late diagnosis is what makes this disease so fatal. To stop yourself from becoming part of this statistic, you should do your research and perform regular self-examination.
And do also remember that, if you do have breast cancer and have to have a mastectomy, you can still have a fantastic quality of life.