Maybe you have never heard of Vicki Channing Tashman, but she is a hero for breast cancer survivors. I talked with her yesterday, and she is a very committed woman!

Vicki, like me, is a breast cancer survivor. At the age of 44 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and endured the grueling treatment, including chemotherapy. But unlike so many other women with breast cancer, Vicki did not run away and hide. No! She ran toward this deadly disease and in 2005 she founded Pink-Link, a fantastic, free support website that enables breast cancer survivors to mentor women who are newly diagnosed.

Because each woman’s cancer is different, therefore medications must be different, Vicki created a central online database of breast cancer survivors and patients everywhere. Survivors can input details about their cancers and treatments. Newly diagnosed women can search the database and learn, and they can do it right in the comfort of their homes. The mentor-patient relationship makes treatment go easier. There is also information for loved ones and medical professionals.

She has been featured in so many magazines, newspapers, and online publications that it would be impossible for me to list half of them. But my favorite has been when she was featured on Happy News online publication. This news publication has impressive endorsements, a few of which I will quote:

Washington Post: “The Happynews glass is always at least half-full, and sometimes it bubbles right over.”
NPR: “Happynews forsakes war and famine, terror and man’s inhumanity to man 24/7.”
Dallas Morning News: “As far as anyone can tell, it’s the first international and national daily news organization dedicated exclusively to upbeat stories.”

Each week the website Do One Nice Thing shines the spotlight on an exceptionally kind individual, “One Nice Person.” The Web site also invites visitors to submit their own “nice thing” ideas and names and photos of kind people, which are then posted on the Web site. Vicki Tashman was featured, along with this picture. (Used with permission, but border and name added)

Vicki and I both love the poem below, but neither of us has been able to locate the original author or copyright holder. I received over 200 copies of it in my email from people who knew I was a breast cancer survivor. Also, I have done web searches and contacted The Library of Congress, trying to locate the real author, but to no avail. It is unbelievable how many thousands of websites display her poem, but they either claim authorship, or they just leave that spot blank. So, without further adieu, here is the poem Vicki and I love.

Attitude is Everything!(author still unknown) There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.

“Well,” she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today.” So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.

“H-M-M, ” she said, “I think I’ll part my hair down the middle today.” So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.

“Well,” she said, “Today I’m going to wear my hair in a pony tail.” So she did and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn’t a single hair on her head.

“YEAH!” she exclaimed, “I don’t have to fix my hair today!”

Attitude is everything.

Have a Good Day!

By: April Lorier

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Breast cancer is very common in women. In fact, it is the second leading cause of death for women with cancer. There are three times more cases of breast cancer than any of the other gynecological cancers put together. Cases of breast cancer have increased from one out of 20 women, to one out of every seven women who have acquired the disease. This disease is not exclusive for females alone. Statistics show that out of 100 women having breast cancer, there will be one male patient developing this kind of cancer.

Age

A girl who starts having her menstrual cycle before the age of 12, or a woman who starts going through menopause after 50 years old are at higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Nationality

Studies have shown that certain racial groups such as European and African women tend to have higher risk of breast cancer compared to Asian women. However, studies also show inconsistencies in this theory since the statistics change once geography is included in the study, since an Asian women living in a western country showed the same risk as the original inhabitants.

Diet

High consumption of corn oil, oil secreted by meat, and polyunsaturated fats increase the risk of person acquiring breast cancer. Monounsaturated fats like canola oil and olive oil promote better heath.

Heredity

Though there is no available proof suggesting the breast cancer is linked to heredity in any way, it is still believe that patients who have a family history of breast cancer are at higher risk of acquiring breast cancer.

Alcohol

Researches showed that women taking more alcohol have 6% increased risk of getting the cancer as compared to those who do not, or consume moderately.

Hormones

A test was conducted in June 2005 where findings noted that women taking hormonal drugs, like medical estrogen, have a higher risk of acquiring breast cancer.

Other

Other factors believe to be risk factors include not having a child, or delayed first childbirth, or not breastfeeding.

By: Steve Valentino

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The fear of hormonal birth control causing cancer is a significant reason why many women decide against this method. But how much truth is to this belief? And what about the benefits some are rumored to have? I did some research on PubMed and read a few scientific studies on this topic, and here is what I found.

In regards to the link between oral contraception and breast cancer, a study published in April 1994 by White et al. concluded the following from their study: “Long-term oral contraceptive use among young women or use beginning near menarche may be associated with a small excess breast cancer risk, possibly due to susceptibility to genetic damage in breast epithelial cells at ages of high breast cell proliferative activity.”

I found a more recent study published in June 2010 by Cibula et al. that looked at many English studies on this topic up to December 2008. Here is a summary of what they found:

* Data about breast cancer risk indicate a slightly increased risk among current users of oral contraceptives, an effect which disappears 5-10 years after stopping.

* Combined oral contraceptives have a significant protective effect on the risk of ovarian cancer, and the protection increases with duration of use (relative risk decreased by 20% for each 5 years of use)

* The risk of endometrial cancer is reduced by about 50% in ever users, a benefit which is greater with increasing duration of use.

* An association has been found between increased risk of cervical cancer and long-term OC use.

* Current OC use has been associated with an excess risk of benign liver tumours and a modest increased risk of liver cancer.

After looking at the other large studies, they concluded that an overall risk of cancer and death have not been linked to OC use, and some may have important health benefits. According to the researchers, “Women wishing to use combined OC can be reassured that their decision is unlikely to place them at higher risk of developing cancer.” Good news for OC users!

By: Kristianne Meisels

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The sad truth is that not everyone, who undergo treatments for breast cancer, are able to survive. A lot of people die every year and there is very little we can do about it. That is why it is necessary to know more about breast cancer survival rates and what treatments you should then choose. The more you know about cancer the better your chances are.

The rates of survival certainly depends on many different factors and the more advanced the cancer is, the lower the survival rates are obviously. The breast cancer stages are the best way to determine the rate of survival for breast cancer patients.

For example Stage 0 means the cancer cells can only be found on the walls of the lump inside the breast and that the cancer is non-invasive. Stage 1 of breast cancer means that the cancer has become invasive already and that the tumor is around 2 cm long. Stage 2A means that the tumor is around 2-5 cm long.

Stage 2B of breast cancer means that the tumor is 2 cm long, but some auxiliary lymph nodes have been affected and if the tumor gets above 5 cm, then the cancer is already reached stage 3A. When the cancer has already reached the skin of the breast, then it has reached stage 3B. When already other organs of the body are affected then the cancer has reached stage 4.

The survival rates from diagnosis for 10-year period is around 76% and 5-year survival rate is 86%. Cancer patients that have metastatic, have a 5-year survival rate of 21% and without metastatic it is 96%. For example Stage 0 has a survival rate of 100%, like Stage 1, Stage 2A has 92%, Stage 2B has 81%, Stage 3A has 67%, Stage 3B has 54% and Stage 4 has only 20% survival rate.

The sooner you have been diagnosed the better you chances will be, as you can see and another way how your chances can be increased is with alternative cancer treatments. There are so many treatments that can either prevent cancer or increase your chances of survival.

By: Jaan Tamm

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Cancer of breast tissue is breast cancer. It is a highly common and fatal cancer in females. Breast cancer can affect males too, as their un grown breast is composed of identical tissues as females. The incidence is less than one percent.

History of breast cancer can be traced back to 1600 B.C. it is considered as one of the oldest known tumors. In Papyrus writing tumors or ulcers of the breast and its cure were mentioned. For very long time there was no cure for the condition. Then in 1749-1806 the Scottish surgeon Benjamin Bell and the French surgeon Jean Louis Petit were the first one to remove the affected breast tissue, and underlying chest muscle.

The first work on the cause of breast cancer was done by Janet Lane-Claypon. The major cause was attributed to damaged or mutated DNA. The reason stated for the same may be due to exposure to ionizing radiation, exposure to estrogens and repaired BRCA1, BRCA2 and p53 genes. Though these causes are stated for the onset of cancer but the underlying factor is not yet proved.

Other causes which are responsible for breast cancer are: Aging – Due to aging the cell no longer are healthier and some un grown calls can develop in to tumors. Previous history of breast cancer- Previous occurrence increases the risk of developing breast cancer again. Family history of breast cancer- patients sister, mother, close female relative had diagnosed for breast cancer. When their female relative developed their first cancer before the age of 50. Late menopause, Early menarchy, Women with dense breast tissue due to dense breast tissues, the fat ratio decreases. This results in more breast cells and the connective tissues.

So they have high chances of developing breast cancer. Alcohol and smoking, Gaining too much weight after menopause. What ever may be the case if you had developed breast cancer or have a high risk for developing breast cancer, first thing is do not panic! Things will come to your control when you have the confidence in you. Each woman has the capacity to deal with it differently. There are many tests like An annual clinical breast examination, Monthly breast examination, Annual mammogram, to detect the condition in each and every woman.

Science and technology has improved so much that treatment for all problems pop up every minute. But always remember there is life after its diagnosis. We hold lot of hope than ever in the age we live in.

By: Keith Londrie

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Breast calcifications are calcium deposits inside breast tissue. They emerge as white spots or flecks on a mammogram and are typically so small that you couldn’t feel them.

Breast calcifications are widespread in all women and are even more common after menopause. Though breast calcifications are typically noncancerous (benign), particular patterns of calcifications – like tight clusters with irregular shapes – might point to breast cancer.

The two major kinds of breast calcifications are:

- Macrocalcifications. They come out as large white dots or dashes on a mammogram. Macrocalcifications are nearly always noncancerous and need no additional follow-up.
- Microcalcifications. They come out as extremely fine white specks on a mammogram. Microcalcifications are typically noncancerous but could sometimes be a sign of cancer.

Where and How Often Do Calcifications come out?

- macrocalcifications show up in roughly 50 percent of women over 50, and 10 percent of women under 50 years of age
- macrocalcifications are typically not troublesome and won’t need a biopsy
- 80 percent of microcalcifications are benign
- microcalcifications could assist identify ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

A microcalcification is an increase of calcium in one spot. They are widespread and most women will have a few on their mammogram at some point in time. The majority of them are benign. A good number of women do worry regarding them, though – maybe since they haven’t been given a complete clarification of what they are.

When should you worry? First, don’t be frightened if you have microcalcifications since the majority women DO have them at some point. The doctor will take a look to observe if they warrant additional examination.

This typically happens when the microcalcifications are new, clustered firmly together, and comes out when magnified to have unusual forms. Rather than spherical, they look similar to grains of salt with irregular edges. This could be an early sign of breast cancer, most frequently non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS or stage 0 breast cancer).

Microcalcifications couldn’t be experienced on clinical exam or your own breast self-exam. They do not harm. This is the value of mammography – it finds them long prior to they could move forward into an actual lump.

Most of the time, suspicious microcalcifications will be biopsied by means of a stereotactic method that enables the doctor to pin down their location and take away a sample consequently it could be examined by a pathologist. The intention of removing tissue by means of this method is not to get rid of all of the microcalcifications but to obtain a representative sampling accordingly a diagnosis could be completed.

By: MC Ezzia

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Alternative names for breast cancer are: cancer of breast; carcinoma – ductal; carcinoma – lobular.

Other names do people employ is familial; malignant neoplasm of breast; malignant tumor of breast; and mammary cancer.

Breast cancer is a disease in which certain cells in the breast become abnormal and reproduce with no control or order to shape a tumor. The most usual form starts in cells lining the ducts that bring milk to the nipple (ductal cancer). Other forms start in the glands that generate milk (lobular cancer) or in other areas of the breast.

However, not all breast cancers are similar. They happen from various areas of the breast, have various names and work in a different way, though they externally come out the same.

The first strength of mind for naming is whether the breast cancer is “in situ” or “invasive”. In situ cancers stay in the boundaries of the type of cells that shaped them. In situ indicates “in place”, staying where it belongs and not spreading. Therefore in situ cancers are at times named precancerous, signifying they might grow into invasive cancers at some later time. Roughly 20-40% of in situ cancers will do this if not removed. At present, roughly 12% of detected breast cancers are in situ.

The second part of the name informs something regarding that particular type of cancer. A number of breast cancers get their names from the cells of the breast that turned into cancer. If the cancer happens from the cells of the tubes or ducts that normally bring milk to the nipple, it is named “ductal” or from the ducts. Eighty percent of breast cancers are ductal.

If a cancer happens from the part of the breast that generates milk, it is named a lobular cancer. “Lobular” refers to lobes, or the milk creating structures. Ten percent of breast cancers are lobular. Another cancer kind is inflammatory breast cancer (3%) which leads to the breast to appear like it has an infection.

The names of other rare types explain what the pathologist observes when s/he looks at the cancer under the microscope. For instance, tubular breast cancer still shapes tube-like structures, medullary breast cancer has the color of the part of the brain named the medulla, mucinous cancers have mucus-like material, and papillary cancer has finger-like projections.

By: MC Ezzia

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Dioxins cause cancer, especially breast cancer. They are highly poisonous to healthy body cells and can be found in many household items.

Dioxins or polychlorinated dibenzodixins are organic compounds and act as environmental pollutants. They are by products in the manufacture of polyvinylchloride, cleaning solvents, pesticides, insulators, paper bleaching,volcanoes and forest fires. Cigarette smoke is another source of these compounds.

Studies in animals have shown toxic effects of the compounds. Birth defects, cancer, liver toxicity, endocrine disruption and immunosuppression were observed in rodent, fish and birds when exposed to dioxins. Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War also had high levels of these compounds.

Dioxins build up in fatty tissues of the body and can reach dangerous levels. Besides being a potential cause of cancer, they can have negative effect on the immune and reproductive systems. High levels can also cause a persistent form of acne.

Heating foods in a microwave oven especially foods that contain fat in plastic containers can release dioxins into the food and into the body’s cells. Using ceramic containers, Pyrex or Corning Ware, is much safer. TV dinners, instant soups and other type of these foods should be removed from the plastic containers before cooking. Use paper towels instead of plastic wrap to cover foods when microwaving to avoid the release of dioxins from the plastic.

Do not freeze plastic bottles with water in them. Freezing can release dioxins from the plastic. Use non- plastic containers to freeze the water but be careful because as some my break due to the expansion of the water.

By: Frank Loethen

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There are some impressive natural treatments for breast cancer, but perhaps the most impressive is the one which deals with the cause. There is always a cause for every ailment. Sometimes it’s obvious, other times it isn’t so clear. In these more obscure cases, a professional homeopath will normally be able to find the cause.

Let’s look at some of the more common causes of breast cancer.

There are many causes for physical disease, and cancer is often considered the ultimate disease. But if you keep your body healthy, then even though there may be a triggering cause, the likelihood of you getting cancer is dramatically reduced.

Keeping your body pH alkaline is one of the most important areas you need to address. An acid body creates disease. A successful oncologist based in Rome cures tumours by injecting an alkaline substance into the artery feeding the tumour.

You can create acidity in your body by the foods you eat and the stress you don’t resolve. Both areas need to be addressed.

Homeopaths believe that almost all physical ill health stems from an emotional disturbance. And breast cancer often becomes apparent after an emotional disturbance with your partner. By getting homeopathic treatment after you have suffered this emotional disturbance, it dramatically reduces the likelihood of developing into cancer.

Breast are delicate tissue and a serious blow to a breast can be the cause of breast cancer. This type of breast cancer is local to the breast and will not become systemic.

You are a whole person, so the whole of you needs to be considered in the treatment of breast cancer. Holistic health care does just this, and homeopathy is probably the fastest and deepest of all the holistic treatments.

By: Madeleine Innocent

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There are new findings on breast and other types of cancer nearly every day and not a moment too soon. Cancer is a devastating disease no matter where it is located or how aggressive it is found to be. While most women keep up with their self breast exams and make sure that they get their mammograms and other health tests, there is still more that can be done. Some of the risk factors of breast cancer, such as family history and genetics, cannot be changed, of course, but the need for good nutrition and exercise can be. Up to 90% of all breast cancers are found in women who had no hereditary link to the disease at all. Here are some of the findings from recent studies that are important to note in the fight against breast cancer:

- Body weight may play a more important role in breast cancer than previously thought. After age 35, the more weight that a woman puts on, the more she increases her risk of breast cancer. These increased risks range from 32% for those who gained 22 pounds after age 50 to 223% more risk for those who gained more than 66 pounds between the ages of 35 and 50.

- Breast cancer patients who are overweight to obese tend to have more aggressive forms of the disease and had worse outcomes than those who fall in the more normal weight ranges. Fat tissues produce hormones as well as growth factors, including estrogen and insulin, which promote the growth of the tumors.

- Women who log in five hours of more of exercise per week have a 31% lowered risk of in situ breast cancer and a 20% lowered risk of invasive breast cancer. Additionally, women who did at least moderate exercise at least three hours per week were about 50% less likely to die from the disease.

- Hormone replacement therapy also ups a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer by as much as 6% for every year that she takes the medications.

- Women who have taken hormone replacement drugs for as little as five years tended to have less detectable forms of breast cancer that are found in later and less treatable stages.

- Drinking one alcoholic beverage daily ups the risk of breast cancer by 32%. Women who drink more than three drinks per day upped their risk by 51%.

- The use of certain chemicals may up the risk of breast and other forms of cancer. These chemicals, called endocrine disrupting chemicals, are found in detergents, garden pesticides, food additives, makeup, cleaning solutions and may even be found in prescription drugs. Another common source of these chemicals is BPA which is found in plastic such as water bottles and baby bottles. These chemicals are currently being banned, however, there are ways to reduce your risk of exposure from them.

One of the most important considerations is for better overall health. It is almost impossible to completely eliminate all of the known risk factors for breast cancer, so the focus should be on getting well and being well from head to toe. Better health can lead to better health habits as well, including getting the recommended screening tests and keeping up with monthly breast self exams even after menopause. Eating better and getting exercise can also help to reduce weight, which is a risk factor not only for breast cancer but for other forms of cancer and diseases as well.

Both the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society recommend a diet that is high in fiber, fruits and vegetables with little to no saturated fats and limited red meats. Vegetarian protein sources are actually more beneficial to the healthy diet than most animal proteins.

The Building Blocks of a Healthy Diet

No matter whether you choose to eliminate animal products from your diet or you feel that you cannot, there are three macronutrients and several micronutrients that your diet must contain in the right amounts to be considered healthy and well-balanced. The micronutrients are the vitamins, minerals and trace elements that are needed for overall good health. Antioxidants, which protect our bodies from the effects of free radicals, are necessary and include many of these vitamins and minerals, making them doubly important.

The macronutrients are the building blocks that all foods can be broken down into: proteins, fats and carbohydrates. All three of these are vital and must be eaten in the right amounts and of the right types for the best health and well being.

Carbohydrates – For many people, carbs have always been the “bad” guy, the part of the diet that they have to eliminate. They follow one diet or another that vilifies carbohydrates, not knowing how very important they really are. Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy in the body and the only form of energy that can be used by the brain at all.

There are two kinds of carbohydrates: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are the bad guys, the ones that should be avoided at all costs. They are quick to digest, cause the body to go into sugar overdrive and are the reason that many of us end up gaining weight. Simple carbohydrates are found in things like sodas, candies, cookies and cakes. Think white sugar/white flour.

Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, are more slowly digested and absorbed by the body, which does not cause the dangerous sugar spikes of other foods. Because they are digested so slowly, the body does not simply stash the energy away and takes longer to register hunger again, allowing you to eat less food over the course of the day. Complex carbohydrates include whole grain foods like breads and pastas.

Carbohydrates should make up the majority of the daily calorie intake in a healthy diet.

Fats – A few years ago, there were a number of new diets that tried to eliminate all fat from the diet. These backfired miserably. Fat actually plays a major role in good health after all, and the craving for it may drive the average person into a veritable feeding frenzy. It is also used as a secondary energy source and still has a place in the diet. The difference between healthy fats and unhealthy fats is simple: healthy fats may work to protect the heart, while the unhealthy fats destroy it by building artery-clogging plague. Healthy fats include those that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like olives, olive oils, nuts and nut oils and the avocado. (Bonus information: avocadoes are actually fruits rather than vegetables).

Proteins – Protein comes from animal and plant sources. All animal proteins and soy proteins are complete because they have all of the eight essential amino acids in them, while all other plant proteins are lacking one or more and are considered incomplete. There is some controversy about whether or not soy protein is beneficial to those who have or are at risk for developing breast cancer, so always follow the advice of your personal doctor.

Protein plays a major role in every cell and function of the body and should make up the second largest portion of the daily calories. The American Heart Association guidelines say that protein should make up no more than 35% of these calories per day, however.

By: Jim Duffy

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