Survival Rates for Women with Stage 1 Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a disease that results from uncontrollable growth of cells in the breast tissues. The disease is more common in elderly women although there are cases where it affects young women and men. Early warning signs of the disease include; change in size and shape of the breast, discharge from the nipple or the presence of a lump. The disease can be diagnosed through a self-exam, a mammogram, an ultra sound or by a needle biopsy. The disease can be fatal but with proper treatment, one can be able to go back to normal day to day activities.
During stage 1 of breast cancer, the tumor is usually smaller than two centimeters. This is the earliest stage and is usually non-evasive as during this time, the cancer has not spread to other body parts and the lymph nodes are still unaffected. At this stage the tumor is confined to the breast alone. It is during this stage that one has the highest rate of survival if treatment is begun immediately after detection. At this stage, one is not limited in the type of treatment they can receive. One is able to choose from a variety of options.
During stage 1 of breast cancer, surgery is a must. A lumpectomy can be performed to remove just the lump and the surrounding tissue. One can also choose to have a mastectomy in which the whole breast is removed. This can then be followed by reconstructive surgery. Radiation, hormone therapy and chemotherapy can also be done to avoid recurrence of the disease. After this treatment, survival rates for breast cancer is usually ninety percent. Women usually survive for more than five years and go ahead to live a very productive life.
Despite this being the stage that most women survive breast cancer, sometimes it does not happen due to the economic status of the women. Black women in particular are unable to go to hospital for treatment after detection due to lack of health insurance. They are more likely to let the condition persist to stage two because of their lack of financial ability. In addition, personal habits such as exercise and diet may also prove to be a challenge for the group of women who are more prone to obesity. However, the case is different for white women who are more likely to access health insurance. The key to increasing survival rates lies in early detection.
During stage 1 of breast cancer, the tumor is usually smaller than two centimeters. This is the earliest stage and is usually non-evasive as during this time, the cancer has not spread to other body parts and the lymph nodes are still unaffected. At this stage the tumor is confined to the breast alone. It is during this stage that one has the highest rate of survival if treatment is begun immediately after detection. At this stage, one is not limited in the type of treatment they can receive. One is able to choose from a variety of options.
During stage 1 of breast cancer, surgery is a must. A lumpectomy can be performed to remove just the lump and the surrounding tissue. One can also choose to have a mastectomy in which the whole breast is removed. This can then be followed by reconstructive surgery. Radiation, hormone therapy and chemotherapy can also be done to avoid recurrence of the disease. After this treatment, survival rates for breast cancer is usually ninety percent. Women usually survive for more than five years and go ahead to live a very productive life.
Despite this being the stage that most women survive breast cancer, sometimes it does not happen due to the economic status of the women. Black women in particular are unable to go to hospital for treatment after detection due to lack of health insurance. They are more likely to let the condition persist to stage two because of their lack of financial ability. In addition, personal habits such as exercise and diet may also prove to be a challenge for the group of women who are more prone to obesity. However, the case is different for white women who are more likely to access health insurance. The key to increasing survival rates lies in early detection.
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