Cysts

A cyst is a fluid-filled sac. Fluid is produced and absorbed by the breast as part of the usual cycle of hormonal breast changes. Although we don’t know why some women are more susceptible to breast cysts than others, we do know they are common in women aged 35 to 50 and in women who are taking hormone replacement therapy.

The National Breast Cancer Centre says that simple cysts are not cancer and do not change into cancer. However, in rare cases, cysts may have a cancer growing within them or close to them. These changes can be seen on an ultrasound, or found after a cyst is aspirated or drained.  Many women have a cyst or a number of cysts without knowing it, and they do not usually require treatment. Some women first detect their cyst as a painful lump and they may decide to have it drained if it is painful or troublesome. This is done by inserting a fine needle into the cyst to draw out the fluid, and is usually a simple and fairly painless procedure .in fact I had this procedure myself a number of years ago and I was pleasantly surprised that I felt no pain at all during the procedure.

Hormonal Changes

Hormones produced by glands in the body make breast feel different at various times during your menstrual cycle, I’m sure you’ve noticed the changes such as painful, swollen or tender breasts. These changes are not a sign of breast cancer and usually do not require treatment. However, treatments are available for hormonal breast pain from the doctor, if needed.

The National Breast Cancer Centre (Australia) says that women who have been through menopause and are not taking hormone replacement therapy, or who have had their ovaries removed, no longer have breast changes due to hormonal activity.

Fibroadenomas

My lump was eventually diagnosed as a fibroadenoma, it is a smooth, firm lump made up of fibrous and glandular tissue. The cause of fibroadenomas is unknown; however, they are not cancer and rarely change into breast cancer. I had my Fibroadenomas removed at day surgery.

Other Breast Changes

Other breast changes to look out for are:

When the breast looks red and inflamed and feels warm and swollen. Ridges or raised marks may appear on the breast skin, or the skin may have pitted appearance, like the peel of an orange.

Lump or thickening in the breast.

Pain in the breast or nipple.

An examination of the breast and its appearance may suggest the diagnosis to your doctor. Many women are concerned that a breast change might be breast cancer. It is very important that all breast changes are carefully investigated, even though in the majority of cases it is not cancer. 

IMPORTANT -If you do notice a lump or are aware of any new change in your breast, visit your doctor as soon as possible.

Breast Lumps

Of course if you too have found a lump in your breast or are concerned about breast changes, don’t panic but visit your doctor as soon as possible.

A breast lump is a localized swelling, protuberance, or lump in the breast.

Even though most breast lumps are thankfully benign, they still need to be examined carefully to exclude the possibility of cancer. If it is cancer, the earlier the treatment is given, the more likely it is to be successful.

Common causes of benign breast lumps are cysts (sacs of fluid which build up in the breast tissue) or fibroadenomas (solid tumours made up of fibrous and glandular tissue). Benign breast lumps are easily treated.

Mammograms are recommended for all women between the ages of 50 and 69.

Diagnosis

I remember when Vicki’s doctor first said the word ‘cancer’, naturally it was an enormous shock to not only her, but to our whole family. She said she felt numb, although at the same time of anger, fear and sadness. She could not believe that this could happen to her.

 After a few days, she was asked to make decisions about her treatment. Although, she was still feeling ‘shell shocked,’ she had already discussed treatment options with her husband and family. This is definitely not a time to be alone, so please, take someone with you to the doctors and get help to attain all the information you need.

I found that my sister needed to talk through her feelings and her fears with friends and professionals to help her cope by sharing the burden.

Many Women Wonder, If They Will Die From Breast Cancer?

The national Breast Cancer Centre says, the earlier breast cancer can be treated successfully the better, and most women diagnosed and treated for early breast cancer will not die from the disease.

Living and coping with cancer

Without a doubt the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer causes changes in your life, and it can change how you think and feel about things. These changes and their effects will not be the same for all women, but it can be reassuring to know that other women share some of the same feelings and experiences. My sister felt great comfort by sharing experiences with other cancer sufferers.

It’s inevitably a hard road and can affect some women’s confidence but given time, most women do cope with the changes to their life caused by their experience with breast cancer. Most women find that over time they can return to doing the things they love. There are various organisations that help women with cancer such as, health retreats, wellness centres, wig libraries and make up classes to name just a few. The cancer Society in your country should have a list of providers.

Treatment Options

Every woman's situation and breast cancer is different. Treatment that is best for one woman may not be suitable for another woman. Take time to talk through your options with your doctors before deciding on a particular treatment. Consider the side effects and possible benefits of the treatment. Vicki, decided that because she was diagnosed with aggressive cancer she opted for surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Vicki also tried acupuncture and herbal treatments – she found that these treatments really helped her cope with the side effects of her chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Treatment For Early Breast Cancer

The aim of treatment for early breast cancer is to remove the cancer from the breast and armpit area, and to destroy any cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body, but cannot be detected.

Treatment for early breast cancer usually involves either:

Breast conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy, or

Mastectomy (sometimes followed by radiotherapy).

If you would like to share your story with other women, please contact us on our CONTACTS PAGE. You may be able to help other women cope with this disease,

Remember Wise Women – early detection is the best cure for Breast Cancer