Each year thousands of women seek medical
treatment for breast lumps or abnormalities in the breasts. For many,
the diagnosis is a benign breast condition that will have little
effect on their lives. But, for others, the diagnosis is breast
cancer.It is important to know and
understand the different types of breast diseases, what symptoms need
to be reported to your doctor immediately, how breast disease is
diagnosed, and how it is treated.
Learning more about breast
disease needs to be a part of every woman's life.
Benign Breast Conditions
Benign breast conditions are
very common and may be experienced by as many as 9 out of 10 women
at one point in their lives.
Any changes to the breasts that are
non-malignant can be classified as benign breast disease. Symptoms
of benign breast disease may include lumps or thickening of the
breast, pain, or a discharge from the nipple. Other breast changes
may occur without symptoms and may be found only during a screening
mammogram.
Most often, benign breast conditions don't
require further treatment once evaluated. Unlike breast cancer, they
are not life threatening. However, some benign conditions may mimic
symptoms of cancer and may require further testing, including
biopsies.
The most common benign breast conditions
are:
Fibrocystic Breast Changes
Benign Breast Tumors
Breast Inflammation/Infection
Breast Cancer
Every year, more than 200,000
women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer. And while
those statistics cause great concern for women of all ages, the news
is actually good.
Although the number of women diagnosed with
cancer has increased over the past several years, the number of deaths
attributed to breast cancer have actually decreased.
Early detection of breast cancer in the
earliest most treatable stages, and comprehensive care, have been
credited with this important turn around. These essential components
of breast care are critical for long-term survival after breast
cancer.
Life After Breast
Cancer
As you begin your emotional journey through
breast cancer, it may be very difficult for you to see your way
through to the other side.
Undoubtedly, there will be difficult days
ahead when your concern for your own health and for your family seem
overwhelming. And there will be times when physically, you simply
don't feel your best.
But, it is important to know there will be
moments of triumph as well, when despite everything you're going
through, precious moments of joy will come shining through in the
least expected places.
As you continue to recover, life will begin
to feel more normal again.
Bedford Surgical Associates recognizes that
treating breast cancer involves much more than simply performing
surgery. We provide emotional support for you and your family as well.
Members of our team work closely with you to ensure both physically
and emotionally, you are the best you can be.
Breast Cancer Links
 
There is a
multitude of information about breast disease. The resources listed
here can contribute to your general research about breast disease.
It is intended solely to help
you begin your search for information. Dr. Faber, your primary care
physician, & oncologist is the best source for answers to your
personal continuing care.
This resource list of
recognized leaders and organizations in the field of breast disease
in general and breast cancer specifically is not endorsed or
controlled by Bedford Surgical Associates, but it can provide a
starting place for additional information.
About Breast Cancer Resources
Your guide to additional breast cancer
information and resources on the Internet.
American Cancer Society
The nationwide, voluntary organization
for cancer prevention, research, education, advocacy and service.
breastbiopsy.com
What you should know about Mammotome
Breast Biopsy System
breastcancer.org
A nonprofit breast cancer community
that focuses on education.
The Breast Cancer Network
A non-profit site that's a
clearinghouse for information on breast cancer.
The Breast Care Site
Promotes healthy lifestyle and positive
body image for breast cancer survivors.
Breast Health and Breast Cancer Network
Edu Care Inc.'s network with sections
for patient and clinical resources.
Cancer and Careers
Resource for working women with cancer.
Cancer Care
Nonprofit organization that provides
free counseling, information and more to people with all types of
cancer.
Cancer Resources
On-line guide to information developed
by survivors, professionals, and volunteers.
Cancer Consultants
Cancer treatment and prevention
information for patients and professionals.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer
To empower women with breast cancer to
live with the best quality of life.
The National Alliance of Breast Cancer
Organizations
Current information, updates on events
and activities, links and fact sheets.
The National Breast Cancer Coalition
The National Cancer Institute Facing Forward
Series: Life after cancer treatment
Post-treatment issues such as follow up
care, physical and emotional health, changes in social and workplace
relationships and issues.
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Information about cancer myths, early
detection, reading lists, and much more.
The Web site for the National Cancer
Institute.
The National Women's Health Resource Center
Easy-to-understand information and
services resources. A national clearinghouse.
The Rose Kushner Breast Cancer Advisory Center
"If You've Thought About Breast
Cancer," a comprehensive booklet on breast cancer. Entire text can
be found at this site.
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Y-Me National Breast Cancer recovery
organization with community affiliates
    
Šopyright Bedford Surgical Associates, Inc
2002
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