Focus - Breast cancer Archives

Women’s Cancer Checks

Women’s Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to spotlight health issues affecting women globally. Female cancers are a critical concern due to their prevalence and the profound impact they have on women’s lives. Early detection of cancer is crucial for successful treatment. Regular screenings and being vigilant about changes in one’s body should be a priority.

Common Types of Female Cancer

Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. It originates in the breast tissue and can spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms include a lump in the breast, changes in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, or discharge from the nipple. Regular mammograms and self-examinations are essential for early detection. Women over 40 are particularly encouraged to undergo routine screenings.

Cervical Cancer: Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix – the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and pain during intercourse. Regular Pap smears and HPV vaccinations are critical preventive measures. Women are advised to begin Pap smear screenings at age 21 and continue regularly as recommended by their healthcare provider.

Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries and often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. Symptoms can include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, and frequent urination. Early detection is challenging, but regular pelvic exams and awareness of family history can aid in early diagnosis.

Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer affects the colon and rectum and is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Risk factors include age, a diet high in red or processed meats, and a family history of the disease. Symptoms often include changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, and unexplained weight loss. Regular screenings (colonoscopy), starting at age 50, can significantly reduce the risk through early detection and removal of precancerous polyps.

Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers among women, primarily due to smoking. Non-smokers can also be at risk due to factors like exposure to second-hand smoke, radon (a radioactive gas that can accumulate in your home), and other environmental toxins. Symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Quitting smoking and regular health check-ups (low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals) can drastically reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.

Prevention and Lifestyle Changes

Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while low in red/processed meats, can help reduce cancer risk. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, nuts, and leafy greens, support overall health and can help prevent cell damage.

Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and boosts the immune system. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise each week.

Avoiding Tobacco: Smoking cessation is one of the most effective ways to prevent lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases. Seek support through counselling, nicotine replacement therapies, and quit-smoking programs.

Limiting Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can increase the risk of various cancers. Moderation is key (up to one drink per day for women is considered moderate consumption).

Regular Medical Check-ups: Routine health check-ups and screenings can catch potential issues early. Discuss with your healthcare provider the appropriate schedule for cancer screenings based on your age, family history, and risk factors.

Let’s use Women’s Health Awareness Month as an opportunity to prioritise women’s health and wellbeing. LifeAssist has confidential coaches who can discuss health concerns or answer questions you may have. They can also assist you in putting together a healthy eating and exercise plan.

zara2024-07-31T09:57:46+00:00

Adjust your lifestyle to lower cancer risk

Cancer is a complex disease with many contributing factors, but there’s good news – certain commitments and lifestyle changes can significantly lower your risk. Here are some steps to consider and incorporate into daily, direct and proactive measures.

Lifestyle Factors

One of the primary factors for lowering your risk of getting cancer lies in making some decisions about how to live a healthy lifestyle. Our daily habits are the first line of defence against cancer:

Healthy diet: Emphasise fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet while limiting processed and red meats. This approach provides essential nutrients and reduces cancer risk.
Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can prevent obesity-related cancers.
Physical activity: Regular exercise, such as 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, can lower the risk of breast, colon, and other cancers.
Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol: Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol consumption are vital. Tobacco is a significant cancer risk factor, and excessive alcohol use increases the risk.

These changes are not just beneficial for cancer prevention but for overall wellbeing.

Protection

Direct measures to protect ourselves from known carcinogens are equally important:

Sun safety: Protect your skin by using broad-spectrum sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Avoid risky behaviours: Engage in safe sex and avoid sharing needles to protect against cancers linked to infections.

Early Prevention

Awareness and proactive measures can significantly reduce cancer risk:

Know your family history: Some cancers are hereditary. Being aware of your family’s medical history can help you and your healthcare provider tailor your prevention strategies.
Healthy lifestyle from a young age: Start off with a healthy lifestyle in early life stages sets a foundation for lower cancer risk in the future.
Get Vaccinated: (if you are not anti-vaccinations) for the HPV vaccine and Hepatitis B vaccine. Recent studies show that these play a significant role in preventing cancers caused by viruses.

Regular Testing

Early detection of cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

Routine screenings: Engage in regular self-exams and screenings for different types of cancers, such as skin, colon, cervix, and breast cancer. These can lead to early detection when treatment is most effective.
Consult with healthcare providers: Regular check-ups and discussions about the best cancer screening schedule for you at your age and lifestyle profile.

The fear and anxiety surrounding cancer screening or facing the possibility of recurring cancers can be incredibly daunting, impacting not only the individual but also their friends and family. It’s important to remember that avoiding signs or staying in the dark can be just as stressful as knowing. You’re not alone in this journey. Seek knowledge and strength within your support network, and consider reaching out to a health coach or counsellor. They can provide guidance and help you make informed, confident decisions about your overall health.

zara2024-01-31T14:53:57+00:00

Cancer Awareness

Cancer Awareness week is 1-7 August. Detect the early stages of breast cancer by completing a self-check exam monthly. Contact your clinic or doctor immediately for a check-up if you are concerned with any health issues. Early detection saves lives!

BREAST SELF-EXAM TESTICULAR CANCER

zara2021-08-03T08:58:07+00:00

Common Questions about Male Breast Cancer

Male breast cancer is a disease we don’t often hear about, but knowing the facts could save your life. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important time to highlight the dangers of breast cancer in men as well as women.

Breast Cancer Occurs in Men Too

Many people wonder: Men don’t have breasts, so how can they get breast cancer? In fact, men do possess a small amount of breast tissue, concentrated on the chest wall in the area directly behind each nipple. The difference is that the hormones in girls’ and women’s bodies stimulate this tissue to grow into full breasts at puberty. Boy’s and men’s bodies don’t produce as much of these hormones, so their breast tissue typically stays flat and small.

As with breast cancer in women, cancer of the male breast is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells of the breast tissue.

Breast cancer in men is a rare, and less than 1% of all breast cancer cases occur in men. The risk is higher for those with a family history of breast cancer (especially with a BRCA2 mutation), for those receiving radiotherapy, especially to the chest area, and for those taking hormonal medicines high in oestrogen. Obesity, high alcohol consumption and liver damage are also risk factors.

Early Diagnosis Saves Lives

Unlike women, men are not routinely screened for breast cancer. This means that when it is detected, it tends to be more advanced. An early diagnosis could make all the difference. Men should be encouraged to seek medical attention if they notice significant changes in their breast tissue, just as the women in their lives would do.

Symptoms of Male Breast Cancer

Here are some common warning signs to watch out for:

A lump in the chest area
Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm
Nipple pain
Changes in the appearance of the nipple
Discharge from the nipple
Sores on the nipple or areola

Prognosis and Treatment

The course of treatment will depend on a number of factors, and will be determined by the patient’s healthcare providers. It may include lymph node surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or chemotherapy.

Because men have less breast tissue than women, it is more common for male breast cancer to have spread beyond the breast area by the time it’s identified. This is another reason why timely diagnosis is so important.

Men who are coping with breast cancer face a different environment to women coping with the disease. Misinformation and stigma can add to the physical and emotional stresses already affecting the patient. Informing and educating more men about the risk male breast cancer will help to clear up the misconceptions, and promote timely medical intervention.

Sources

Male Breast Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/type /male_bc?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu8DOmd2w3QIVSLHtCh2mdANoEAAYASAAEgJCr_D_BwE

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Men. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer-in-men/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html

zara2018-09-28T06:50:59+00:00

Lifestyle-related risks for breast cancer

The risks for breast cancer can be divided into two types – risks you can change and those you can’t. The ones you can change have to do with your lifestyle.

Not having children, or having them later in life

Women who become pregnant for the first time after age 35, have a two-fold to three-fold higher risk of breast cancer compared to women whose first pregnancy occurred before age 25.

Not breast-feeding

Some studies suggest that breast-feeding may slightly lower breast cancer risk, especially if breast-feeding is continued for 18 months to 2 years.

Recent oral contraceptive use

Studies have found that women using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) have a slightly greater risk of breast cancer than women who have never used them.

Using post-menopausal hormone therapy

Long-term use (several years or more) of combined post-menopausal hormone therapy increases the risk of breast cancer and may also increase the chances of dying of breast cancer.

The use of oestrogen alone does not appear to increase the risk of developing breast cancer significantly, if at all. But when used long term (for more than 10 years), oestogen replacement therapy has been found to increase the risk of ovarian and breast cancer in some studies.

Alcohol

The use of alcohol is clearly linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Compared with non-drinkers, women who consume one alcoholic drink a day have a very small increase in risk. Those who have two to five drinks daily have about 1.5 times the risk of women who drink no alcohol.

Environmental influences

There is a four- to five-fold greater incidence of breast cancer in Western industrialised countries than in less developed countries. It has been suggested that dietary factors, particularly the fat content, are responsible. Most studies have found that breast cancer is less common in countries where the typical diet is low in total fat, low in polyunsaturated fat, and low in saturated fat.

Being overweight or obese

Being overweight or obese has been found to increase breast cancer risk, especially for women after menopause.

Lack of physical activity

Evidence is growing that physical activity in the form of exercise reduces breast cancer risk. In one study from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) as little as 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of brisk walking reduced a woman’s risk by 18%. Walking 10 hours a week reduced the risk a little more.

Factors with uncertain, controversial, or unproven effect on breast cancer risk

Research is ongoing to determine the effect of antiperspirants, breast implants, smoking and chemicals in the environment on the risk for getting breast cancer.

2021-04-01T07:00:40+00:00

Breast cancer risk factors you cannot change

Some breast cancer risks you don’t have any control over and you can’t change them. Women should take note of all risk types, however, in order to increase awareness of symptoms.

The risks for breast cancer can be divided into two types – risks you can change and those you can’t. The ones listed below you don’t have any control over and you can’t change them. However, you should take note of both types so that you know what you’re up against.

Gender

Breast cancer is about 100 times more common among women than men. The main reason women are more likely to develop breast cancer is because their breast cells are constantly exposed to the growth-promoting effects of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

Family history of breast cancer

The strongest association with an increased risk for breast cancer is a family history, specifically breast cancer in first-degree relatives (mother, sister, daughter), which approximately doubles a woman’s risk. Having two first-degree relatives with breast cancer increases a woman’s risk about five-fold.

About 20 to 30% of women with breast cancer have a family member with this disease. (It’s important to note this means that 70 to 80% of women who get breast cancer do not have a family history of this disease.)

Aging

Your risk of developing breast cancer increases as you get older. About 1 out of 8 invasive breast cancers are found in women younger than 45, while about 2 out of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women aged 55 or older.

Genetic risk factors

Mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most common hereditary causes of breast cancer in women. In some families with BRCA1 mutations, the lifetime risk of breast cancer is as high as 80%, but on average this risk seems to be in the range of 55% to 65%. For BRCA2 mutations the risk is lower, around 45%.

Other much less common gene mutations can also lead to inherited breast cancers. In total, about 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary, resulting directly from gene changes (called mutations) inherited from a parent.

Personal history of breast cancer

A woman with cancer in one breast has a three- to four-fold increased risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast. This is different from a recurrence (return) of the first cancer.

Race or ethnicity

White women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer. African, Asian and Hispanic women have a lower risk of developing and dying from breast cancer.

Dense breast tissue

Women with denser breast tissue (as seen on a mammogram) have more glandular tissue and less fatty tissue, and have a higher risk of breast cancer.

Certain benign breast conditions

Women diagnosed with certain benign breast conditions may have an increased risk of breast cancer.

Hormonal status

Women who have had more menstrual cycles because they started menstruating at an early age (before age 12) and/or went through menopause at a later age (after age 55) have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.

Previous chest radiation

Women who, as children or young adults, had radiation therapy to the chest area as treatment for another cancer (such as Hodgkin disease or non-Hodgkin lymphoma) are at significantly increased risk for breast cancer.

Diethylstilbestrol exposure

From the 1940s through the 1960s some pregnant women were given the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) because it was thought to lower their chances of losing a baby (miscarriage). The daughters of these women have a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer after the age of 40.

Sources

Diethylstilbestrol and cancer. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/hormones/des-fact-sheet.
What are the risk factors for breast cancer? Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-risk-factors.
Women who receive chest radiation therapy to treat childhood cancer have higher risk of breast cancer. Retrieved from http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/childhood-radiation-increases-risk.

(Revised by M van Deventer)

2021-04-14T15:27:43+00:00

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Many women still associate breast cancer with a death sentence, but in reality early detection of the condition can lead to effective treatment and a positive prognosis.

Breast cancer brings with it emotional trauma as it strikes immediate fear into the hearts of women. Like many other types of cancers, breast cancer affects self-image. Breasts have always been seen as symbolising the femininity of women, and the thought of losing a breast makes most women very uncomfortable.

According to the South African Department of Health, the ignorance of many women of breast cancer has made it crucial to educate the general public about the dangers of this serious disease, particularly the need for regular breast self-examination and regular mammograms. There is a need for information about early detection and the various treatment options available.

Incidence

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer in South Africa with one in 27 women diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the National Cancer Registry. The incidence of breast cancer among South African women is increasing, with more than 3 800 cases being diagnosed every year.

In the past, breast cancer mostly affected women over 40 years old but more and more younger women present with breast cancer. The key is to detect breast cancer early so that you can get treatment and have a better chance of survival.

Early detection is the key to survival

Health programme coordinators of the Department of Health work closely with local clinics and community health centres as well as private health service providers to promote early detection through regular screenings. Screenings for breast health (breast examinations) are conducted throughout the country.

There is no doubt that breast cancer can be fatal and should be treated as an extremely serious disease but, if detected in the early stages, there is a strong chance that it can be treated successfully, allowing the person to lead an active life. Early detection is vital and also provides more options in the way that breast cancer is treated. About 90% of sufferers survive for many years after diagnosis when breast cancer is detected in the early stages.

Purpose of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The designation of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in South Africa reflects a nationwide drive by public and private healthcare structures to raise awareness of this debilitating disease across all races and class structures.

The Department of Health considers it essential to inform the public that by making themselves early available for treatment may result in more effective treatment, leading to a reduction in pain and suffering. Another crucial message that the Department’s campaign communicates to the general public is that taking early action can mean the difference between life and death. The campaign empowers the woman with knowledge, thus allowing her to make educated decisions about her health.

For those women who may not have easy access to a medical practitioner, the Department of Health hosts a series of awareness campaigns across South Africa. These will reach many rural areas. The idea is to inform women about breast cancer and to help them to detect the disease early on through self-examination.

Watch out for media reports on Breast Cancer Awareness Month to make sure that you receive the necessary information on the disease as well as the awareness campaigns in your community.

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EWP) is available 24 hours a day if you want to know more about the awareness of breast cancer.

2021-04-14T15:35:03+00:00

Reduce your breast cancer risks

Anything that increases a person’s chance of getting a disease is known as a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get the disease. Conversely, not having a risk factor does not mean that you will not get the disease.

Risk factors are based on statistical indicators discovered during research into the causes of the disease. The main benefit of being aware of your own risk factors is that you can minimise them where possible (e.g. by changing your smoking or drinking habits) and get the necessary advice and treatment from a health professional.

Some of the risks for breast cancer are well researched and documented while the link between the risks and the illness is not yet clear in others. To minimise your risks, however, you will do well to take note of the following risks:

Maintain a healthy weight

There’s a clear link between obesity – weighing more than is appropriate for your age and height – and breast cancer. This is especially true if you gain the weight later in life, particularly after menopause. Experts speculate that oestrogen production in fatty tissue may be the link between obesity and breast cancer risk.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and, as a consequence, may aid in breast cancer prevention. As little as 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of brisk walking reduced breast cancer risk by 18% in the Women’s Health Initiative study reported in 2003.

Watch what you eat and drink

- Limit fat in your diet. For a protective benefit, limit fat intake to less than 35% of your daily kilojoules and restrict foods high in saturated fat.

- Limit alcohol intake. To protect yourself from breast cancer, consider limiting alcohol to less than one drink a day or rather avoid alcohol completely. A study reported in the December 2001 issue of Cancer: Causes & Control showed that an average of less than one drink daily increased a postmenopausal woman’s risk of dying of breast cancer by up to 30% when compared to women who don’t drink at all. Women who drank more alcohol increased their risk by 40%.

- Eat less meat and cook it less. Women who eat the most meat have higher risk than those who eat least or none. A preference for well-done meat correlates with increased risk, because carcinogenic compounds form as animal tissue is cooked.

- Avoid conventionally produced beef and dairy products. These products may contain residues of oestrogenic hormones used as growth promoters in cattle.

- Take 2 gr of fish oil a day. High omega-3 fatty acid intake significantly reduces your risk of breast cancer.

- Eat more green veggies. Eat cruciferous (cabbage-family) vegetables regularly – they provide protective phyto-nutrients.

- Use spices. Certain spices have anti-inflammatory and cancer-protective effects, for example turmeric and ginger which may help reduce your risk.

- If you have daughters, start them on whole soy foods early.

- Regular, moderate consumption of whole soy foods early in life influences development of breast tissue in ways that reduce risk.

- Minimise exposure to xeno-oestrogens. Read up on oestrogenic compounds found as pollutants in the environment.

Breastfeed your babies

A study published in the July 20, 2002 issue of The Lancet showed that the more babies a woman has and the longer she nurses them, the lower her breast cancer risk.

Avoid long-term oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT)

The latest study on this controversial subject showed that taking ERT for 15 years or longer significantly raises breast cancer risk.

Pesticides, antibiotics and contraceptive pills – use with caution

Breast cancer incidence may be linked to pesticide exposure, use of the birth control pill and over-use of antibiotics.

Early detection

In addition to lifestyle changes, be vigilant about early detection of breast cancer. Start having annual mammograms at the age of 40. If you notice any breast changes, such as a new lump or skin changes, make an appointment to see your doctor for evaluation.

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EWP) is available 24 hours a day if you want to know more about the prevention of breast cancer.

2021-03-18T09:35:50+00:00

Hope in the fight against breast cancer

“I may have breast cancer, but I don’t plan on dying soon.” More and more women can say this due to early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting South African women. According to the National Cancer Registry, 1 in 35 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime and younger women are increasingly falling prey to the disease.

The good news is that if it’s caught early enough, breast cancer can be successfully treated and overcome. Take inspiration from the following famous women who are all breast cancer survivors:

- E News! presenter and reality star Giuliana Rancic was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2011. She had a double mastectomy two months later followed by reconstructive surgery. She has since been in full remission from her cancer.

- Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue is perhaps one of the most famous faces of breast cancer. Diagnosed in May 2005, she has since beaten her breast cancer.

- Singer Sheryl Crow was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and has since beaten it. She strongly encourages a healthy diet of fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds to keep healthy.

- Sex and the City actress, Cynthia Nixon, was diagnosed in 2006 and kept her battle with the disease secret until two years later when she revealed she had overcome it.

- Former Miss South Africa and businesswoman, Wilma van der Bijl, was 42 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. A routine check-up in 2005 revealed an abnormality and further investigation led to a double mastectomy, reconstruction and chemotherapy. The cancer has been in remission ever since and today Wilma is an ambassador for breast cancer awareness.

- Actress and singer Olivia Newton-John (famous for her movie Grease), was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995. At first, she declined going for chemotherapy in favour of homeopathy instead, but soon changed her mind and had a partial mastectomy and breast reconstruction, followed by a year of chemotherapy.

- Tennis legend Martina Navratilova was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer in 2010. After receiving six weeks of radiation therapy, she was declared free of cancer in October 2010.

Visit http://allafrica.com/stories/201310212223.html and http://www.cansa.org.za/teresa-wilson-breast-cancer-survivor/ to read about South African breast cancer survivors.

Focus on prevention

Visit http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam/bse_steps to see how you should examine your breasts every month. While many breast lumps are harmless, they should all be checked.

From the age of 40, you should go for a mammogram at least every three years even if you are symptom-free. If you are at high risk, you should have a mammogram every year. You can also visit your local CANCA Care Centre for a clinical breast examination. While the centre does not offer mammograms, the staff will refer you to a breast clinic, and if you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, the staff will guide you through the public health care system and offer you and your loved ones care and support.

Sources
www.cansa.org.za
www.health24.com

2021-04-01T14:45:41+00:00

Living with breast cancer

The unknowns that women face when having breast cancer affect many aspects of their lives. There are primary issues about self-image, fear of recurrence and the need for continued treatment, as well as issues related to daily activities, career and relationships.

A big part of the fear of breast cancer diagnosis is all the uncertainty and the feeling that you’ve lost control of your life. It’s hard to imagine how anything good could happen on this particular life journey.

It turns out that this isn’t necessarily so. While no one wants to be diagnosed with breast cancer, many people in treatment or those who have finished with treatment say that the experience made them stronger and helped them to become closer to their families and friends and learn more about themselves.

Being diagnosed is never easy, but once you start the process of getting the best available doctors, the best information and the best support you can from those who love you, you are in good hands.

10 ways to manage fear after diagnosis

As you begin gathering information to make decisions, get to know the people on your medical team and make every effort to meet them in person.
Find a doctor who communicates with you in a way that is comfortable for you, who invites your questions and gives you the information you feel comfortable with at any given moment.
Find out what to expect from tests, procedures and treatments. Minimise surprises.
Make plans with your doctor about how to receive test results in a prompt way.
Find a mammography centre where the radiologist will talk with you about the results before you go home, so you don’t have to wait for a letter or a call from your doctor.
When you know you’re going to have a challenging week, don’t plan to do things that are stressful for you. Use your support systems – friends, movies, exercise, prayer – to help you get through it.
If well-meaning people try to tell you stories about others’ struggle with cancer, stop them right away and say, “I only listen to stories with happy endings!”
If you reach a point where difficult emotions are getting in the way of your functioning or taking care of yourself, speak to your doctor about ways to help ease your anxiety, depression, or sleeping problems.
Join a breast-cancer support group. Do whatever makes you feel connected to others in a positive way as a person who is moving beyond breast cancer.
Work on ways to feel more positive about your life. Seek out productive, life-enhancing experiences; accept yourself for who you are; and spend time with positive people who affirm who you are and how you’ve chosen to deal with this disease.

2021-03-10T11:56:47+00:00

Focus – Breast cancer