Anticancer

Anticancer environment    "Since 1940 the number of cancers has increased in all industrialized counties in the United States. This trend, which has picked up speed since 1975, is particularly striking in the young. In the United States, between 1975 and 1994, the cancer rate in women under forty-five has risen by 1.6% a year and even more so in men (by 1.8%). In some European countries, such as France, the cancer rate has increased by 60% over the last twenty years." It is often argued that this increase in cancer rates is due to three factors: A) We're living longer than we were in 1940, meaning that there is more opportunity for cancer to strike in our older age B) Women are having babies at a later age, which increases the chances of breast cancer C) There are improved screening methods, meaning that we are simply noticing cancer more, not that it is more frequent. While the above arguments are true, they are more than often used to reassure people. There are certain statistics that these three factors do not cover. For instance, the fact that we are living longer, does not justify the increase in pediatric cancer among the youth. The fact that women are having babies at a later age might have an influence on the number of breast cancer cases, but it does not explain the 200% increase in the US of prostate cancer cases between 1978 and 2000, nor the 258% increase in several European countries during that same period. Finally, the improved screening methods do justify that more cases are caught early on, but does not justify the increase in cancers that are not routinely screened for (such as pancreas, lung, brain, testicle, and lymphoma). It is arguable that the increase in cancer incidents around the world is a result of a changing environment. This is not meant in the way of global warming, but in the sense that human habits are changing. The general director of the World Health Organization once concluded: "Up to 80% of the cancers may be influenced by external factors, such as lifestyle and environment." So what has changed since 1940? Dr. Servan-Schreiber mentions three major points: The addition of large quantities of highly refined sugar to our diet - The exponential increase in the amount of sugar we consume is remarkable. "Whereas our genes developed in an environment where one person consumed at most 2kg (4lb) of honey a year, human sugar consumption rose to 5kg (11lb) a year in 1830,  and a shocking 70kg (150lb) a year by the end of the twentieth century." Changes in methods of farming and raising animals and, as a result, in our food - From the 1950s onward, farmers changed the way they fed their livestock. Shifting from the traditional pastures to the easier battery farming. This change in the livestock's diet and living environment ultimately affected the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 in the food they produced (meat, milk, butter, eggs, etc.), resulting in an imbalance in the foods consumed by humans. Exposure to a large number of chemical products that didn't exist prior to 1940 - The annual production of synthetic chemicals has risen from one million tons in 1930 to 200 millions tons today.  So what can we do about it? "We can't expect politicians or industrialists to make hard choices in our stead. The woman who seized the microphone in Victoria was right; if we wait for the epidemiologists to be 'sure' we may well die first. On the other hand, we all have the power to take our own precautions. We can choose what we want to consume. When organic or farm-raised products are not available at our local supermarket, it's often only a matter of asking before they are stocked. And when enough of us ask, prices will drop, as has already happened in a number of markets in the United States where organic prices are close to those of conventional goods. Aside from trying to change food production, you can also start protecting yourself, through what you eat. The following table is suggested. Reduce Replace with Foods with high glycemic index (sugar, white flour, etc.) Fruit, flour and starches with a low glycemic index Hydrogenated or partially-hydrogentaed oils Sunflower, soy and corn oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil Conventional dairy products (too rich in omega-6) Organic grass-fed dairy products (balanced in omega-6/omega 3, free of rBGH), or soy milk, soy yogurts Fried food, chips, fried appetizers Humus, olives, cherry tomatoes Non-organic red meat, poultry skin Vegetables, legumes (peas, beans, lentils), tofu. Organic poultry and eggs. Organic grass-fed red meat (maximum 200g (7 ounces) a week). Fish (mackerel, sardines, salmon, even farmed) Skins of non-organic fruits and vegetables (pesticides cling to their skin) Fruits and vegetables peeled or washed, or else labeled 'organic' Tap water in areas of intensive farming because of the presence of nitrates and pesticides. (A report on water content in nitrates, pesticides and other contaminants can be obtained from local authorities.) Filtered tap water through carbon filters or reverse osmosis. Mineral or spring water in plastic bottles, provided the bottles haven't warmed up in the sun and the water doesn't smell of plastic, which would reveal the presence of PVCs Anticancer Foods    As our section on an "Anticancer environment" concludes, certain foods in the western world are carcinogenic. As a result, it is suggested that an "anticancer diet" should be followed. As Dr. Servan-Schreiber indicates in his book (Anticancer,  a new way of life), the anticancer diet is principally composed of vegetables (and legumes) accompanied by olive (or canola, or flaxseed) oil, or organic butter, garlic, herbs and spices. Meat or eggs are also optional. We have inserted the following image which depicts the "anticancer plate", which can be found in the "everything you need to know pocket guide". Aside from the "anticancer plate" there is also a list of recommended foods that can help prevent and fight cancer: Green Tea - Reduces the growth of the new vessels needed for tumor growth and metastases. Japanese green tea (Sencha, Gyokuro, Matcha, etc.) is more effective than Chinese green tea. Tumeric and Curry - the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory identified today. It also helps stimulate apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibits angiogenesis. In laboratory, it enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduces tumor growth. note: to be assimilated by the body, tumeric must be mixed with black powder (not simply with peppers). Ideally it must also be dissolved in oil (olive, canola or linseed oil). Ginger - acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. It also helps reduce the creation of new blood vessels. A ginger infusion also helps alleviate nausea from chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Cruciform Vegetables - Cabbages (Brussels sprouts, bok choi, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.) contain anticancer molecules which are capable of detoxifying certain carcinogenic substances. They prevent pre-cancerous cells from developing into malignant tumors. They also promote the suicide of cancer cells and block angiogenesis. Garlic, onions, leeks, shallots, chives - The sulfur compounds of this family reduce the carcinogenic effects of nitrosamines and n-nitroso compounds, which are created in over-grilled meat and during tobacco combustion. They promote cell death in colon, breast, lung, and prostate cancer, as well as in leukemia. Vegetables and Fruits Rich in Carotenoids - Carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkin, certain varieties of potimarron squash (also known as Hokkaido squash), tomatoes, persimmons, apricots, beetroot and all the bright-colored fruits and vegetables (orange, red, yellow, green) contain vitamin A and lycopene, which have the proven capacity to inhibit the growth of cells of several cancer lines, some of which are particularly aggressive (such as brain gliomas). Tomatoes - It has been proven that lycopene in tomatoes leas to longer survival from prostate cancer in men who consumed tomato sauce in at least two meals a week. note: tomatoes must be cooked in order to release their lycopene. Moreover, olive oil improves its assimilation. Soy - Soy isoflavones (including genistein, daidzein and glycitein) block the simulation of cancer cells by sex hormones (such as oestrogens and testosterone). They also intervene by blocking angiogenesis. note: Isoflavone supplements (in pill form) have been associated with an aggravation of certain breast cancers, but not soy taken in as food. Furthermore, in many areas of the world today, soy is grown from genetically modified  organisms (GMOs). The impact of these genetically-modified plants on cancer growth is unknown. Mushrooms - Shiitake, maitake, enoki, crimini, portabello, oyster mushroom and thistle oyster mushrooms, and trametes (coriolus) all contain polysaccharides and lentinian, which stimulate the reproduction and the activity of immune cells. These mushrooms are often used in Japan as a complement to chemotherapy to support the immune system. Herbs and Spices - Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil and mint promote apoptosis in cancer cells and reduce their speed by blocking the enzymes they need to invade neighboring tissues. Carnosol in rosemary is also a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Its capacity to enhance the effectiveness of certain chemotherapies has been demonstrated. Parsley and celery contain apigenin, an anti-inflammatory that promotes apoptosis and blocks angiogenesis using a mechanism similar to Gleevec's. Seaweed - Several varieties of seaweed commonly eaten in Asia contain molecules that slow cancer growth, especially breast, prostate, skin and colon cancer. Omega-3s - Long-chain omega-3s found in fatty fish reduce inflammation. In cell cultures, they reduce cancer cell growth in a large number of tumors (lung, breast, colon, prostate, kidney, etc.). They also act to reduce the spread of tumors in the form of metastases. Foods rich in Selenium - Selenium is an oligoelement found in the soil. Vegetables and cereals grown organically  also contain large quantities of selenium. Selenium stimulates immune cells and particularly NK cells. Vitamin D - It has recently been shown that a significant supply of vitamin D reduces considerably the risk of several different cancers. Skin cells produce vitamin D when exposed directly to the sun, but can also be obtained through vitamin pills. Berries - Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries contain ellagic acid and a large number of polyphenols. They stimulate the mechanisms of elimination of carcinogenic substances and inhibit angiogenesis. Anthocyanidines and proanthocyanidines also promote apoptosis in cancer cells. Citrus Fruit - Oranges, tangerines, lemons, and grapefruit contain anti-inflammatory flavonoids. They also stimulate the detoxification of carcinogens by the liver. It has even been shown that flavonoids in the skin of tangerines - tangeritin and nobiletin - penetrate brain cancer cells for invading neighbouring tissues. Dark chocolate - Dark chocolate (more than 70% cocoa) contains a number of antioxidants, proanthocyanidines and many polyphenols. These molecules slow the growth of cancer cells and limit angiogenesis. note: mixing dairy products with chocolate cancels the beneficial effects of the molecules of cocoa. Avoid milk chocolate The Anticancer Mind    Studies show that a large proportion of women diagnosed with breast cancer are convinced that their disease results from a major life stress, such as an abortion, a divorce, a child's illness or the loss of a job. Physicians, too, have long associated psychological stresses with cancer. However, there are studies available that contradict each other and oncologists today continue to disagree about whether or not we really bring cancer upon ourselves. What can be said for sure is that no psychological factor by itself has ever been identified as being capable of creating that cancer seed. However, certain reactions to psychological stress can profoundly influence the cells where cancer develops. Stressful situations do not spark cancer, but they do give it an opportunity to grow faster. Recent studies have shown that the stress itself does not promote cancer development, but it is the perception of control or helplessness the individual has that affects their body's reaction to the daisease. An excellent example of how the psychological state of a cancer patient plays a role in the development of cancer, is the study performed by David Spiegel, MD, and Irvin Yalom, MD. In their study they formed groups of eight to ten women with metastic breast cancer, who met every week. They discussed their fear, their loneliness and their anger, as well as their desire and their ways of dealing with the disease. These women met regularly for a year before each went her own way. For the purposes of his study, David Spiegel first compared the psychological state of the participants with that of women with the same diagnosis and treatment, but who had not participated in the group. Dr. Spiegel learned that the women who had participated in the group were less subject to depression, anxiety and even physical pain. Dr. Spiegel followed up on his study by calling the families of the participants. Three out of fifty participants answered the telephone themselves, ten years after the discovery of their disease. Considering the seriousness of their condition, this was quite simply unbelievable. Not a single of the thirty-six women in the control group (those who didn't participate in the group sessions) had survived so long. Next, by questioning the families about the length of time the support group women had survived, he observed that they had lived on average twice as long as the others. A difference could even be observed between those who had attended the group regularly and those who had participated sporadically. The more regularly a woman had attended, the longer she had lived. A biological explanation for the negative effects of stress on cancer is related to the release of hormones. It is now known that stress causes the release of hormones that activate the body's emergency systems - such as the inflammatory response, thus facilitating the growth and spread of tumors. At the same time, stress slows down all the functions that can be 'put on hold', such as digestion, tissue repair, and the immune system. So what can be done about this stress? Dr. Servan Schreiber, in his book anticancer, a new way of life, suggests to try yoga, meditation, qigong, or any other type of breathing exercises. Another obvious suggestion is to join a support group. For more information on support groups, try our "support section" Anticancer Body    Cancer is not only affected by our environment, diet and mind; our body obviously also plays an essential role in not only beating cancer, but also recovering from, and preventing recurrence of, it. In past studies doctors have witnessed the difference between those who exercise and those who do not, when it comes to recovery, and recurrence. There are instances where people have continued to live, despite the little hope doctors had. Though these are isolated events, and other factors might have played a role; the way these individuals took care of their body surely had a positive impact on their recovery, and remaining years. This section of our website advocates the importance of caring for your body during all stages of cancer, from diagnosis to recovery. Massage Therapy More and more doctors are starting to recognize the importance of massage therapy in the recovery process of cancer patients. As said by Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, of the Commonweal Centre, "Touching is a very old way of healing. Touch as a mother would touch a child, because what a mother is saying through her touch is 'live'. Something in touching strengthens the will to live in us. Healing is evoking the will to live in another person. It comes about not by doing something by letting another person know what their pain and their suffering and their fear matters. It really matters." In a recent study experiments on baby rats isolated from their mother at birth proved that the absence of physical contact caused the body's cells to literally refuse to divide and grow. In each cell, the part of the genome responsible for producing the enzymes needed for growth was no longer expressed, thus the whole organism went into a form of hibernation. But when the doctors stroked a baby rat's back with a wet brush, to imitate the way a mother rat responds to her babies' cries, immediately triggers enzyme production and, with it, growth. This experiment concludes that attentive physical contact, such as a massage practiced with benevolent intention, very probably stimulates the life-force in human adults, not just on an emotional level, but on a biological level inside their very cells. A further research conducted at a different institute has shown that three weekly 30-minute sessions of massage slowed down the production of stress hormones and increased the rate of NK cells ion women with breast cancer. These women were also more serene and felt less physical pain after just the very first session. Physical Exercise In addition to massage therapy, physical exercise is another way for us to strengthen our bodies before and after treatment. There are numerous mechanisms by which exercise improves overall physiology: It reduces the quantity of adipose tissue (fat), the principal storage site of carcinogenic toxins in humans. Physical exercise modifies our hormonal balance. It reduces the excess estrogens and testosterone that stimulate the growth of cancers (in particular, cancer of the breast, prostate, ovary, uterus and testicles). Exercise also reduces blood sugar levels, and, as a result, the secretion of insulin and IGF, which contribute so dramatically to tissue inflammation and to the growth and spread of tumors. Physical exercise even acts directly on the cytokines responsible for inflammation, by lowering their level in the blood. Physical activity, like meditation, has a direct effect on the immune system, seemingly protecting it against the stress of bad news. CAUTION: Certain exercises may be dangerous Some cancer may affect parts of the body that make certain exercises dangerous (arm movements after surgery in the armpit, jogging for individuals who have bone metastases, etc.). It is imperative for patients to consults their oncologist before choosing a kind of physical activity, in order to adapt it to their condition. Keys to Success A few very simple secrets ease the transition toward this new relationship with our bodies. Begin slowly, gently - You shouldn't try to run a marathon the first time you exercise; you can start small and build from there. Exercise everywhere and anywhere - You don't have to make an occasion of it, you can simply walk to the grocery store, or to the office; any exercise counts. Try Easy Activities - There's is no need to go to the gym and start power training, yoga or Tai Chi, which stimulate the body gently, can be practiced by almost anyone. Join a group - Encouragement and support of others, or simply emulation in a group devoted to the same exercise, make a great difference to our capacity to stick to a program. Have fun - It will be easier to stick with an exercise you enjoy doing. Get in the picture - You can turn the use of a stationary bike, treadmill or elliptical trainer into entertainment thanks to a TV and/or DVD player. Figure out the dose - For breast cancer, there seems to be a measurable effect after three to five hours a week of walking at a normal speed, which is 9 MET (Metabolic Equivalent) a week Information About Your Breasts    In order to understand how breast cancer can develop, it is important to know what the female breast is made of. The mature female breast is made up of four essential structures: lobules (glands); (milk)ducts; fat; and connective tissue. The upper, superficial, area of the breast is mostly made up of glandular tissue. This tissue is what is responsible for the tenderness that many women experience before their menstrual cycle. This is also where almost 50 percent of the breast cancer cases are located. The lobules, as you can see in the picture, group together, forming larger units called lobes. The average breast has between 15 and 20 lobes, which form a spoke pattern originating from the nipple/areola area. The lobes run into the (milk)ducts which continue through the breast towards the nipple. Once arrived at the nipple, the ducts merge into 6 to 10 larger ducts, called collecting ducts, which connect to the outside. Lymph nodes run through the entire body, and act as filters for foreign particles, such as cancer cells. The lymph nodes found around the armpit are the most important when it comes to diagnosing breast cancer. Because breast cancer often first spreads to the lymph nodes in the armpit, from the breasts, doctors can determine which stage the breast cancer is in, and in turn, determine the treatment. The breasts of younger women are mainly made up of glandular tissue, with on average only a small percentage being fat (depending on the woman general percentage of body fat). Therefore the breasts are firmer than in older counterparts. As women grow older, especially due to the loss of estrogen at menopause, the lobes shrivel and are replaced by fat. The breasts become softer, and lose their support. Physical examination and mammography are easier to interpret and are also more accurate. All components of the breast are influenced by hormones, the glandular tissue being the most sensitive. Very dramatic and totally normal changes can occur in the consistency of the breasts during the menstrual cycle. These changes are most pronounced just before the menstruation, when levels of estrogen and progesterone are at their highest. Right after menstruation, hormone levels are at their lowest and the breast becomes softer and less tender. This is also the best time to perform a self-breast exam or mammogram. In post menopausal women, who are not taking estrogen supplementation, weight becomes a significant factor in the size and appearance of the breasts. Being mostly composed of fat at this point, small changes in body weight can produce significant changes in breast size. Understanding Cancer    Cancer is a class of diseases in which a group of cells display the traits of uncontrolled growth, invasion, and sometimes metastasis. These three malignant properties differentiate cancer from benign tumors, which are self-limited, do not invade or metastasize. Most forms of cancers form a tumor but some, like leukemia, do not. Cancer originates in cells, the building blocks that make up tissues, which in turn make up human organs. Normally, cells only generate new cells when the body needs them. When cells grow old, they die, and the new cells take their place. Sometimes, this process goes wrong, and new cells form when the body does not need them, or old cells do not die when they should. This is what is referred to as uncontrolled growth. The second malignant property, invasion, is when a tumor has formed, due to uncontrolled growth, and cells break away from the tumor and crawl through surrounding tissues. This property enables the cancer cells to move into a blood vessel and be transported through the body, possibly establishing a secondary tumor. The creation of this second tumor is also the third malignant property of cancer cells, the metastasis. Once breast cancer cells spread, the cancer cells are often found in lymph nodes near the breast. But, breast cancer can spread to almost any other part of the body. The most common places where breast cancer spreads to are the bones, liver, lungs, and brain. The new tumors that are a result of the metastasis, have the same kind of abnormal cells and the same name as the original tumor in the breast. For example, if breast cancer spreads to the lung, the cancer cells in the lung are actually breast cancer cells. The disease is metastatic breast cancer, not lung cancer. For that reason, it is treated as breast cancer, not lung cancer. Doctors call the new tumor "distant" or metastatic disease Cancer Risk    All women are at risk when it comes to breast cancer, but no one knows what exactly causes breast cancer. Doctors often cannot explain why one woman develops breast cancer and another does not. Research has shown that women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop breast cancer. Some examples of risk factors are: Cancer is heredatary; If your sister, mother, or daughter developed breast cancer, then you have a higher risk of developing it yourself. Your own personal history with cancer; The age at which your menstrual cycle began; how earlier your cycle began, how higher the risk. The age at which you go through menopause; women who have their menopause after the age of 55 are at higher risk of developing breast cancer. The age at which you give birth to your first child; the risk increases with older age, but if you have first degree relatives with carcinoma of the breast, then risk goes down. Your current age; The risk increases with age. Age is the biggest risk factor. (76% of women who develop breast cancer had no other risk factors). Your race; Caucasian women have a slightly higher risk than Black, Hispanic, or Asian women. Your health; women who are overweight or obese after their menopause have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Drinking alcohol; studies suggest that the more alcohol a woman drinks, the greater her risk of breast cancer. Many risk factors can be avoided, others, such as family history, cannot. Women can help protect themselves by staying away from known risk factors whenever possible, but shouldn't let it dominate their life. It is important to keep in mind that most women who have known risk factors do not get breast cancer, and most women with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. In fact, except for growing older, most women with breast cancer have no clear risk factors. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss this concern with your physician. He or she may be able to suggest ways to reduce your risk, and can plan a schedule for checkups. Breast Cancer Detection    Currently, mammography is the most effective technology available for breast cancer screening. But, aside from the conventional mammography, there are several techniques that can be used for screening. These techniques are: Ultrasound Digital Mammography Computer-Aided Detection MRI PET scan Electrical Impedance Scanning Ductal Lavage Ultrasound The ultrasound, also referred to as sonography, is a technique in which high-frequency sound waves, unhearable for humans, are bounced off tissues and internal organs. The echoes generated produce a picture known as a sonogram. This form of imaging is commonly used to distinguish between solid tumors and cysts. An ultrasound is sometimes also used to examine lumps that are difficult to see on a mammogram. The ultrasound can also be used as part of other diagnostic procedures, such as needle biopsies (the removal of tissue, or fluid, through the use of needles). Ultrasounds are not used for routine breast exams, because this technique is not suitable for detecting early signs of cancer. Digital MammographyCompared to the conventional mammograms, digital mammograms use computerized images instead of x-ray film. Before printed on film, the images are displayed on a monitor, where they can be modified (enhanced, magnified, etc.). The patient won't notice a difference between the conventional and digital mammogram, as they are both performed using the same procedure. Digital mammography has a few advantages over conventional mammography. As previously indicated the images are electronically stored, this digital aspect of the mammograms makes long-distance consultations easier. There is also an improved accuracy with the digital mammograms, which decreases the number of follow-ups required. Despite these benefits, digital mammography does not increase the number of breast cancer tumors found in women. For more information about mammography, visit our section on mammograms. Computer-Aided Detection Computer-aided detection (CAD) is the use of computers to bring suspicious areas on a mammogram to the radiologist's attention. It is used after the radiologist has done the initial review of the mammogram, and is performed by scanning the mammogram into the computer. MRIMRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is the creation of detailed pictures of areas inside the body through the use of a magnet, this form of imaging does not use radiation. The MRI of a breast is conducted by placing the patient on her stomach, on a scanning table. The patient's breasts will hang into a hollow in the table, which contains coils which detect magnetic signals. The table is then moved into a tube-like machine that contains a magnet. The first series of picture are then taken, upon which the patient sometimes receives the contrast agent. The contrast agent can be used to improve the visibility of a tumor. The entire session may take about an hour. PET scan A PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan is a computerized image of chemical changes taking place in human tissue. Patients are given an injection of a combination of sugar and a small amount of radioactive material. This radioactive sugar helps in locating a tumor, because cancer cells absorb sugar faster than other tissues in the body. After the radioactive substance has been injected, the patients lies still on a table for 45 minutes while she moves through the PET scanner 6 to 7 times. This time period allows the drug to circulate the body, and if a tumor is present the sugar will accumulate in it. PET scans are more accurate in detecting larger and/or aggressive tumors than they are in locating small and/or less aggressive ones. Electrical Impedance Scanning Human tissue has different electrical impedance levels (the speed of electricity through material). Breast tissue that is cancerous has a much lower electrical impedance (conducts electricity better) than normal breast tissue. The EIS is done by placing an electrode patch on the patient's arm, and passing a very small current into the body. The current travels through the breasts, where it is measured by the scanning probe, which is placed over the breast. This gives a computerized image of the breasts; tumors show up as bright white spots on the screen. At this time, mammograms are the most effective tool we have to detect changes in the breast that may be cancer. In women at high risk of breast cancer, researchers are studying the combination of mammograms and ultrasound. Researchers are also exploring positron emission tomography (PET) and other ways to make detailed pictures of breast tissue. Ductal Lavage Ductal lavage is an investigational technique for collecting samples of cells from breast ducts for analysis. The physician introduces a salt water solution into a milk duct, through a thin tube which is inserted into the opening of the duct on the surface of the nipple. The doctor then extracts fluids from the duct, which are then checked for indications of cancer. Breast Cancer Staging    To plan your treatment, your doctor needs to know how far your breast cancer has developed. The different stages of breast cancer are based on the size of the tumor, and whether the cancer has spread. Staging is done through x-rays, examination of the lymph nodes, and other clinical tests. These tests can show whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body. The stage is often not known until the tumor has been removed. Breast cancer is most commonly staged on the basis of the American Join Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM System. This system stages breast cancer based on results from either physical exams, biopsies, or imaging tests, plus findings after surgery. The pathologic form of staging is more accurate than the clinical form, because it gives doctors the ability to exam the cancer more extensively. Breast Cancer Stages: According to the TNM system there are 5 stages of cancer, stages 0 to IV. Stage 0 being the non-invasive cancer, stage I the least advanced, and stage IV the most advanced. Stage 0 Stage 0 is referred to as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS); it is the earliest form of breast cancer. When a woman is diagnosed with stage 0, the cancer cells have not yet invaded into the surrounding fatty breast tissue. Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is sometimes also categorized as stage 0, however, many oncologists do not believe that it is a true form of breast cancer. In LCIS, abnormal cells grow within the lobules, but do not penetrate the lobules' wall. Paget disease of the nipple (without a tumor mass) is also categorized as stage 0. In all cases the cancer has not spread to lymph nodes or other tissues. Stage I With stage I the tumor is smaller than 2 cm (3/4 in.) in diameter, and has not spread to the lymph nodes or other, distant, tissue. Stage IIA There are many classifications for Stage IIA breast cancer, any of the following applies: The tumor is less than 2cm in diameter, or not found, and has spread to 1-3 axillary lymph nodes. The tumor is less than 2 cm in diameter, or not found, and tiny amounts of cancer can be found in internal mammary lymph nodes on sentinel lymph node biopsy The tumor is less than 2 cm in diameter, and has spread to 1-3 axillary lymph nodes, and tiny amounts of cancer are found in internal mammary lymph nodes on sentinel lymph node biopsy. The tumor is larger than 2 cm but smaller than 5cm in diameter, but has not spread to the lymph nodes. Stage IIB Similar to stage IIA, stage IIB cancer can have any of the following characteristics: The tumor is larger than 2 cm, but less than 5 in diameter. It has also spread to 1-3 axillary lymph nodes and/or tiny amounts of cancer are found in internal mammary lymph nodes on sentinel lymph node biopsy. The tumor is larger than 5 cm in diameter but does not grow into the chest wall or surrounding tissue, and has not spread to the lymph nodes. Stage IIIA The tumor is not more than 5cm in diameter, or cannot be found. It has furthermore spread to 4 to 9 axillary lymph nodes, or it has enlarged the internal mammary lymph nodes. The tumor is larger than 5 cm in diameter, but has not grown into the surrounding tissue. It has spread to 1-9 of the axillary nodes, or to internal mammary nodes. Stage IIIB With stage IIIB cancer, the tumor has grown into the chest wall or skin, and one of the following applies: It has not spread to the lymph nodes. It has spread to 1-3 axillary lymph nodes and/or tiny amounts of cancer are found in internal mammary lymph nodes on sentinel lymph node biopsy. It has spread to 4-9 axillary lymph nodes, or it has enlarged the internal mammary lymph nodes. Inflammatory breast cancer is also classified as stage IIIB unless it has spread to distant lymph nodes or organs, in which case it would be stage IV. Stage IIIC Stage IIIC tumors are of any size, or cannot be found, and one of the following applies: The cancer has spread to 10 or more axillary lymph nodes. The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the collarbone. The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes above the collarbone. The cancer involves axillary lymph nodes and has enlarged the internal mammary lymph nodes. Cancer involves 4 or more axillary lymph nodes, and tiny amounts of cancer are found in internal mammary lymph nodes on sentinel lymph node biopsy. Stage IV The cancer can be any size and may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes. It has spread to lymph nodes far from the breast, and distant organs; the most common sites being: the bone, liver, brain, and lung. Breast Cancer Myths    Could that sexy underwire bra cause breast cancer? What about that frozen yogurt you just ordered? Or hormone therapy? And how would you know if you had the disease until it was too late anyway? Don't some studies show that examining your breasts and getting mammograms are useless? Amid all the rumors and controversies surrounding breast cancer these days, what causes it, how to diagnose and treat it, it's hard to know what to think. Or do. One thing we can tell you is that being able to separate fact from fiction could make a difference between life and death. Myth 1 — Having a risk factor for breast cancer means you'll develop the disease. No risk factor either alone or in combination with others means you'll definitely get breast cancer. There are various factors that may increase your risk of developing the disease. Some of these appear to increase your risk only slightly. They include smoking, drinking (more than 5 alcoholic drinks per week year after year), getting your first menstrual period before age 12, continuing to have periods after age 55, and not having your first full-term pregnancy until after age 30. If you have a number of these, the increase in risk can start to be more meaningful. That said, even an inherited genetic abnormality in your family doesn't necessarily mean you're going to get breast cancer. Abnormalities in the so-called breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are very strong risk indicators. But 20 to 60 percent of women with these inherited abnormalities will not develop breast cancer. Myth 2 — If there is no breast cancer in your family, then you're not at risk for the disease. Every woman is at risk for breast cancer. So are some men! For any individual woman, an inherited abnormality is the strongest risk factor, but only about 10 percent of all cases of breast cancer are due to inherited abnormalities. About 85 percent of women who develop the disease don't have a family history. That's why it's important for all women to get screened regularly. Myth 3 — Breast cancer is passed only from your mother, not your father. We now know that breast cancer genes can be inherited from your dad's side of the family. So ask relatives about cases on both sides and in both men and women. About 2,000 cases of male breast cancer are diagnosed in the US each year. In fact, male breast cancer is most closely associated with a BRCA2 abnormality. So if there's a man in the family who's had breast cancer, be sure to tell your doctor. Myth 4 — No matter what your risk factors are, you really don't have to worry about breast cancer until you're through menopause. The odds of getting the disease do increase as you age. But breast cancer can occur at any age. That's why all women need to be vigilant. Though experts recommend yearly mammograms starting at age 40, your doctor may suggest that you start even earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer at a young age. Mammography isn't the ideal screening test for women younger than 40 because it can't "see through" their dense breast tissue. So your doctor may also recommend ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). You may be able to enroll in a study of MRI for breast cancer detection for women at increased risk. Myth 5 — Wearing a bra or using antiperspirants and deodorants increases your risk of breast cancer. These are two Internet rumors that never seem to quit. It's not true that wearing a bra, especially underwire bras, traps toxins by limiting lymph and blood flow in your breasts, increasing risk. There's also no proof for the claims that antiperspirants and deodorants cause cancer by keeping the body from sweating out the cancer-causing substances that build up in the breasts, or because they contain harmful chemicals that are absorbed through the skin. Myth 6 — If you have small breasts, you're much less likely to get breast cancer. Size doesn't matter. Anyone with breasts can get it. Myth 7 — Research shows that using hormone therapy (HT) even for a short period of time, causes breast cancer. Many women were understandably concerned when a major study found that HT combining estrogen and progestin increased risks of invasive breast cancer slightly. Another study also showed that a combination of therapy boosts breast cancer risk somewhat, however, it was able to offer some reassurance: This risk appeared to return to normal within a year or so after women stopped using the therapy. This seems to be the case for women who've been on HT for just months and those who've used it for more than 5 years. One more thing: It's important to note that no studies have found a boost in breast cancer risk for women using estrogen-only therapy. This type of therapy is prescribed solely for women who have had hysterectomies, because estrogen taken alone can cause cancer in the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer). Myth 8 — A number of studies have found that women who live in countries where diets tend to be lower in fat have a lower risk of breast cancer. But the majority of studies focusing on women in the US haven't found a solid link between dietary fat consumption and breast cancer risk. Why are these finding contradictory? It may be that women in other countries are at lower risk for other reasons: They exercise more, eat less, weigh less, smoke less, or have a different genetic profile or environmental interaction that makes them less susceptible. One thing we do know: Postmenopausal obesity is a risk factor that does put you at risk for breast and other cancers, so it pays to maintain a healthy weight. As for dairy products, the study results are mixed. But Harvard's Nurses' Health Study, a large-scale study of 120,000 women, recently found that premenopausal women who ate a lot of dairy products, especially low-fat and fat-free ones, ran a lower risk of breast cancer. The study found no link between dairy product consumption and breast cancer risk in women who are past menopause. Myth 9 — Mammograms can prevent breast cancer. A 2003 Harris survey of more than 500 women found that about 30 percent thought mammograms could prevent breast cancer. The truth: While mammograms can detect breast cancer, they can't prevent it. Myth 10 — Some studies actually show mammograms are worthless. Two studies, including a review study done by Danish scientists, did suggest that getting a regular mammogram didn't lower a women's risk of dying of breast cancer. But several other studies, including one done by the US preventive Services Task Force, totally disagree. You can maximize the benefit of mammography screening by seeking out the best facilities and staff in your area. Look for the radiology center that handles the most breast cancer cases in the region. Go to a radiologist who specializes in reading mammograms, and ask, "How many mammograms do you read each year?" More tends to be better. A study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that radiologists who read more than 300 mammograms a month were more accurate Breast Cancer Statistics    Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in Hispanic women. It is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women. In 2004, 186,772 women and 1,815 men were diagnosed with breast cancer*† 40,954 women and 362 men died from breast cancer*† †Source: U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 2004 Incidence and Mortality. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2007. *Note: Incidence counts cover approximately 98% of the U.S. population and death counts cover 100% of the U.S. population. Use caution in comparing incidence and death counts. Top 10 Causes of Death for Women in the United States‡ The graph below shows how breast cancer compares to other common causes of deaths in women of all ages.