The diagnosis “breast cancer” sounds like a verdict to a woman. It is easily understandable because breasts are crucial part of the woman’s body and are connected with the concept of femininity and sexuality. It is also the second cause that leads to death in the U.S. A lot of women in the age group between 45 and 55 become victims of breast cancer. The condition is generally diagnosed after a mammogram was done and some abnormality was found. Recently more and more women tend to undergo this procedure in the preventive purposes.

The condition has been studied for some period of time and according to the numerous researches the main reasons for the appearance of breast cancer are considered genetic or hormonal factors. The illness is characterized by having several stages and according to them the treatment is selected. It can be surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy.

It is a very important matter for any women. No surprise that she wants to know everything about the illness and the progress of the treatment. It makes her stronger and more hopeful as this diagnosis brings a lot stress and shock into a woman’s life.

Therefore when you go to consult your doctor it may help to keep the track of questions and answers in order not to get confused and even more distressed. Some friend’s or a family member’s assistance can be of great support as well.

Your doctor will surely refer you to other specialists for a more precise investigation (surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists, even to a plastic surgeon if needed).

As it has already been mentioned the condition has a variation of treatment choices; in some cases the therapy can be combined with another one for better effect. In any case the therapy will depend on the stage of the disease. The condition can require surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone or biological therapy.

All of them are different and have different after-effects both concerning the way you feel and look. The treatments can be roughly divided into local and systemic. The former includes surgery and radiation therapy and is meant to kill the cancer in the breast or control the rate of its spread if the condition has already reached such an extent. Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and biological therapy refer to systemic therapy. They function by invading the bloodstream and therefore controlling the spread of cancer or eliminating it. In some cases systemic therapy is carried out before surgery or in preventive measures from the return of cancer.

It should be remembered that whatever the treatment it will be fraught with some after-effects and a women should be prepared for it. The severity of adverse effects is connected with the kind of treatment undergone and its intensity. They are also individual for each woman.

It is vital for a woman on any stage to have support. The condition is not the one to be trifled with and is painful both physically and emotionally. Therefore friends and family should be always near.