Breast Cancer Statistics in US

Statistically, women are greatly affected with breast cancer. There are cases of breast cancer in men but women are still more vulnerable of this illness. Out of 8 American women 1 is likely to be diagnosed with insidious breast cancer within her lifetime. About 30 percent of cases are American women.

Breast cancer is caused by malignant tumor which has built up from breast cells. Commonly, it starts to develop in the ducts (passageways for draining milk toward the nipple from the lobules) or in the lobules (glands for milk production). But, in rare cases it develops within the stromal tissues including the connective tissues that are fibrous and fatty.

Generally, it is a mistake or abnormality of genes because of the process of aging. There is only 5 to 10 percent probability of inheriting the illness from the father or the mother. 85 percent of cases occurred to women with no history of breast cancer in the family.

In the previous year, around 230,480 new breast cancers cases in American women were estimated which included 57,650 new non-invasive breast cancer cases. Since the era of 1990s, death rate has decreased but approximately 39,520 American women were expected to die in 2011 because of this illness.

On a lighter note, survivors from the illness in the United States reached 2.6 million in the previous year.

It is important to increase our awareness with this because early detections and treatments lessen the mortality rate of American women. With the kind of technology today, medications for breast cancer are advanced already. 

How do women develop anorexia?

Ever wondered why most women develop an eating disorder?  Reports say anorexia or bulimia is now evident to women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. Experts also confirm that the problem starts subtly that neither she nor her family realizes what’s happening. The thing is- this problem can be life -threatening.

This might be because women are more conscious with their weight. They probably have overdone their dieting goals. With getting thin as the goal- from a simple diet, women will try binging and purging through forced vomiting or laxatives.

Also, most women now live productive lives and are fighting the possible midlife weight gain. But other factors can also trigger eating disorder. An emotional crisis they are going through is a possible factor. This might be brought about by a recent divorce or break-up, death of someone close, or other failure she has experienced. Because of this, she probably is suffering from a low self-esteem and loses appetite to eat.

But typically, eating disorders spring from concerns on body image and weight. This happens to women who try to live up to the society’s standard of a perfect woman. Doctors have verified cases where women start to develop anorexia after pregnancy, menopause, or a life crisis. At some point, losing weight has become an obsession. This is because most women are not contented to being just average.

But some doctors have looked into the possible reason of genetics to anorexia. It says that eating disorders are known to run in families. But whatever the reason is to developing this serious illness, one must be directed to a doctor immediately. 

When the monthly visitor comes

For most women, dysmenorrhea is an agony when the monthly visitor comes. Lucky are the ones who are not disturbed with this pain every menstrual cycle. It is a medical term for menstrual cramps.

There are times when the pain gets really severe that women are unable to move and scrunch down while pressing the abdomen. However, there are also times that it is tolerable and one can continue with her daily activities.

Due to uterus contractions dysmenorrhea takes place. It is normal that this organ where a fetus develops, contacts all the way through the menstrual cycle of a woman. When contractions occurs, blood vessels within the uterus are pressed and the oxygen supply is cut off which result to pressuring feeling within the area of the abdomen.

What are the indications that you are currently having dysmenorrhea? First, you feel an aching pain within the area of your abdomen. Second, there is a heavy pressure in the same area. Third, your lower thigh, lower back and hips are also in pain.

Lastly, vomiting, loose feces and upset stomach may occur when the menstrual cramps reach the climax.

The pain can be handled and you can relive yourself.

• Take a pain reliever recommended by your physician.
• Avoid drinking liquor, smoking and food with caffeine content.
• Gently massage your abdomen and lower back.
• Place a heating pad on the lower portion of your abdomen.

The best way to prevent menstrual cramps is to exercise daily despite your busy schedule. It is important to exercise because it will regulate the blood flow.

Pudgy Tummy’s Out

A pudgy tummy has become a problem for most of the women, especially after giving birth. Often times, it’s a lot difficult to get rid of those with all the pending jobs women do. She works at the office, she’s a mom at home. How would you think she’d have time to lose those flabs?

But if you’re a woman, and have already decided to lose weight, it is important to learn some tummy exercises. While men’s health programs aim to develop a “six-pack” abs, women’s goal is to get a firmer and tighter tummy.

The first thing you should understand is that these tummy exercises is just part of a bigger picture of losing weight and getting healthy. Even if you do a lot of crunches every day, if you’re not exercising the rest of the body and eating healthful foods, you sure won’t get your desired weight.

To get rid of the layer of fat which covers your abs, here are two tummy exercises that will help you do so. First is what we call “the crunch.” It is a small movement which will have great results if done efficiently. You need to lie on your back with bent knees. Remember to keep your feet and back flat and have your shoulders width apart. Then, raise your upper body a few inches from the floor, descend back down, and repeatedly do so. Exhale as you go down to learn to exercise breathing.

Another effective tummy exercise is the “Ball Crunch.” You will need a large blow-up ball which can be bought in Wal-Mart for about $10-$20. The aim of this exercise is to balance your body while sitting in the edge of the ball. Your bum should be placed on the edge which looks like you’re almost falling off.

If you do these tummy exercises for twenty minutes a day, a tighter tummy can be achieved. Of course, do not forget to combine these with good diet and a cardio exercise program so you’d feel sexier and healthier in no time. 

Do you have PMS?

Irritable feeling, wanting a sour food, feeling cramps on your stomach…. These are just few of the syndromes women feel when their monthly visitor is about to come. Scientifically, it is called pre-menstrual syndrome or PMS.

But before you can be certain you have PMS, you need to make a journal on your observations when your period is about to come for about 2 to 3 months. A PMS diagnosis is a combination of behavioural, mental, and physical symptoms. The journal will help your health care provider to determine your cyclic nature which will help you if something is wrong with your health or menstrual cycle.

But when trying to jot down these symptoms, remember that it usually occurs after Day 13 from the day you had your period. Symptoms may vary from every woman ranging from mild to severe symptoms. This may even last even on the 4^th day of the menstrual cycle calendar.

To help you identify those, here are some which usually appears on women. Physically, you may feel sore and tender breasts, headache, and swelling. Mentally, you may experience fatigue, irritability, angry outbursts, confusion, and even social withdrawal.

Unfortunately, women will apparently be dysfunctional in her social and/or economic performance. People may notice women having PMS become sensitive in marital/relationship issues, school/work performance, family issues, decreases social activity and may even contemplate on having suicide.

Yes! That’s how PMS may become if severe. Thus, the people around women should understand how the menstrual cycle works and how women’s health may also be at risk because of these difficulties.