the JOY
OF THE LORD IS
our STRENGTH
nehemiah 8:10 NKJV
the complete colection
Healthcare Blogs
Learn about a range of contemporary topics in medicine that will empower you to prevent and treat some of the most common mood disorders, diseases and cancers. Read our blogs and listen to the Believers Medicine Podcast to find out more.
fighting Depresison
Prayer to Defeat Depression
It has been a long journey. We have learned so much about depression, as well as how this condition can be treated. In the end remember, depression does not control you. You are not defined by this condition. You are already free from depression or any negative emotions through the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Today, I would like to pray for your healing and thank God in advance that he has broken the chains of depression in your life.
Types of Therapy
Up to this point in our depression series we have discussed several conditions that have a depressed mood as a symptom of the condition; this includes premenstrual syndrome (PMS), post-partum blues and depression, normal and prolonged grief, major depression disorder, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Depending on the condition and severity, medication may be needed to help control symptoms. On the other hand, therapy tends to be beneficial in all these conditions. A therapist can use many types of therapy methods. It can be helpful to know which therapy method is being used in your case or what methods tend to work best for you. In this way, you can come to your session engaged and empowered.
What is PTSD?
There are events in our life that seem to create permanent painful memories that are etched onto the fabric of our minds. These memories arise from traumatic events that instills a depth of hurt so deep that it seems impossible to rid ourselves of these thoughts. It shapes our interactions others and can serve as a hinderance to living a fulfilling life. When thoughts, nightmares and flashbacks of a painful experience affects your daily activities and how you interact with others, this is called post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Let’s find out more about what causes PSTD and, more importantly, what the bible says about our recovery from the thoughts and trauma of our past.
Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a condition whereby someone’s mood and habits can swing form one pole to the next. On one pole, there is depression. On the other pole there is mania, which is a period of heightened activity, risk taking and poor choices that can lead to severe consequences. Over a lifetime bipolar disorder affects about 1-3% of the population worldwide. Bipolar begins around the age of 18 to 20 years and affects men and women equally. Though bipolar disorder is not the most common psychological illness; when recognized, this condition does require treatment.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
At times we cordially use the word “bipolar” to describe swings in someone’s behavior, but there is a deeper meaning. If we were to take a snapshot of someone’s life dealing with bipolar disorder, we may see someone who is terribly depressed. At other times we can see someone who is filled with energy, ideas, and irresponsibility. This period of heightened activity and risk taking is called mania. While we have discussed major depression in previous episodes, let us find out more about mania. More importantly, let us find out more about what the bible says about how we should feel and be stable in our decisions and actions.
Treatment for Major Depression
Depression is one of the most common psychological illnesses in the world with far reaching effects, stretching across ethnicities, genders, and all age groups. Major depression is a formidable opponent that can impact our lives greatly, as well as those who are closest to us. In the battle against depression, it is important to know when to use therapy, medications, or both. More importantly, it essential to know we have a comforter in Jesus.
Symptoms of Depression: Conquering Thoughts of Harm
There are moments in our lives that tip us over the edge into a valley of depression. It is usually not one event but an accumulation of insults, setbacks, and losses that causes someone to become weary and discouraged. They may tempt us to isolate ourselves and devalue life. We may think passive thoughts of not wanting to live. Let us find out more about another symptom of depression: thought or harm and not wanting to live. Most importantly, we will discover what the bible says about our future.
Symptoms of Depression: Worthlessness and Guilt
Depression can have far reaching effects, stretching across genders and all age groups. A depressed mood and lack in the interest in most, if not all, activities of daily life are hallmark symptoms of depression. Another well symptom of depression is feelings of guilt and worthlessness. Let’s us find about more about this symptom of depression and how the word of God can lead us to feelings of value and confidence.
Psychomotor Changes
Depression is a formidable opponent and can impact our lives greatly, as well as those who are closest to us. Also, depression can present and appear differently amongst individuals impacted with this disease. There is always a depressed mood or lack in the interest in most, if not all, activities of daily life when we speak about depression. Yet, those with depression can have changes to eating patterns, weight, and energy level. Let us find out more about another and less commonly known of depression: psychomotor changes.
Symptoms of Depression: Fatigue
During a lifetime, about 12% of individuals may be affected by depression worldwide. In the United States and Europe, about 18% of individuals may deal with major depression. (1) Therefore, depression is one of the most common psychological illnesses worldwide. So far, we have discussed depressed mood and anhedonia, as well as weight, appetite, and sleep changes. Today, let us find out more about another symptom of depression: Changes in energy level, or fatigue.
Symptoms of Depression: Sleep Changes
Major depression is one of the most common psychologic conditions worldwide. The symptoms of major depression include: depressed mood, anhedonia, changes to eating habits, weight, sleep, energy level and concentration. Today, let us find out more the symptom poor sleep. More important, we will discover what the bible says about our rest.
Symptoms of Depression: Weight and Appetite Changes
Major depression is one of the most common psychologic conditions worldwide. During a lifetime, about 12% of individuals may be affected by depression worldwide. The symptoms of major depression include: depressed mood, anhedonia, changes to eating habits, weight, sleep, energy level and concentration. Today, let us find out more the symptoms of weight and appetite changes.
Symptoms of Depression: Anhedonia
Major depression is one of the most common psychologic conditions worldwide. The symptoms of major depression include: depressed mood, anhedonia, changes to eating habits, weight, sleep, energy level and concentration. Today, let us find out more the symptoms of anhedonia, which speaks to the lack of enjoyment in life.
Symptoms of Depression: Depressed Mood
Major depression is one of the common psychologic conditions worldwide. During a lifetime, about 12% of individuals may be affected by depression worldwide. In the United States and Europe, about 18% of individuals may deal with major depression. The symptoms of major depression include: depressed mood, a lack in the interest and pleasure in most, if not all, activities of life; changes to eating habits, weight, sleep, energy level and concentration. Today, let us find out more the symptom of a depressed mood.
Major Depression
Major depression is a term we hear from time-to-time to describe a state where someone feels down for prolonged period of time. Social interactions and activities of daily living can be affected. As discussed previously, feelings of depression can be link to a medical condition, medication, menstruation, pregnancy, loss of a loved one or change in one’s environment. At other times, others may feel depressed and not quite know why. In this case, your doctor may be suspicious of a major depressive disorder. In the course of a lifetime, about 12% of individuals may be affected by depression worldwide. In the United States and Europe, about 18% of individuals may deal with major depression. We will discover more about the symptoms of major depression and how we can use the bible to live a happier life and attack each symptom of this disease. Today, Let’s define major depressive disorder and list the symptoms.
Adjustment Disorder
Life can hit us hard. Natural disasters, broken relationships, the death of a loved one, loss of a job or a newly diagnosed life-threatening illness can turn our lives upside down. Shock waves can be felt in all areas of our life, including our emotions. There is an adjustment to our new reality. There are times when our adjustment to a stressful life event can become unhealthy. When our adjustment to a stressful event becomes excessive and impacts our behaviors and daily living, this is called adjustment disorder. Adjustment disorder tends to occur within 3 months after a stressful event. Let’s find out more about the symptoms of adjustment disorder and what the bible says about our future when faced with a stressful event.
What is prolonged grief?
Life has highs and lows. Some of the lowest points in our life involves loss of something or someone that is close to our hearts. Grief is a common reaction to a life circumstance. There are times when grief can be prolonged and debilitating. This is called prolonged grief disorder. Whereas acute grief is normal and should improve within months, prolonged grief is a psychologic condition and can last years. Let find out more about the causes, symptoms and treatment of prolong grief disorder. More importantly, we will discover what the bible says about our recovery from grief.
What is Grief?
Life has highs and lows. Some of the lowest points in our life involves the loss of something or someone that is close to our hearts. Grief is a common reaction to a challenging moment in life. Events that can lead to grief include the death of a loved one, divorce or loss of a job. Let’s find out more about the symptoms of grief and what the bible says about our recovery.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Generally speaking, having a baby is a joyful event, but some women may experience sadness or depression after the delivery of a child. When the symptoms of depression are persistent, this is call post-partum depression. The word post means “after” and partum is defined as “childbirth.” Therefore, post-partum depression refers to feeling of depression after childbirth. About 10-16% of women in the United States have symptoms of depression following the birth of a child. Whereas the postpartum blues is mild, self-limited and does not require treatment, postpartum depression is more impactful. Let’s find out more about the symptoms of postpartum depression and how to treat this condition.
What are the Postpartum Blues?
Generally speaking, having a baby is a joyful event. Notwithstanding, woman can feel an array of emotions following the birth of a child, including depression. Particularly, many women experience post-partum blues after delivery. The word post means “after” and partum is defined as “childbirth.” Therefore, the postpartum blues refers to a woman feeling “a little down” following the birth of a baby. About 40% of woman may experience post-partum blues within a week following the delivery of a child. Let’s find out more about post-partum blues and how to treat this condition.
Mood Changes as a Medication Side Effect
As discussed previously, symptoms of depression are not always caused by a life event or related to major depressive disorder. In some cases, depression can be a symptom of another complex medical condition, such as thyroid disease. In other cases, depression symptoms can be a result of starting medication for another medical condition. The official name for depression when it is caused by a medication or substance is called “substance/ medication induced depressive disorder.” Let’s find out more about some of the medications that can cause symptoms of depression.
Mood and Other Medical Conditions
At times, symptoms of depression are not caused by a life event or related to major depressive disorder. In some cases, depression can be a symptom of another complex medical condition, such as thyroid disease. In these cases, our focus shifts from treating major depressive disorder to uncovering a hidden medical condition. The official name for depression when it is caused by a medical condition is “depressive disorder due to another medical condition.” Let’s find out more about some conditions can mascaraed as major depressive disorder.
Mood and Menstruation
It seems commonplace to suggest or joke about mood changes or irritability that can occur during a women’s menstrual cycle. This concept is familiar to most. Hormone changes that occur with menstruation are complex. With this complexity in physiology comes a change in mood. Changes in mood can be mild to non-existent or severe and debilitating. When symptoms affect daily social interactions or work, this is called premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Although it is common to have one or two premenstrual symptoms, such as irritability or headache, true premenstrual syndrome is relatively uncommon and affects about 3-8% of women. Let’s find out more about premenstrual syndrome and how to treat it.
Mood and Seasons
There are a variety of situations and circumstances that can affect one’s mood. One factor that can impact someone’s mood is the weather or seasonal changes. It is possible to feel depressed during the summer or winter months. When changes in the seasons affect someone’s mood, this is called seasonal affective disorder. There are several types of season affective disorders. Let’s find out more about seasonal affective disorders and how it is treated.
Depression or Depressed
The word “depression” is a common term that is used loosely at times to describe someone’s emotional state following a major life event, such as the loss of a job or a loved-one. However, there is a difference between feeling depressed and dealing with major depressive disorder or another depressive syndrome. We all can feel depressed without being depressed. Let’s find out more about the difference between feeling depressed and battling major depressive disorder.
Depression Facts
Depression is one of the most common psychological illnesses in the United States and worldwide. It’s affects can be felt amongst men and woman, across rich and poor households and span all ages and ethnic groups. Anyone can be impacted by depression. We may know someone with depression. We may deal with depression ourselves. Let’s learn about some of the statistics regarding depression, and more importantly, what the word of God says about those who are impacted by this illness.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer Wrap Up and Prayer
Prostate cancer in the second most common cancer in men worldwide and the single most common cancer in men in the United States. Worldwide over 1000 men are expected to die from prostate cancer every day. In the United States men have a 12-13% lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer. Prostate cancer presents a unique risk to men with no easy answers on how to find this disease at an early stage. Let’s review what we learned about prostate cancer so far. Afterwards, I would like to pray for you.
Fighting Metastatic Prostate Cancer
When prostate cancer has spread outside the prostate gland to affect the lymph nodes of other parts of the body, this is called metastatic prostate cancer. If you have been told that you have this disease, do not be discouraged. This is not a death sentence. There are many men that live a healthy and fulfilling life with this disease. At times, a doctor may even wait to begin treatment for metastatic prostate cancer if there are no symptoms. When treatment is necessary, there are several things one can expect.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
There are many types of treatments for prostate cancer. Along with other medications, some men are treated with surgery or radiation. At other times, prostate cancer does not need to be treated. It can be “watched,” or monitored from year to year. In our previous blog and podcast, we discussed how the Gleason score can help guide a treatment course for prostate cancer. In addition to the Gleason score, there are other factors, such as the PSA level and tumor stage, that will be help plan a path to treat prostate cancer. Let’s find out how the Gleason score, PSA level, and tumor stage are used to help formulate a plan to treat prostate cancer.
Gleason Score
There are many types of treatments for prostate cancer. Along with other medications, some men are treated with surgery or radiation. At other times, prostate cancer does not need to be treated. It can be “watched,” or monitored from year to year. The decision for treatment with surgery, radiation or watchful waiting depends on many factors. One is these factors is called a Gleason score. After undergoing a prostate biopsy, a doctor that specializes in looking at tissues on microscope, also known as a pathologist, will give a score to grade the cancer cell from not aggressive to aggressive. This is called a Gleason score. Let’s find out more about the Gleason score and how this number can be used to guide the treatment of prostate cancer.
Before & After My Prostate Biopsy
The choice to undergo a biopsy of the prostate is an important decision. After a PSA blood test, and likely an MRI of the prostate gland, are performed, you and your doctor may come to the decision that a biopsy of the prostate gland is best for you. With this biopsy, several small samples of tissues are taken from the prostate gland. In way, the doctor will get better idea of the presence or absence of prostate cancer or the aggressiveness of these cells if found. Let find out more about you can expect before and after your prostate biopsy.
When Should I Get a Biopsy of My Prostate?
The decision to get a biopsy of your prostate is a big one. There can be anxiety while awaiting results. Once results are obtained, a cancer diagnosis can carry a heavy weight. These drawbacks are especially concerning when we consider a large number of prostate cancers are slow growing and will not cause death. Notwithstanding, there are some prostate cancers that are aggressive and deadly. Therefore, a prostate biopsy becomes an important means to identify and separate slow growing cancers for aggressive ones. Lest find out more about when you should consider getting a biopsy of your prostate.
MRI of the Prostate Before the Biopsy?
You have decided to get a PSA blood test and it is higher than expected. The test is repeated, and remains elevated. When you look at you PSA blood test year over year, it has increased with time. You have a discuss with your primary care doctor and it is their recommendation that you consider a biopsy. A referral is placed to a urologist. Yet, before seeing the urologist you ask yourself: “should I consider an MRI of my prostate before undergoing a biopsy?” The answer in most case is “yes.” Let’s find out why.
When Should I Get a PSA?
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and in the United States. About 1,600,000 men worldwide, and 165,00 men in the United States, are affected by prostate cancer each year. Typically, a blood called a PSA, or Prostate Specific Antigen, is used to screen for prostate cancer. The chances of being affected by prostate cancer increases as men get older. Therefore, it is important to know the right time to be screened for prostate cancer. With this in mind, the timing of prostate cancer screening depends of whether a man is considered an average or high risk for this disease. Let’s find out more about the when one should be screened for prostate cancer.
Prostate Specific Antigen
When you go to your doctor for a yearly visit, you may be offered a blood test to search for prostate cancer. This blood test is called a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). Nowadays, some professional societies recommend against using digital rectal exam to search for prostate for cancer. We have found the blood test is more helpful than using our finger to find cancer in average risk men, but the blood test is not perfect either. When receiving your test results, it is not enough to know if you test was “positive” or “negative.” You need to know your number. There are 3 different cut offs you should remember when looking at your PSA results.
Prostate Cancer Tests
There are a number of ways to detect prostate cancer. Traditionally, a doctor would attempt to feel the prostate gland with their finger. This is called a digital rectal exam, or a DRE. With time, it become apparent that this was not a perfect test for a number of reasons. Presently, we screen for prostate cancer with a blood test called a Prostate Specific Antigen, or a PSA. This test also has its limitations. Let’s find out more about how to look for prostate cancer with these two methods.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Before we begin our discussion on the symptoms of prostate cancer, it is important to realize that it is our goal to detect prostate cancer before symptoms develop. More prostate cancers are found when there are not symptoms at all. Instead, a high Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) may be found on blood testing or a hard prostate gland may be found on a rectal exam. When symptoms of prostate cancer come about, this can mean that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate. At other times, the symptoms of prostate cancer can be confused with other conditions of the bladder and prostate. Let’s find out more about the symptoms of prostate cancer and what we can do to catch this disease early.
Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer amongst men in the United States, and the second most common cancer in men worldwide. There are some well-established risk factors for prostate cancer. As with many cancers, there are some risks, such as our age, that are not under our control. While other risk, such as diet, are influenced by our decisions and can help lower the risk of cancer. When we look at the risk for prostate cancer; age, family history and ethnicity are major risk factors for this disease. Let’s find out more about prostate cancer and some of the things we can do decrease the chances of being affected by this disease.
Prostate Cancer Facts
Prostate cancer in the second most common cancer in men worldwide and the single most common cancer in men in the United States. More specifically, there are over 3 million men who are living with prostate cancer in the United States. Worldwide over 1000 men are expected to die from prostate cancer every day. In the United States, about nearly 100 men are expected to die from prostate cancer each day. In the United States men have a 12-13% lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer.
Colon Cancer
Colon Cancer Wrap Up and Prayer
We have learned a lot in our journey to discovery more about colon cancer and some of the ways we can prevent this disease. During our colon cancer series, we learned some interesting facts about colon cancer as well as risk factors for this disease. We also learned how to make changes to our diet and lifestyle in order to lower the risk of colon cancer. We discussed colon cancer symptoms and the importance of early screening and detection. We discussed several screening methods for colon cancer and treatment options based of the stage of this disease at the time of diagnosis. Finally, we took a closer look at stage 4 colon cancer and discovered this disease is curable. Let’s review each topic in detail. Afterwards, I would like to pray for you.
Is Stage 4 Colon Cancer Curable?
We know that finding colon cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable can drastically improve survival rates. Prevention and screening are the best ways to fight colon cancer. If colon cancer is discovered when it has spread to other organs and parts of the body, this is called stage 4 metastatic colon cancer. This is the most advanced stage of colon cancer. Surgery and chemotherapy are needed to fight colon cancer at this stage. There is a sinking question: Is stage 4 colon cancer considered curable? The answer is yes! Let’s find out why.
What are the Treatments for Colon Cancer?
If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer, it is important to know your treatment options. Some early-stage colon cancer can be treated with surgery alone without the need for chemotherapy. When colon cancer has been given time to grow, surgery and chemotherapy can be needed. The treatment course depends on the stage of your disease. There are 4 stages of colon cancer. With each stage we will discuss the treatment course. Let’s find out more about each stage of colon cancer and how it is treated.
Virtual Colonoscopy
We have discussed many options for colon cancer screening including the FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test), Stool DNA test (Cologuard by trade name) and colonoscopy, which is considered the gold standard for detecting colon cancer. There is another option for colon cancer screening called a CT colonoscopy. Another name for CT colonoscopy is “virtual colonoscopy.” Let’s find out more about this virtual colonoscopy and whether this test is right for you.
How Should I Prepare for My Colonoscopy?
If you have decided to undergo a colonoscopy, congratulations! You have made an important decision to change the trajectory of your health and prevent a deadly cancer from affecting your life and those around you. In preparation for your colonoscopy, there are some changes to you diet and medications that should be held prior undergoing a colonoscopy. You doctor will provide both written and verbal instructions of the things change. A week before your colonoscopy, make sure read the instructions at least twice. Let’s find our more about what things will look like before and after your colonoscopy.
Colon Cancer Screening: Colonoscopy
One of the pitfalls of the FIT and multitarget DNA test (trade name Cologuard) is the inability to find polyps. A poly is a small growth on a stalk. Think of a skin tag in your colon. Some polyps are harmless. Others have malignant potential. Polyps that can turn into cancer are called adenomas. An adenoma is the middleman of cancer. As we wrap up our discussion on screening tests we will take closer look at a gold standard, the colonoscopy, which is critical for finding and removing polyps and adenomas.
Colon Cancer Screening: Stool DNA Test
Having a realization that colon cancer is a serious disease that is largely preventable is half the battle. Once you make the commitment to be tested for colon cancer, there is another challenge to determine which test is best for you. As we continue our discussion of colon cancer tests, we will take a closer look at a test that can pick up cancer DNA in your stool. This is called a multitarget stool DNA test, but it is also known as Cologuard, which is the trade name.
Colon Cancer Screening: FIT Card
Having a realization that colon cancer is a serious disease that is preventable is half the battle. Once you make the commitment to be tested for colon cancer, there is another challenge to determine which test is best for you. Some tests can detect early-stage disease, while others can find pre-cancers. For this discussion, let’s find out more FIT stool blood card.
Colon Cancer Symptoms
Before we begin our discussion on the symptoms of colon cancer, it is important to realize that it is our goal to detect colon cancer before symptoms develop. When we begin to have symptoms of colon cancer. This is why it is extremely important that you have a colonoscopy to detect cancer before it develops. With that being said, it is important to know the most common symptoms of colon as a means to uncover this diagnosis in those who have not had a colonoscopy. Colon cancer symptoms include changes in the way someone passes their stool, abdominal pain, anemia or weight loss. At other times, one may have no symptoms at all. Let’s find out more about the symptoms of colon cancer.
How Can I Lower My Risk of Colon Cancer?
There are a number of characteristics about ourselves and choices we can make that place us at a higher risk for colon cancer. As with many cancers, some factors, such as eating a healthy diet, controlling diabetes and becoming more active, are under our control and influenced by the decisions we make. These are called modifiable risk factors. By knowing the risks we can control, we are better able to make lifestyle choice that can keep colon cancer at bay. Let’s find more some things we can do to lower our risk of colon cancer.
When Should I Get a Colonoscopy?
There are a number of characteristics about ourselves and choices we can make that place us at a higher risk for colon cancer. As with many cancers, some of these characteristics, such as our age and gender, are not under our control. These are called non-modifiable risk factors. By knowing the risk we cannot control, one can discover the need for colon cancer tests at an earlier age. Let’s find out more about these risks and how it can change the way we think about the timing of colon cancer tests.
What Causes Colon Cancer?
While there are several lifestyle factors that play a role in the genesis of colon cancer, there are a series of stepwise genetic mutations that lead to this disease. Generally speaking, colon cancer develops over a long period of time. Most times we can catch colon cancer before it develops with various screening measures, including a colonoscopy. Let’s find out why colon cancer takes so long to develop and how we can use this to our advantage.
Colon Cancer Facts
As we begin our colon cancer series, I would like to share some interesting facts about colon cancer. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. Colon cancer is also the second most common cause of cancer related death in the United States. About 140 men and women are expected to die from colon cancer every day.
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Series Wrap Up & Prayer
Our journey to discover more about breast cancer has been long, but I hope you have learned something that will prevent this disease from taking a hold of your life and those around you. Our breast cancer series cover many areas of this topic including risk factors, symptoms, screening methods, biopsy types, genetic testing and treatment for the most common breast cancer types, specifically DCIS and invasive breast cancer. Let’s review these topics one more time.
What is Invasive Breast Cancer?
As we discussed before, there are words in your biopsy report that may be difficult to understand, but there are some key phrases you can learn to help uncover the meaning of this report. Ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive breast cancer are the two most common types of breast cancer. If you would like to know more about ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS, read our blog “What is DCIS?” Otherwise, let’s find out more about invasive breast cancer and discover its meaning.
What is DCIS?
There are words in your biopsy report that may be difficult to understand, but there are some key phrases you can learn to help unravel the meaning of this report. First, you will need to become familiar with two terms, which are ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive breast cancer. Let’s find out about ductal carcinoma in situ.
Genetic Testing
There are women and men who are at increased risk for breast cancer. In this group, genetic testing for the BRCA mutation should be a consideration. In this way, other cancers caused by the BRCA mutation can be detected earlier and family members can be empowered to know their cancer risk as well. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you doctor will tell you of you need genetic testing. But for those who are have not been diagnosed with breast cancer, there are some clues you can use to help determine of you need genetic testing.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
Breast cancer may present in a variety of ways, yet our goal is to detect breast cancer before symptoms begin. In fact, most breast cancers are discovered when a woman has no symptoms. Nonetheless, up to 15% of woman will have breast cancer without a mass found on mammogram. Additionally, another 30% of woman may have a mass found between mammograms. Knowing the signs of breast cancer is an extra step you can step to help know if you at risk for this disease.
Breast Cancer Gene
There are some women that are at the highest risk to develop breast cancer. These women tend to have a hereditary form of breast. The most common form of hereditary breast is that which involves the BRCA mutation. BRCA stand for the BReast CAncer gene. There are two BRCA mutations that have been identified. Theses gene are named BRCA 1 and BRCA 2. Women with the BRCA 1 or 2 gene mutation have a 50 – 87% risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. These women also have a 20 -45% chance of developing ovarian cancer in their lifetime.
Breast Cancer Risks
There are a variety of factors that can cause someone to be at increased risk for breast cancer. Risks can be divided into factors we can change and others we cannot. Lifetime exposure to estrogen also plays a role in breast cancer risk. By familiarizing yourself with breast cancer risk, you are better able to understand lifestyle changes that can improve your chances of avoiding a breast cancer diagnosis.
Age and Breast Cancer Risk
The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer in the United States is about 12%. In other words, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. Breast cancer risk increases with age. Furthermore, the risk of breast cancer in each age group is expressed as a percentage over 10 years. Let’s take a look at this risk for each age group.
I have a positive mammogram. Do I need a biopsy?
When your doctor tells you that your mammogram is “positive” or “abnormal,” negative emotions and thoughts may flood your mind. Yet, take a step back, know your mammogram score and become empowered to know the next steps. Let’s find out more about when you might need a biopsy.
What Does My Mammogram Result Mean
Screening for breast cancer is performed with a mammogram. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that can detect either harmless cysts or calcium build up that may be concerning for cancer. A mammogram result is expressed as a BIRADS score. Based on the BIRADS score, some breast masses need a biopsy and others don’t. Let’s find out what this BIRADS score means.
Breast Cancer Facts
We have just finished our breast cancer series! Take a listen to our first podcast in the series about breast cancer facts and read our blog. Remember breast is the most cancer amongst women in the United States. About 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. This comes to about 12% of women. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide breast cancer is the most common cancer related death amongst women. Let’s discover more interesting facts about breast cancer symptoms, screening and risk factors.
Know When To Get Tested
Even during the coronavirus pandemic, it remains important to acknowledge breast cancer awareness month. Each day approximately 100 women will die from breast cancer in the United States. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide…
COVID 19
How can I prevent the spread of coronavirus?
While there is an array of medications in development to combat the COVID-19 virus, the strongest weapon in our arsenal is prevention. Various preventive strategies have been shown to reduce the transmission of the coronavirus. Let’s take a look at some of these strategies.
How is COVID-19 transmitted?
The COVID-19 virus is spread from person to person by a variety of methods. The spread of the COVID-19 virus primarily occurs by respiratory droplets and fomites. Let’s find out how this occurs.
How Infectious is the Coronavirus?
News reports, hospitalization numbers and personal stories relayed by friends gives us an idea of how rapidly the COVID-19 virus can spread. Yet, it remains important to know how infectious the COVID-19 virus is when compared to other pandemics.
What Happens Next?
After an initial incubation period, most of those infected with the coronavirus will have mild symptoms. Yet there is a considerate number of individuals that will develop severe symptoms and critical disease. Let’s take a look at the different paths of illness one can take after being infected with the coronavirus.
Know the Symptoms
The symptoms of a coronavirus infection are important to recognize, but can be confused with other flu-like illness. Nonetheless, there is some useful in knowing the range of coronavirus symptoms, including those which are more common to COVID-19. The range of…
Know Your Risk
It is important to know that a severe infection with COVID-19 can occur at any age, yet older adults and those with certain medical conditions are especially prone to severe infection. Severe disease can be defined as an infection with the COVID-19 virus that requires…
Where It All Began
The name coronavirus stems from the word corona, which is a Latin derivative meaning “crown.” The shape of the coronavirus is a circular structure with spike-like projections resembling a crown. Before the COVID 19 pandemic, coronaviruses were thought to be a…
The Perfect Storm
As we head indoors for holiday gatherings this winter season, there is a perfect storm brewing for a potential second wave of coronavirus infections. The ingredients fueling this storm involve ineffective contact tracing, “lockdown fatigue” and a season that brings the flu and coronavirus…