Researchers are constantly seeking new methods for the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of this virulent cancer. The success of this research has played a big part in the early detection and successful treatment of more cases of breast cancer in recent years.

New treatments are constantly being sought to effectively seek out any potentially cancerous cells in a woman's body. This reduces the number of cases of breast cancer significantly.

Thanks to this continued research, many more women are surviving breast cancer than ever before. The recovery rate has steadily been increasing. Early detection and treatment is the key to this success.

Information regarding breast cancer has become more widely available. It is no longer the silent killer that it once was. Women are being educated as to their risks of developing the cancer and methods of checking their breasts for signs of the disease.

A woman has an increased probability of developing breast cancer if she falls into certain categories. The first is that she has passed the age of 40, especially if she had children after that age. Obesity and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to the chances of a woman developing the disease being greater than average.

Initially, breast cancer is only detectable by a mammogram. The disease has no detectable symptoms but a mammogram would be able to highlight potentially cancerous cells. It is for this reason that women over 40 should have annual mammograms.

Self-examination of the breasts is a method that every woman should use to check for the presence of tumors in their early stage of growth. Your doctor or other medical practitioner can advise you on the best method of self-examination if you are unsure of the proper technique.

You should examine your breasts at least once a month, but the more frequently you do so, the earlier you will detect any lumps. If you think that you may have found a lump it is essential that you seek urgent medical advice.

Although research into breast cancer prevention is an ongoing process, there have been a number of breakthroughs recently. The National Cancer Institute has tested a number of drugs that could potentially prevent the disease altogether.

The two drugs that the NCI tested have shown that they have the potential to prevent the cancer are BCPT and Star. The first drug was given to 13,000 women who were at risk of developing the disease and 19,000 were given the second. These large studies showed that the predicted instances of cancer were significantly reduced. However, neither drug has had FDA approval to date.

Of course, it isn't just American women who are at risk of this deadly form of female cancer. Women all around the globe are at risk. Researchers are constantly striving to discover methods of detecting and treating the disease. Women are still dying from this type pf cancer and it is essential that the work continues until the disease is eradicated. Until then, it is vital that all women perform regular self-examinations. Early detection is the best hope that a woman has of overcoming and surviving breast cancer.

Summary:

Although research into breast cancer prevention is an ongoing process, there have been a number of breakthroughs recently. The National Cancer Institute has tested a number of drugs that could potentially prevent the disease altogether.