Definition and Types: Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. 1 in 8 women will get it.

Non-invasive (or "in situ") cancers confine themselves to the ducts or lobules and do not spread to the surrounding tissues in the breast or other parts of the body. Invasive (or infiltrating) cancers have started to break through normal breast tissue barriers and invade surrounding areas. Breast cancer is where cancerous (malignant) cells are found in the breast tissue. Lobular (which begins in the lobes of the breast and often is found in both breasts) Inflammatory cancer (its where the breast appears swollen and hot) its also very uncommon. Mammograms Getting a mammogram is an effective way to detect breast cancer in its early stages. It is recommended by the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY that all women over 40 get a yearly mammogram. Its also recommended that women over 20 should get a mammogram every 2-5 years depending on your risk.

Mammograms preparation Have record with you Skip the caffeine Schedule to your advantage Ask a nurse /doctor Stay clean Take pain reliever Treatments for Breast Cancer

First comes a biopsy 1.Lumpectomy: most common form of breast cancer surgery today.

surgeon removes only the part of your breast containing the tumor (the "lump") and some of the normal tissue that surrounds it. 2. Mastectomy: The surgeon removes the entire breast and may or may not take out any axillary lymph nodes (nodes in the underarm area, also called the axilla). Check Yourself Familiarize yourself with your anatomy Examine breasts several days after period ends or if not getting periods, pick a day each month. Dont panic if you find a lump: 8 out of 10 lumps are benign. Get checked out by a physician if you find:

a lump that feels different only in one breast stays or gets bigger from one month to the next causing you anxiety or physical pain Pre operative care -psychological support involve the husband as necessary

-teach arm exercise to prevent lymph edema -inform about wound suction drainage -deep breathing exercise to prevent post op respiratory complications. POST OP CARE Monitor hemovac output as prdered Check behind of the patient for bleeding Post signs warning against BP, starting IV line or drawing blood on affected side. Initiate exercise to prevent stiffness and contracture of the shoulder girdle POST OP CARE

Reinforce special mastectomy exercise as prescribed Provide adequate analgesia to promote ambulation and exercise. Coughing and deep breathing exercise Prepare client for size and appearance of the

Incision and provide support when viewed for the first time. detailed information concerning breast prosthesis . Fitting is not possible for 4-6 weeks.

(light padded bras temp. Worn until healing is completed) DOS AND DONTS AFTER THE DOS Before exercising actively, be certain that post surgery swelling subsides and that surgical wounds are healing. Try to start moving as soon as possible after surgery Keep arm elevated after surgery to prevent swelling . Use 2 pillows to support arm when lying down or sitting Stretch both sides of upper body a few times per day,3-5 slow repetitions of each stretch Know the difference of discomfort and unusual pain. If pain or fatigue persists, stop and rest. SURGERY avoid constrictive clothing and report persistent edema,redness or infection. importance of continuing monthly BSE on the remaining breast.

After surgery, try to walk around (indoors) for a few minutes 2-3 times daily to regain stamina Avoid lifting anything over 2-3 pounds, particularly with the involved arm. Enlist anyone you can to accompany you and encourage you to walk frequently. Use discretion and follow your intuition. When in doubt, check in with your physician, nurse, or phy. Therapist. Above all, strive for a little improvement everyday PERSEVERE !

 DONTS Let mastectomy side hang down ,especially when holding or carrying objects Move arm quickly , or with jerking , pulling motions. Learn to move slowly and smoothly, especially when changing positions, lifting bags, opening doors, etc. Carry anything over 2 pounds after surgery until you receive approval from your physician. Wear shoulder bags on involved arm . The pressure of the strap on the shoulder bag can cause lymphedema. Avoid use of shoulder bags indefinitely. POST OP EXERCISES Ball squeeze Front arm raise Hand clap Wall walking Shoulder squeeze Arm stretch Ball exercise Stand or sit comfortably Hold a soft rubber ball in the hand on your operated side With your elbow slightly bent and your palms toward the ceiling , lift your hand higher than your heart Squeeze and relax your hand 10x twice a day then gradually increase each day Front arm raise Stand or sit comfortably Relax your arm and allow them to hang at your sides Keeping your palm down , slowly raise your arms in front of you , taking two counts to reach shoulder level Slowly lower your arms back down to your sides in two counts

Rpt exercise 8-10x three times a day Hand clap Stand or sit comfortably Relax your arms and allow them to hang at your sides Slowly raise your arms out to the sides , until they are at shoulder level Continue to raise both arms , trying to clap your hands overhead Slowly lower your arms , taking 4 counts to return your arms to your sides Rpt. This exercise 8-10x three times a day Wall walking Stand , facing a wall and your feet about 6 inches away from it Starting with your hand at eye level , walk your finger up the wall as high as you can. Hold the stretch for 10 sec. And then walk your finger s back down Rpt. The exercise with your other arm Rpt the exercise 8-10x twice a day Shoulder squeeze Standing, bend your elbow and bring your arms up in front of you to shoulder level With one arm stacked on top of the other, align your fingertips with your elbows Next, push your elbows back, squeezing your shoulders together Hold for 12 seconds Rpt. This exercise 8-10x twice daily Arm stretch Standing, grasp a pole or rod in front of you with both hands . Try a golf club or broomstick Place the hand on your operated side over the end Gently, use the strength of your good arm to push the end of the stick as high as you comfortably can Hold for 12 seconds

Rpt. This exercise 6-8x twice a day Slowly raise your arms out to the sides, until they are at shoulder level.