HER2/neu test, and your general health.
Possible Complications
Complications of breast cancer include:
• Destruction of the breast
• Destruction of the chest wall surrounding the breast
• Mastitis
• Nipple discharge
• Chest pain
• Radiation therapy side effects
• Chemotherapy side effects
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact a doctor right away if you experience any of these warning signs:
• New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
• Pain in any area of the breast.
Preventions
You can help lower your risk of breast cancer in the following ways:
• Get screened for breast cancer regularly. By getting the necessary exams, you can increase your chances of finding out early on, if you have breast cancer.
• Control your weight and exercise. Make healthy choices in the foods you eat and the kinds of drinks you have each day. Stay active.
• Know your family history of breast cancer. If you have a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer, ask your doctor what is your risk of getting breast cancer and how you can lower your risk.
• Find out the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Some women use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat the symptoms of menopause.
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Natural Remedies
What changes can you make to reduce your breast cancer risk or ease your treatment? According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful:
What You Need To Know:
- Get a checkup
See your healthcare professional once a year for a breast exam and mammogram to detect disease before it becomes advanced - Cut back on cocktails, but not on nutrition
Limit your alcohol consumption and take a multivitamin containing folic acid to reduce alcohol-related breast cancer risk - Eat risk-reducing foods
Add plenty of fiber, tomato products, soy products, and fish to your diet - Prioritize exercise
Maintain a regular exercise program throughout your life - Seek support
If you have breast cancer, join a weekly patients’ group for social support - Mix in melatonin
If you have breast cancer, take 20 mg of this hormone at night under medical supervision to possibly help shrink tumors and slow progression
These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading the full breast cancer article for more in-depth, fully-referenced information on medicines, vitamins, herbs, and dietary and lifestyle changes that may be helpful.