Breast cancer is a common and extremely scary condition for women especially. This kind of cancer strikes more commonly than almost any other and can be life-threatening. Early detection and understanding potential treatment options is one of the best ways to help protect yourself and give yourself the most options when it comes to handling this difficult and traumatizing condition.

Nobody wants to get breast cancer and so it’s very important that you routinely check for it. The most effective and easy way to check for cancer is the routine breast exam. This simple process consists of a physical and visual examination of the breast structure, feel and consistency. These kinds of exams may be performed at home, in the mirror or shower or laying down. Routine breast exams are one of the most effective ways to assess breast health and detect breast cancer early.

In the unfortunate event that you are diagnosed with cancer it’s very important to understand the treatment options available to you. The varying methods of handling breast cancer are each quite unique and carry certain pros and con’s from one method to the next. Educating yourself on the different procedures and understanding the potential risks involved in each one is a great way to enter this trying period with confidence and strength.

Considered the less extreme surgical procedure, a lumpectomy is one method of handling some breast cancer scenarios. This procedure involves removing some of the breast tissue in a sectioned off area to eliminate small clusters of cancerous cells. This procedure is almost always directly followed by radiation therapy to ensure the cancerous cells are completely eliminated.

The lumpectomy is best suited to people who have a very concise formation of cancer. A more isolated area of cancer cells can be easily extracted in a lumpectomy surgery. Some people however dislike the idea of a lumpectomy as it leaves a greater probability for the cancer to return in the future. Sometimes even the radiation therapy isn’t able to completely kill off the cancer cells.

The mastectomy is the more invasive and surgically extreme method of removing breast cancer. This procedure removes the majority of the breast tissue in an attempt to completely remove any and all cancerous cells. This procedure is designed to remove enough tissue that the cancer has virtually no capacity to return.

Some women may avoid the idea of a mastectomy as it does remove almost the entire breast. It is comforting to know however that with modern advances in mastectomy bras and artificial breasts, it is possible to maintain a relatively normal appearance. For many women the aesthetic impacts of this procedure are a serious concern.