Breast Cancer Information

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form tumors. If left unchecked, the tumors can spread throughout the body and become fatal. Breast cancer cells begin inside the milk ducts and/or the milk-producing lobules of the breast.

Types of Breast Cancer:

• Ductal carcinoma in situ
• Invasive breast cancer

Signs and Symptoms:

• 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.

Uterine Fibroids Information

Uterine fibroids are a common type of noncancerous tumor that can grow in and on your uterus. Not all fibroids cause symptoms, but when they do, symptoms can include heavy menstrual bleeding, back pain, frequent urination, and pain during sex. Small fibroids often don’t need treatment, but larger fibroids can be treated with medications or surgery.

Types of Fibroids:

• Intramural fibroids
• Submucosal fibroids
• Subserosal fibroids
• Pedunculated fibroids

Signs and Symptoms of Fibroids:

• Bleeding between periods.
• Heavy bleeding during your period, sometimes with blood clots.
• Periods that may last longer than normal.
• Needing to urinate more often.
• Pelvic cramping or pain with periods.
• Feeling fullness or pressure in your lower belly.
• Pain during intercourse.

Menopause Information

When a woman permanently stops having menstrual periods, she has reached the stage of life called menopause. Often called the change of life, this stage signals the end of a woman's ability to have children. Many healthcare providers use the term menopause to refer to the period when a woman's hormone levels start to change. Menopause is said to be complete when menstrual periods have ceased for one continuous year.

The transition phase before menopause is often referred to as perimenopause. During this transition time before menopause, the supply of mature eggs in a woman's ovaries diminishes and ovulation becomes irregular. At the same time, the production of estrogen and progesterone decreases. It is the big drop in estrogen levels that causes most of the symptoms of menopause.

Mental Symptoms of Menopause:

• Anger and irritability.
• Anxiety.
• Forgetfulness.
• Loss of self-esteem.
• Loss of confidence.
• Low mood and feelings of sadness or depression.
• Poor concentration – often described as 'brain fog'.

Physical Symptoms of Menopause:

• Irregular periods.
• Vaginal dryness.
• Hot flashes.
• Chills.
• Night sweats.
• Sleep problems.
• Mood changes.
• Weight gain and slowed metabolism.
• Thinning hair and dry skin.
• Loss of breast fullness.