Friday, December 4, 2009

People with breast cancer has better odds of survival now than before what changed since then

People with breast cancer has better odds of survival now than before what changed since then?
I was talking to a man who's mother in law passed away from breast cancer twenty five years ago. He did not remember what stage it was in. I then told him my wife survived breast cancer and her treatments ended a few months ago. He then said breast cancer diagnosis today is a lot better now then it was in the past. How long past and what changes were made to make the statement true?
Cancer - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Great strides in technology made in the last 10 to 15 years have made a big difference in survival. New medications offer hope for more patients, screening and diagnostic tests catch the problem earlier which offers better chances, and educating women on the importance of self-examinations and what to look for has helped. Just in the last few years, changes in chemo treatments and surgical procedures have made a difference as well.
2 :
When my grandmother had breast cancer, I was only a kid. I'm 63 now. Back then, there was no chemo. They didn't even perform surgery on her. The first thing they gave her believe it or not, was an antibiotic. Breast cancer has been around since man walked the earth I'm sure. A lot of new treatments are coming up all the time. In a few years, who knows, chemo may be old and they will have newer, better treatments. It also depends now on how soon it's discovered. Early detection today is the best hope, Early detection for my grandmother wasn't even a matter of concern. When they said she had breast cancer, my mother was told that her mother would not survive. She didn't either. They just didn't have the technology that they have today. It's that simple. I'm glad I live in this day and age. I'm also glad my grandchildren will live in the age when even better techniques will be discovered. Hope that helps. God bless
3 :
Mammograms were probably the first breakthrough for breast cancer, as they allow for earlier detection before there is spread to other parts of the body. Herceptin which targets a particular type of breast cancer was a big change for some types, I think it came in the mid 90's. There have been other things like Neulasta which aids the immune system allowing for more agressive treatment with less harm. Tamoxifen, Arimidex are drugs that have helped many

Read more discussions :