Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in females worldwide, accounting for 23% (1.38 million) of the total new cancer casesand 14% (458,400) of the total cancer deaths in 2008 (Fig. 2). About half the breast cancer cases and 60% of the deaths are estimated to occur in economically developing countries. Ingeneral, incidence rates are high in Western and Northern Europe, Australia/New Zealand, and North America; intermediate in South America, the Caribbean, and Northern Africa; andlow in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia

Breast cancer has been increasing its damage in Panama since 2004. According to statistics from the National Cancer Institute(ION), in 2010 thecountry recorded 491 new cases, up from 445 in2009, and 409 of 2008, while in 2010 it reported 77 deaths from this cause, 13 more than in 2009 and 24 more than in 2008.

In thepast six years, Panama has registered more than 2 000deaths from various cancers, and almost 5 000 new cases aretreated in different hospitals in the country.

'Breast cancer ranksfirst among the six causes of death occurring in the ION', noted specialists in the field. Therefore, during the month of October, intensifies the Pink Ribbon campaign to promoteawareness in society about the importance of early detection of the disease.

Breast Cancer Treatment

Surgery
Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), mastectomy, and lymph nodedissection, and what to expect from each. Also included: Prophylactic surgery and breast reconstruction.
Chemotherapy
How chemotherapy works, who should get it, different typesand combinations, and side effects and how to manage them.
Radiation Therapy
How radiation therapy works, who it's for, advantages, side effects, and what to expect when you get it.