Breast cancer has become so common nearly everyone that hasn't had it knows someone who has. Everyone has healthy cells making up the body's tissue that grow, divide, and replace themselves. Sometimes cells can't control their growth. They begin growing too fast, make too much tissue, and form tumors. Some are benign and aren't a threat, but others are malignant and can kill nearby healthy tissue and organs. After your doctor diagnoses cancer, tests will be done to find out the size of the tumor and how far it has spread. In Stage III breast cancer, the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters (around 2 inches) and may have spread to lymph nodes under the arm or in the chest.
Instructions
Get Stage 3 Breast Cancer Information
1. Ask an oncologist for information. An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer. Your doctor will refer you to an oncologist after your diagnosis, and your oncologist will be your best source of information. If you have a preference for a certain specialist or medical facility that has an excellent success rate in treating Stage III breast cancer, ask your doctor to refer you.
2. Call one of the many organizations that provide free information on Stage III breast cancer. The National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organization (888-80NABCO) provides information and assistance to anyone with questions about breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (800-462-9273) is a national organization that provides research, education, and culturally diverse information about breast cancer. The American Caner Society (800-227-2345) is a national community-based voluntary organization that tries to eliminate cancer through prevention, research, education, and service. The National Cancer Institute (800422-6237) offers a description of clinical trials available for women with breast cancer.
3. Read one of the many books written to help people with breast cancer understand the disease. "The Breast Cancer Epidemic" by Dwight Thomas, M.D., "The Breast Cancer Journey Planner" by Carrie S. Sanders, and "Be a Survivor: Your Guide to Breast Cancer Treatment, Third Edition" by Vladimir Lange are just a few of the books that can give you information on Stage III breast cancer. Check your library for no-cost information.
4. Visit a support group. Since 1 of 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, support groups to help people deal with cancer are available in almost every community. Other people who have been through Stage III breast cancer treatment can often give you the best information. Health care providers can help you find a support group in your area.
5. Ask a social worker at your hospital or clinic for breast cancer programs near your home. They can refer you to local and national groups that can help you with information, financial aid, home care, transportation, and emotional support. Other staff members can also help you find information.
Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer, Stage breast cancer, information Stage, with breast, with breast cancer