How Does Breast Cancer Harm the Body?
The Cells
The body naturally creates new cells as old ones die off. If the old cell doesn't die off as it is suppose to or a new cell is created when it is not suppose to, a build up occurs. This build up results in a tumor. Not all tumors contain cancerous cells, so a doctor would need to do a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer.
Losing a Breast
When cancer is found in a woman's breast, she must decide whether to remove the breast. This not only affects a woman physically, but also mentally. Breast cancer survivors often need support groups even if they are totally healed physically.
The Spread of Breast Cancer
Cancer can spread through the bloodstream or the lymph nodes. This can bring cancer to just about any part of a person's body. Depending on the organ affected, you could have a wide range of problems. If cancer spreads to the lungs, you may begin getting bronchitis or cold-like symptoms. If it spreads to your colon, you may begin to have trouble with your bowels. Once cancer is detected in the breasts, doctors order further tests to make sure the cancer didn't spread to any other part of the body.
Anemia
Any cancer can cause a person to become anemic. This makes a person feel weak and tired. Anemia is caused by an iron deficiency. Your doctor will want to keep an eye on this and you will need to take iron supplements.
General Bodily Harm
Any type of cancer can cause the body to experience fevers. Fevers make a person weak, tired and feeling cold. Night sweats are also common. A person with breast cancer may also begin to experience weight loss. The more weight you lose, the less your body is going to be able to withstand the proper treatments for the cancer.
Side Effects from Treatment
The side effects from various breast cancer treatments also harm the body. Radiation therapy, for example, can cause tiredness, chest pain, heart problems and some skin sensitivities. Chemotherapy is even harder on the body. It causes weakness, vomiting, sores, fatigue and hair loss. If you have breast cancer, you will need to determine what your course of treatment is to know how its side effects will harm your body.
Tags: Breast Cancer, breast cancer, Breast Cancer Harm, cancer cause, Cancer Harm, Cancer Harm Body, Does Breast