The Guy's Guide to Breast Cancer

You love her, but when you hear the words "breast cancer" you shiver with terror. What will happen to your loved one? How will you support her? How will you cope? What will you say?

Breast cancer is a disease that affects men and women alike. Men often need support and nurturing during a partner's treatment as much as women need to learn how to cope with treatment and reach out to family.

Let's not forget also that it is possible for some men to develop cancer in the breast area. If this happens, it is even MORE important men reach out for help and guidance. This article will provide guys solutions and tools for coping with breast cancer, whether it involves a family member, their partner, or anyone else in their lives.

Coping With Cancer
The first step in helping a woman cope with cancer is learning about what a woman goes through when she discovers she has breast cancer. Breast cancer is a difficult disease to treat and manage.

Many women face fears, including the loss of their femininity, their sexuality, everything that makes them "women" especially if they learn they will have to remove a breast, or choose to do so.

Breast cancer affects each woman differently, so there is no one right or wrong way to help a woman cope with breast cancer. What you want to do is first learn as much as you can about breast cancer. If you have the opportunity, you should attend support groups that can guide you when talking with your loved one.

You should find out from your family member or partner, or even doctor, what type of breast cancer the woman in your life has, and what types of treatments are available. Not all breast cancers affect women the same, and not all require drastic treatment. Knowing what to expect will help you support your partner, friend or loved one better.

Breast Cancer Treatment - The Basics
There are some treatments almost all women will get if diagnosed with breast cancer, especially if the breast cancer is deemed "invasive" by doctors. Younger women often receive aggressive treatment because they are more at risk for severe forms of the disease.

Many women will receive chemotherapy, which involves delivery of drugs through an IV during the course of several hours. This treatment can make a woman nauseous and vomit. This can occur immediately or for several days. It can even happen intermittently throughout treatment.

Radiation treatment is also a possibility for many women. This usually causes fatigue, so encourage your loved one to rest when needed.