TNBC can have the same signs & symptoms as other common types of breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer is a kind of breast cancer that does not have any receptors like any other breast cancer.

As an example, take the cancer cells as a house. And the front door may have 3 kinds of locks, called receptors :

1. One may be female hormone – Estrogen
2. Second maybe female hormone – Progesterone
3. The third is a protein called – The human epidermal growth factor (HER2).

In case your cancer cells have any of these 3 locks, doctors have a few keys in form of hormone therapy and other drugs to destroy these cancer cells. But if you have TNBC then the doctors have fewer treatment options. Though Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy & Surgery are the most effective of all.

Symptoms of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer : 

Symptoms of TNBC is as same as other breast cancers like :

1. Lump & mass in the breast
2. Breast pain or redness
3. A nipple that turns inward or has a discharge

Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: 

If cancer has not spread to distant sites, surgery is an option. Chemotherapy might be given first to shrink a large tumor followed by surgery. It might also be given after surgery to reduce the chances of cancer coming back. Radiation might also be an option depending on certain features of the tumor.

Because hormone therapy and HER2 drugs are not choices for women with triple-negative breast cancer, chemotherapy is often used. In cases where cancer has spread to other parts of the body (stage IV) chemotherapy and other treatments that can be considered include PARP inhibitors, platinum chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.

Commonly TNBC is treated by removal of the lump and nearby lymph nodes through – Lumpectomy, or removal of the breast and nearby lymph nodes through – Mastectomy. Then Chemotherapy targets any cancer cell not easily seen. Radiation therapy is usually given post lumpectomies, to kill any missed cancer cells.

Out of these Chemotherapy ensures to kill the cancer cells wherever they maybe, also lowers the chances of growing of cancer cells or coming back.

Common side effects of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer : 

• Hair Loss- Generally a hair loss is seen from two-four weeks of starting Chemotherapy and grows back after the chemotherapy stops.
• Nausea- Most of the women feel sick & queasy for a day or two after each chemotherapy.
• Tiredness- You may feel tired and find yourself struggling to remember things, but things get back to normal after the radiation therapy or chemotherapy ends.
• Lymphedema- If you have lymph nodes removed during surgery, or if you receive radiation treatment to your lymph nodes, the lymph fluid may not be able to drain properly. This may cause the fluid to build up under your skin and cause part of your body to swell. This condition is called lymphedema.
• Change in Skin- Your skin might have a peel-off effect like after sunburn on the area’s chemotherapy/radiation therapy has been given.

Written by Ananya Bhattacharya, ENHAPP Wellness Coach & Nutritionist 

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WHO states that anemia has become a serious global public health problem that particularly affects young children and pregnant women, estimating a staggering figure of 42% of children less than 5 years of age and 40% of pregnant women worldwide to be suffering from anemia. 

How Anemia can Lead to Irregular Periods 

There is indeed a relationship between anemia and irregular periods. The primary trigger for anemia is an iron deficiency. This iron deficiency, also known as iron deficiency anemia, can cause irregular periods. This turns into a vicious cycle, with women experiencing heavy periods getting exposed to a higher risk of suffering iron deficiency – and at the same time, women with an iron deficiency facing complications in their menstrual cycle. 

The loss of blood during menstruation causes considerable decrease in iron content from women’s bodies, in turn increasing the risk of iron deficiencies. Still, it is not at all necessary that this once a month menstruation should always lead to a deficiency. The main reason behind such deficiency is the loss of iron, which is not getting adequately replaced with the amount of iron consumed from their diets. Additionally, iron deficiency is also a commonly observed symptom during pregnancy, due to the high requirement of the nutrients in the body. 

Symptoms of Anemia 

In estimation, one in five menstruating women are anemic, which can have adverse effects on menstrual cycle patterns and the reproductive system as a whole. For diagnosing anemia, the following symptoms should be taken into consideration: 

•  Tiredness: This is the most common of all anemia symptoms. Less oxygen reaching muscle tissues means an achy, fatigued body. 
•  Dizziness and Breathlessness: With decreased haemoglobin levels, the heart has to work harder to pump the quantities of blood needed to get around the body, and the brain might not be getting enough oxygen, leading to dizziness. 
•  Delayed/Impaired Healing: Reduced oxygen-carrying haemoglobin concentration in the bloodstream can slow down the healing process as tissues need oxygen to regenerate. 
•  Jaundice: When red blood cells die, haemoglobin is broken down into a compound called bilirubin, which makes the skin and eye sockets yellowish in colour. 

Iron-rich Foods to Battle Anemia 

It proves crucial to provide your body with iron-rich foods throughout the month, especially during the 3-5 days of menstruation, in order to replenish the lost bodily nutrients: 

•  Chicken, fish and mutton – If you consume non-veg food, consuming chicken, fish, and mutton can help you keep your iron levels in a healthy range. However, these foods should only be consumed in moderation. 
• Leafy green vegetables – Leafy green vegetables are one of the healthiest sources of iron. Spinach, fenugreek leaves, mustard leaves, etc are known for their rich iron content. 
• Grains – Whole grains that are rich in fiber should be consumed to keep your iron levels healthy. Jowar, bajra, millets, oats, etc are great options to include in your diet.  
• Dates – Dates are one of the richest sources of iron, and this is also the reason they are commonly recommended for consumption during pregnancy. Add dates to your diet as a healthy dessert, or snack option. 
• Raisins – Raisins are also very rich in iron. You can add raisins to your food, desserts, or just consume them as a mid-day snack to make up for the iron content in your body. 

Why Taking Proper Care of Health is Important to Prevent Irregular Periods ?

Irregular periods may be a link to past medical health, certain medications, lifestyle, and current medical conditions can all affect the menstrual cycle – which is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next, isn’t the same for every woman. Most women have a period every 21 to 35 days that lasts about two to seven days. Your cycle may be regular – occurring at the same interval and lasting about the same length of time every month – or somewhat irregular, and your period may be heavy or light, painful or pain-free, long or short, and still be considered normal. 

The first thing to consider is pregnancy, because, even in the case of irregular periods, there is still a chance of ongoing ovulation. Once pregnancy is ruled out, it is imperative to review health history with a doctor. In the event that irregular periods have been experienced in the past, this pattern might just be normal. But if periods have been regular but there is a history of ovarian problems, such as ovarian cysts, might warrant a closer look. Hormone-producing cysts can cause irregular periods. Also, communicating with the doctor about any ongoing medications, would be beneficial. Certain antidepressant drugs and anti-anxiety medications, for example, can affect menstruation. 

Lifestyle and environmental factors can have an impact on periods as well. In some cases, high levels of stress may disrupt the menstrual cycle. Excessive exercise could cause periods to stop for a while, and extreme weight loss and eating disorders can affect the cycles, as well. 

If medical history does not offer any clue, the next step would be for the doctor to check for an underlying medical condition. Some thyroid disorders may lead to irregular periods, and high levels of the hormone prolactin could also be the source of the problem. In some cases, prolactinoma – a noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland in the brain – may result in the overproduction of prolactin. A variety of other disorders could also cause irregular periods, including anemia, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and uterine fibroids. 

It is crucial to mention that tests show you aren’t going through menopause. Because a woman’s hormone levels can fluctuate considerably, the diagnosis of menopause usually isn’t determined through a blood test or any other diagnostic study. A variety of factors should be considered when interpreting these tests, including your age, menstrual history, and what symptoms or body changes you’re experiencing. 

If a medical evaluation uncovers no problems, your doctor may suggest you take the hormone progesterone to trigger a period. If there’s no response, you could be in perimenopause or there could be a problem with your ovaries, resulting in estrogen deficiency. Both conditions need attention because early menopause and low levels of estrogen can affect your long-term health, particularly your bone health. If, however, your body responds to the progesterone, and you have your period, you do not have a deficiency of estrogen. In that case, there’s probably no cause for concern. 

To determine why you’re not having periods, see your doctor to have your condition evaluated. 

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A. Congratulations on your fine exercise program. Since you are working out at a moderate level, it’s important for you to exercise nearly every day – but it’s also important to obey the first commandment of exercise: Listen to your body.

If you have a typical cold, with sneezing, a runny nose, and a dry cough, it’s perfectly safe for you to continue exercising. But if your symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, it’s probably wise to back off. As a rule of thumb, if you don’t feel up to your walk, take time off until the spring is back in your legs. Put another way, if your symptoms are all above your neck, there’s no reason to alter your routine, but if the rest of your body sends out distress signals, back off. Even then, you may want to do some gentle stretching exercises to stay limber.

Speaking of stretching, you should consider stretching out your admirable regimen of walking and biking with exercises for flexibility and strength. And to minimize your chances of catching a bug that will lay you up, remember to get a flu shot each fall and a pneumonia shot at age 65. Similarly, don’t forget hand washing and other hygienic measures – they may sound simple, but they’re nothing to sneeze at.

• Harvey B. Simon, M.D., Editor, Harvard Men’s Health Watch

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Foods can cause bad breath; garlic (the “stinking rose”) and onions are classic examples. Reflux of stomach contents can do the same, as can serious diseases of the liver or kidneys. Infections of the tonsils, sinuses, or respiratory tract can also be responsible for bad breath. But the usual culprits are oral bacteria.

Morning breath is caused by breathing through the mouth during sleep; saliva dries out, allowing bacteria to multiply and produce sulphides, amines, and other bad-smelling gases. Any medication or condition that reduces saliva flow can do the same. Although morning breath is unpleasant, it can be quickly relieved by rinsing the mouth with water.

Halitosis is also triggered by the wide range of bacteria that are present in every mouth. Poor oral hygiene, abundant dental plaque, and especially periodontal disease can allow these bacteria to get the upper hand and cause halitosis. And even when teeth and gums are healthy, dentists suspect that bacteria on the tongue contribute.

If you have bad breath, here’s what to do:

1. Keep your saliva flowing. Drink plenty of water, chew gum (sugarless, please), and avoid antihistamines and other medications with anticholinergic actions that dry the mouth.

2. See your dentist regularly and get prompt treatment for any problems.

3. Practice meticulous oral hygiene by flossing regularly and brushing your teeth and — yes, it’s true — your tongue diligently.

4. Avoid foods that seem to contribute to your problems. Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.

5. Use an antibacterial mouthwash.

6. Keep breath mints on hand for a quick, if temporary, cover-up.

7. Relax. Halitosis is a common problem, and it’s usually much less bothersome to other people than to the chap with bad breath. — Harvey

8. Simon, M.D., Editor, Harvard Men’s Health Watch

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Increase in the levels of cholesterol in the blood can cause it to combine with other substances in the blood to form plaque. Plaque sticks to the walls of your arteries, slowly building up. The gradual accumulation of plaque in artery walls is known as atherosclerosis, and it can further lead to coronary artery disease, resulting in your coronary arteries becoming narrowed or even blocked in severe cases. 

HDL, LDL, and VLDL – A Brief Description 

HDL, LDL, and VLDL are a combination of fats (lipids) and proteins, and are termed as “lipoproteins”. The lipids attached to the proteins enable them to move through the blood. Different types of lipoproteins have different purposes: 

•  High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), is usually called the “good” cholesterol since it transports cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver by binding with it. Your liver then removes the cholesterol from your body. 
• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), is termed as the “bad” cholesterol since an increase in LDL levels leads to the accumulation of plaque in your arteries. 

• Very Low-Density lipoprotein (VLDL) is stated by some people to be a “bad” cholesterol because it too contributes to the accumulation of plaque in your arteries. But VLDL and LDL function differently; VLDL mainly carries triglycerides and LDL mainly carries cholesterol. 

Whenever we decide to observe the impact of cholesterol on health, the focus is always on the “good” high density lipoprotein (HDL) and the “bad” low density lipoprotein (LDL). But there’s much more to cholesterol than just two simple numbers, researchers say. 

While HDL and LDL are still lipids that your health professional will continue to monitor, scientists now understand that those two major lipoprotein measurements can be broken down into many smaller measurements. And it’s those subgroups that now provide a far more accurate picture of your cardiovascular disease risk. 

Looking at HDL in Detail 

We already know that it is good to have high levels of HDL cholesterol in blood, because it helps transport LDL cholesterol out of the body. But you probably don’t know that 14 different subgroups of HDL have been identified, like HDL 2a, HDL 2b, HDL 3a, and so on. 

The HDLs with a “3” in their name are very small particles, while the ones with a “2” are larger and full of cholesterol. The larger HDLs, especially the 2b, are intriguing because they appear to be responsible for eliminating of 80 percent of LDL cholesterol from your body. There are no set guidelines for ideal levels of HDL 2b yet, however, studies suggest that cardiovascular benefits are noticeable when HDL 2b in blood levels stands at least 20 percent of total HDL in men and at least 30 percent in women. 

The Impact of LDL 

There are also several subclasses of “bad” LDL. Those labelled I, IIa, and IIb don’t appear to be much of a concern because they’re very big particles and can’t fit into crevices in arteries, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, those labelled IIIa, IIIb, IVa, and IVb are much smaller and can fit into the tiny arterial crevices, possibly increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Scientists are not yet able to specify a lipoprotein level for these subclasses that would be considered harmful. 

You can find out your cholesterol subgroup numbers through a simple blood test, though not all doctors regularly include this screening. Still, we need to keep in mind that specific treatments for improving these subgroup numbers don’t yet exist beyond what already could be done to raise total HDL and lower total LDL. 

 Here are some strategies to raise “good” HDL and lower “bad” LDL levels and promote heart health: 

•  Aerobic activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes almost every day. 
• Healthy fats. Replace unhealthy saturated and hydrogenated fats found in butter, stick margarine and animal fat, with healthy unsaturated and omega-3 fats found in canola oil, olive oil, nuts and salmon. 
• Moderate alcohol. Keep it to no more than one drink a day for women and no more than two for men. 
• Opt for a fiber-rich, plant-based diet to reduce cholesterol.
• Enjoy lots of whole grains, fruits, veggies, legumes, nuts and seeds every day. 
• Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can wreak havoc on your lipid levels.

High Cholesterol and Obesity 

Understanding why some people have high cholesterol and some do not, corresponds a lot with the interplay of your genes along with the environment you’re exposed to. What you eat and how much you exercise combine to form a baseline risk for developing high cholesterol. If you eat a diet that is high in fat, like high-fat meats, fried foods and high-fat cheeses, you are increasing your risk of both obesity and high cholesterol. 

High Cholesterol and Weight Loss 

Some people who reportedly have high cholesterol are observed to be at a healthy weight. But, changing your diet to include healthier alternatives and following a routine exercise program can help you lower your cholesterol. In the face of obesity and high cholesterol, losing weight should help lower cholesterol levels, and additionally lower your risk for other obesity-related conditions including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

Some Diet Tips for Lower Cholesterol 

Lowering cholesterol levels requires much more than just changing your food habits, it is also heavily dependent on how much you eat. Being overweight increases your risk of having high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), and low levels of HDL (good cholesterol). Usually, just the process of losing weight can help you lower your cholesterol. Here are some tips to help you on your weight loss journey: 

•  Follow a strict dietary routine to lower your cholesterol levels. ENHAPP provides you with custom-designed health and wellness packages to help you maintain a healthy weight.
• Carefully monitor your calorie intake. A single packet of pasta contains only 330 calories a serving, but it is also important to notice that there are three servings in a pasta package.
• Take a ‘snacks between meals’ approach to your diet. As a matter of fact, eating five or six small meals a day instead of three large ones can help you avoid feeling hungry between meals and overeating. Stock up on healthy snacks like carrots, apples, and blueberries, which are considered as ‘superfoods’ for health.
• Move away from white breads, bagels, and regular pastas, towards whole wheat varieties on your diet to lower cholesterol. They tend to be lower in calories, and they have more heart-healthy fiber.
• Cut back on soda, juice, and alcohol. Hydrate with water instead. If you must drink soda, a switch to diet soda will save you hundreds of calories.
• Inconsiderately snacking after dinner adds many ‘empty calories’ to your dieting regime. Refrain from snacking in the kitchen – say, two to three hours before you go to bed, and don’t be tempted to open the fridge or the cupboards post-dinner. 

ENHAPP implements an approach to lower cholesterol that includes making small changes to your diet and exercise habits. Instead of changing your total intake of calories, suggestions are made about changes you can adopt to regarding the types of foods you eat, which contributes to healthier cholesterol levels. However, if you do have extra body fat, studies suggest that weight loss helps reduce LDL and triglyceride levels, while increasing HDL levels. Exercise can also help in increasing HDL levels, as well as consuming more omega-3s, the good kind of fat. 

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1. Eat the colours of the rainbow.

It’s easy to identify foods with the highest levels of antioxidants, they’re often the most colorful. Carrots and sweet potatoes have plenty of beta carotene; bell peppers, strawberries and tomatoes contain vitamin C; tomatoes and watermelon have lycopene; and dark leafy greens like spinach contain lutein. Blueberries have anthocyanins. Red grapes have resveratrol. And the list goes on, so banish the beige!

2. Plot out your plate wisely.

To lower your cancer risk, the American Institute for Cancer Research recommends filling 2/3 or more of your plate with plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans and 1/3 or less with animal proteins, such as lean meat or dairy foods.

3. Eat whole fruits first.

Pure fruit juice, though often rich in the same vitamins, minerals and cancer-fighting phytochemicals as the whole fruits they’re made from, don’t contain Fiber. Though you may feel full after snacking on an orange, you probably won’t after drinking a glass of orange juice, but you’ll end up consuming more calories, because juice condenses a fruit’s calories into a small amount. A glass of juice here and there won’t hurt, but stick with whole fruits first.

What’s missing in “dressed-up” juices? Some fruit juices are now fortified with Fiber (it’s added in the form of a thickening agent called maltodextrin), but you’re still missing out on all of the other beneficial compounds whole fruits provide. If it’s Fiber you’re seeking, why opt for processed and bottled when you can enjoy fresh and whole?

4. Crush your cloves.

To help garlic retain its cancer-fighting properties, the American Institute for Cancer Research recommends this trick: During preparation, crush your garlic instead of mincing it. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes at room temperature before you toss it in the skillet and await that familiar savoury fragrance.

5. Get in the grains.

Eating plenty of whole grains is important to maintaining healthy immunity; nutrition experts agree that at least half of the recommended 6 to 9 servings of grains you should eat every day should be whole grains. Look for the term “whole grain” as the first ingredient when shopping for breads or try some healthy whole grain recipes feature brown rice, quinoa, barley, corn and oats.

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