Martina Navratilova Announces Throat and Breast Cancer Diagnoses—Here are the Signs to Look For
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova announced this week she has been diagnosed with throat and breast cancer. "This double whammy is serious but still fixable," said the 66-year-old in a statement. "I'm hoping for a favorable outcome. It's going to stink for a while, but I'll fight with all have I got." What was the first symptom she noticed? And what should you do if you feel a symptom? Read on.
This Was the First Sign Navratilova Had Cancer
"I have been diagnosed with stage 1 throat cancer," Navratilova's statement began. "The prognosis is good and I will start her treatment this month. The cancer type is HPV and this particular type responds really well to treatment. I noticed an enlarged lymph node in her neck during the WTA finals in Fort Worth. When it didn't go down, a biopsy was performed, the results came back as Stage 1 throat cancer. At the same time as I was undergoing the tests for the throat, a suspicious form was found in her breast, which was subsequently diagnosed as cancer, completely unrelated to the throat cancer. Both these cancers are in their early stages with great outcomes. I won't be covering the Aussie Open for Tennis Channel from their studio but hope to be able to join in from time to time by zoom."
These are the Signs of Throat Cancer
Throat cancer, also known as pharyngeal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the pharynx, which is the hollow tube that runs from the back of the mouth to the esophagus. There are several types of pharyngeal cancer, including cancer of the nasopharynx (the upper part of the pharynx), the oropharynx (the middle part of the pharynx), and the hypopharynx (the lower part of the pharynx).
Symptoms of throat cancer can include:
Persistent sore throat
Pain when swallowing
Hoarseness or changes in the voice
Swelling in the neck
Unexplained weight loss
Chronic coughing or coughing up blood
Difficulty breathing or speaking
Ear pain
A lump or mass in the neck
It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious conditions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
These are the Signs of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the breast. It is the second most common type of cancer in women, after skin cancer. Early detection of breast cancer is important for successful treatment, so it is important for women to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast. Lumps may be painless, but some can be painful. Other symptoms of breast cancer may include:
Swelling or thickening of the breast or underarm
Changes in the size or shape of the breast
Dimpling or puckering of the skin on the breast
Inverted nipple
Redness, warmth, or tenderness of the breast
Discharge from the nipple (not breast milk)
Itchy, scaly, or inflamed skin on the breast
These are the Risk Factors
Risk factors for throat cancer include:
Smoking tobacco or using tobacco products
Heavy alcohol use
Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV)
A diet low in fruits and vegetables
A history of head and neck cancer
If you have any of these risk factors, it is important to talk to your doctor about your risk of developing throat cancer and to follow recommended screening guidelines.
There are several risk factors for breast cancer, including:
Being a woman (breast cancer is much more common in women than in men)
Increasing age (risk of breast cancer increases as you get older)
Personal or family history of breast cancer
Inheriting certain gene mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2)
Starting menstruation at an early age or going through menopause at a later age
Never having given birth or having a first child after age 35
Having a diet high in fat or alcohol
Exposing the chest area to radiation (such as for treatment of another cancer)
Taking certain hormone therapies, such as estrogen and progesterone
These are the Treatment Options
Treatment options for throat cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches. The specific treatment plan will depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. It is important to work with a team of cancer specialists to determine the best treatment plan for you.
As for breast cancer: It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious conditions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
It is recommended that women over the age of 50 get a mammogram every two years to screen for breast cancer. Women at higher risk for breast cancer (such as those with a family history of the disease) may need to start getting mammograms at an earlier age and/or more frequently. If you have any concerns about your breast health, be sure to talk to your doctor. Early detection is key to successful treatment of breast cancer.
