Breast Cancer Problem - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1056 Downloads: 5 Date added: 2019/02/06 Category Medicine Essay Level High school Tags: Breast Cancer Essay Did you like this example? This is a horrible disease that is attacking many women as well as men each day. Although it is known for men to develop the disease, it is mainly common among women. I have several friends and one real close friend that has battled with breast cancer. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Breast Cancer Problem" essay for you Create order Between the treatment, surgery and the pain one goes through, it is awful. Personally, my oldest daughter and myself have dealt with what is known as borderline cells and had to surgically have them removed. It was a very scary time for both of us. Breast cancer is one of the top ten most common cancers among women in the United States and it is one of the increasing public health problems that we have today (Starr, Biology Life Science, 11th edition). Description Breast cancer develops in breast tissue, usually in milk ducts or glands. At the beginning, breast cancer starts as a malignant tumor, a cluster of abnormal cells, which grow and invade surrounding healthy tissue (UAB Medicine 2018). Depending on the type of breast cancer and when it hits the blood system, the breast cancer can travel rapidly. Lumps that can be found in the breast are called signs of early detection. It is important for a woman to be familiar with her on breast so she might detect any changes to the nipple or the outer part of the breast. Sometime there is pain associated with the lump or abnormal of the outer skin to give a clue that something is wrong but not always does the individual feel the pain or discomfort as the first sign. Another sign can be discharge (clear or bloody) from the nipple of the breast. The changes in the breast are due to that tumors grow without the normal support of the connective tissue. Unfortunately, breast cancer does not stay within t he means of the breast. Breast cancer can spread to the bones, the liver and the lungs. This horrible cancer and the painful treatment alone, weakens the immune system. When the cancer metastasis to the bones, and with the persons weaken immune system, the bones can easily be broken and hard for healing. If the cancer metastasis to the lungs, the person can develop difficulty in breathing, a persistent cough can develop and even pneumonia. Lastly, if the cancer metastasis to the liver, the person can develop abdominal pain, jaundice and problems with clotting of the blood (Mayo Clinic 2018). Some of the symptoms other than soreness of the breast can be but not limited to, extreme fatigue, nausea, no appetite, lack of energy and weight loss. Diagnosis In most cases accurate breast cancer diagnoses is done through a diagnostic exam from a physician. The most classic symptom from early detection of breast cancer can be finding a lump in the breast or armpit. At the present time breast cancer remains unexplained. It is important to know your family health history as of can play a important roll in your health and help the physician. First degree relatives, (Mother, sister, daughter) are most important in estimating risk. Several second-degree relatives (grandmother, aunt) with breast cancer may also increase risk (Wiseman, 2000). Treatment With the treatment and early detection in today’s medicine, breast cancer survival rate has dramatically increased, Chemotherapy is linked to reducing the recurrence of cancer and it’s deaths by a little under fifty percent (Davis 2016). There are two surgical procedures that can be done. The first being a lumpectomy (removal of only the lump) and the other being a mastectomy (removal of entire breast). After the surgeon has done the procedure he will decide if radiation (high energy x-ray or gamma rays, which target a tumor or post-surgery tumor) or chemotherapy is needed. The purpose of chemotherapy is to destroy cancerous cells that are present. Chemotherapy is often given in cycles, a treatment for a period of time, followed by a recovery period, then another treatment can be administered before surgery to shrink the tumor and sometimes make the breast conserving surgery possible rather than a mastectomy (Howell 2014). Conclusion Breast cancer is painful and a individual can suffer long term effects. My dear friend still suffers from weaken bones, nerve damage and breathing difficulties. The last report when she reported back to MD Anderson Clinic was a answer to prayer, no cancer cell noted. In the 1960’s, only thirty-five percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States would have been alive ten years later, by the mid 1990’s that figure was seventy-seven percent and today the percent is even higher (Grayson 20120. With each day, researchers are finding more to help with higher survival rates. Since we can not control our age or our genetic make-up, we can practice other preventions of breast cancer. A person can practice in their day to day life style to maintain a healthy weight, limit the fat in your diet, limit alcohol consumption and see you physician at least once a year for a complete check-up. Until there is a sure cure people will still lose their life to this dreadf ul disease. Spreading the word and financial support can help paved the way for a brighter future for our children and grand-children. I am so thankful that God allowed the survival of my life long friend. We have known each other since we both were in diapers. I cannot image this world without her glowing personality, beautiful smile and sweet friendship. She has truly blest not only me but everyone she comes in contact with. ? References Star, Biology Life Science, 11th Edition(custom) Ricks, D. (2005). Breast cancer basics and beyond: Treatments, resources, self-help, good news, updates. Alameda CA: Hunter House. Hartmann, L. C., Loprinzi, C. L. (2005). Mayo Clinic guide to womens cancers. Rochester, MN: Mayo Clinic. Rodriguez, M. A., Walters, R. S., Burke, T. W. (2012). 60 years of survival outcomes at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. New York: Springer. Breast cancer research: An overview. (1988). Bethesda, Md.?: National Cancer Institute, Office of Cancer Communications. Mammograms save lives: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation:. (2001). Springfield, IL: Illinois Secretary of State, Dept. of Vehicle Services. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). National Cancer Institute (NCI). Johanson, P. (2008). Breast cancer prevention. New York: Rosen Pub. Rosen Central. Johnston, G. S., Jones, A. E. (1980). Breast cancer diagnosis. New York: Plenum Medical Books Company.