Breast cancer overview and clinical perspectives

Preventing and Reducing the Risk of Pre-Menopausal Breast Cancer: A Proposal for Youth Education

The incidence of pre-menopausal breast cancer is on the rise. In recent years many different factors have been identified that contribute to this increased risk. Among the more common include an earlier onset of menses, obesity or overweight in youth which pre-dispositions a person to breast cancer, use of hormonal replacement therapy and long-term use of oral contraceptives (Claudio, 2000; Emanoil, 2000). Many studies have suggested that women are not taking adequate steps to assure early detection of breast cancer (Emanoil, 2000).

The aim of this proposal is to develop a workshop geared toward educating young adults about the risk factors associated with pre-menopausal breast cancer and educate the community about the importance of early detection. The author hypothesizes that by addressing and educating youths, the incidence of breast cancer and deaths associated with breast cancer may decrease over time.

Background to Problem

Breast cancer has been identified as the second leading cause of death in American women today (Claudio, 2004). In fact, breast cancer will claim the lives of more than 40,000 women annually, and statistics suggest that more and more women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at an earlier age (Claudio, 2004).

There are numerous reasons for the increased incidence of breast cancer in pre-menopausal women. Researchers are suggesting that evidence points to both environmental and genetic factors that increase risk (Claudio, 2004). The key to halting the spread of cancer early is educating potential patients and victims about the many causal factors that impact a woman's risk for developing cancer throughout her life (Claudio, 2004).

Some research even suggests that there are certain times and periods of development where a woman is more susceptible to developing breast cancer than at others, including when the mammary gland is developed (Claudio, 2004).

Emanoil (2000) suggests that to impact the incidence of breast cancer community's must work together to help educate and evaluate women when they are young and still have an opportunity to decrease certain well defined risk factors. There are many benefits of community health related programs and potentially workshops targeted toward education and increasing public health (Emanoil, 2000).

Further, Emanoil points out that the cost of health care continues to rise. Thus the best method of treatment for breast cancer is prevention, and prevention can start young. Health prevention may require education, strong communication and communities, promotion of healthy living, changed lifestyles and reducing environmental and biological risk factors (Emanoil, 2000).

Among the factors that can impact the course of breast cancer in a positive way include strong families, good schools, education and caring adults (Emanoil, 2000). Studies have suggested that as many as 60% of women do not follow guidelines for early detection of breast cancer (Emanoil, 2000). Education programs and workshops can emphasize statistical information and facts such as this as well as work to teach students and young adults about the importance of prevention, self-examination and early detection.

Proposed Course of Study

Education and information are critical factors that may help prevent the spread of late phase breast cancer. Early detection has been identified as a key factor contributing to the survival of women diagnosed with pre-menopausal breast cancer.

Thus, to reduce the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer the author proposes introduction of workshops directed toward High School and College aged women. These workshops should be structured in a manner that will address the populations greatest at risk for developing pre-menopausal breast cancer with time. The researcher hypothesizes that by addressing breast cancer at an early age, women are more likely to engage in preventive health care strategies and participate in lifestyle changes that will promote the greatest possibility for a long and healthy life even with a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Among the subjects that should be covered in these workshops include pre-screening methods and self-examinations, as well as education geared toward lifestyle changes that may reduce an individual's risk for pre-menopausal breast cancer.