Anatomy and Physiology: Breast Cancer

Today, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer that affects women globally. Although breast cancer typically affects breast tissue, the disease can also spread to other organs and systems in the body (Lengacher et al., 2012). Some of the common risk factors that are associated with breast cancer include sex (females suffer from a far higher incidence), age, obesity, genetics (black women suffer from breast cancer twice as often as their white counterparts), and various lifestyle factors including smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol, among others. The geographical distribution of the disease extends to the entire nation, but urban areas tend to experience higher rates compared to rural regions which may be attributable to less rigorous detection (Breast cancer statistics, 2023). To gain new insights into this common but potentially deadly disease, the purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the relevant literature to explain how breast cancer is diagnosed as well as possible signs, symptoms, and complications of the disease. Finally, a discussion concerning the treatment and management of breast cancer is followed by a summary of the literature review and important findings in the conclusion.

How the disease is diagnosed? Any diagnostic/laboratory tests advised?

While every patients disease condition is unique in some fashion, breast cancer is commonly diagnosed using several different methods, including most especially physical examinations. In addition, healthcare practitioners also frequently recommend a precautionary diagnostic mammogram which is an X-ray that is used to screen for breast cancer before symptoms begin to appear (Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, 2023). Likewise, breast ultrasounds may also be used as an imaging technique to determine if a new breast lump is a solid mass or a fluid-filled cyst, providing healthcare practitioners with valuable information concerning the exact nature of the abnormality (Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, 2023). Beyond the foregoing, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which provides pictures of the interior of the breast is also used to diagnose breast cancer. It is important to note, though, that an actual biopsy is the only definitive way to diagnosis breast cancer (Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, 2023). As noted above, these diagnostic tests may be used either prior to or once symptoms of breast cancer begin to develop as discussed further below.

Possible signs, symptoms, and complications of breast cancer

Breast cancer patients often experience various symptoms related to the disease and its treatment. These symptoms can be both psychological and physical. Psychological symptoms include stress, anxiety, depression, fear of the cancer returning, and difficulties with cognitive function. Physical symptoms may include pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms can persist even after treatment has ended, leading to a decreased quality of life for the patients. It has been observed that these symptoms often occur together and may share common underlying mechanisms. Symptom clusters are defined as the presence of two or more symptoms that are related and independent of other symptoms...…as bad or even worse than the symptoms caused by the disease itself. The foregoing findings provide valuable insights into the risk factors and implications of breast cancer on its victims, and healthcare providers in general and those who specialize in treating women should remain vigilant for any of the indicators that signal the onset of the disease.

Conclusion

The research showed that breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer affecting women worldwide today, and the disease can spread beyond breast tissue to other organs and systems in the body. The research also showed that risk factors for breast cancer include sex (with females being more susceptible), age, obesity, genetics (black women have a higher incidence than white women), and lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption. While breast cancer occurs throughout the United States, urban areas tend to have higher rates due to potentially less rigorous detection. The diagnosis of breast cancer involves various methods, including physical examinations, diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and magnetic resonance imaging. A biopsy, though, was shown to be the only definitive way to diagnose breast cancer. Symptoms experienced by breast cancer patients include psychological effects like stress, anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence, and cognitive difficulties, as well as physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Finally, breast cancer and its treatment can significantly impact the daily lifestyle of individuals but survival rates continue to improve as healthcare practitioners and the general public recognize the importance of early…