How Breast Cancer is Treated and Its Effects of the Human Body

Abstract

Second only to skin cancer, breast cancer is the commonly diagnosed form of cancer among American women aged 40 years and older, although the disease can occur at any time and among both men and women. The purpose of this paper is to describe the general indicators of the disease and its treatments and causes. In addition, a discussion concerning what this disease affects anatomically and physiologically is followed by a description of the effects of the disease on individual lifestyles.

Keywords: Breast cancer, metastatic, hormonal

Breast Cancer: Treatment, Causes, Effects and Prognoses

Today, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed among women in the United States, following only skin cancer. While breast cancer affects men as well as women, women are at far greater risk of developing this disorder (Breast cancer overview, 2023). In order to determine the facts about this important public health issue, Finally, the paper provides a summary of the main findings research from the research concerning the foregoing issues in the conclusion and their implications for public health in the conclusion.

Indicators of the disease in general

Breast cancer is most commonly detected in adults, typically in women aged 40 or older, usually after age 50 years, although it can affect individuals at any age (Risk factors for breast cancer, 2023). Breast cancer is not typically detected before birth because it is a disease that primarily affects adults; however, breast examination is recommended as part of routine pre-natal care. Pre-natal testing and monitoring generally focus on genetic and congenital conditions in the developing fetus, rather than conditions like breast cancer that develop later in life. While there are some genetic tests available to assess an individual’s risk of developing breast cancer, they are typically used for adults with a family history of the disease since just 15% of breast cancer cases are genetic in origin (Ávila-Gálvez et al., 2020).

After birth, breast cancer is usually detected through a combination of methods, with the most common being regular breast self-exams, clinical breast exams performed by healthcare providers during check-ups, and mammograms (Breast cancer overview, 2023). According to oncologists at the Mayo Clinic, the signs and symptoms of breast cancer include the following:

· A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue;

· Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast;

· Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling;

· A newly inverted nipple;

· Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin; and,

· Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange (Breast cancer overview. 2023).

A diagnosis of breast cancer is not tantamount to a death sentence, and breast cancer survival rates in the United States differ based on specific factors. For women with non-metastatic invasive breast cancer, the 5-year relative survival rate stands at 91%, while the 10-year relative survival rate is 85% (Breast cancer statistics, 2023). It is important to note, however, that each case is unique and survival rates depend on individual circumstances.

Treatments and causes of the disease

The causes and risk factors for breast cancer include getting older, a family history of breast cancer, individual reproductive history (e.g., early menstrual periods and/or late onset of menopause), previous radiation therapy treatments, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and alcohol consumption (Risk factors for breast cancer, 2023). The most common current treatments for breast cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy (Breast cancer treatments, 2023). In addition, neoadjuvant systemic therapy (e.g., treatments administered prior to surgery) to shrink cancerous tumors and chemoimmunotherapy have both shown promise is treating breast cancer (Breast cancer treatments, 2023).

Discussion concerning what this disease affects anatomically

As the term connotes, the breasts are the organs that are most directly affected anatomically by breast cancer; however, other organs and the lymphatic system may also become involved as the course of the disease progresses. Diagnostic tests such as mammograms are used to detect the specific features of these anatomical changes such as masses, abnormal areas or calcium deposits, which may be corrected through appropriate treatments (Breast cancer anatomy, 2023).

Discussion concerning what the disease affects physiologically

The specific physiological changes that occur in organs affected organs by breast cancer include tumors in the breasts as well as the potential to metastasize which then spreads through the bloodstream to various distant organs in the body, resulting in the formation of tumors in locations such as the brain, bones, liver, and lungs, among others (Metastatic breast cancer, 2023). Although some or even all of these physiological problems can be corrected through rigorous treatments as described above, at least to some extent, individuals may be compelled to make fundamental change in their lifestyle to accommodate chronic problems resulting from

Effects of the disease on individual lifestyle

Here again, although every case of breast cancer is unique, the disease can adversely affect individuals’ lifestyle in multiple ways. For examples changes to body shape and hair loss are common effects of breast cancer and its treatments as well as suffering from early menopause and the permanent loss of fertility (Living with breast cancer, 2023). Individuals living with breast cancer frequently need to make substantial lifestyle adjustments to cope with the demands of the disease and its treatments. These changes can involve a range of factors, including adhering to medical regimens, managing treatment-related side effects, scheduling regular medical appointments, and finding ways to maintain emotional well-being (Ávila-Gálvez et al., 2020). Coping with both the quantitative aspect of extending life through treatments and the qualitative dimension of preserving a high quality of life requires a delicate, highly personalized balancing act. Therefore, prioritizing quality of life, emphasizing comfort, and overall well-being play a central role in the decision-making process for individuals living with breast cancer (Ávila-Gálvez et al., 2020).

Conclusion

The research showed that breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed among women aged 40 or older, second only to skin cancer, but the disease can affect individuals of any age and of either sex. Typically, it is not detected before birth due to its adult-onset nature, but breast examination is recommended as part of routine prenatal care. After birth, breast cancer is usually detected through methods like breast self-exams, clinical breast exams, and mammograms. Common symptoms include breast lumps, changes in size or appearance, skin alterations, and more. The 5-year relative survival rate for non-metastatic invasive breast cancer is 91%, and the 10-year rate is 85%, though actual survival rates vary based on individual circumstances. Risk factors include age, family history, reproductive history, radiation therapy, obesity, inactivity, and alcohol consumption. Common treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, neoadjuvant systemic therapy, and chemoimmunotherapy. Anatomically, breast cancer primarily affects the breasts but may involve other organs and the lymphatic system. Physiologically, it leads to breast tumors and potential metastasis to distant organs. This disease can significantly impact an individual's lifestyle, causing body changes, early menopause, and loss of fertility, necessitating various lifestyle adjustments and emotional support for quality of life.