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 individuals 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 (vila-Glvez 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...…process for individuals living with breast cancer (vila-Glvez 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…