Women\'s Issues Breast Cancer Awareness

Women's Issues

Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is considered a mixed disease, differing by individual, age group, and even the kinds of cells within the tumors themselves. Women in the United States suffer from breast cancer more than any other type of cancer except skin cancer. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women right behind lung cancer. "Each year it is estimated that nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. Approximately 1,700 men will also be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year" (What is Breast Cancer, 2009).

Everyday we all take steps to reduce the risks that occur in our lives. Knowing what risks are associated with breast cancer helps a person understand their chances of developing breast cancer and the steps that they can take to lower their chances of getting it. Risk is defined as a person's chance of developing a specific disease over a certain period of time. Absolute risk is determined by looking at a large group of people who are similar and counting the number of people in the group who develop the disease in question over a specified time period. Knowing the absolute risk of a disease can help you prioritize the health risks in your life (Understanding Breast Cancer Guide, 2009).

Anything that affects a person's risk of developing a disease is called a risk factor. A risk factor can range from a lifestyle choice such as diet to a genetic component such as family history to an environmental exposure. Not getting enough exercise is a risk factor for breast cancer. Women who are not active enough have a higher risk of breast cancer than women who are regularly active. Family history and certain inherited genetic changes affect breast cancer risk in both men and women. Having an immediate family member with a history of breast cancer increases a person's risk of breast cancer (Understanding Breast Cancer Guide, 2009).

An example of a lifestyle choice of diet can be seen in the recent tests that were conducted on KFC's new Kentucky Grilled Chicken revealed substantial amounts of a carcinogenic chemical in all samples that were tested. All samples that were tested were found to contain PhIP, a chemical classified as a carcinogen by the federal government. PhIP is part of a chemical family known as heterocyclic amines. These have been linked to several forms of cancer, including breast cancer, in dozens of scientific studies (Carcinogen Found in KFC's New Grilled Chicken, 2009).

It has also been found that black Americans with breast, ovarian and prostate cancer tend to die earlier than patients of other races, even when they get identical medical treatment. This suggests that biological or genetic factors may play an important role in cancer. It used to be thought that the disparity in racial survival was attributed to the fact that black cancer patients have less access to quality care, are diagnosed when their cancer is in later stages, and don't receive the same standard of care as white patients. Many recent studies have shown that even with good treatment, black patients with cancer are more likely to die than patients of other races (Cancer Gap Between Whites, Blacks May Be Biological in Part, 2009).

In order to reduce the inequalities that exist in breast cancer among medically underserved populations, the American Cancer Society is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to promote National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). This program provides access to breast and cervical cancer screening tests and follow-up services for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women. The goal is to educate and help as many people as possible (National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2008).

Heightened awareness of breast cancer risk in the past decades has led to an increase in the number of women undergoing early detection procedures which are leading to detection of cancers in earlier stages leading to an improvement in survival rates. Screening for breast cancer before there are symptoms is very important. Screening helps doctors find and treat cancer in its early stages. Treatment is more likely to be successful when the cancer is detected early. A doctor may suggest any of the following screening tests for breast cancer: screening mammogram, clinical breast exam, beast self-exam (Stoppler, 2009).

Mammograms can often show a breast lump before it can even be felt. A mammogram is a picture of the breast that is made with an x-ray. It can also show a cluster of tiny deposits of calcium. These deposits are known as micro calcifications. Lumps can be from cancer, precancerous cells, or a host of other conditions. Further tests may be needed to find out if abnormal cells are present. Women in their 40s and older should have mammograms every 1 to 2 years (Stoppler, 2009).

During a clinical breast exam the health care provider will check the breasts. They will be looking for differences in size or shape between the breasts. The skin of the breasts will be checked for rashes, dimpling, or other abnormal signs. The nipples may be squeezed to check for fluid discharge. Using the pads of the fingers to feel for lumps, the health care provider will check the entire breast, underarm, and collarbone area. A lump is generally the size of a pea before it can be felt. The exam is done on both sides. The health care provider checks will also check the lymph nodes near the breast to see if they are enlarged (Stoppler, 2009).