Breast Cancer : A Devastating Disease

“Cancer” is the name for a group of diseases that start in the body at the cellular level. Even though there are many different kinds of cancer, they all begin with abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These abnormal cells lump together to form a mass of tissue or “malignant tumor”. Malignant means that it can spread to other parts of the body or Metastasize . If the breast is the original location of the cancer growth or malignant tumor, the tumor is called breast cancer. (American Cancer Society, 2014, as cited in cbcf.org)

We have all seen the pink ribbons. They have become a national, if not international symbol for breast cancer support and awareness. Breast cancer knows neither racial boundaries nor age restrictions. Females of all ages and ethnicities can develop breast cancer and it is the leading most common cancer among women. Calling attention to this often fatal disease is important by supporting its victims, families and friends of victims, as well as raising funds for breast cancer research. Though males are not immune from developing a breast cancer, for the purposes of this paper, this paper will be limited to information relating breast cancer in females.

Generally speaking, throughout the United States, Cancer is a public health concern that has a significant impact amongst both men and women. At the same time, Breast Cancer indicates development of a tumor from cells in the breast known as a malignant tumor. Breast Cancer can begin at two different points, either the cells of the lobules, that are milk-producing glands, or the ducts, a channel draining milk from the lobule to the nipple (“What is Breast Cancer,” 2016). Specifically speaking about Breast Cancer among women, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2016), it is the most common cancer, regardless of ethnicity or race. Under those

Despite significant advances in research, Breast Cancer is still the most common cancer, affecting both men and especially women. In the US, 232, 670 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed along 62,570 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer in women and about 2,360 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in men in just 2014 .

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women in the United States. A mammogram, is a simple test done with x-ray, to screen women for abnormalities of the breast. Over the past six years, the guidelines put out by various healthcare organizations have changed multiple times on when women should begin screening mammograms. Based on statistical data collected by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), 20 percent of women go without a screening mammogram for their own various reasons, of which may be lack of insurance, lack of time or lack of knowledge as to when they should be getting a screening mammogram done due to the recent changes in recommendations. The utilization of annual screening mammograms beginning at age 40 will continue to help reduce the incidence rate of women with breast cancer, or catch it early enough so that treatment can be sought.

Breast cancer is a disease in which certain cells in the breast become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably to form a tumor. Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. (Only skin cancer is more common.) About one in eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. Researchers estimate that more than 230,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in U.S. women in 2015. Cancers occur when a buildup of mutations in critical genes—those that control cell growth and division or repair damaged DNA—allow cells to grow and divide uncontrollably to form a tumor. Breast cancer can be caused by inherited genetic factors. These genetic

There are many different diseases that terrorize the human race every day. Of all of these sicknesses, one of the most devastating is breast cancer. Breast cancer touches all types of people all over the world each day. It is actually the second most common cancer amongst women in the United States. One in every eight women in the United States has some form of breast cancer and currently, the death rates are higher than any other cancer with the exception of lung cancer. Cancer is defined by the Merriam-Webster Online dictionary as “a malignant tumor of potentially unlimited growth that expands locally by invasion and systemically by metastasis.” Therefore, breast cancer is a disease of

Breast cancer is a leading cause of death of women, secondary only to heart disease. Breast cancer will affect one of every eight women or approximately 12% of the population. In 2016 there are 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer that will be diagnosed as well as 46,000 cases of breast cancer in situ in women. Additionally, there are 2,600 cases of breast cancer that will be found in men. Breast cancer rates have been decreasing since the year 2000. This is thought to be partially due to increased screening measures as well as discontinuing the use of hormone replacement therapy. There was as positive link established between hormone therapy

Audience Link: There is a large amount of men and women who are diagnosed with breast cancer everyday but they usually don’t know how it forms and ways it can be treated. Breast cancer is a very serious disease that shouldn’t be taken likely. Even if you do not have breast cancer, chances are that you know or will

All around the world, breast cancer has become a huge issue and has effected many lives.

First a look back: In October, many of us at the Coalition had the pleasure of attending the 3rd Annual Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Seminar right here in Rochester. This event was developed and produced by Physicians and Laypersons Educational Associates of Greater Rochester New York (PLEA of GRNY) an organization founded by mother and son physicians, Dr. Ruby Belton and Dr. Douglas Belton Jr. PLEA of GRNY represents a union of multidisciplinary breast cancer care physicians, other medical caregivers, and laypeople. This seminar offered us a chance to learn about emerging trends in breast cancer treatment, as well as receive updates about current treatments. The multidisciplinary approach meant that physicians specializing in diagnostic radiology, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, plastic surgery and survivorship presented on topics about their specialty areas throughout the evening. It was a treat to have many of our well-known providers front and center at the dais or on the panel. We also heard from a lawyer who presented on the legal aspects of Governor Cuomo’s new

It is the second leading cause of death in the United States, killing thousands of people each year. Cancer has certainly become a growing epidemic in our society, and breast cancer is one of its most prevalent forms. One in nine women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, making it the most common form of cancer in women, and for many of them, this will mark the end of their life. This plague clearly needs to be taken under control, and organizations like the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO) intend to do just that.

Cancer can be a silent killer. It doesn't discriminate gender, age, sexuality or economic status. It is rare, if not impossible to find someone who doesn't know a person who suffered from a type of cancer. Money has been invested in many types of research trying to find a way to defeat this disease. However, as stated by the NYT article, even though some drugs have been created to fight this, cancer develops resistance. One of those people who suffered from cancer was Genesis. She suffered from inflammatory breast cancer. It is an aggressive form of breast cancer. The main symptoms which she underwent were swelling and others mention in the chapter. She had followed the in instructions of her doctor. Just as stated in the chapter, she had

Breast cancer accounts for one third of all new cancer diagnoses in the United States (Cauley, et al., 2007). The first sign in the process of this disease is a lump that forms around the breasts. For this reason, it is necessary to get the yearly mammograms once a woman reaches a certain age. Also, monthly self-examinations can aid in finding breast cancer early. If this condition is found early enough, chances of survival are abundant. Most women who get breast cancer are older than 50 with 86% of the deaths occurring in this age group (Cauley, et al., 2007). Postmenopausal women have a higher risk for breast cancer, because the risk increases when levels of endogenous estradiol rise (Cauley, et al., 2007). Breast cancer is the most common cancer that occurs in women. This epidemic has a higher incidence rate among white women than in African American women, but African American women have a higher mortality rate (Breast Cancer Risk Factors, 2010). White women are more apt to develop this disease than any other ethnicity. However, in women under 45, breast cancer is more common in African American women (Breast Cancer Risk Factors, 2010).

In recent years, cancer prevalence has been increasing globally. It is now one of the top 10 causes of death among the middle and high income countries worldwide (World Health Organisation, 2008). In Singapore, cancer has surpassed cardiovascular disease and become the top killer over the last 3 years (Ministry of Health, 2007). Breast cancer tops the chart among Singaporean women (Health Promotion Board, 2007). Thousands of women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually and it causes approximately 270 deaths each year (Jara-Lazaro, et al., 2010). The lifetime risk that a woman in Singapore getting breast cancer is now 1 in every 17 which has risen compared to past two decades (National Cancer Centre Singapore, 2006). Hence, breast