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Cancer Is An Issue Worldwide That Does Not Favor Race,

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Cancer is an issue worldwide that does not favor race, gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. Although, particular cancer’s can effect some individuals more than others. For example, breast cancer. According to the Center of Disease Control & Preventions (2017), “Both women and men can get breast cancer, though it is much more common in women.” In the United States, breast cancer is the second leading cancer among women of any race. It is the most common cause of death from cancer among Hispanics and the second among white, Asian, black and Pacific Islander women (Center of Disease Control & Prevention, 2016). According to the American Cancer Society (2016), “ In 2015, 231,840 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and of those women …show more content…

In women, cancer can also develop in the glands that produce milk” (see Appendix A). Most breast cancer is unnoticeable in the early stages because it does not cause the person pain. “As the cancer progresses, signs and symptoms can include a lump or thickening in or near the breast; a change in the size or shape of the breast; nipple discharge, tenderness, or retraction (turning inward); and skin irritation or dimpling” (the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2015). “Sometimes breast cancer can spread to lymph nodes under the arm or around the collar bone, even before the original tumor in the breast tissue is large enough to be felt ” (American Cancer Society, 2015). If the cancer is untreated it often spreads to other areas of the body and becomes more aggressive. Preventative measures for breast cancer include mammograms, self-examination, diet, exercise and avoiding exposure to cancer causing chemicals. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast to detect any abnormal masses in the tissue (See appendix B). A self-examination or clinical breast exam is the use of hands to feel for lumps, pain or changes in size (Center of Disease Control & Prevention, 2016). According to the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (2016), women ages 50 to 74 are recommended to undergo mammography screenings twice a year. Women under the age of 50 are recommended to self examine their breast and undergo

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