Oncology and Breast Foundation Essay example

"According to the American Cancer Society, a mammogram is an x-ray exam of the breast that is used to detect and evaluate breast changes"("What is a mammogram?). This has shown an improvement in technology being that X-rays in the past were more dangerous because they gave out more radiation. Mammograms used today use less radiation than the one in the past and differs from other X-rays done on arms, legs, and teeth because they use less image quality.

Mammograms are breast cancer screenings and are of great importance since they detect if indeed a malignant tumor is present and if so what stage it is in (Stephan, 2010). Cancers can be detected at stages I, II, or IIA (Haas et al., 2008).

There are no symptoms at the early stages of breast cancer which makes early detection even more difficult. When tumors become large there is an obvious breast mass which is mostly not painful. Symptoms of breast cancer include breast thickening, skin irritation, tenderness, swelling, breast scales, distortion, redness tenderness, nipple retraction and ulceration, There may also be abnormal discharge.

The most common sign and symptom of breast cancer are lumps or mass. Breast cancers can be tender, soft, or rounded, and can even be painful. Also there can be: swelling of part or all of the breast, skin irritation or dimpling, breast or nipple pain, nipple retraction (turning inward), redness, scaliness, thickening of the nipple or breast skin, and nipple discharge (other than breast milk).

Cancer often goes undiagnosed because the symptoms of it are not obvious. However, breast cancer can be typically diagnosed in the early stages if a person is aware of the symptoms. Many women are able to beat breast cancer because it is often diagnosed while it is still in the early stages. There are more treatment options available for cancers that have not spread. Below is a list of some of the most common breast cancer symptoms:

Breast cancer is a form of cancer in the cells of breasts that is caused from a genetic spread of cancerous cells. It can be treated but can also be a deadly situation. Men can have breast cancer, but it appears in more women than men. About one and eight women in the US will develop breast cancer in their lifetime(The Art Healing 23). About 231,840 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in women. Breast cancer is more than a physical illness; it can lead to a serious decline in the quality of life.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with breast cancer, how would you feel? You would probably feel very afraid and worried. Breast cancer is a common and potentially deadly form of cancer that affects both men and women. There are risk factors for getting the disease and there are different types of treatment for people who have been diagnosed with the disease. There are also steps that people can take to try to prevent getting breast cancer or at least catch it early. Luckily there are many organizations working to raise awareness of the disease, to educate the public about it, and to support research about it.

A mammogram detects lumps in the breast and is an x-ray picture of tissues inside a person’s breast. It may detect a lump before it is even felt by someone. A ultrasound also is a test that can show details of the breast lump and its sound waves creates pictures showing if the lump is solid, filled with fluid or a little of both. When it shows a sign of a more solid lump it is greater risk of cancer (National Cancer Institute). Once a breast lump is detected and shows signs of being cancerous the lump is then removed or biopsied.

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women in the United States. In the early 20th century, radiography was first used to image breast tissue from mastectomy specimens to study breast cancer (BrCa). It was not until the 1960s when technological advancements in mammography became significant enough that regular mammographic screening exams became suitable for the general population. Although mammography continues to be the main modality to image breast tissue, other modalities such as ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance (MR), and 3D breast imaging-tomosynthesis have revolutionized screening and early detection of

There are multiple risk factors dealing with breast cancer. Being a female in general is one but men can get breast cancer too but it’s very rare. Risk factors include having a family member with breast cancer, age, having your first child at 35 or older, getting your period early as in 12 or before, reaching menopause after the age of 55, having received chest radiation, being overweight especially in the waist, having personal history of cancer in one breast, or carrying the breast cancer gene BRCA1 or BRCA2.

“Women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop breast cancer” (National Breast Cancer [NBC], n.d ). Exposure to radiation and drinking alcohol are risks that can be avoided, whereas breast cancer that is caused by inherited genetic factor can not be avoided. “ Many risks factors contribute to women being diagnosed with breast cancer. Most breast cancer are acquire during the lifetime while only about 5% to 10% are inherited” (breastcancer.org). The risk of developing breast cancer for women around 70 years old is roughly 4 percent. “In the 1970s, the chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States was just under 10 percent or about 1 in 10” (National Breast Cancer [NBC], n.d ). Even though, many studies and clinical trials are completed during these years; they still are not sure what causes breast cancer. Many believe that inheritance plays a significant role; however, there are still questions about this issue. BRCA1 AND BRCA2 are two genes that produce proteins in the body that help control tumor cell growth (cancer.gov). When these genes change, they do not produce proteins to repair the altered DNA; therefore, they cause breast cancer. If these two genes are inherited from a parent, it causes the child to have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Also, exposure to radiation and over consuming of alcohol can cause someone to develop breast cancer

Every year for the last fifty years the number of cases of breast cancer in women has steadily increased. The only cancer that claims more women's lives in the United States is Lung Cancer.

Everyone one is different and won’t have the same signs and symptoms that another person may have. Early signs are usually found on the breast and are visible like lumps, skin dimpling, a change in skin color or texture, the nipple changes shape or seems to look like it is pulled, or clear or bloody fluid that leaks out of the nipple. Other signs include thickened tissue in the breast, most lumps are not cancerous but should be checked to be sure. Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments (2015, July 10). Other experienced symptoms include pain in the armpits, redness of the breast, a rash on or around the nipples, the size or the shape of the breast changes and the nipple may peel, scale, or flake. Very often, these symptoms are not related to cancer but if you have any of these symptoms the best thing to do is get your breasts evaluated to rule out the worse cause, which is breast cancer. Symptoms and signs (2015, July 23)

Although breast cancer may occur at a higher rate in older women; everyone should know their family cancer history. For instance, genetics can play a role in developing this disease, as well as some inherited genes. Additionally, having a family history of breast cancer can double the risk of

Tonight, we will hear a few of the highly educated doctors and experts in the field of breast cancer talk about their knowledge and experiences studying this deadly disease. In the United States, 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. It is estimated that each year over 220,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer and is the second leading death among women. Fortunately, breast cancer deaths have gone down in recent years due to advancements in screening and treatment options and earlier detections.