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nBreast Cancer

nBreast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in American, except for skin cancer. Studies suggest that more than 12 percent (1 in every 8) women in United States are affected by invasive breast cancer in their life. In addition, there is approximately 232 000 new cases of invasive breast cancer among women every year (National Health Services, 1).

nCauses

nHowever, the researchers have not comprehensively determined the causes of breast cancer. Therefore, scientists have not identified the reasons why breast cancer develops in some women and not in others. Nonetheless, the risk factors increase the likelihood of someone to develop breast cancer. Firstly, the risk of developing breast cancer increases as a person gets older (National Health Services, 4). Therefore, prevalence of this disease is high among women who are over 50 years and who have reached menopause. Studies indicate that 8% of breast cancer cases occur in females over 50 (National Health Services, 4). Secondly, family history plays a crucial role in development of breast cancer. Individuals who have their family members suffering from breast cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease.

nMost cases of breast cancers are hereditary since genes referred to as BRCA1 and BRCA2 predisposes the disease. Gene TP53 is also associated with the disease. Thirdly, hormones such as estrogen play a role in various cases of breast cancers (National Health Services, 5). For instance, a female who start puberty at early age and enter menopause at a late age is exposed to estrogen hormone for a longer period, which increases the risk of the disease. Fourthly, females who have been through menopause and are obese or overweight are highly likely to develop the disease. Being overweight after menopause increases the levels of estrogen, which can lead to breast cancer. Fifth, the density of the breast increases the risk of developing breast cancer (National Health Services, 5). Dense breast contain many breast cells that can become cancerous.

nBreast Cancer effects

nBreast cancer treatment causes long-term effects, which eventually causes side effects such as fatigue, menopausal symptoms or pain (Breast Cancer care, 1). In addition, cancer treatments influence the ability of the woman to get pregnant. Moreover, the treatment causes physical changes after operation. Breast cancer affects eating habits and appetite of the patient hence loses weight. The disease also affects the sex and intimacy of a woman in various ways. It affects sexual desires and intimate relationship. Patients also suffer emotionally after they are diagnosed with breast cancer (Breast Cancer care, 2). Lastly, the diseases affect the relationships of patient with her friends, families and partners.

nBreast Cancer Treatments

nPatients suffering from breast cancer can receive treatment through multidisciplinary team (MDT) – a specialist team that provides breast cancer treatment and care (National Health Services, 7). When determining the type of treatment that suites a specific patient, a doctor considers, whether a patient has been through menopause, the general health status and the stage of breast cancer. The main treatment methods for breast cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological therapy and hormone therapy (National Health Services, 8). The health practitioner uses one of these treatments or a combination.

nSurgery is the first kind of treatment for the disease but it depends on the type of breast cancer. Other treatment methods follow such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy (National Health Services, 8). In some instances, biological and hormone treatment follow depending on the type of breast cancer. If breast cancer is discovered at a late stage, (secondary or metastatic breast cancer) and it is not curable (National Health Services, 8). At this stage, treatment is designed to accomplish remission where the cancer shrinks.

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nWork cited

nBreast Cancer care,. ‘The Impact Of Breast Cancer | Breast Cancer Care’. Breastcancercare.org.uk. N.p., 2013. Web. 7 Sep. 2014.

nNational Health Services,. ‘Breast Cancer (Female) – Causes – NHS Choices’. Nhs.uk. N.p., 2014. Web. 7 Sep. 2014.