Introduction
Breast cancer is one of the most devastating diseases among women in recent times. According to recent studies, breast cancer is the most prevalent invasive cancer among women and the second biggest killer behind lung cancer among the demographic. Among women aged between the ages of 45 and 55, breast cancer accounts from most cancer deaths. Despite the worrying statistics, breast cancer treatment and screening has improved significantly increasing the chances of survival. This fact is evident in the recent report by the American cancer society stating that there are approximately 3.1 million survivors of breast cancer in the U.S. alone. Even though there is progress in the fight against breast cancer, the disease can be mitigated better if there is early diagnosis and treatment, social support, and knowledge on the symptoms. This paper will outline the symptoms of breast cancer, the effects of the disease, the resources that can be used to assist cancer patients.
To manage breast cancer better, the general population should be aware of breast cancer symptoms. The most common symptom is a lump, either in the breast or armpit. Other symptoms include consistent pain in the breast or armpit, redness of the skin around the breast, rash around the nipples, inverted nipples, change in breast size, and flaking. There are various types of cancers, including ductal carcinoma, which starts in the milk ducts and lobular carcinoma, which originates in the lobules ( Nall, 2019) . Cancer also occurs in stages. The formative stage is also known as ductal carcinoma, whereby cells are not yet invasive. In the first stage, the tumor measures two centimeters, while in stage two, it spreads to the lymph nodes. In the third stage, it measures up to 5 centimeters and spreads to more lymph nodes. In the final stage or stage four, cancer spreads to organs, including the liver, brain, bones, and lungs.
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The prevalence of breast cancer can be linked to several risk factors. According to Ataollahi, Sharifi, Paknahad, & Paknahad (2019), genetics, cigarettes smoking, diet, and stress are some of the risk factors that can lead to breast cancer. Nordqvist (2019) further states that factors such as alcohol consumption, cosmetic implants, and dense breast tissue are crucial factors in the prevalence of breast cancer. The authors also say most cases of non-genetic cancer have a hormonal origin. Factors such as gender, age, breastfeeding, reproductive history, menopause, and using exogenous estrogen contribute to the prevalence of breast cancer.
Diagnosis of breast cancer can be made using several approaches. Breast exams, imaging, and biopsies are some of the ways women can use to diagnose cancer. Early detection increases the chance of recovery significantly; hence women are encouraged to take regular tests to determine if they are free from the illness. Bemah Bonsu and Ncama (2019) state that early education on breast cancer symptoms decreases the incidences of mortality. In cases where a person already suffers from breast cancer, treatment depends on several factors, including its stage and type, hormone sensitivity, and physical factors such as age, personal preferences, and overall health. After these factors are considered, the most appropriate mode of treatment is selected. The main treatments include surgery hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy.
Breast cancer is not only physically and financially draining, but it is also emotionally and psychologically taxing to the patient and her family. Therefore, social support is an important part of recovery. Anxiety, worry, and fear of death have a severe psychological impact on the patient. Even though nurses and physicians are more invested in providing physical support to patients, cancer sufferers deem emotional and psychological support to be more important. Ataollahi, Sharifi, Paknahad, & Paknahad (2019) state that the attitude of the husband, fathers, caregivers, family and life partner has a significant influence on the emotional and psychological state of a patient. When these people make a deliberate effort to understand the feelings and experiences of the cancer patient and offer the right support, then the patient has a better chance of coping with the disease. The disease affects the whole family directly or inadvertently due to the emotional, physical, and financial strain associated with the treatment and recovery process. Therefore, family and social support are imperative in the recovery process of a breast cancer patient. Apart from social and family support, religion and faith have been identified as crucial factors in the coping and recovery of breast cancer patients. Therefore, caregivers, immediate family, and friends should create the right environment to support a cancer patient emotionally and psychologically to facilitate wholesome recovery or palliative care.
Conclusion
Breast cancer is the most prevalent invasive cancer among women and the second biggest killer behind lung cancer among women. Among women aged between the ages of 45 and 55, breast cancer accounts from most cancer deaths. Even though there is progress in the fight against breast cancer, the disease can be mitigated better if there is early diagnosis and treatment, social support, and knowledge on its symptoms.
References
Ataollahi, M., Sharifi, J., Paknahad, M., & Paknahad, A. (2019). Breast Cancer and associated factors: a review. Retrieved 20 August 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5319297/
Bemah Bonsu, A., & Purity Ncama, B. (2019). Recognizing and appraising symptoms of breast cancer. Retrieved 20 August 2019, from https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0208773
Nall, R. (2019). What to know about cancer? Retrieved 20 August 2019, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323648.php
Nordqvist, C. (2019). What to know about breast cancer? Retrieved 20 August 2019, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php
