Preventing Breast Cancer (Research Paper Sample)

Preventing Breast Cancer
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Breast cancer is carcinoma in the connective tissue of the breast. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality in women worldwide. Male cases are becoming a common experience, as well. Besides cervical cancer, breast carcinoma presents the most life-threating symptoms related to cancer. Oncology departments in hospitals globally document breast cancer as the disease with the most newly diagnosed cases yearly. Institutes, American Cancer Society and Australian Cancer Foundation included, started documenting the prevalence, intensity and growing rates of breast cancer among other types of cancers many years ago. The figures have helped to make medical predictions on the expected outcomes of the various disease indicators. The American Cancer Society of breast cancer, for example, using past figures, made a prediction of 223,400 newly diagnosed cases in 2014. It also predicted that 40,000 mortalities will accompany the same.
These kinds of figures are alarming and a source of subconscious worry among women, especially those in post-menopausal age. The status quo has kept researchers on their toes in a bid to demystify the unexplained cases of breast carcinomas. It is noteworthy that a few of them are taking bold steps in actively implementing the various ways of alleviating the disease as well as delving into prophylactic measures (Finkel 2005). Heroic results, currently, are as a result of early detection of disease symptoms, at least according to credible researchers. Some of them, however, dare say that missing the early signs and neglecting treatment or preventive measures as the most pre-disposing risk factors for the development of breast cancer. Such scenarios have called for a closer look on the most effective ways of preventing the monster that is breast cancer, with a critic evaluation on their applicability and affordability.
Physical activity and breast cancer
Physical activity, according to researchers, can help prevent breast cancer or at least reduce the chances of developing the same. This solution is attributed to controlling levels of estrogen (a hormone in menstrual cycle) metabolites. One metabolite, 2-hydroestrone, is needed in large amounts to prevent the development of breast cancer. On the other hand, another metabolite, 16alpha-hypdoxyestrone, if lowered reduces the risk of breast cancer drastically (Hunk 2001, pg 60).
Researchers affiliated to the Journal of National Cancer Institute conducted a research dubbed “Women in Steady Exercise Research” to evaluate the credibility of this preventive measure. The research was conducted on approximately 391 women of different body mass indices. Half of the women were required to do aerobic exercises for at half an hour every day for 16 consecutive weeks.The other half were to lead normal lives with less activity as a control part of the experiment. Urine samples were taken for three days before and after the experimental period. Biochemical tests were done on the urine, with emphasis on estrogen metabolites. Expectedly, the amount of 2-hydoxyestrone in urine of those women doing aerobic exercises was higher than in those of ‘dormant’ women. The level of 16alpha-hydroxyestrone in urine of the former was much lower than in that of the latter.
These results present medically relevant evidence on the direct impact of physical activity on lowering the risk levels of breast cancer. The researchers, however, advised that regular physical activity is more effective than occasional bursts of exercises. This is to tune the body to lower the estrogen gradually to an adaptive level. Physical activity hence is a long-term solution to the threat of breast cancer.
Regular Screening of breast cancer
Researchers argue that regular screening helps to prevent cancer by arresting the tell-tale signs early enough. Regular screening is advised, in most countries, for women between the ages of 50-60. This post-menopausal period is high risk due to hormonal imbalances. Younger women are advised to go for breast screening at least once every three years. There are various screening methods available during breast examination. First of all is the mammogram- X-ray specialised for breasts. X-ray is done on one breast at time by General Practitioners or specialised doctors. A clear plate is pressed on the breast, for dense breasts. The X-rays pictures elicit thestatus of breasts and a GP can be able to tell presence of nodules or swellings, the symptoms of breast cancer (Majure 2000, pg 52). For complicated cases, MagneticResonance Imaging is done to detect or confirm any suspicions. MRI’s are more detailed hence can help in detecting even the smallest swellings that can be cancerous. The last screening test possible is genetic screening. In this method, genes that are known to cause cancer if mutated-BRCA1, BRCA2 and TP53- are tested and their status investigated. Presence of mutations on these genes can predispose the woman, or man, to breast cancer. This method is not used frequently, unless in the event of a patient with a known family history of the disease.
In as much as regular screening helps in early detection, the practice is quite costly to the average person. MRI’s, for example, are very expensive and often unavailable in most hospitals worldwide. This may discourage the practice from a person who only wants to get an ‘okay’ from the doctor to continue living without worry of breast cancer. The effectiveness of this practice is really under question as it does not prevent a person from developing tumours that lead to cancer. However, since most tumours start as benign before evolving to malignancy, early detection through screening could help treat or control the tumours in the least. If the cost is lowered to affordable levels, regular screening can be an effective method of eradicating the life-sucking disease.
Awareness associations for breast cancer
With researchers focused mainly scientific methods of preventing breast cancer, it is worth noting that creation of awareness about the same is crucial in its management, as well. Public health professionals suggest the establishment of associations to spread the word about breast cancer (Peacock 2001). They also suggest that these associations be involved in going to communities, performing breast cancer screens and treated those already with the disease. The associations can be formed at local communities, either as subsidiaries of national NGO’s or community owned. Doctors and accompanied medical professionals are to lead the team in creating awareness through various means, such as conducting talks and using media. Free or subsidised screen test on high risk population should then be performed. If treatment is available at medical camps organised by the association, then the doctor should administer it, as well. However, doctors are advised to make referrals to equipped hospitals for complicated cases.
This method is highly effective considering a majority of the population is ignorant of the disease or at least of the availability of a treatment regimen. Since most hospital-based screening tests target a...