Breast Cancer Example Essay Example

in the breast, causing discomfort. This type of cancer, as well as others, can also lead to complications as tumors require nourishment and supplies. Genetics play a significant role in the development of cancer, even with limited exposure to known carcinogens. The BRCA1 gene has been intensively researched and mutations in this gene were found in approximately 13% of observed breast cancer patients among Jewish women. There is a higher prevalence of breast cancer among Jewish women living in the United States. The specific mutation 185delAG was strongly associated with breast cancer development in Jewish women under 30. This discovery prompted the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) to conduct a comprehensive study on the effects of these genes within families and in the general population. An article published on January 18, 1996 reported that six out of 80 surveyed women with breast cancer but no family history of the disease had germline alterations in BRCA1.This finding suggested that the mutation was not limited to women with a history of cancerAccording to The Dallas Morning News, genes are attributed to 5% to 20% of breast cancer cases. This includes the p53 gene, which inhibits reproduction and induces cell death. Other genes like HER2, neu, and erB2 were found to accelerate cell growth and attachment to proteins. Dr. Shattuck-Eidens predicts that a BRCA1 test will no longer be necessary within a decade.

The New England Journal of Medicine proposed studying the relationship between serum estrogen levels and breast cancer risk. Previous research did not find evidence linking long-term estrogen levels with breast cancer risk; however, scientists believed cumulative estrogen effects affected bone mass. Therefore, this study focused

on observing bone tissue density and mass in women at four different stages of bone mass - lowest to highest.

The findings indicated an increase in breast cancer risk from 2% in the lowest stage of bone mass to 2.6%, 2.7%, and 7.0% in subsequent levels. This suggests a potential connection between cumulative estrogen exposure and breast cancer risk.

In addition to estrogen levels, other hormonal factors have also been considered as possible causes of breast cancer. There are conflicting opinions on whether birth control pills contribute to the development of breast cancer. Older versions of these pills contained higher levels of estrogen and progesterone, potentially increasing the risk of cancer.
The relationship between birth control pills and breast cancer has been the subject of conflicting studies. These discrepancies can be attributed to variations in hormone levels among different types of pills used over time. However, it is generally agreed upon that taking the pill can significantly increase a woman's likelihood of developing breast cancer, potentially doubling or even quadrupling the risk.

Another factor that has been found to contribute to breast cancer risk is the use of Diethylstilbestrol (DES) between 1940 and 1960. DES was intended to enhance fertility and reduce miscarriage risk but has been associated with a 1.4 times higher probability of developing breast cancer.

Exposure to estrogen during pregnancy when breast tissue is growing may also elevate the risk of developing breast cancer.

In an August 1989 study conducted by Dr.Leif Bergkvist, which involved 23,244 women aged 35 and above, it was discovered that estrogen supplements increased the chances of developing breast cancer fourfold.

On another note, a study carried out by the NEJM involving 337,819 women found

no evidence supporting a connection between saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated fats and breast cancer. However, other studies have established a link between fat consumption and the occurrence of cancer. In fact, as early as the 1940s, Albert Tannenbaum observed that rats on high-fat diets had a 27% higher incidence of breast cancer.

Currently, healthcare professionals recommend limiting fat intake in humans to no more than 20% of their total calorie consumption. This recommendation stems from difficulties in conducting epidemiological experiments on humans due to challenges in controlling lifelong diets.A more feasible approach is to compare cultures and their typical dietary intake. For example, in Iceland, the diet primarily consists of healthy ocean-derived foods such as low-fat fish and vegetables. The text discusses the correlation between increased fat intake and the rise in breast cancer cases in Iceland. It also emphasizes that breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, with a one in eight chance of developing it during their lifetime.

According to a report from Dartmouth Medical School, women tend to overestimate their likelihood of dying from breast cancer by twenty times. Additionally, the journal mentions that the chances of getting breast cancer before the age of 65 were 1 in 17 but have increased by 30% over the past twenty-five years. Most cases of breast cancer occur in postmenopausal women.

One theory suggests that an early onset of menstrual periods may contribute to breast cancer. According to the environmental studies division of the National Cancer Institute, half of women have environmental risk factors for breast cancer, which is often associated with white women. Prominent figures within white culture such as Nancy Reagan, Shirley Temple

Black, Linda Ellerbee, Ann Jillian, and Betty Ford have all battled breast cancer.

Statistics indicate that uneducated black individuals who lack awareness or prioritize regular breast exams have a higher prevalence of the disease. Dr's conclusionBill Eley, a representative from Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, attributes the difference in mortality rates between black and white individuals to economic factors. This is due to the disproportionate poverty experienced by black individuals. In contrast, Japanese women have significantly lower mortality rates than American women, with one-sixth of the rate. However, when Japanese women migrate to the United States, their breast cancer rates gradually increase as they acclimate to the new environment.

Despite this trend, there is still a misconception that breast cancer only affects white individuals. Susan Shinagawa's personal experience exemplifies this misconception, as healthcare providers consistently told her she was too young for breast cancer and that Asian women do not develop it. To prevent breast cancer, several doctors advocate for a common-sense approach focusing on exercise and proper nutrition.

In May 1997, The New York Times reported on a study conducted in Norway involving 25,000 women. The findings revealed that engaging in at least four hours of exercise per week lowered the risk of developing breast cancer by 37% compared to inactive women. Dr. Leslie Bernstein from the University of Southern California suggests that exercise can reduce a woman's exposure to estrogen and therefore decrease her risk of developing breast cancer.

Additionally, F. de Ward, a cancer researcher emphasizes the benefits of vitamins and minerals such as A,C,and E in fighting against cancer. He also highlights the significance of overall nutrition beyond fat intake.
Certain "miracle foods,"

such as green tea leaf, have been celebrated for their ability to combat cancer. Hasan Muktar from Case Western University conducted experiments introducing green tea to different types of cancer cells (lymphoma, prostate, breast, and skin), resulting in the destruction of all cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. Gianluca Lazzaro from the University of Illinois developed a synthetic form of vitamin D5 that effectively eradicated cancer cells when tested in lab cultures. Additionally, research at the University of Western Ontario found that limonoids present in lemons, limes oranges and grapefruit (which contribute to their bitterness) were more effective than flavonoids in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Walt Willet from Harvard School of Public Health conducted a study involving 89,538 nurses aged 34 to 59 which revealed that individuals who consume hard liquor, beer or wine are 1.3 times more likely to develop breast cancer compared to non-drinkers. This risk increases to two and half times for those consuming over nine drinks per week. In 1987, The National Cancer Institute published a report comparing 1524 women with breast cancer to a control group consisting of 1896 women without the disease. It has been discovered that alcohol promotes breast cancer development and it is believed that various medical procedures or their side effects may contribute to this effect.The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) proposed a theory that self-induced abortions could heighten the possibility of cancer due to fast cell division in breast cells during pregnancy. However, terminating an abortion and abruptly halting cell division may leave unprotected cells lacking differentiation, rendering them prone to cancer. In order to examine this hypothesis, the NEJM conducted

a study on 1.5 million women, including 370,715 individuals who had undergone abortions, and determined that abortions did not contribute to the risk of breast cancer. Another report from the NEJM investigated the potential correlation between breast implants and breast cancer but found no significant variance in incidence compared to the general population. In my view, three major studies have demonstrated that radiation is indeed a cause of breast cancer. One study analyzed the consequences of atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, indicating a distinct area within a ten-mile radius where cancer was prevalent. Younger individuals are particularly susceptible to breast cancer, suggesting that certain stages during women's transitional years make their breasts more prone to developing cancer. Similarly, a study conducted in Canada revealed that women who received radiation therapy for tuberculosis in the 1920s and 1930s were at an elevated risk of experiencing breast abnormalities and developing cancer.Research conducted in Rochester, New York also found that more than half of the women who received radiation treatment for inflamed breasts eventually developed cancer. To prevent breast cancer, it is highly recommended to regularly perform preventive measures such as self-exams, doctor examinations, and mammography. Mammograms are X-rays of the breasts that can detect small lesions measuring less than 0.5 centimeters; however, their effectiveness may be limited for smaller or denser breasts. Wire localization involves using a thin wire with local anesthetic to precisely locate the position of a lesion. Thermography works on the principle that cancer cells emit more heat compared to normal cells. Transillumination is based on the concept that light can pass through breast tissue but gets blocked by lumps. Ultrasound uses high

frequency sound waves that bounce back when they encounter objects within the breast. CAT scans produce visual cross-sectional images of the body; however, there are debates about their effectiveness in detecting cancerous tissue. It's important to note that performing radiation necessary for examining a five milliliter lump may potentially cause cancer to spread elsewhere in the body and is often considered too risky from a safety perspective. MRI utilizes hydrogen nuclei's electromagnetic qualities to generate an electrical chart or visual representation.
Although mammography has been criticized for its shortcomings in detecting cancers in women of all ages and cancer patients often express dissatisfaction with the time it takes, a comprehensive study conducted by the American Cancer Society contradicts these criticisms. The study, which spanned over twenty years, revealed that those who underwent mammographic examination during this period had a significantly reduced risk of developing cancer. Interestingly, it also supported the hypothesis that younger women are more vulnerable to aggressive forms of carcinoma.

In the fight against cancer, scientists are actively working on developing drugs that can disrupt blood vessel formation and cut off the blood supply to tumors. This approach leads to the death and elimination of cancer cells from the body. There are various treatment options available for cancer, including surgical removal of affected areas and chemical methods aimed at killing cancerous cells. Chemotherapy is a commonly used procedure where drugs are employed to destroy rapidly dividing cells.

A noteworthy advancement in cancer treatment involves using monoclonal antibodies specifically engineered to deliver drugs or radiation directly to tumors. This targeted approach allows for efficient administration of chemotherapy and other treatments precisely where they are needed most. Additionally,

incorporating genes resistant to chemotherapy into treatment has enabled regular body tissue to withstand high doses and expedite recovery from the disease.Stem cell transplantation is an alternative for cancer treatment as stem cells possess antibodies that combat malignancies and have the potential to fight against cancer. Hormone therapy, specifically using tamoxifen, can also slow down the growth of cancer cells by obstructing estrogen properties that stimulate growth. According to Dr. Wickerman from a Dallas clinic, tamoxifen is widely used and effective with minimal side effects. Nonetheless, there is controversy surrounding tamoxifen due to its potential increased risk of developing other types of cancer. In a 1981 test conducted by the National Cancer Institute, women taking tamoxifen had a lower chance of breast cancer but a higher chance of blood clots, ovarian cancer or breast cancer. Despite the success of chemotherapy and tamoxifen in delaying breast recurrence, many patients eventually experience relapse.

Various surgical options are available for treating cancer including radiation therapy, mastectomy, and cytotoxic chemotherapy. The choice of surgery depends on tumor size; lumpectomy involves removing both the tumor and surrounding tissues whereas simple mastectomy entails removing the breast, nearby lymph nodes, and parts of the chest and arms. In certain cases preventative mastectomies may be performed by doctors.Some surgeons believe that performing a total bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction on patients with lumpy breasts and a high risk of breast cancer can prevent relapse.However,this surgery is highly controversialDuctal Carcinoma insitu (DCIS) is a condition that affects milk production and the structures that house lobules and ducts. It can result in complications such as blockage of tubes with excess or cancerous cells. Research suggests that 20-25%

of women with untreated DCIS will develop invasive cancer within a decade. Breast cancer during pregnancy may be challenging to identify due to rapidly increasing breast size, but it usually poses minimal risks apart from minor complications.

It is worth noting that men can also develop breast cancer, which tends to be more noticeable due to less tissue in their chests compared to women. To support the cause, individuals have the option to contribute their time, money, or services to various national cancer organizations. One way of showing support is by purchasing a new stamp specifically designed to raise funds for breast cancer.

However, if individuals fail to adopt a healthy diet, remain vigilant for signs of cancer, and volunteer their time, the problem will persist. Decision-making regarding breast health should consider factors such as weight and uncontrollable elements. By carefully analyzing the entire situation and seeking advice from trustworthy sources, people can make informed decisions that are best suited for themselves.