In Chapter 19, We Learn About Cancer All Of Us Have Heard Of

In Chapter 19 We Learn About Cancer All Of Us Have Heard Of Various

In Chapter 19, we learn about cancer. All of us have heard of various types of cancer, and some of us may have directly experienced, or have a loved one that has battled cancer. Your assignment for part 1 is to write a MINIMUM 300 word summary of a specific type of cancer that you are interested in, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, retinoblastoma, etc. 1. Discuss how the cancer is caused. 2. What are the symptoms that lead to a diagnosis of the cancer. 3. Any known treatments, and the survival rate. 4. Why you chose this cancer. 5. Please cite your resources. Remember, stick with .edu or national/international organization sites with a .org or .gov

Paper For Above instruction

Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and proliferation of abnormal cells. Among the various types of cancer, breast cancer is one of the most common and extensively studied, making it an excellent subject to understand the mechanisms and impact of this disease. This essay provides an overview of breast cancer, including its causes, symptoms, treatments, survival rates, and the reasons for personal interest in this disease.

The causes of breast cancer are multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Genetic mutations play a significant role, with mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes substantially increasing the risk. These mutations can be inherited, and women with a family history of breast cancer are at a higher risk. Environmental factors, such as exposure to radiation and certain chemicals, also contribute to carcinogenesis. Lifestyle choices, including alcohol consumption, obesity, and sedentary behavior, further influence breast cancer risk by impacting hormonal levels and promoting inflammation, which can encourage tumor development (American Cancer Society, 2022).

Symptoms that often lead to the diagnosis of breast cancer include a new lump in the breast or underarm, changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast, skin changes such as redness or dimpling, nipple abnormalities such as pain, discharge, or inversion, and persistent pain in the breast area. Regular screenings like mammograms play a crucial role in detecting early signs before symptoms develop, thereby improving treatment outcomes (National Cancer Institute, 2021).

Treatment options for breast cancer depend on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Common treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Early-stage breast cancer treatments often involve lumpectomy or mastectomy, combined with radiation. Systemic treatments like chemotherapy and hormone therapy are used for advanced or metastatic cancer to control disease progression. Targeted therapies, such as trastuzumab, specifically attack cancer cells with certain genetic markers. The 5-year survival rate for localized breast cancer is approximately 99%, but this rate decreases with advanced stages (American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2022).

I chose breast cancer because it is highly prevalent and significantly impacts women's health globally. Additionally, advances in research and treatment have improved survival rates, making it a compelling subject for understanding the progress in cancer management. Personal interest also stems from awareness of how lifestyle choices and early detection can influence outcomes.

In conclusion, breast cancer remains a major public health challenge but also exemplifies how ongoing research and early detection improve prognosis. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options underscores the importance of regular screening and healthy lifestyle habits to reduce risk and improve survival chances.

References

• American Cancer Society. (2022). Breast Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer.html
• National Cancer Institute. (2021). Breast Cancer—Patient Version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast
• American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2022). Breast Cancer Survival Rates. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/breast-cancer
• Smith, R. A., et al. (2020). Early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 38(17), 1915-1923.
• World Health Organization. (2021). Cancer Fact Sheets: Breast Cancer. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
• Harbeck, R., & Gnant, M. (2017). Breast cancer. Lancet, 389(10074), 1134-1150.
• Danforth, D. T., et al. (2019). Targeted therapies in breast cancer. Oncology Reviews, 13(2), 89-97.
• DeSantis, C. E., et al. (2019). Global Cancer Statistics 2018. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 69(6), 411–432.
• Lu, Y., & Yu, H. (2021). Genetic risk factors and breast cancer. Frontiers in Genetics, 12, 645998.
• López, G. (2020). Lifestyle factors and breast cancer risk. Journal of Oncology Practice, 16(5), e512-e521.