Rise in Breast Cancer - Research Paper Example

Rise in Breast Cancer Introduction From a general point of view, breast cancer can be referred as a disease in which, malignant cells, commonly referred as cancerous cells, emerge in the breast tissues. These damaged cells often form a cluster, causing tumor in the breast, which gradually invade the surrounding tissues and causes greater risk to cancer. However, the notion that the disease is only common to women is today proved misleading, as malignant cells in breasts of men have also been identified, in requirement for immediate treatment. According to Assi et al., (2013), the causes of breast cancer in women are due to the intake of the contraceptives. In common, high fat diets, late child bearing along with obesity are few reasons linked with the upsurge of breast cancer risks amid the women. Thesis Statement This particular study intends to discuss about the four main factors associated with the risk of breast cancer. Wherein gender differences in breast cancer, will be emphasized in this essay along with the necessity of having breast exams, to prevent such risks. Besides, estrogenic factors have been identified as another contributing factor in breast cancer, which will also be highlighted in this essay. In this study, breast fibroadenoma, which also raises substantial concerns about breast cancer, has also been considered as a contributing factor to the issue, owing to its rising occurrences in females. Discussion In the modern day scenario, it has also been observed that in few societies, women are more likely to discuss their problem with others during the time of stressful situation, wherein men tends to remain reserved with lack of understanding or because of misleading facts highlighting breast cancer as prone to only females. It has been further observed that men suffering from breast cancer prefer to lead a normal life without disclosing their illness. This happens as men undergo lower perception with respect to social support, they would require after their disease is disclosed. In relation to this, men have also been found as skeptic about their fear of stigmatization. According to the report of Madeira et al. (2011), 1% of the men population suffers from breast cancer and tends to be diagnosed at the older age as compared to women. As per Davis et al. (2011), the risks associated with breast cancer has also been identified in terms of the lifestyle practiced by people today. With such variant range of contributing factors to breast cancer risks among people today, early detection and screening becomes a necessity in the treatment procedure. Mammogram, which is commonly used in detecting breast cancer or malignant cells in breasts, is considered as a form of test for screening breast cancer. Contextually, women are suggested to have proper exercise regime in order to minimize the risk of breast cancer (American Cancer Society, 2013; Hill et al., 2005). Correspondingly, with regard to gender differences in this context, it was noted by Grief et al. (2012) that men have more estrogen-positive tumors than women. Moreover, the environmental exposure of the gender also gives rise to cancer due to the lack of activity and biological processing. Sex disparity regarding breast cancer has been observed in several countries (Ly et al., 2013). Vital Risk Factors Affecting Breast Cancer: With the increasing age of women, the risk of breast cancer increases, with irregular gaps in their periodic menstrual cycle. It is principally owing to this reason that as compared to the young women below the age of 45 years, face lesser risk of breast cancer. Moreover, the risk of breast cancer is more visible in women due to genetics, which are often observed to be transmitted genetically. Approximately 10% of the cases in women are due direct defect from gene which is “mutation.” Moreover women with dense breast have high risk of breast cancer. The density of the breast depends on factors, which include pregnancy, drugs, menopause status and genetics. Women diagnosed with benign breast are more inclined towards the disease, especially the group with ‘Proliferative lesions with atypia’ (American Cancer Society, 2013). Changing lifestyle of the women in the present day context also affects their health to a certain extent. For instance, the trend of having late babies after the age of 30 years also increases the risk of breast cancer, whereas pregnancy at a proper age is considered to be a remedy to reduce the risk of cancer. According to Assi et al. (2013), in order to control the birth rate, women are inclined towards the use of oral contraceptives and Depot-medroxy progesterone acetate drugs, which again increases the risk of breast cancer to a substantial extent. It is thus recommended by the American Cancer Society to avoid alcohol or reduce it to 1 alcoholic drink a day in order to minimize the risks for breast cancer (American Cancer Society, 2013). Estrogenic Factor: Estrogen is a hormone, which acts as a chemical messenger in the human body. This hormone is of significance for the sexual development and for proper functioning of the female organs. It is a vital hormone which regulates the menstruation cycle, maintains heart along with healthy bones. Scientific experiments have found that estrogen receptors play an important role in preventing breast cancer, increase immunity of the body to restrict the formation of malignant cells. The maintenance of proper estrogen flow in the body is highly essential in order to be healthy and reduce excess fat (ICMR, 2003; Cornell University, 2002). According to Cornell University (2002), estrogen has a vital role to play in relation to the breast cancer risks. The risk of breast cancer is more if the association of estrogen in women body is not maintained at the proper level (Gooden & Winefield, 2007; Cornell University, 2002). Breast fibro adenoma: Breast is formed of ducts along with lobules surrounded with fatty as well as supportive tissues. According to the Breast Cancer Care (2010), breast fibro adenoma is non-cancerous in nature, but causes various issues. However, due to the presence of breast fibro adenoma the chances of cancer are more in these women (American Cancer Society, Inc., 2014). Trends in this context reveal that it is common to have fibro adenomas in women usually below the age of 30. To be mentioned, the tumor is commonly observed as painless in nature but, which grows continually, shifting its place, without affecting the menstruation cycle (Breast cancer care, 2010). A major characteristic of this non-cancerous breast tumor is that the lump formed is easily movable, firm, painless and rubbery. Moreover, fibro adenoma develops in size in the women body, especially during pregnancy; however, it might reduce its size after menopause for the women, lacking appropriate hormone therapy (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2014). Contextually, according to the views of Dupont & et al. (1994), fibro adenomas consist of cysts, sclerosing adenosis along with papillary apocrine alterations, sometimes increases the risk of breast cancer amid women. Conclusion Breast cancer is a disease common in women, but certainly not restricted to this population. It commonly begins with a tumor formed in the breast that causes uneasiness and pain for the carriers. Herein, the above conducted study portrays that gender differences may be counted as one of the reasons for the breast cancer in the current phenomenon. As per the analysis it is observed that the trend of breast cancer is more in women as compared to men, wherein the changing lifestyle and the changing environment, have played a vital role in increasing the risks for women as well as for men. Dietary habits of the women have also been found to increase their risk to breast cancer. In addition, there are various biological along with physical reasons which leads to the risk of the disease. Thus, it is recommended by that women should be physically fit in order to reduce the chances of the disease. It is also suggestible that women should be careful regarding their weight gains or losses as it might hinder estrogen production in their body, causing menstrual irregularity and increasing risks to breast cancer. References Assi, H. A., Khoury, K. E., Dbouk, H., Khalil, L. E., Mouhieddine, T. H., & El Saghir, N. S. (2013), Epidemiology and prognosis of breast cancer in young women. Journal of Thoracic Disease, 5(1), S2-S8. American Cancer Society. (2013). Breast Cancer: Early Detection. The Importance of Finding Breast Cancer Early, 1-35. Breast Cancer Care. (2010). Fibro adenoma. Upload, 1-8. Cornell University. (2002). Breast cancer and environmental risk factors. Factsheet, 1-4. Davis, J.L., Buchanan, K.L., Katz, R.V. & Green, B.L. (2011). Gender differences in cancer screening beliefs, behaviors, and willingness to participate: implications for health promotion. American Journal of Men’s Health, 1-7. Dupont, W.D., Page, D.L., Parl, F.F., Vnencak-Jones, C.L., Plummer, W.D., Rados, M.S. & Schuyler, R.N. (1994). Long Term risk of breast cancer in women with fibro adenoma. The New England Journal of Medicine, 331(1), 10-15. Gooden, R.J. & Winefield, H.R. (2007). Breast and prostate cancer online discussion boards. Journal of Health Psychology, 12(1), 103-114. Grief, J.M., Pezzi, C.M., Klimberg, V.S., bailey, L. & Zuraek, M. (2012). Gender Differences in breast cancer. The American Society of Breast Surgeon, 1-4. Hill, T.D., Khamis, H.J., Tyczynski, J.E. & Berkel, H.J. (2005), comparison of male and female breast cancer incidence trends, tumor characteristics, and survival. AEP 15(10), 773-780. ICMR. (2003). Estrogen and breast cancer. ICMR Bulletin, 33(2), 14-24. Ly, D., Forman, D., Ferlay, J., Brinton, L.A. & Cook, M.B. (2013). An international comparison of male and female breast cancer incidence rates. International Journal of Cancer, 132, 1918- 1926. Madeira, M., Mattar, A., Passos, R. J. B., Mora, C. D., Mamede, L. H.B.V., Kishino, V. H., Torres, T. Z. M., Rodrigues de Sa, A. F., Euzebio dos Santos, R., & Gebrim, L. H. (2011). A case report of male breast cancer in a very young patient: What is changing? World Journal of Surgical Oncology, 9(16), 2-5. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2014). Fibro adenoma – Breast. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007216.htm Annotated Bibliography Assi, H. A., Khoury, K. E., Dbouk, H., Khalil, L. E., Mouhieddine, T. H., & El Saghir, N. S. (2013), Epidemiology and prognosis of breast cancer in young women. Journal of Thoracic Disease, 5(1), S2-S8. This journal evaluates the reasons and the risk factors that may lead to breast cancer in women. Risks of breast cancer among women are supposed to be higher owing to the fact that oral contraceptives, increased consumption of animal fat along with lower body mass index composition are more impactful and critical in female body, contributing to accelerated risks for breast cancer. This journal is concentrated on elaborating about the thoracic disease and hence, is a relevant source of information. The risks factors leading to the breast cancer is well described in order to understand the few important reasons that lead to this disease. This journal is of significance, as it identifies the new fact of the disease and its key official publications are the respiratory disease institute. This makes the source credible. Author’s credibility: The author reflects the significance of breast cancer by stating substantial facts, which may be unknown to many. Moreover, the research conducted in the article is based on secondary and primary data, further making it authentic and critical. Source’s relevancy: The factors stated in the source helps in creating awareness about the breast cancer making the journal relevant and credible. Furthermore, the publication source of the journal is highly acclaimed making the source credible. American Cancer Society. (2013). Breast Cancer: Early Detection. The Importance of Finding Breast Cancer Early, 1-35. In the US, BRCA mutation is common among the Jewish people. To minimize the risk of mutation, genetic testing is recommended that can help identifying the degree of risk. Furthermore, the examination of the family history of patients complaining lump in their breast(s) is also important to be diagnosed effectively within time. Notably, in case of the first relative having the similar disease increases the degree of risk for breast cancer among the children or others having a blood relation with the person. As per the fact, it is observed that nearly 15% of breast cancer instances occur due to family members having the disease. Under such circumstances, breast examination is of much significance, as breast is formed of fatty, fibrous along with glandular tissues. Women with dense breast, which is more of glandular and fibrous tissues along with less fatty tissues, the risk of breast cancer increases, as the dense breast might make the mammograms less precise. Notably, the American Society is a beneficial informative site, which makes this information credible. Author’s credibility: The journal is credible as it has incorporated facts after conducting secondary reviews through the peer reviewed articles. Moreover, the facts regarding breast cancer occurrence is evaluated with logical references to medical findings, making the study credible enough. Source’s relevancy: The facts evaluated in the journal are relevant as the cancer society deals with the reasons and consequences regarding the occurrence of breast cancer in women by considering views from various medical institutions. Breast Cancer Care. (2010). Fibro adenoma. Upload, 1-8. Breast cancer care is much vital, as it evaluates facts about breast fibro adenoma. The journal states that it is at times observed that the tissues grow over the lobules forming a solid lump, which is known as fibro adenoma. Fibro adenomas are generally non-cancerous in nature and occur due to the sensitivity of the female hormones. Even though it is not cancerous, the risk of breast cancer among women having complaints of fibro adenoma is more likely than others. However, there is a controversial view regarding the risk of breast cancer related with the lump created of fibro adenomas. Concerning such risks, it is often recommended by the doctors that the timely treatment of the lump is important in order to reduce the severity and chances of breast cancer as assumed to be related with fibro adenomas. Correspondingly, the credibility and relevancy of the journal can be identified, based on the research and its association with the medical departments. Author’s credibility: The credibility of the author in this article can be judged on the basis of the facts that the medical teams were the source of its information including nurses and the therapists. Both primary and secondary approaches were used for evaluating information regarding breast cancer by the author in this article. Source’s relevancy: The article has been revised on a regular basis after proper research is conducted, making the information relevant and up-dated. Cornell University. (2002). Breast cancer and environmental risk factors. Factsheet, 1-4. This journal argues that estrogen has a vital role to play in relation to the breast cancer risks. It is a hormone having non-negligible importance in facilitating proper growth of the breast. Estrogen also acts as a vital steroid hormone, which is included in regulating differentiation along with proliferation of normal breast epithelial cells, further leading to the increased risk of breast cancer. Thus, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the women to maintain estrogen, considering it as one of the significant factors of breast cancer. The journal evaluates the study regarding the estrogen level in the body, which needs to be maintained by the individual. The credibility is judged by the facts provided by the university after proper research work. The risk of the environmental factors also leads to the increase in the breast cancer. This journal evaluates one of the risk factors of breast cancer and the reason. Author’s credibility: Credibility of the source and its author is based on aspects that the information is updated taking into consideration the views of medical team. The article covers an in depth analysis of the lifestyle that affects breast cancer by conducting primary research and survey. Source’s relevancy: The article is relevant, as it provides information related to the topic with rational references evaluating breast cancer risk factors. Davis, J.L., Buchanan, K.L., Katz, R.V. & Green, B.L. (2011). Gender differences in cancer screening beliefs, behaviors, and willingness to participate: implications for health promotion. American Journal of Men’s Health, 1-7. This journal links the risk of breast cancer with the changing lifestyle of the people. The journal states that people are today much prone towards using microwaves, food plastics and cell phones, which have also been found to increase the risk of breast cancer to a substantial extent among both women and men populaces. Correspondingly the journal evaluates the need for the early detection of cancer. Mammogram, which is commonly used in detecting breast cancer or malignant cells in breasts, is considered as a form of test for screening breast cancer. This particular method is considered to be the best method to reduce the number of deaths due to breast cancer, facilitating early detection of the risks. The behaviors of the people are well addressed in the journal in regards to breast cancer. Moreover, the American Journal of Men’s Health is one of the credible sources of information. Author’s credibility: The association of the journal with Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) makes it a credible. This journal is also credible being focused on almost every aspect of health, social and behavioral disciplines related with breast cancer risk. Source’s relevancy: The American Journal of Men’s Health is a peer reviewed journal, making it a relevant source for the topic. Dupont, W. D., Page, D. L., Parl, F. F., Vnencak-Jones, C.L., Plummer, W.D., Rados, M.S. & Schuyler, R.N. (1994). Long Term risk of breast cancer in women with fibro adenoma. The New England Journal of Medicine, 331(1), 10-15. The New England Journal of Medicine is a credible source of information in relation to the diseases and the risk factors. The journal evaluates the risks associated with fibro adenomas. It is worth mentioning that the risk of cancer continues in the women for nearly 20 years after their diagnosis related to fibro adenoma. Proliferation disease is also regarded as a risk factor for breast cancer, if it is established in breast epithelium. However, the underlying truth for the women having fibro adenomas is that the risk of breast cancer is not noticeably inclined by their tumor at large. The journal is of significance as it mentions the long term association or the risk factor that fibro adenomas have on the breast cancer. Author’s credibility: The New England Journal of Medicine is one of the most esteemed sources of information which makes it credible. Accordingly, the author’s intention to offer a critical view to the area of study also increases the credibility of the source. Source’s relevancy: It is a medical journal, updated with facts based on primary along with secondary data sources, for the relevance of the information regarding breast cancer in the current phenomenon. Gooden, R.J. & Winefield, H.R. (2007). Breast and prostate cancer online discussion boards. Journal of Health Psychology, 12(1), 103-114. The journal of health psychology evaluates the various reasons that may lead to breast cancer and the attributes that assist the women in reducing the breast cancer. The journal evaluates Dietary phytoestrogens, which is also identifiable as an important factor that can help reducing the rise in breast cancer. Phytoestrogen is herein known as the plant estrogen, which is found in soybeans, fruits and salad. Certainly, women having these items more in their regular diet may lower the rate of breast cancer risks to them. Studies thus have revealed that the estrogen level in the body of women will affect their menstruation cycle and hence, prevent the disease to a substantial limit. The body weight of women is also observed to be approximately more after menopause as the ovaries stop the production of estrogen, which increases chances for increased fat, resulting in the rise of breast cancer. Author’s credibility: The journal can be referred as credible, as it is counted as one of the top-rated journals throughout the world. It analyses the data based on the empirical study and using qualitative approach, which again adds to the author’s credibility. Source’s relevancy: The journal is relevant, as it provides significant information regarding breast cancer after thorough research of the lifestyle and psychology of the people with changing trend. Hill, T.D., Khamis, H.J., Tyczynski, J.E. & Berkel, H.J. (2005), comparison of male and female breast cancer incidence trends, tumor characteristics, and survival. AEP 15(10), 773-780. This journal supports fact that lifestyle of the people impose a strong impact on the health of the people. The lack of physical activity and the changing lifestyle leads to breast cancer. However, with the technical advancement it has become easier for the women to detect their disease in the early stage with the use of Mammogram. It is an important technology which is used to identify the cancer and the stage. The journal compares the fact that the cancer in women is more than men due to the biological along with the physical reasons. The lifestyle becoming easier and the intake of calories and fats are moving women towards the risk of the disease. Physical exercises are being advised as per the journal in order to reduce the risk of breast cancers. Author’s credibility: The journal is relevant for the topic, as it provides facts through the help of primary research, indicating the author’s credibility. Also, the information is taken from the registered institutions making it a credible source. Source’s relevancy: The trend analysis conducted in the article increases relevancy of the source, which indicates that a proper research has been undertaken based on a regression method. Ly, D., Forman, D., Ferlay, J., Brinton, L.A. & Cook, M.B. (2013). An international comparison of male and female breast cancer incidence rates. International Journal of Cancer, 132, 1918- 1926. The International Journal of Cancer is one of the most important sources regarding the breast cancer, reasons and its effects. The detection of the cancer is another important facet which is discussed in this journal making it relevant to the topic of breast cancer. The biological and the physical reasons that lead to breast cancer are also well evaluated. The rise in cancer risks among the women is likely to be more owing to its direct linkage with their menstruation cycle along with reproductive behavior. These biological and physical processing gives rise to the risks for breast cancer within women as compared to men. The journal evaluates the differences amid the male and female regarding breast cancer which makes the journal relevant to the topic. Moreover, the international journal is a credible source of information regarding the breast cancer. Author’s credibility: The journal is a credible source with relevant information, as the information gathered and interpreted by the author has been taken from reliable and peer-reviewed articles, based on a range of clinical cancer research. The author’s credibility in this article can also be judged on the basis of the dual perspective when discussing the pros and cons of modern day lifestyles practices by men and women and its implication on breast cancer risks. Source’s relevancy: The article evaluates the cause, detection method and the therapy which are relevant for the topic of research, giving due significance to breast cancer risks among both men and women, making it relevant to the topic. Madeira, M., Mattar, A., Passos, R. J. B., Mora, C. D., Mamede, L. H.B.V., Kishino, V. H., Torres, T. Z. M., Rodrigues de Sa, A. F., Euzebio dos Santos, R., & Gebrim, L. H. (2011). A case report of male breast cancer in a very young patient: What is changing? World Journal of Surgical Oncology, 9(16), 2-5. The World Journal of Surgical Oncology is used in this context as it helps in evaluating the fact that the breast cancer is mainly observed in women that in men. As per the information 1% of the men are affected with breast cancer. It is noteworthy in this context that breast cancer in men is rare and acquires ‘unimodal’ age frequency distribution, whereas women endure ‘bimodal’ age frequency distribution. In case of unimodal age-frequency is a type of probability distribution that possesses a unique mode. In case of the bimodal distribution, it is the form of continuous probability including two differentiated modes. The reason for the rise on breast cancer in men and women is due the Genetic abnormalities that have accordingly been identified as one of the prior reasons for the emergence of breast cancer. Author’s credibility: The journal is peer reviewed with significant information related to breast cancer, adding criticality to the author’s viewpoint. A wide-ranging and rigorous degree of secondary research is conducted to maintain the credibility and relevancy of the journal. These facts add on to the author’s credibility. Source’s relevancy: Statistics regarding the cancer patients is also evaluated in the journal, expressing its research work and methodology in a transparent, reliable and relevant manner to be suitable for the chosen topic. Read More