Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Stages, Types - Literature review Example

Breast Cancer Name Institution Date Course Breast Cancer Content 1. Background Research What is breast cancer? Symptoms Statistics Challenges, limitations and outcomes for breast cancer patients 2. User Research A personal story User profile A day in the life… Blogging Responses Insights 3. Precedent Studies After surgery bra Breast prosthesis Mastectomy Swimwear 4. Ideas (function, appearance, characteristics) 5. Drawings and sketches 6. Design Development 7. Final Design Concept 8. References and Images 1. What is breast cancer? Ma, Teruya-Feldstein & Weiberg (2007) describes breast cancer as one which originated from the tissues of the breast. This type of cancer has been known to start within the ducts or lobules of the breast. Two types of breast cancer therefore exist: the ductal carcinomas which starts in the ducts and lobular carcinomas which is known to start in the lobules. This type of cancer mostly attacks women, although other predisposing factors like age, genetics and lifestyle may also play a significant role. Symptoms In most cases, breast cancer does not show any symptoms in the early stages, but as Stewart & Kleihues (2003) points out, certain physical symptoms may indicate the presence of breast cancer. Usually, a lump on the breast that causes the affected area to feel differently from the rest of the breast is the first symptom. Lumps within the armpit lymph nodes may also indicate breast cancer. The breast may also become larger, or develop a thickening compared to the other breast (Lacey et al, 2009). Other early symptoms include the nipple changing shape and position, or discharging a clear fluid which may be stained with blood. Rashes may also develop around the nipple. As Wild & Stewart (2014) state, the breast may also become painful, although this not sure indication of breast cancer. Statistics Breast cancer care WA (2013) reports that in Australia, 28.2% of the total cancer cases in women are breast cancer (National Cancer Institute 2011). 2013 estimates showed a rise in breast cancer cases in the country with about 14, 940 women reporting breast cancer. 24% of the cases reported in 2008 were below 50 years, 51% between 50 and 60 years, while 24% were aged 70 years or more. Future forecasts still indicate that the cases will continue to increase. About 17, 210 cases are expected by the year 2020. This type of cancer accounts for about 15.5 % of cancer deaths. 2,706 deaths were recorded in 2007, while in 2013 about 2,700 women were estimated to have died from the breast cancer. Challenges, limitations and outcomes for breast cancer patients Breast cancer patients cannot engage in activities with too much physical strain and may not be able to work for long hours. They may also experience pains and aches and have to follow certain rules after undergoing surgery. The physical changes on their bodies also results in negative emotional feelings especially in women. The danger is that such emotional vulnerability may result in increase cancer risk and may also invite other diseases (IARC 2002). Patients are also challenged by lack of competent professionals (Sankaranaraynan et al 2011). As Lacey et al (2009) further argues, more professionals have also become available to the patients leading to greater awareness, effective medication and successful management of breast cancer. 2. User Research User profile Ismena Clout, 38, an account manager has battled breast cancer for 9 years. During this period, she has undergone treatment that has caused her to gain weight and lose her long hair, which caused her to be greatly depressed. Her first diagnosis was done when she was 29, the second one coming 6 years later when she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in her lungs, bines and liver. The good news now is that currently, her bones are stable, and she has no signs of the disease in the lungs and liver (Clout 2014). A day in the life... After waking up and brushing, Ismena took a bowl of cereal accompanied with soya milk for breakfast. She also took a glass of fresh vegetable juice for supplements. The green tea which she carried to work was for fighting the side effects of the cancer treatment. She used the tube to travel to work and would always ask for a seat. She would start by complaining about a broken back, and then mention advanced cancer to find sympathy. She made faces with strange looks and curious stares until she got a seat for herself. Her colleagues at work really supported her. Although she worked from her desk, she also had to attend meetings, but she would be allowed to use the taxi by her colleagues which made a bid difference. She carried packed lunch to work and wouldn’t drink in the evening as before. To control her diet, a box of organic vegetables, meat and fruit was delivered every week. She had begun to feel normal again, fighting off the side effects of the treatment and the pain and maintaining a healthy diet. In the evening, she reached home very exhausted. She was tempted to phone for a takeaway but forced herself to cook. She prepared everything for the following morning, watched television for an hour and fixed some meditation time before she slept. Still, she wasn’t sure whether she loved to work fulltime. Insights Ismena has managed to remain strong in her battle with cancer. The disease is very traumatising with great mental and physical challenges but she has managed to remain positive. Surgery procedures and the other treatments now available have greatly help patients like Ismena remain optimistic. As IARC (2008) adds, a multidisciplinary approach is preferred where surgery and chemotherapy can work well. 3. Precedent Studies Designs for breast cancer survivors After surgery bra Source: Wear Ease Inc., 2013 Advantages: this is used after surgery or radiation treatment, lounging of treatment. They prevent irritation and the side-entry shelf pockets can be easily accessed for a light weight breast form Disadvantages: it is expensive and patients will need other clothes or other accessories Breast Prosthesis Source: Wear Ease Inc., 2013 Advantages: its softness and seamlessness make patients comfortable, and can be hand washed. Helps to balance breast weight and is advisable to prevent back problems. In case the breast size changes, the size of the prosthesis can be easily changed. Disadvantages: some women find the prosthesis uncomfortable (too hot or heavy). It reminds patients of the disease when they undress while other feel self-conscious or embarrassed in public. Mastectomy swimwear Source: Swimwear galore, 2014 Advantages: designed for more comfort. Patients look more beautiful and natural at the beach. Removable soft cups smoothes natural breasts and can be replaced. The straps are also adjustable and the swimsuits keep patients’ breasts and prosthesis firm in place. The high arm openings, high neckline and the wide straps hide any scarring. Disadvantage: Apart from being costly, its breast insert absorbs water and may become damp and heavy. Basic Cotton Tee Long Sleeve (pocketed) Advantages: Soft and can be worn immediately after surgery. It eliminates the need for mastectomy bras and comes with shelf bra held by loose elastic. Its pockets can easily be accessed from the side and can be worn even without the foam forms. Disadvantage: its black colour is not fashionable Christine headscarf Source: Cancer Council, 2014 Advantages: it is liked because of the style and class. The 2009 collection was designed with soft colours, easily blending with other fabrics. It also is properly aligned to prevent any irritation to the skin. Disadvantage: it is very obvious and may be too hot for summer. 4. Ideas (function, appearance, characteristics) Patients feel more confident if they retain pre-surgical physical appearance. However, this is not always easy and it is common to find them cover up their bodies in baggy clothes. Mastectomy does not cause significant changes to the breasts and women may feel attractive even after surgery. Patients who undergo chemotherapy and other treatments are faced with difficulties and loss of self esteem due to the side effects. They may therefore need social rehabilitation with regular follow up. I desire to help breast cancer survivors more hope by designing a mastectomy garment that will restore their feeling of femininity. In my designs, I want to come with a night/formal dress, casual dress and a day dress to work for breast cancer survivors. 5. Drafts and sketches 6. Design development Nightdress Material: the European microfiber material chosen allows the skin to breathe and has a smooth interior making it very comfortable. It can remain in good conditions for 4-6 months after treatment or surgery. Design: it is designed with a high neckline, with two fibre-filled prostheses which can be adjusted to fit in any space left after surgery. This makes patients look balanced. The dress comes without straps and patients do not need wear a bra. The front button also makes it easy to where. Day dress to work Material: Uses natural organic silk fabrics which allow skin to breathe. Silk contains amino acids similar to those in the human body, which aid in absorption and in healing the skin (Mendelson 2005). Design: I used the floral bold print in this dress since I believe wearing a print or pattern could be distracting. The button in the front also makes it easier to wear, and patients do not have to lift their arms up. Casual dress Material: A lightweight bamboo natural fibre was used in the design for this dress. Bamboo is exceptionally soft, smooth and has a lavish feel (Wallenberger and Weston 2004 p. 308). It keeps the body dry and comfortable Design: The dress has a high neckline and will easily cover the ‘after surgery bra’. It can be worn comfortably and will be made beautiful with the colourful print that will appear like a necklace. 7. Final design: 8. List of References IARC 2002, Breast cancer screening, IARC handbooks for cancer prevention, volume 7, International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARCpress, Lyon IARC 2008, World cancer report 2008, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon Lacey, JV Jr. et al 2009, Breast cancer epidemiology according to recognized breast cancer risk factors in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial Cohort. BMC Cancer, (9) 84. Ma, L, Teruya-Feldstein, J, & Weinberg, RA 2007, Tumour invasion and metastasis initiated by microRNA-10b in breast cancer, Nature, 449(7163): 682-688. Mendelson, C 2005, Laundry, Scribner, New York, 346 National Cancer Institute 2011, male Breast Cancer Treatment, Available at: [Accessed: 29 January 2014] Breast cancer care WA, 2013, About-breast-cancer, Available at: [Accessed: 30 January 2014] Nilsson, C, et al, 2011, Similarities and differences in the characteristics and primary treatment of breast cancer in men and women-a population based study (Sweden), Acta Oncologica, 50(7): 1083-1088. Sankaranarayanan, R, Ramadas, K, Thara, S, et al 2011, Clinical breast examination: preliminary results from a randomized controlled trial in India, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 103: 1476-1480 Stewart, B & Kleihues, P 2003, World cancer report, IARC Press, Lyon Wild, C & Stewart, B 2014, World Cancer Report 2014, World Health Organization, Geneva. 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