Neoplasm

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Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

Although no form of diet and exercise can prevent breast cancer; certain lifestyle habits can certainly increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Ann does not drink alcohol; however drinking is one of the modifiable risk factors that can cause breast cancer. Moreover, it has been shown that participating in moderate exercise has the capacity to reduce the possibility of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society states that at least 150 minutes a week at moderate intensity, or 75 minutes a week at rigorous intensity (Hunter and Willnett 56). Ann is active; however there is no information about her heart rate, the intensity at which she exercises and the duration. Therefore, her walks after diner might aid, it is uncertain whether it is enough to count as a preventative measure. Another modifiable risk factor is having children at a later age. This is due to the fact that having children at a later age increases a woman's exposure to certain hormones produced by her ovaries such as estrogen and progesterone. This can stimulate cell growth, which is associated to an increase risk of breast cancer ("Reproductive") .

Learning Objective #3: What are the signs and symptoms of Breast Cancer?

It is possible that individuals have no symptoms in the early stages of breast cancer. The most common symptom of breast cancer amongst woman is a lump; the lump is often painful. The lump is permanent; it does not disappear with menstruation. The progression to a lump signifies that it has already grown too large; if the growth was smaller it would have been able to detected by a mammogram ("Sign"). Moreover, the lump is rigid and has an abnormal shape. Women often state that it seems as though it is attached to the skin of the breast or the wall of the chest. The lump can be found on various areas on the breast; it can detected on the breast itself, or it has spread to the lymph nodes it can be identified on the axilla. In addition, the breast increases in size and shape and the skin of the breast can become dimpled and resembles an orange shade. The area that is discolored can lead to swelling, can emit heat and can cause itchiness. The nipples can also become inverted and their shape can be transformed. Often there can be a discharge that is leaked from the nipple; it can be bloody. The bloody discharge is an indicator that the tumor is benign ("Signs"). However, if there is any scaly, crusty skin surround the nipple or an ulcer of the nipple it can signify that the individual has a rare form of breast cancer. As the cancer divides and multiplies, woman experience symptoms such as pain, nausea, loss of appetite, fluid build up in the lungs, shortness of breast, coughing, headache, problems with vision and muscle weakness ("Signs").

Learning Objective 4: How is an individual screened/diagnosed for breast cancer?

The purpose of this learning objective is to understand the different diagnostic and screening tools available to doctors and individuals who might be at risk for breast cancer. This learning objective explores the importance of self-examination and the testing methods doctor utilize to diagnose breast cancer.

Self-Examination

Self-examination is extremely important in the early detection of breast cancer. Clinical breast examinations are a simple, low cost, non-invasive procedure. It is important for health care professionals to teach women to properly conduct self-examinations; women often believe they are following the procedures correctly when they are not correctly applying the guidelines. (2). There is a correlation between regular self-breast examinations were more likely to detect abnormalities in their breasts (1). Moreover, Ann has a higher risk factor for breast cancer due to the fact that she has a family history of breast cancer. Engaging in regular self-examination might have helped her detect any lumps or abnormalities earlier which might have potentially lead to an earlier detection and a better prognosis. What et al studied the relationship between frequent breast examinations and when it was first diagnosed. The study included 355 patients with breast cancer. Approximately one fourth of the individual’s participants in the study performed monthly breast examinations. Regular breast examination was correlated with less axillary lymph node metastases. This finding is significant due to the fact that axillary staging with patients who have early stage breast cancer is vital for the prognosis of the individual (3).

Self-examinations should begin by looking the in mirror with shoulders straight and even and arms placed on the hips. Women should observe if one breast is larger than another, for changes in shape and color. If individuals notice that there is change in the skin, a nipple that has changed places, or a rash and swelling, they should go see a doctor. Step two of the self-examination procedure is to raise your arms and observe if there are any changes. Step 3 is to notice if there is any fluid discharge from the nipples. Step 4 is to simply massage your breasts when lying down; it is recommended that women use their right hand to feel their left breast and vice versa. When messaging breasts, women should keep their fingers flat and use small circular motions of approximately the size of a quarter to detect any abnormalities. It is recommended that women cover the entire breast; which includes the armpits, the collar bone and the upper area of the abdominals. The final step is simply to massage the breasts during different circumstances such as sitting, standing, and lying down. The same procedures as step 4 should be followed.

How can it be diagnosed by medical professional

Diagnostic Mammography

Mammograms are able to examine the areas that require a closer look. A mammogram is basically an x-ray of the breast. A mammogram can help detect breast cancer in its early stages, before a lump develops. There are two types of mammograms; a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram. A screening mammogram is done for woman who have no signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Diagnostic mammograms are done particularly to see if there are any problems; this type of mammograms may include additional images. These type of mammograms are also done on woman who have already been treated for breast cancer to prevent a second occurrence. Mammograms cannot provide definite evidence that cancer cells have grown in the breast, however they can aid health care professionals decide if additional tests are required. There are