Breast Cancer Mortality

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that today, breast cancer remains the focus of a growing amount of research around the world and new, improved diagnostic techniques, drugs and treatment are constantly improving survival rates. Nevertheless, the writer points out that the incidence of female breast cancer remains unacceptably high in many regions of the country, especially New Jersey. To identify recent trends in the incidence of female breast cancer generally and in New Jersey specifically, this paper provides a review of the relevant peer-reviewed literature and an analysis of the statistical rates by race for the state and its counties. A summary of the research and salient findings are presented in the conclusion. The writer concludes that the the research is clear in showing that virtually every county in New Jersey is considered high-risk for increased rates of breast cancer by virtue of their geographic proximity to nuclear reactors, as well as the potential environmental toxins that go hand in hand with high concentrations of humanity.

Outline:
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Environmental Factors
Table 1 - Breast Cancer Statistics - New Jersey
Table 2 - Female Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality by Race, New Jersey and the U.S. 1989-1993.
Table 3 - Cancer Death Statistics for the State of New Jersey by Race
Summary of Breast Cancer Trends Identified in New Jersey
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Other environmental factors may relate to socioeconomic conditions. While the National Cancer Institute and other medical organizations agree that women age 50 years and older should obtain a routine mammography every one to two years, estimates of breast cancer screening utilization show that participation in mammography screening is typically lowest among groups of women with whom social workers often work; that is, older, low-income, rural, and racially and culturally diverse women. Studies have investigated a variety of factors predictive of women's decisions about breast cancer screening, including socioeconomic factors, and to a lesser extent, psychological and cultural variables; the results of these studies generally indicate that older and ethnic minority women, women with inadequate insurance coverage and no regular source of medical care, women that are less educated, women that live in medically underserved areas, and women that report strong religious values, attitudes, and beliefs about breast cancer, are less likely to obtain breast cancer screening and are at greater risk of dying from breast cancer than are white women who are younger, educated, have health insurance and access to medical care, and that do not express strong beliefs about breast cancer."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Altpeter, M., Mitchell, J. & Pennell, J. (2005). Advancing social workers' responsiveness to health disparities: The case of breast cancer screening. Health and Social Work, 30(3), 221.
• American Cancer Society. (2001). Cancer facts and figures, 2001 (Publication No. 5008.96). Atlanta: American Cancer Society.
• Brody, J. G., Maxwell, N. I., Melly, S. J., & Rudel, R. A. (1998). Endocrine disruptors and breast cancer. Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy, 13(3), 24.
• Brody, J. G., Rudel, R. A., & Tickner, J. (2005). Community-initiated breast cancer and environment studies and the precautionary principle. Environmental Health Perspectives, 113(8), 920.
• Bronski, P. (2005, August-September). Breast cancer rates among women on Long Island are some of the highest in the State of New York and the nation. Planning, 71(8), 24.

More papers on Breast Cancer Mortality:

• Research Paper # 95130 : "Breast Cancer and African-American Women"
• Research Paper # 111396 : "Breast Cancer Screening"
• Term Paper # 116391 : "Bill H.R. 1132"

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