Abstract This extensive paper examines a number of issues related to African-American women and breastcancer, with an emphasis on detection, treatment and survival. The paper gives a brief overview of cancer, the breast and types of breastcancers. The author then describes the purpose of this study, which was to determine the impact of racial disparity on breastcancer survival. The study also addresses socio-economic factors, such as lack of health insurance, and low incomes. The study attempts to identify the reasons why African-American women have a higher mortality rate than all other ethnic groups. Finally, the author questions whether education, community out-reach programs, resources would influence the probability of reducing breastcancer mortality rates among African-American women.
Outline:
Introduction and Problem Background
The Breast Development of the Breast What is Cancer?
What is BreastCancer?
Major Types of BreastCancers Risk Factors for developing BreastCancer Purpose of Study
Research Objectives
Limitation
Assumptions
Definition of Terms
Scope of Study
Review of Related Literature
Historical and General Background
Possible Barriers to The African-American Women having Mammograms
Existing Studies
Another Study of Racial Disparities in Breast Carcinoma Survival Rates
Methodology
Instrumentation
Statistical Approach
Relevant Results and Significant Studies
Summary of the Literature Reviewed
Findings
Association Between Socio-economic Status and BreastCancer Survival
Relationship between racial difference in treatment, and breastcancer mortality among the African-American women and the Caucasian-women
Summary, Conclusions, Recommendations
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendations
References
From the Paper "The incidence of breast cancer among the African-American women is slightly lower than it is for the Caucasian women. In any given year, 95 out of 100,000 African-American women are diagnosed with breast cancer, compared to 112 out of every 100,000 the Caucasian women. However, the African-American women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer after age 50 (www.netwellness.org, 2004). Breast cancer is the cancer with the second highest death rate for both the African-American women and the Caucasian women. The overall lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer is 10% for the African-American women and 14% for the Caucasian women. However, about 31 out of every 100,000 the African-American women died from the disease each year compared to just 27 out of every 10,000 the Caucasian women from 1989 to 1992, but the rate also rose by 2% for the African-American women during the same period."
This paper examines the progress and advancements in detecting and curing breastcancer, while stressing the importance of early detection as well as monthly self-breast exams.
Abstract The writer of this paper contends that education and monthly self-breast exams are paramount in the early detection and successful treatment of breastcancer. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 175,000 new cases of breastcancer are diagnosed each year and approximately 43,300 people die as a result of the disease. This paper details the eight components of self-breast examinations as well as the effectiveness and reliability of mammograms. This paper also contains statistical information regarding diagnosis and survival rates.
From the Paper "One reason that education is so important is because there are several indications that something is going on with a woman's body that are simply not cancer. Therefore, a woman should be able to discern between those times when medical advice is truly needed and when problems are likely less serious. For examples, skin problems are generally not symptomatic of breast cancer. Indeed, any condition that might crop up on other areas can occur on breast skin as well. Some commonly seen issues include eczema, moles (which should be examined to make certain they're not skin cancer), and cysts resulting from clogged hair follicles. Additionally, nipple discharge can typically be caused by a benign papilloma or dilated milk ducts."
Abstract This paper summarizes three articles on breastcancer. The first article concerns the tumor suppressor gene maspin, the second is about a mutant HDL receptor that inhibits human breastcancer cell proliferation, and the third is about CD47-mediated killing of breastcancer cells through a novel pathway.
Abstract A critique of the article "Risk Assessment of First-Degree Relatives of Women With BreastCancer: A Feasibility Study" using the article as a primary source in the discusion.
Abstract The author of this paper relates that the author of this paper was prompted to reasearch the topic of breastcancer further after her friend had what is termed a 'breastcancer scare'. The paper then defines breastcancer as a gendered disease in which women are led to believe the fallacy that medicine is winning the fight against breastcancer. However being a female gendered disease being investigated by a male dominant medical field prompts the writer to argue that this may not be correct. The paper deals with the approach of cosmetic surgery with the intention of appearing more attractive and quotes examples and experiences of women. The paper states that it is essential for women to be positive and to fight the disease, not to be laid back and accept defeat, nor conceal the fact that breastcancer exists and realize that to hide it under beauty concepts may be fatal.
From the Paper "Recently, a close friend of mine had what is termed a "breast cancer scare". Following a routine mammogram, she was scheduled to have a suspicious lump removed from one of her breasts. During the wait for the surgery, and then the wait for the pathology report, we all reassured her as much as we could. We told her the things we have read and heard in the media, such as "Breast cancer's not such a big deal any more;" "Providing they catch it early, they can cure it;" "Almost no women die from breast cancer any more." And so on. And I, for one, believed it. It turned out that her lumps were not malignant, for which we are all deeply grateful. However, the incident caused me to wonder whether what we were saying was really true. Has the situation with regard to breast cancer really changed? Is it no longer the killer scourge that women used to fear so much? I did some research - and was shocked by the answers I found. As Batt (2002) puts it, "the overall mortality rate from carcinoma of the breast remains static" (p. 110). This of course begs the question: why are we being encouraged to believe that science is winning the fight against breast cancer, if this is not in fact true? As I will argue in this essay, the answer seems to have much to do with the fact that breast cancer is a gendered disease."
Abstract This paper begins with the pathological classification of breastcancer and a description of its various types and stages. The author explains that the type of treatment and prognosis of the disease varies with the staging of breastcancer, and that in general, the treatment may include: mastectomy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and endocrine therapy. The author discusses several of the side effects of breastcancer treatment, including postoperative infection, lymphedema, hair loss, fatigue, and nausea and vomiting. Adequate patient education and psychosocial support are vital components of nursing care, although the nursing assessment may vary according to the different phases of treatment and depending on individual criteria. The paper concludes that alternative medicine is also increasingly being considered in the management of breastcancer.
From the Paper "Intraductal carcinoma represents about 5% of breast carcinomas. The neoplastic cells either assume a glandular pattern or piles up within the ducts as irregular excrescences. Continued proliferation eventually fills the ducts with compressed tumor cells. Clinically, they present as a palpable mass or as ropy cords within the breast. Eventually, the ducts are filled with cheesy necrotic tumor tissue. This cheesy necrotic tissue can be extruded with slight pressure when the ducts are transected (therefore called comedocarcinoma) About 70 % of these tumors become invasive."
Abstract This paper reports that one study looks at the tumor suppressor gene, maspin, and how it is deactivated in breastcancer. The author relates that a study looks at how uptake of cholesterol from HDL promotes cell growth, including the growth of breastcancer cells. The paper states that the third study looks at a new method of inducing apoptosis in cells through CD47-mediated Gi protein-dependent protein kinase A.
From the Paper "Abstract biochemical studies aimed at determining the factors causing the proliferation and the restriction of growth of breast cancer cells abound in the literature. In this paper, three such studies are analyzed. One looks at the tumor suppressor gene maspin ..."
Abstract The paper provides an overview of breastcancer and explains the importance of breastcancer screening. The paper reveals the high mortality rates of breastcancer among ethnic minority groups and proposes an implementation plan to ensure that women of minority ethnic groups are encouraged to go through breastcancer screening. The paper explains the plan's focus on the need for awareness regarding early breastcancer screening, the need for the screening modalities and services to be available and the need for interventions to improve the health care system delivery.
Outline:
BreastCancer The Importance of BreastCancer Screening
BreastCancer among Minority Ethnic Groups
Guidelines for Breast Screening with MRI as an Adjunct to Mammography
Implementation Plan of the Guidelines for Minority Ethnic Groups
Education of Ethnic Minority Groups regarding BreastCancer and Screening
Making Screening Modalities Available
Making a Difference through a Change in Health Care Delivery
From the Paper "Cancer is a disease that often has a long preclinical period (Warwick and Duffy, 2005). From the moment a genetic aberration in a single cell occurred, up to the time where cells aggregate and migrate to other distance far from their organ of origin, and the patient becomes symptomatic, the natural development of cancer allows health care providers to detect and treat this malignancy. Breast cancer is no exception. Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women. It accounts for 23% of cancer cases worldwide (Wood and Della-Monica, 2006). Among American women, 1 out of 3 cancer patients are said to have cancers of the breast. The mean age of diagnosis is 61 years old. Mostly, 23.3% of women with breast cancer were between 55 to 64 years old (National Cancer Institute, 2008)."
Tags: mammography, detection, mortality, awareness, language, literacy, quality, of, care
Abstract This paper examines how certain genes, specifically BRCA1 and BRCA2 can be used in diagnosing and treating breastcancer. It outlines the possible causes of breastcancer, its symptoms, and treatment. It also discusses the issue of genetic screening, as an ethical issue and how it can help to treat breastcancer.
From the paper:
"Breastcancer is a disease characterized by the growth of malignant cells in the mammary glands and can actually can strike both men and women, although women are about 100 times more likely to develop the disease than men. Most cancers in female breasts form shortly before, during, or after menopause, with three-quarters of all cases being diagnosed after age 50. Generally, the older a woman is, the greater is her likelihood of developing breastcancer. Worldwide, breastcancer is the most common cancer among women, and in North America and Western Europe, where life spans are longer, the incidence is highest."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that today, breastcancer 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 breastcancer remains unacceptably high in many regions of the country, especially New Jersey. To identify recent trends in the incidence of female breastcancer 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 breastcancer 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 - BreastCancer Statistics - New Jersey
Table 2 - Female BreastCancer 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 BreastCancer 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."
Abstract In this article, the writer reviews a condition pathway through breast care services, engaging in critical analysis and evaluation of the services, treatment and interactions, and using clients' experience in the published literature. The writer also deals with the condition of breastcancer and the role of screening for breastcancer, including mammography screening for diagnosis. The writer notes that there is a large and diverse body of extant literature on the subject of breastcancer, and this literature approaches the cancer from many different perspectives. The interest of this paper lies in examining, screening and detection, treatment options, and factors related to pathology of the cancer.
Outline:
Introduction
Breast Screening
Breast Assessment Clinics
Pathology
Treatment
Role of Nursing Professional
Conclusion
From the Paper "Breast screening can be accomplished in a number of different ways and in different locations, including static units like hospitals and mobile units. Generally, effectiveness and time for each client differs according to the standard of care, and client communication and empathy skills remain very important to establish the link and helping relationship. In terms of screening and detection, it is important that breast cancer is detected early if the most effective treatments are to be given to the condition. Studies show that women tend to develop the cancer in the middle and late-middle ages, showing that detection and prevention efforts in terms of screening should start before this life stage. Moore pointed out further that the incidence of breast cancer doubles between the ages of 40 to 44 and 45 to 49, "at the same time mammography finds earlier and slower growing cancers with generally better prognoses. Optimal frequency of mammographic screening for women in their forties has not been determined ... "
Abstract The following defines and discusses the different types and causes of breastcancer. In addition it looks at how this cancer is treated, the different stages of this illness and the proposed treatment.
From the paper:
?A doctor should be seen if changes in the breasts are noticed. The doctor may suggest a mammogram. A mammogram is a special x-ray of the breast that may find tumors that are too small to feel. If a lump in the breast is found, the doctor may need to cut out a small piece of the lump and look at it under the microscope to see if there are any cancer cells. This procedure is called a biopsy. If the biopsy shows that there is cancer, it is important that certain tests (called estrogen and progesterone receptor tests) be done on the cancer cells. Estrogen and progesterone receptor tests may tell whether hormones affect the way the cancer grows.?
Tags: lobes, tissues, malignant, hereditary, inflammatory, women, health
Abstract This paper explains that, because society is obsessed with the body and attractiveness, breastcancer strikes at body image and the very meaning of what it is to be an ideal woman. The author of the paper points out that, whatever surgery the woman might have to remove the cancer, she can never be sure that the cancer is gone completely. The paper relates that hair loss is the most upsetting side effect of chemotherapy because, socially, women are told by the media about the importance of their hair and people always make comment about hair styles. The paper states that intimacy can be affected because sexuality is all about sharing the woman's body with her partner and she may be deeply afraid of rejection. The paper notes that greatest psychological effect on the husband is that he feels completely helpless.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Risks and Prevention of BreastCancer Effects of BreastCancer Treatment
Psychological and Social Effects of BreastCancer Treatment
Conclusion
From the Paper "It is very important to prevent breast cancer because it causes many social and psychological problems. Early detection results in the highest possibility of successful treatment. Women need to have a screening mammogram to be sure they are free from breast cancer. For one thing, mammograms result in a 30 percent reduction of deaths from breast cancer. Women in Canada are at risk because a good standard of living or prosperity is a risk factor. The reason is that the woman's diet tends to be high in refined sugars and animal and saturated fats."
Abstract This paper provides an informative research on male breastcancer. It gathers information from written articles, research, and studies. This paper includes causes and effects of breastcancer in men, types of male breastcancer, the risk factors, treatment procedures, and statistics of male breastcancer.
From the Paper "The disease of breast cancer is known to the world as one of the diseases that tolls lives when not immediately diagnosed and properly cured. In the past years, breast cancer has caused thousands of deaths, specifically on women. The disease is mainly caused by diverse factors, which, in the present, are already known to many. To prevent more victims of breast cancer, medical authorities are active nowadays in disseminating information about the disease. Some even provide free consultation and lecture on the risks of breast cancer, as well as the proper procedures in examining one's self."
The paper presents a project that examines the benefits of nurse knowledge regarding breastcancer interventions for both nurse oncologists and breastcancer patients.
Abstract The paper's study seeks to identify patient information needs, as well as these needs as perceived by the nurse. The paper also seeks to identify the informational needs of breastcancer patients regardless of cancer type, stage or treatment that is undergoing or is completed. The paper determines the informational needs for both groups by administration of the 75-item Information Needs Questionnaire-BreastCancer (INQ-BC) while patient satisfaction and quality of life is measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy.
Outline:
Abstract
Project Description
Research Problem/Question
Outline of Methodology
Literature Review
From the Paper "Nurses are an underutilized health care resource, especially in the care of breast cancer patients and survivors (Gray, Goel, Fitch, Franssen & Labrecque, 2002). Traditional practice has always placed specialists at the forefront, who provide most patient services, from consultation, assessment, diagnosis, treatment to maintenance and follow-up. It is also understandable that, with these numerous responsibilities placed on the shoulders of specialists, in addition to their busy work schedules, these specialists may not be always able to spend adequate and "quality time" with their patients. However, with the expansion of the nursing profession to cross-cover most of the roles of physicians, there is promise in exploring these new roles by the advance practice nurse."
