Breast Cancer
I. Introduction A. Description of the Disease
Normal cells grow, divide and die in an orderly fashion. In an adult, cells in most parts of the body divide only to replace worn-out cells and to repair injuries (Cuevas, 2007).
However, these normal cells may be exposed to agents that cause their transformation to cancer cells. These agents are termed as “carcinogenic”. Another theory of how cancer develops states that the body itself produces abnormal cells. Normally, these abnormal cells are destroyed by immune system. In cases of immunologic deficiency, the immune system fails to destroy the abnormal cells which eventually become the cancer cells (Udan, 2002).
According to Reyes & Layug (2009), breast cancer is an unregulated growth of abnormal cells in breast tissue. Its cause is unknown, but many risk factors influence the development.
A woman who finds a breast lump or other breast problem will probably first suspect cancer, even though 8 of 10 lumps are benign. Despite many misconceptions regarding the etiology of breast cancer, public awareness about this health threat has grown dramatically. Now, breast cancer is openly discussed, and information about this topic is frequently presented in mass media. Many women are anxious about their risk for breast cancer, and many tend to overestimate their risk. Even though genetic, hormonal, or biochemical factors are likely to be involved, 70 % of women with breast cancer have no known risk (Black & Hawks, 2006). This gives us an idea that we cannot tell who among us will have the neoplasm. The only intervention we can do is to detect early the cancer through regular breast self-examination (BSE), clinical examination and routine mammograms. B. Recent trends, Innovations, and or refinement in treatment.
According to ScienceDaily.com (2012), early detection and advances in the treatment for breast cancer have improved the chances of survival, however new avenues for treatment are still needed in
Normal cells grow, divide and die in an orderly fashion. In an adult, cells in most parts of the body divide only to replace worn-out cells and to repair injuries (Cuevas, 2007).
However, these normal cells may be exposed to agents that cause their transformation to cancer cells. These agents are termed as “carcinogenic”. Another theory of how cancer develops states that the body itself produces abnormal cells. Normally, these abnormal cells are destroyed by immune system. In cases of immunologic deficiency, the immune system fails to destroy the abnormal cells which eventually become the cancer cells (Udan, 2002).
According to Reyes & Layug (2009), breast cancer is an unregulated growth of abnormal cells in breast tissue. Its cause is unknown, but many risk factors influence the development.
A woman who finds a breast lump or other breast problem will probably first suspect cancer, even though 8 of 10 lumps are benign. Despite many misconceptions regarding the etiology of breast cancer, public awareness about this health threat has grown dramatically. Now, breast cancer is openly discussed, and information about this topic is frequently presented in mass media. Many women are anxious about their risk for breast cancer, and many tend to overestimate their risk. Even though genetic, hormonal, or biochemical factors are likely to be involved, 70 % of women with breast cancer have no known risk (Black & Hawks, 2006). This gives us an idea that we cannot tell who among us will have the neoplasm. The only intervention we can do is to detect early the cancer through regular breast self-examination (BSE), clinical examination and routine mammograms. B. Recent trends, Innovations, and or refinement in treatment.
According to ScienceDaily.com (2012), early detection and advances in the treatment for breast cancer have improved the chances of survival, however new avenues for treatment are still needed in
Bibliography: Black & Hawks. (2006). Medical-Surgical Book. 6th Edition. Elsevier, Inc. Singapore Doenges, Moorhouse, & Murr. Nurses Pocket Guide, 12th edition. http://women.webmd.com/picture-of-the-breasts http://www.lymphnotes.com/article.php/id/151/ http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Breast-Lumps.htm http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/La-Pa/Modified-Radical-Mastectomy.html#b Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Disease a Nursing Process Approach to Excellent Care. 4th Edition Reyes & Layug. (2009). Comprehensive Reviewer for Nurse Licensure Exam. C & E Publishing, Inc. Quezon City Timby. Fundamental Nursing Skills and Concepts. 9th edition. Udan. (2002). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts and Clinical Applications. 1st Edition. Guiani Printhouse. Malbon, Philippines