Informative Speech On Breast Cancer

You have probably noticed a lot of pink lately. Athletes are trading their normal gear for pink versions, and commercials and billboards are covered with the iconic pink ribbon. As you have most likely heard, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. With over 200,000 new cases each year, many of us know someone affected by Breast Cancer. My Grandma, Phyllis, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer almost 30 years ago. She was able to recover, but unfortunately, her cancer returned. It spread to her lungs and eventually to her bones. In fact, last week she had to enter hospice care. Today I will discuss Breast Cancer causes and symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
Normal breast structure is made up of fatty tissue, along with nerves,
veins, lymph nodes, lobes, and connective tissue. Breast Cancer changes breast tissue cells through a mutation in the normal genetic code. Tumors grow by invading surrounding tissues, even spreading throughout other areas of the body.
Breast Cancer, like other cancers, is very hard on the human body.
It causes extreme fatigue and nausea. Early effects begin as lumps and masses in the breast. These tumors can be painful and can even cause changes to the breast surface. It also commonly metastasizes, or spreads, to other tissues in the lungs, bones, and liver, as was the case with my Grandma.
There are many causes of Breast Cancer, but the most common factors are aging and genetics. The risk of developing this form of cancer greatly increases over age 50. Having a close relative with Breast Cancer also plays a large role. In addition, estrogen exposure, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption raise the risk of developing cancer. While getting breast implants doesn’t show a direct link of causing cancer, it can make detection of tumors more
difficult. Symptoms of Breast Cancer can usually be seen or felt by the individual.
These symptoms manifest as swelling in the armpit, hardening of the breast, skin erosion, or a newly formed skin indentation. Typically, pain or tenderness in the breast, or a hard, immovable lump will be felt.
Breast Cancer can be classified in three main types.
The most common, Carcinomas, form in cells that line the breast tissues. Adenocarcinomas form in the glandular tissue, and Sarcomas form in the cells of the muscle, fat, or connective tissue. There are also five different stages of Breast Cancer. The first stage begins with abnormal cells in the lining of the ducts, resulting in increased risk of developing cancer in both breasts. In the second stage, the tumor is less than one inch across. In the third stage, the tumor has grown to less than two inches, and may spread to the lymph nodes. By the fourth stage, the tumor is larger than two inches, has spread extensively to the nearby lymph nodes, and causes noticeable changes to the outside of the skin. Finally, in the fifth stage, the cancer has spread beyond the breast into other areas of the body.
Diagnostics and testing is an ongoing process for a Breast Cancer patient. It begins with an initial screening test, such as a mammogram. If a cyst is discovered, the next step is to have a diagnostic test, such as a biopsy, performed. The biopsy will determine whether a tumor is benign, non-cancerous, or malignant, meaning cancer is present. Once the tumor is removed, doctors will continue monitoring tests to ensure the cancer is gone and new cancer has not formed. Monitoring tests may include CT scans, PET scans, and bone
scans. Though it is a very prevalent and devastating disease, Breast Cancer survival is very common. Between 1990 and 2010, breast cancer mortality declined by 34%. The earlier this cancer is detected; the chances of survival greatly increase. Two very effective preventive methods are monthly self-breast exams and annual mammograms/physicals with a physician. These procedures aid in early detection, which greatly help with the treatment and recovery process. Breast cancer treatment can be a grueling process. In the early stages, a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy may be used. In the later, metastatic stages, intensive hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy are continued.
There are some startling statistics regarding Breast Cancer. It is the second most common cancer in women in the United States, preceded only by skin cancer. As I stated earlier, there are 200,000 new cases each year, with 40,000 women dying from the disease annually. The majority of cases are found in women 50 years of age or older. Although very rare, men can also develop Breast Cancer, accounting for almost 1% of cases.
Thanks to the dramatic improvements in cancer research, treatment, and early detection, millions of women are surviving breast cancer today. With increased awareness, diligent prevention methods and screening, and continued scientific advances, we may one day even find a cure for Breast Cancer. When it comes to Breast Cancer, I think everyone should “think pink” and keep this motto from the Susan G. Komen foundation in mind, “Show you care, and be aware.”