Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Andrew Clark SCIN 132

5 November 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer affects several women globally. World Health Organization (WHO) approximates that about five hundred and eight thousand women died due to cancer in 2011. Therefore, a study on breast cancer is essential to protecting women from the deadly disease. The primary purpose of this paper is to examine the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, financial costs, etiology, and pathology of breast cancer. It is estimated that about 2 million women are affected by breast cancer worldwide. This number has continued to rise at an annual rate of three percent. Deaths from breast cancer have increased from two hundred and fifty thousand in the early 2000s to five hundred and eighty in 2011. Breast cancers begin at the interface between lobules and ductal systems. The lump then travels along the ducts in the breast. This increases in size affecting various parts of the breast. The figure represents an annual increase of approximately two percent. Breast cancer can be diagnosed through physical examination and laboratory investigations. The most common symptoms include nipple discharge, arm swelling, axillary pain, nipple retraction, breast mass, as well as pain. In the diagnosis, clinicians should find out information regarding family history of cancer especially breast cancer. Laboratory examination involves abdominal ultrasound, bilateral mammography, and bone scan when there is an indication. The diagnosis, as well as treatment of breast cancer, comes with financial challenges to the affected individuals and their families. According to the Women’s College Hospital, women affected by the cancer use approximately five hundred and eighty-five dollars per month in treating breast cancer. This includes the out of pocket expenditures by individuals with health insurance. In conclusion, breast cancer affects several women economically, socially, as well as financially.