Signature Assignment: Breast Cancer
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Signature Assignment: Breast Cancer
The population chosen for this signature assignment are post-menopausal women aged 55
years and older. This population has been selected because it faces significant health risks. The
post-menopausal age is associated with increased risk of various chronic diseases such as heart
disease, osteoporosis and some cancers. These complications are as a result of the decline in
estrogen levels among these women. The chosen global burden of disease affecting the
population of postmenopausal women is breast cancer. According to the World Health
Organization (2023), breast cancer was identified as the leading type of cancer among the
women in 157 out of 185 countries across the world. The importance of improving the condition
of cancer among women cannot be over-emphasized. For instance, improving the cancer
outcomes leads to reduced chronic pain among the affected persons. Besides, improving breast
cancer outcomes result in better functional capabilities among the affected women. The
alleviation of breast cancer symptoms impacts the quality of life for the affected women.
Global Burden of Disease Condition/Risk Factor
The WHO defines breast cancer as the disease in which abnormal breast cells grow out of
control and form tumours. If these tumors are left unchecked and untreated, they have the
potential to expand throughout the body, and become fatal. The problem of breast cancer is
widely-scoped globally. In 2022, about 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer
globally. The female gender is the greatest risk factor for developing breast cancer. Also, age is a
significant factor where women ages 55 years and older show increased risk.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] (2024) has outlined some of the
warning signs of breast cancer. One of these is a lump in the breast or armpit. Another sign to
watch for someone developing breast cancer is the swelling or thickening of some part of the
breast. Irritation of the breast skin is another important sign to watch. Furthermore, pain in the
breast may indicate the presence of cancerous cells. Also, some women may experience some
nipple discharge which is not the normal breast milk. This is a warning sign that the individual
may be experiencing breast cancer.
Diagnosis of breast cancer involves the use of mammography through X-ray imaging to
detect early signs of the excessive growth of breast tissue. An ultrasound is also used through
sound waves to evaluate breast abnormalities. A biopsy can also be carried out by extracting
breast tissue samples for microscopic examination (Tawfik & Alallaf, 2019). Further, an MRI
can be used to provide detailed images, especially for high-risk patients.
In terms of treatment, various forms of treatment are available for menopausal women
with breast cancer. For instance, chemotherapy is one of the most common forms of breast
cancer treatment. This treatment modality is used to chemically destroy cancer cells. Radiation
therapy is also utilized to kill the cancer cells. One some cases, a surgical procedure can be
preferred to remove the tumors or the whole breast.
Technology and Healthcare
The paradigm shift in healthcare technology is characterized by new innovative tools that
continue to shape access and delivery of healthcare. For instance, the widespread adoption of the
telehealth technology is one of the significant transformations seen in the healthcare sector.
Telehealth tools have played a significant role in the access to care by patients and coordination
of care among providers. The paradigm shift is also marked by the adoption of data analytics
which guide the prognosis of various diseases. Additionally, artificial intelligence has continued
to influence healthcare delivery through correct diagnosis. Regarding the role of technology in
enhancing the results of the selected population, telemedicine continues to be one of the most
important techniques for guaranteeing patient-centered care in breast cancer therapy. Telehealth
enables patients to consult with healthcare clinicians remotely, lowering the expense and
inconvenience of clinical appointments. Remote monitoring enables the practitioner to evaluate
the patient's vital signs (Haleem et al., 2021).
References
CDC. (2024, February 21).>Symptoms of breast cancer. Breast
Cancer.>https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/symptoms/index.html
Haleem,>A., Javaid,>M., Singh,>R.>P., & Suman,>R. (2021). Telemedicine for healthcare:
Capabilities, features, barriers, and applications.>Sensors International,>2,
100117.>https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sintl.2021.100117
Tawfik,>O., & Alallaf,>J. (2019). Current approaches to diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer
and future directions.>Women Health Care and Issues,>2(1), 01-
06.>https://doi.org/10.31579/2642-9756/007
Uzun-Ozsahin,>D., Ikechukwu Emegano,>D., Uzun,>B., & Ozsahin,>I. (2022). The systematic
review of artificial intelligence applications in breast cancer
diagnosis.>Diagnostics,>13(1), 45.>https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13010045
WHO. (2023, July 12).>Breast cancer. World Health Organization
(WHO).>https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer
