Breast Cancer: Causes, Epidemiology, and Effects

This article provides an overview of breast cancer, including its causes, epidemiology, and effects on the body. It discusses the prevalence of breast cancer in the United States and the genetic factors that contribute to the disease. The article also explores the physical and emotional effects of breast cancer on individuals and their families.

Running head: BREAST CANCER 1
Breast Cancer
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

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Breast Cancer
Introduction
Breast cancer is the primary cause of death among females in the United States, and more
also globally. It involves the rapid proliferation of the cells of the breast. Other names for this
disease are breast carcinoma; mammary cancer; malignant neoplasm of the breasts; or malignant
tumors of the breasts. Environmental and genetic factors define the multifactorial nature of the
disease. The United States has approximately 3.6 million breast cancer survivors: those who are
still under medication and those who have completed their therapies. The survival rate for
women with localized, regional, and distant-stage cancer is 99%, 85%, and 27% respectively
(DeSantis et al., 2017). Nevertheless, the prognosis of breast cancer in younger females from that
of older women due to the expression of distinct biological and clinical manifestations for each
group. The prevalence of the disease varies between ethnic groups in the States. However, the
effects that arise from breast cancer diagnosis affects an individual directly, their bodies and
families.
Epidemiology
The US breast cancer statistics show that one in every eight women is likely to have
cancer in their lifetime. The continent expects to diagnose about, 268,600 new invasive breast
cancer incidents among women in 2019, in addition to the 62,930 non-invasive ones. As opposed
to women, the incident rates of breast cancer are lower in males; where 1 in every 883 is likely to
develop the disease in their lifetime (DeSantis et al., 2017). In 2019, only 2,670 new cases are
expected. The incidence of breast cancer had been increasing from the ‘70s but started to decline
in 2000. Global statistics estimate a 7% decline between 2002 and 2003 (Mokdad et al., 2017)
The outcome of the 2002 report by Women’s Health Initiative that hormonal therapy treatment
doubles the risks for breast cancer bore this decline since most females declined the use of
hormonal therapies (Mokdad et al., 2017).
Despite the decreasing mortality associated with the disease over the years, it is expected
that 41,760 females will die of breast cancer in 2019. Notably, most deaths are projected among
women over 50 years. Early detection of the carcinoma accounts for the decreasing mortality in
women under 50 (DeSantis et al., 2016). Besides, native American women are at higher risks of
developing breast cancer than other ethnicities in the United States. However, females of
African-American ethnicity have higher probabilities of developing aggressive carcinoma of the

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breasts at a tender age (DeSantis et al., 2016). As a result, the progression of the disease accounts
for the higher mortality in this population.
The Genetic Component of Breast Cancer
Somatic aberrations in breast cells that occur as people age account for most breast
cancers. In some instances, however, hereditary factors play a vital role in the growth and
progression of malignant cells in the breasts. The genes involved determine any risk for the
disease. According to Kapoor et al., (2015) approximately 30 genes are responsible for the
disease. About 1000 germline mutations in BRCA1 (Breast cancer gene one) and BRCA2 (Breast
cancer gene two) accounts for about 10% of the breast cancer incidents. Breast tissues express
BRCA1 and BRCA2 that repair or destroy aberrant DNA (Kapoor et al., 2015). Nonetheless,
mutations in these genes are passed through generations in autosomal dominant patterns. In such
situations, a copy of altered genes within a cell is sufficient to heighten the risks of acquiring
cancer.
However, the presence of a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes may not bring about
breast cancer. According to Kuchenbaecker et al., (2017), single nucleotide polymorphisms in
association with BRCA1 increases the risks of the carcinoma among females. Most females
diagnosed with breast cancer often report a family history of cancer of the breast. Women with
mutations in the BARD1 gene, usually involved in DNA in association with BRCA1, are
susceptible to breast cancer. Kraus et al., (2017) argues that mutation of RAD50 genes along with
MRE11A and NBN that repair DNA predisposes the females to disease. The spectrum of
BRCA1/2 mutations varies among African-Americans, Hispanics, Asian-Americans, and non-
Hispanic Americans. It is imperative that health care providers customize genetic counseling and
testing for women of all racial groups.
The Effects of Breast Cancer on the Body
Breast cancer alters the functionality of the body in different ways. As it occurs in both
males and females, breast cancer begins in the cells around the breasts and metastasizes into
other organs and tissues (Chavez-MacGregor et al., 2016). Lobules, ducts, and connective tissues
form a large part of the breast. The lobules produce milk in is then carried by the ducts. The
connective tissues are the bulk that holds the breasts. Cancer may affect the lobules and the ducts
giving rise to the terms invasive ductal and invasive lobular carcinomas respectively (Chavez-
MacGregor et al., 2016). As a result, brain pain may accrue as the growth of the tumors. An

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individual may notice some nipple discharge of blood or pus. Besides, breast cancer causes a
significant change in the size and shape of the breasts. Some carcinomas thicken the skin
surrounding the breasts. Further, the cancer cells may invade the lymph nodes under the arm as
the disease progresses. Lymphatic invasion favors the progression of the carcinoma. Treatment
medications often cause unintentional weight loss due to reduced appetite.
The Effects of Breast Cancer on an Individual
Whether newly diagnosed or active on treatment, breast cancer patients experience a
reduced quality of life. Surgery, chemo-and radiotherapy is the standard treatment modes for
breast cancer. However, they have many side effects. Following surgical procedures, cancer
patients feel pain and experience lymphedema. Hormonal therapies result in hot flashes, joint
inflammation, and chronic pain. Chemotherapies cause alopecia, fatigue, shortness of breath,
anemia, constipation, diarrhea, and change in appetite. According to Philips & McAuley (2015),
93% of females reported at least one of these signs after treatment. More also, the disease affects
daily activities. There are uncertainties on a proper diagnosis, reoccurrence, and immobility after
therapies.
Following diagnosis, most breast cancer survivors experience mental health disorders,
such as depression and anxiety (Phillips & McAuley, 2015) The treatments may also have
profound effects on sex drive, which can break relationships. Breast cancer patients and
survivors develop a compromised immunity as the disease progresses due to change blood cell
count. Arguably, cancerous cells spread through the bloodstream; more also, the cancer therapies
weaken immunity. Consequently, the affected become prone to infections. Mastectomy
negatively affects a woman’s body image often resulting in low self-esteem as well as fear of
social relationship (Kocan & Gursoy, 2016)
The Effects of Breast Cancer on a Family
A breast cancer diagnosis impacts families, and it is imperative that oncological nurses
support such families. Emotions that overwhelm the affected range from frustration, sorrow, to
denial. A family’s adjustment to the cancer news affects a patient’s quality of life (Su et al.,
2017). Breast cancer alters a family’s dynamics. Parents are forced to live their affected family
members to help them emotionally or physically. Besides, it changes the regular job schedules as
most family members leave their jobs to spend time with the affected. It results in financial
strains due to lower job productivities. Also, the cost of treatment can strain the families, and at

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some point cause anger and suicide. Besides, children withdraw from school to be with their
mothers who have breast cancer (Su et al., 2017). It is essential that mental health professionals
help the affected individuals understand how to cope with the situation in ways that will not
interfere with their education. Daughters can worry about their future due to the hereditary
factors of cancer.
Conclusion
Breast cancer is the primary cause of mortality in the U.S. The disease has a higher
prevalence in women than in men. There has been a massive decline in the number of deaths
over the years. However, mortality levels are still higher when compared to other cancers. The
incidence rates vary with race, where white and African-Americans are at more risk than the
Hispanic or Asian population. Women are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer as they
grow older. Notably, women who are from families with previous histories of breast cancer are
likely to get cancer. The diagnosis of the disease has deleterious effects on an individual’s body;
the quality of their life; and their families. It is essential to implement strategies that will support
breast cancer patients and their families.

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