Exercise and Breast Cancer Risk in Young Women

This assignment examines the impact of exercise on breast cancer risk in young women. It presents findings from a survey of healthcare practitioners regarding their perspectives on the effectiveness of exercise in preventing breast cancer. The study also delves into secondary research on breast cancer biology and demographics, emphasizing the higher incidence among younger women and African American populations. The assignment concludes by recommending physical activity for maintaining health and potentially reducing breast cancer risk.

RESEARCH PROJECT
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Task 1...............................................................................................................................................3
Research title...................................................................................................................................3
Research aim................................................................................................................................3
Research Objectives.....................................................................................................................3
Justification of the topic...............................................................................................................3
Research question........................................................................................................................3
Methodology....................................................................................................................................4
Ethical consideration.......................................................................................................................4
Review of literature.........................................................................................................................5
Gantt chart.......................................................................................................................................5
Task 2...............................................................................................................................................7
Match resources to research question..........................................................................................7
Undertake the research study.......................................................................................................8
Record and collate the data..........................................................................................................9
Task 3.............................................................................................................................................11
Analysis of the data.......................................................................................................................11
Conclusion and Recommendation.................................................................................................16
References......................................................................................................................................17
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TASK 1
RESEARCH TITLE
The impact of exercise on prevention of breast cancer
Research aim
To analyse the impact of exercise on prevention of breast cancer
Research Objectives
 To analyse the causes of breast cancer in young women
 To analyse the benefits of exercise
 To analyse the impact of exercise on reducing the risk of breast cancer in young women
Justification of the topic
The present topic has been selected on grounds of its significance. Every year, there are
around 5,600 women aged below 45 years in UK who are diagnosed with breast cancer. It is
defined as a cancer that develops from the tissue of the breast (Banning, 2012). 1 in 8 women are
affected by breast cancer during their lives. Though breast cancer is more prevalent in the middle
aged women. However, according to cancer research UK, the rates of breast cancer have
increased among the younger women. One in every five women aged below 50 years in UK
suffer from breast cancer. It is worth noticing that the rates of survival have increased (Batty,
2013).
But, cancer is affecting more and more number of families every year in the UK.
Furthermore, it has become the most common type of cancer in UK. It significantly impacts the
daily lives of patients and their family members. There occur certain physical changes in the
body of the patient due to breast cancer and its treatments (Relevo and Balshem, 2011). It also
has certain psychological effects such as depression, anxiety etc. As younger women are at risk
of breast cancer, there is a need to emphasize adoption of healthy behaviours. The rationale
behind selecting the present research topic is to determine whether changes in lifestyle, such as
exercise, can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Research question
 Does daily exercise reduce the risk of breast cancer in young women?
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METHODOLOGY
 In the present research study, researcher will be emphasizing on primary and secondary
both the sources so as to grab information on higher extent. Under primary research,
health care professionals (managing practice for breast cancer) will be selected and 20
practitioners will be interviewed for the same aspect. However, under secondary source,
researcher will emphasize on books, journals and articles which are prepared on the
subject matter (Yin, 2009).
 Further, data will be analysed through Qualitative technique in which themes will be
prepared to describe each and every aspect of the research work.
 Research design holds more importance in an investigation and this is even crucial in
different types of research study. In the present study, Exploratory research design will be
applied for a particular situation and also for collecting a wide range of information for
subject matter (Stanton, Young and Harvey, 2014).
 Inductive research approach will be selected so that researcher can meet the aims and
objectives and this will also assist in collecting valuable data for the research work.
 Sample size for the present research study will be 20 care professionals.
 Interpretivism philosophy will be selected for subsequent research as it increases
familiarity of researcher with the topic and along with this, requisite changes can be made
while conducting the study.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATION
 In terms of ethical consideration, researcher will ensure that identity of the participants
will not be disclosed and secrecy will be maintained on higher extent.
 Apart from this, researcher will consider only ethical and accurate sites so as to enhance
the validity and reliability of the research work. This is also essential for the purpose of
amending suitability of the research study (Tracy, 2012).
 Furthermore, researcher will also emphasize on secondary sources so that valid and
concrete data can be collected.
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REVIEW OF LITERATURE
As per the views of Simon (2014), breast cancer is rare in younger women and it causes
in female body due to several facets. The major dimension considering breast cancer is
environmental factors that includes exposure to synthesise hormones in birth control pills.
Typically, cancer is much more likely to develop when women grow older and when they fail to
give adequate concern towards lifestyle. A risk factor is something that may increase the chance
of getting a disease and a few risk factors are drinking alcohol on higher extent and hereditary
causes. Breast cancer usually starts off in the inner lining of milk ducts or lobules that supply
them milk. A malignant tumour can spread to other parts of the body and the vast majority of
breast cancer cases occurs due to invasive tumour (BREAST CANCER IN WOMEN YOUNGER
THAN 40. 2016).
Nonetheless, Batty (2013), also stated that a healthy diet and exercise can help to lower
the risk of breast cancer; hence women should specifically emphasize on moderate drinking. In
terms of exercise, women should limit the time spending on sitting because it increases the
likelihood of developing breast cancer and other sorts of cancer. It has been observed that birth
control pills have both risks and benefits and the risk goes away quickly after stopping the pill.
Post-menopausal hormones shouldn’t be taken long term to prevent chronic diseases, like
osteoporosis and heart disease because it have a mixed effect on health.
GANTT CHART
Activity Week
1
Week
2
Week
3
Week
4
Week
5
Week
6
Week
7
Week
8
Week
9
Week
10
Writing
Research
Proposal
Reading
various
literature
5

Finalizing
the aims
and
objectives
Draft
literature
review
Collect
secondary
data
Analyze
secondary
data
Develop
research
approach
Draft
research
methodolo
gy
Develop
questionna
ire
Arrange
the
interview
Conduct
the
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interview
Accumulat
e the data
Draft
Findings
Analyze
data
Complete
remaining
chapters
Submit it
to tutor
and await
for
feedback
Revise the
draft
Print and
bind
Submit
TASK 2
Match resources to research question
In the present research study, research questions have been made with an attempt to break
the study in different sections. This is also useful in covering the entire research material in brief
manner. Hence, as per the research question, chief emphasis has been given towards role and
importance of exercise in reducing the risk of breast cancer in young women. Along with this,
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discussion has been included regarding the significance of physical activities to overcome breast
cancer.
 Does daily exercise reduce the risk of breast cancer in young women
Undertake the research study
Data collection: It is the most important aspect of the research work wherein researcher
has emphasized on several sources for data collection. The categories are split into two types
such as primary and secondary and researcher has emphasized on both. Under primary research
focus has been laid on data collected from interview and under secondary, books and journals are
reviewed (Yin, 2009).
Research philosophy: Interpretivism philosophy has been considered because the main
focus of the viewpoint remains on real dimensions which is beneficial in terms of developing
quality and feasible research study.
Research approach: The present study has been using inductive approach as in this
researcher need not to develop hypothesis which further also enhances the capability of research
studies. The core aim behind the selection of this section is to conduct the study in efficient
manner and also to observe minor factors which exists in the research report (Stanton Young and
Harvey, 2014).
Data analysis: Data analysis is regarded as the procedure in which researcher analyses
the findings and outcomes through statistical techniques. Among two defined methods,
researcher has focused on Qualitative technique wherein Thematic analysis is being conducted.
Sampling: Random sampling technique has been selected wherein on random basis,
health care practitioners are selected. Sample size for the study is 20 care practitioners.
Interview conducted with the health care practitioners
Q1. What are the major causes of breast cancer in women?
 Personal history of breast cancer
 Noncancerous breast diseases
 Family history
 Effect of radiation treatment
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 Having a specific genetic defect
Q2. Which age group is more common in breast cancer?
 16-25
 26-35
 36-50
Q3. Do you agree that breast cancer prevails more in young women as compared to old women?
 Yes
 No
 In most of the cases
Q4. Is there any relationship between breast cancer and radiation treatment to the chest?
 Yes
 No
 Sometimes
Q5. Do you think physical exercise can reduce the risk of tumour in breast?
 Yes
 No
 Not always
Q6. What are the psychological effects of breast cancer on women?
 Depression
 Anxiety
 Mood swings
Q7. Up to what extent, exercise can prevent the risk of breast cancer in young women?
 Higher extent
 Minimum extent
 Limited
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Record and collate the data
Q1. What are the major causes of breast cancer in women?
Criteria Responses
Personal history of breast cancer 5
Noncancerous breast diseases 3
Family history 2
Effect of radiation treatment 5
Having a specific genetic defect 5
Q2. Which age group is more common in breast cancer?
Criteria Responses
16-25 3
26-35 10
36-50 7
Q3. Do you agree that breast cancer prevails more in young women as compared to old women?
Criteria Responses
Yes 8
No 4
In most of the cases 8
Q4. Is there any relationship between breast cancer and radiation treatment to the chest?
Criteria Responses
Yes 9
No 5
Sometimes 6
Q5. Do you think physical exercise can reduce the risk of tumour in breast?
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Criteria Responses
Yes 10
No 5
Not always 5
Q6. What are the psychological effects of breast cancer on women?
Criteria Responses
Depression 4
Anxiety 8
Mood swings 8
Q7. Up to what extent, exercise can prevent the risk of breast cancer in young women?
Criteria Responses
Higher extent 10
Minimum extent 5
Limited 5
TASK 3
ANALYSIS OF THE DATA
In the present research study, data has been analysed with the help of Qualitative
technique wherein Thematic analysis have been conducted to describe each and every statement.
Thus, to make it more comprehensive, charts and diagrams have been prepared as per the
responses of the selected health care practitioners. Afterwards, the responses have been analysed
and recommendation is being included in the last section.
Theme 1 Causes of breast cancer
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On the basis of the responses derived, it is clear that there are several reasons that leads to
breast cancer in women. Hence, while asking this question, 5 health care practitioners said that
due to personal history, 5 said effect of radiation treatment and 5 said due to specific genetic
defect. However, 3 said that breast cancer generates in women due to noncancerous diseases and
remaining 2 contended that due to family history, there are chances to develop breast cancer.
Hence, from the responses it is clear that breast cancer has the possibility to develop due to
genetic reasons.
Theme 2 Common age group in breast cancer
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Afterwards, deriving the responses 10 health care practitioners, it is clear that the chances
of breast cancer is more in young women who lies between the age group of 26-35. However, 7
responses have been acquired in the favour of 36-50 age group and remaining 3 said that breast
cancer is more common in 16-25 age group. Thus, according to the responses, it is evident that
young women have more probability to experience breast cancer.
Theme 3 Breast cancer is more in young women as compared to other age group
As per the responses of 8 health care practitioners, it is identified that breast cancer is
common in young women and other 8 practitioners also said that in most of the cases, young
women are the victims. However, remaining 4 said no and they also said that till the date they
have managed the cases of old women. In this respect practitioners stated that it is an estimation
that more than 250,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40 or younger.
Theme 4 Relationship between breast cancer and radiation treatment to the chest
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There is a direct relationship between breast cancer and radiation treatment to the chest
and this is clear with the responses of 9 health care practitioners. Moreover, 6 said sometimes
and remaining 5 said no. Further, in this context health care service providers contended that
when young women gets any treatment for chest, it increases the chances of tumour due to
contact with radiation. It typically has an adverse effect on breast part which not only creates
depression; but also leads to other comorbidities in women.
Theme 5 Physical exercise can reduce the risk of tumour in breast
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From biological concept, physical exercise can reduce the risk of tumour in breast and
this is also evident from the responses of 10 health care practitioners. Conducting regular
physical exercise can prevent the chances of breast cancer; hence women are recommended for
the same. However, 5 said no and remaining 5 said not always. They further added that exercise
can prevent the chances of cancer and tumour but it does not ensure that tumour can be reduced
with physical exercises.
Theme 6 Psychological effects of breast cancer on women
As per the responses of 8 health care practitioners, anxiety is the psychological effect of
breast cancer in women wherein women typically shows negative response towards others. Other
8 said that women faces mood swings more due to chances of breast cancer. However, remaining
4 said that depression is the major symptom that shows that the women has the probability to
experience breast cancer. Hence, it is clear that anxiety and mood swings depicts that woman is
having the chances for the same.
Theme 7 Exercise can prevent the risk of breast cancer in young women
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It is an apparent aspect that exercise can prevent young women to prevent the chances of
breast cancer. Hence, articulating the responses 10 health care practitioners said that up to higher
extent it can prevent the chances of breast cancer. Other 5 health care practitioners said that up to
limited extent, the chances can be prevented and remaining 5 said that the chances are minimum
even with physical exercises because there are several tissues that can also create tumour in
breast.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summing up the entire study, it is clear that women should involve themselves in
physical exercises so that they can maintain health standards and it can also assist them to reduce
the chances of major risk diseases. From the study, it is evident that young women are more
prone to breast cancer; hence they should give huge concern towards their lifestyle and habits.
In terms of secondary research, it is identified that in this sort of cancer, the cells multiply
uncontrollably and there are too cells begins in lactiferous duct which are also known as ductal
carcinoma. After menopause, white women have higher rates of breast cancer as compared to
African American women. However, before menopause African American women have higher
rates of breast cancer. As per the biology of breast tumour in younger African American, women
may also be different from the biology of breast tumours in other women. However, it can be
contended that the majority of lumps are not cancerous; but women get them checked by the
health care professionals.
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REFERENCES
Banning, M., 2012. Advanced breast cancer: aetiology, treatment and psychosocial features.
British Journal of Nursing. 16(2). pp. 86 – 90.
Batty, D., 2013. Breast cancer rates increase among younger women. [Online]. Available
Through: <https://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/may/03/breast-cancer-increase-
younger-women>. [Accessed on 12th November 2016].
BREAST CANCER IN WOMEN YOUNGER THAN 40. 2016. [Online]. Available Through:
<http://ww5.komen.org/KomenPerspectives/Breast-Cancer-in-Women-Younger-than-
40.html>. [Accessed on 12th November 2016].
Relevo, R. and Balshem, H., 2011. Finding evidence for comparing medical interventions:
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Effective Health Care
program. J Clin Epidemiol. 64(11). pp.1168–77.
Simon, S., 2014. Get Moving to Help Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer. [Online]. Available
Through: <http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/features/get-moving-to-help-reduce-your-
risk-of-breast-cancer>. [Accessed on 12th November 2016].
Stanton, N. A., Young, M. S. and Harvey, C., 2014. Guide to Methodology in Ergonomics:
Designing for Human Use. CRC Press.
Tracy, J. S., 2012. Qualitative Research Methods: Collecting Evidence, Crafting Analysis,
Communicating Impact. John Wiley & Sons.
Yin, K. R., 2009. Case Study Research: Design and Methods. SAGE.
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