Causes, Symptoms, and Effects of Breast Cancer

This document provides information about the causes, symptoms, and effects of breast cancer. It discusses the definition of breast cancer, its causes, common symptoms, and the effects it has on the body. The document also covers the diagnosis and prevention of breast cancer, as well as the activities of the National Health Services (NHS) and the impact of government involvement in raising awareness about breast cancer. The document includes statistics and solutions related to breast cancer.

Cause Symptoms and Effect
of Breast Cancer
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
Definition of breast cancer.....................................................................................................3
Causes.....................................................................................................................................3
Symptoms...............................................................................................................................4
Effects.....................................................................................................................................4
Diagnosis................................................................................................................................5
Prevention...............................................................................................................................6
NHS activities to cope in cancer............................................................................................6
NHS impact on breast cancer.................................................................................................8
Awareness due to government involvement solution.............................................................9
Solution statics......................................................................................................................10
Reason why this topic is being chosen.................................................................................10
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12
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INTRODUCTION
Breast cancer can be defined as a disease where specifically abnormal cells gets divided
uncontrollably and damages the tissue. Basically, this disease lead deviant cells to grow in an
abnormal way, and this type of cancer is also carrying ample number of kinds, where cells in the
breast turn into cancer (Wapnir and et. al., 2018). Under this, it is said that Ductal Carcinoma in
Situ (DCIS) in one of a common kind of breast cancer, that usually found in most of the cases of
Breast Cancer in medical history. On the other hand, Invasive Carcinoma is also another type of
Breast Cancer which usually being found in Women who has this disease. Apart from this,
Phyllodes Tumors and Angiosarcoma are less common. This report is going to be enclosed with,
different causes, symptoms, effects, diagnosis, prevention, National Health Services (NHS)
activities to reduce or remove breast cancer, awareness among public (citizens of United
Kingdom) and lastly the reason will be given of why this topic has been taken into consideration.
MAIN BODY
Definition of breast cancer
According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020, term “Breast Cancer” is
referred to abnormal growth of cells in a particular area (Mammary Glands), that may damage to
genes (body tissues). In other words, Breast Cancer is considered as a malignant tumour, which
develops from abnormal cells in the breast. Along with this, it is said that due to advancement
within treatment, screening and therapies in relation to breast cancer number of survival cases of
this deadly disease has increased since 1989 (Choi and et. al., 2016).
Causes
Basically, a breast is made up of three different sections and these are: ducts, lobules
along with the connective tissue and it has been found that most of the cancer cells develops or
takes place in lobules or ducts. Away with this, genetics is being considered as one of the primal
cause of breast cancer (5 to 10%) cases. On the other hand, another cause of breast cancer that
came in front is that an individual woman whose mother specifically diagnosed in 50 years of
age, directly raise risk factor up-to 1.7 (Goetz and et. al., 2017).
Away with this, many of medical researchers has found some major factors of that may
cause breast cancer are hormonal imbalance, lifestyle and environmental. These elements
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directly raise risks for breast cancer. It's likely that breast cancer is caused by a complex
interaction of genetic make-up along with the environment as well.
Therefore, it can easily be said that primal cause is the inherited mutated genes, which
increased breast cancer related cells among women of United Kingdom and of the whole world.
Under this, it is the most well-known are breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2
(BRCA2), both of which significantly increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer
(DeSantis and et. al., 2017).
Symptoms
According to the medical science, primal most symptom that came in front of breast
cancer is appearing of a thickened tissue in breast or a lump in armpit or in breast. Including this,
some of early warning symptoms of breast cancer that may vary from person to person are:
Changes in skin like redness, swelling, other visible differences in one or both breasts. Changes
within size or shape of breast, appearance of nipples, general pain in any part of breast, lumps or
nodes felt on or inside of the breast and so on.
On the other hand, some other symptoms more specific to invasive breast cancer are
mentioned underneath: itchy or irritated breasts, change occurrence in breast colour, increase in
breast size and shape, may feel tender, hard or warm when touching, flaking or peeling of skin
on nipple(s), pitting or redness over breast skin and so on.
Along with this, it is said that most breast lumps are not cancerous. However, it is needed
for women to consult healthcare specialists (Radiation Oncology) in order to examine if any
lump is found on breast (Kuchenbaecker and et. al., 2017).
Effects
In modern time medical science department has carried out a number of breast cancer's
effects some of these are presented underneath:
Menstrual changes: The primal effect of Breast Cancer is disruption of normal hormone
production, which may lead to interrupt regular menstrual cycles. This could negatively impact
upon overall body of a woman.
Swelling: Another effect is swelling of Breast Cancer, where Lymphedema is specifically
being considered as a condition where fluid directly gets collected in different parts of the body
and causes swelling among those sections (Sparano and et. al., 2018).
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Skin changes: This type of effect can be understood with a good example of therapy of
radiation for breast cancer, which lead a woman who got cancer to experience some red rash that
looks similar to sunburn in the affected area. This can both irritate and may be felt as a swollen
skin section, which pains firmly.
Weight gain: Another crucial effect that came in front, that a woman can phase, while
getting breast cancer treatment. Basically, it is said that at the time of treatment or at the initial
stage of breast cancer would lead to increase obesity. Due to this, there are many diseases can
attack the body high blood pressure and diabetes that are directly linked with weight (obesity).
Along with this, it can be said that this weight gain could result into rise in number of risks factor
that may lead to death as well.
Diagnosis
In present time, there are number of tests and procedures that can effectively be utilised
by healthcare providers to diagnose breast cancer and some of these are presented underneath:
Breast exam: This is being considered as one of the primal check that is being done by
Oncologists of both breasts along with the lymph nodes as well within armpit, that if is there any
sort of feeling or lumps or any other abnormalities that took place.
Mammogram: A mammogram is an X-Ray done of the breast, where these are ordinarily
used to screen for breast malignant growth. In the event that a variation from the norm is
identified on a screening mammogram, it is the primal duty of primary care physician that may
prescribe an analytic mammogram to additionally assess that abnormality.
Breast ultrasound: Ultrasound utilizes sound waves to deliver pictures of structures
profound inside the body. Ultrasound might be utilized to decide if another bosom irregularity is
a strong mass or a liquid filled blister (Wang and et. al., 2016).
Removing a sample of breast cells for testing (biopsy): This type of test is being
considered and noted as biopsy, which is being considered as only definitive way to make a
diagnosis of breast cancer. Under this, it has been found that often, a small metal marker is left at
the site within breast so the area can be easily identified on future imaging tests.
Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Another crucial diagnosis that majorly takes
place when a test is required to be done on breast to identify that if any lump consists insider the
breast or not. Under this, it has been identified that MRI machines utilises radio waves and
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magnet as well in order to create pictures of interior section of breast of a women who got the
cancer.
Prevention
In present time, in order to limit the rising risks of Breast Cancer, it is required by women
to consider a number of lifestyle related changes and some of these are: controlling weight,
limiting alcohol, reduction in smoking tobacco related habits, avoiding the exposure to radiation
and environmental pollution and so on. With the help of this, it can be said that Breast Cancer
related risks can easily be reduced to minimal (Loibl and Gianni, 2017).
(Sources: Breast cancer statistics, 2019)
NHS activities to cope in cancer
The women who are suffering from breast cancer may get influenced by various ways
which have a strong effect on their daily life as well as in their work place. The side effects of
such deadly disease can influence physical, social and emotional stability. NHS have derived
many mode through which such cancer can be coped up by all women and can make their quality
of life better. For coping up with physical side effects one should talk with health provider
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Illustration 1: Breast cancer statistics

thoroughly about their pain and feelings they have after taking medications. It is very crucial to
let the health practitioners know about the side effects they are having from any particular drug
or treatment method (Mertins and et. al., 2016).
The most vital part of survivorship care by NHS is treating chronic side effects. The
emotional insatiability like anxiety, stress and depression can be managed by distracting the
mind from existing pain and diverting the thoughts towards positivity and meditation. They can
also reduce tension by relaxing their body and mind all together with long warm bath. Cognitive
behavioural therapy may also be involved in eliminating the stress condition of women
effectively. Communicating with people frequently and taking different counselling sessions can
efficiently influence their attitude towards life. Overexertion or doing too much work can make
condition of such patients worse, thus they are advised by such organisation to focus on
themselves more. The social effects may be eliminated by getting powerful support system form
counsellors and family members by thorough talking.
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(Sources: Breast cancer incidence (invasive) statistics, 2019)
NHS impact on breast cancer
The role of NHS have found to be very powerful as well as effective in not only dealing
with such disease but also in formulating several prevention methods. As per them, by consulting
with health care providers about the health condition of such patients they can immediately take
further actions to manage such effects by making them comfortable by giving any antidote or
medicine. NHS long term plan in managing specified disease are vital because they have
committed in screening services and found ways through which such method of diagnosis can be
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Illustration 2: Breast cancer incidence (invasive) statistics

upgraded by implementing new and advanced technologies. Due to these advancements, which
have been found to enhance the chance of quick diagnosis of breast cancer (Siu, 2016).
The more utilisation of risk stratified and personalised screening method are also
included in certain long term plan for much earlier diagnosis. The step of providing right
expertise and more personalised treatment options by NHS by rendering clinical nurse specialist
and more number of option in treating have positively impacted on certain cancer survivors.
Extensive use of cognitive behavioural theory and ways through which stress can be managed
has helped the victims in organising their daily activities which involve in mediation, long walks
and therapies. The suggestions from such organisation like eating healthy, exercising daily,
avoiding drinking alcohol and lower intake of fats have observed to lower physical stress which
have impacted in making them healthy and satisfied.
Awareness due to government involvement solution
An occurrence of disease can be lowered by taking proper measures, due to which
government have made few plans and solutions through which they can aware women regarding
causes and symptoms of breast cancer. The government nurses are found to have a great
influence on actions and potential behaviour of women who may get screened from breast cancer
(Ciriello and et.al., 2015). The risk associated with such cancer need to be acknowledged which
is followed by defining the value of early discovery through various screening methods. Such
activities are believed to significantly regulate and maintain quality of life in general women as
well as females who are suffering from such deadly sickness.
The key role of government is to create high awareness about provided disease so that
early detection and management can be possible. Public Health England was launched by
government on 2015 for spreading the slogan of 'Be Clear on Cancer'. Such campaign have
aimed women aged 70 or above for making them aware about the risk associated and to enhance
their knowledge about particular symptoms of this cancer. It has been observed that around half
of the women doe not have any idea about major symptoms of breast cancer except from lump.
Such campaign's actual target is to spread basic information about understanding that lumps is
not only a single symptom, other signs smut also be added to their list for keep evaluating their
body on basis of specifications (Tao and et.al., 2015). The Government should further also lay
emphasis on making aware about value of breast imaging and its related education. Self
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screening method are also highly emphasised by better knowing their body and making them
comfortable to talk if any issue comes up.
Solution statics
Around 13,400 women are being diagnosed from such cancer of age 70 annually in
United Kingdom (Public Health England launches nationwide breast cancer campaign, 2015).
The severity of disease gets heightened if the detection is at later stages. Breast cancer is found to
be most common in England with 41,200 women being detected every year. Due to such high
statistics it is very important that valid and authenticate solution should be adopted by individual,
health care providers as well as from government side to mitigate the issue.
Every women should lay high emphasis on maintaining their health status, because high
weight may lead in causing number of cancers, especially breast cancer after menopause. Daily
exercising and having balanced diet can effectively manage the occurrence of having cancer and
and help an individual to lead a healthy life. The value of breast feeding have also been stated in
such sessions and programmes foe reducing the possibility or risk. Through various campaigns
and programmes for breast cancer have observed to lower the probability of occurrence. The
proportion of breast cancer in UK which can be prevented through making them aware and by
medications is between 23-27%.
Reason why this topic is being chosen
The Causes, Symptoms and Effects of Breast Cancer has been chosen as a topic in this
report. The growing cases of breast cancer in UK are one of the major issue which must need to
be addressed. The main reason for taking such topic is to make other women aware about causes,
effects and symptoms of such cancer. Most of the women only knows that lumps are the signs of
breast cancer. They do not have any prior knowledge about basic reason and risk factors. There
are many women who are suffering from certain cancer but they have no idea about their
condition due to less education and acknowledgement.
Through such report, value of screening and diagnosis are made clear so that women can
become acquainted with its dangerous effects and symptoms. Women are advised through this
report to get engaged in many programmes associated with breast cancer for understanding the
role of NHS in providing support and to get high knowledge about its risk factors and related
issues which every women should know.
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CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that, cancer is one of the deadliest disease
which have the capability to take life of an individual. Breast cancer is an accumulation of
abnormal cells in breast which eventually result in above cancer. Mutation can be the most
influencing reason of causing such disease. The symptoms are lumps, hardness, shape
abnormality, fluid may ooze out from nipples and pain. Through chemotherapies and
medications it can be cured if detected at earlier stages. The effects of such disorder may not
only affect females physically must also influence their social and mental health state. Self
examination and early detection are valued most.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Choi, M. Y. and et. al., 2016. Characterization of Korean male breast cancer using an online
nationwide breast-cancer database: matched-pair analysis of patients with female breast
cancer. Medicine. 95(16).
Ciriello, G and et.al., 2015. Comprehensive molecular portraits of invasive lobular breast
cancer. Cell. 163(2). pp.506-519.
DeSantis, C. E. and et. al., 2017, racial disparity in mortality by state. CA: a cancer journal for
clinicians. 67(6). pp.439-448.
Goetz, M. P. and et. al., 2017. MONARCH 3: abemaciclib as initial therapy for advanced breast
cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 35(32). pp.3638-3646.
Kuchenbaecker, K. B. and et. al., 2017. Risks of breast, ovarian, and contralateral breast cancer
for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. Jama. 317(23). pp.2402-2416.
Loibl, S. and Gianni, L., 2017. HER2-positive breast cancer. The Lancet. 389(10087). pp.2415-
2429.
Mertins, P. and et.al., 2016. Proteogenomics connects somatic mutations to signalling in breast
cancer. Nature. 534(7605). pp.55-62.
Siu, A.L., 2016. Screening for breast cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force
recommendation statement. Annals of internal medicine, 164(4), pp.279-296.
Sparano, J. A. and et. al., 2018. Adjuvant chemotherapy guided by a 21-gene expression assay in
breast cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 379(2), pp.111-121.
Tao, Z. and et.al., 2015. Breast cancer: epidemiology and etiology. Cell biochemistry and
biophysics. 72(2). pp.333-338.
Wang, D. and et. al., 2016. Deep learning for identifying metastatic breast cancer. arXiv preprint
arXiv:1606.05718.
Wapnir, I. L. and et. al., 2018. Efficacy of chemotherapy for ER-negative and ER-positive
isolated locoregional recurrence of breast cancer: final analysis of the CALOR
trial. Journal of clinical oncology. 36(11). p.1073.
Online
Public Health England launches nationwide breast cancer campaign. 2015. [Online]. Available
through:<https://www.gov.uk/government/news/public-health-england-launches-
nationwide-breast-cancer-campaign>.
Breast cancer incidence (invasive) statistics. 2019. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-
cancer-type/breast-cancer/incidence-invasive>.
Breast cancer statistics. 2019. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-
cancer-type/breast-cancer/incidence-invasive>.
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