Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. One in nine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. In 2000 there were 193,700 new cases of breast cancer in women diagnosed in the United States. While the diagnosis of breast cancer in a woman of any age is a frightening experience, the earlier the diagnosis and the more holistic the treatment, the better the outcome.
Newer approaches to breast cancer assessment include the Gail Model Risk Assessment Tool and the Mammacare assessment technique. Studies' reveal that 82% of new breast masses are detected by the client during self-breast exam, compared with only 14% detected by clinical breast exam, and 4% detected by mammogram.
Current management and treatment modalities include surgery, hormonal therapy, polychemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Newer therapies such as autologous stem cell transplant, bone marrow transplant, and drugs for prevention and treatment are now being utilized. Other holistic therapies such as nutritional, vitamin, and herbal supplements have been found to have an immunostimulant and antitumor effect. The influence of genetics, cultural variations, age bias, and psychological issues on breast cancer screening, diagnostic testing, and treatment has been significant. Health care providers underestimate life expectancies and tolerance to treatment options of older women.
This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of breast cancer assessment, risk evaluation, and current traditional and alternatives therapies. It also provides psychosociocultural interventions proven to result in positive outcomes in women experiencing breast cancer.
Learning Objectives: 1. Provide an overview of breast cancer assessment and risk evaluation. 2. Describe appropriate current clinical and self-breast examination techniques. 3. Discuss research which supports traditional and holistic alternative therapies used in the management of breast cancer. 4. Discuss the influence of genetics, age bias, cultural variations and psychosocial issues on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Keywords: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Screening
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.