Introduction
Chances are you know or will know someone effected by cancer in your lifetime. Cancer is a devastating disease that comes in a multitude of forms and does not discriminate based on age, race or gender. The National Cancer Institute states “In 2016, an estimated 1,685,210 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and 595,690 people will die from the disease.” With such a large portion of the United States dying from this devastating diagnosis and many experiencing relapses, it is understandable why finding a cure for cancer would be at the forefront of many clinicians, society members and public health professional’s minds. However, it is important to note, a good portion of cancers can be avoided through a change in health behaviors such as smoking, and protection against sun exposure. The American Cancer Society States, “In 2016, about 188,800 of the estimated 595,690 cancer deaths in the US will be caused by cigarette smoking, according to a recent study by American Cancer Society.” epidemiologists.” In addition, one in five cancers can be attributed to health behavior choices creating yet another element that can be corrected and or eliminated to reduce risk. Among the list of cancers breast-cancer is one of the most common affecting many each day, most of all women. (The American Cancer Society, 2016).
Breast cancer is defined by a growth in cells on the breast tissue that is uncontrollable. Breast cancer can occur in various areas of breast such as the glands and ducts that supply a mother’s milk. (American Cancer Society, 2016). Cancer in its uncontrollable sometimes rapid pace, is what can make cancer so difficult to treat and, breast cancer is no exception. Breast cancer within the United States effects over 10% of the population. Breastcancer.org states, “About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.” While prognosis and treatments for certain cancers are better than those of the past, there is still no treatment plan that guarantees a cure. Furthermore, due to the complexity and inability to track this diagnosis this adds another layer of difficulty when trying to both treat and detect breast cancer in an individual. Inconsistency in growth and potential outcomes is a cause for concern within the population and why cancer remains and will remain among the top 10 causes of death in the United States for quite some time. Figure 1 shows how breast cancer compares to other cancers based on gender. This graph displays the estimated number of deaths as well as the new cases that are expected within 2008. Interestingly, the chart shows that breast cancer for females is at the top of the list and prostate can cancer for men. However, lung cancer was supposed to have the highest death rate both sexes.
Despite not knowing a cure, there are some risk factors associated with the prevalence of certain types of cancers. Breast cancer for example has a multitude of risk factors that lead to an increased incident rate, one of these factors being gender, as it is more common for women to acquire this type of cancer then men. However, breast cancer can still form within men it’s just a lot less likely. In addition, to gender heightening an individual’s risks there are a number of socioeconomic, lifestyle, and genetic factors that correlate with the likelihood of someone having this type of cancer throughout their life. According to The Mayo Clinic such factors could include: being female, increasing in age, have a personal or family history with breast cancer, inherited cancer specific geneses, radiation exposure drinking alcohol and obesity can raise incidents rates just to name a few.
Then, socioeconomic status is greatly correlated to the prevalence of breast cancer not only as a result of access to care but for other factors the added resources provide. According to Susan G. Komen “This increased risk is not due to the higher SES (higher income and/or higher education level) itself, but rather to differences in risk factors found in women of different education and income levels.” Women of higher socioeconomic status have a higher occurrence level of breast cancer due certain health behaviors and lifestyle choice such as these of birth control or having fewer children, smoking and drinking alcohol. This is as a result of higher a higher income level. Those with higher income level have greater resources to do things such as drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes thus unintentionally putting themselves at a greater risk for breast cancer (Susan G. Komen, 2017) However, there’re other areas pertaining to socioeconomic status that while they behind a person’s risk they may also allow for great opportunity for prevention or early diagnosis. Finally, according to The World Health Organization, “Although breast cancer is thought to be a disease of the developed world, almost 50% of breast cancer cases and 58% of deaths occur in less developed countries (GLOBOCAN 2008).” These trends, along with those that exist as a result of a socioeconomic status and education (barriers to care/ excess access to potential for unhealthy behaviors) can be an essential tool in decreasing the prevalence of breast cancer in the United States. If such barriers and obstacles identified early public health efforts and funding could be put in place in order to educate, evaluate and appropriately plan according to the barriers that exist. In any public health effort awareness of the environment that the problem exists within is the key to success.
In addition to education and income, if an individual does not have easily accessible healthcare he or she may not be diagnosed with breast cancer in the early stages. Ones’ socioeconomic status can determine an individual’s geographic location and access to certain healthcare resources another individual may not have. Then, even if an individual has access to good quality care that is readily available, the individual still may not be able to afford to pay for services creating a delay in care. If care is delayed further than necessary this could lead to a more grim and costly prognosis. Alongside, the lesser health outcomes there will also be a series of effects that this will have on the individual as well as society. With that said, socioeconomic status can both be viewed as an advantage for a disadvantage.
Then, if an individual does not receive needed medical attention there will be a series of events that take place such as; high healthcare expenditures, the health of the population will be affected, individual productivity will slow allowing less financial contributions to the economy. Thus, decreasing the opportunity for one socioeconomic status to rise and creating a greater expenditure for the United States entirely due to the inability to meet their needs. These expenditures will only be expected to grow due to barriers such as; socioeconomic status, accessibility, and coverage gaps. Until those issues are addressed cost will rise along with the number of people diagnosed with breast cancer each year allowing for the potential of greater economic disparity. The potential for economic strain is yet another reason why the issue of breast cancer in his high prevalence would be at the forefront of many health professionals mind. The lower the incidence rate of breast cancer the lower the potential cost.
Then, in addition to avoiding behaviors that put an individual risk there are additional factors that could help mitigate the effects of this problem. Individuals should have mammograms routinely when appropriate and do regular self-exams and education on what places an individual at higher risk for breast cancer, the importance of good health behavior, signs breast cancer etc. is invaluable. If society is aware of breast cancer risk early detection is more likely can the diagnosis may be avoided altogether in some individuals making awareness a key tool in decreasing the number of breast cancer cases within the United States. Having this knowledge mean the difference between life and death. The CDC (2016) states, that women who are 50 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years.” The frequency of these exams could vary based upon risk. With so many individuals being diagnosed with breast cancer each year, preventative and proactive care is essential for early detection and effective care after diagnosis. This preventative and proactive action could help individuals avoid the occurrence of breast cancer altogether. If breast cancer is avoided, society would be more profitable and individuals will have a greater opportunity to rise above their socioeconomic status additionally decreasing the risk/ prognosis for breast cancer in addition to many other health issues.
Finally, women who are Caucasian and African-American that smoke or are overweight, have children later in life etc. are those groups that need to pay close attention to their choices, and be more aware than other groups as a result their increased risk. Overall, geographic and environmental factors do not have a significant impact on the occurrence of breast cancer. breast cancer and that does not restrict itself to urban or non-urban areas, this is a global issue affecting the entire population.
Based on the research gathered there are many trends that appear to be present. First African American and Caucasian women appear to have the highest death rate among other populations. Then, there is definite correlation between socioeconomic status and prevalence rates. While high income individuals have higher prevalence rates due to having greater resources that create risky behaviors those with lower socioeconomic status would experience higher rates as well but due to different circumstances. Lower socioeconomic status would limit and individuals access to care, potentially create barriers to cost and prolong needed preventative care such a screenings and mammogram. Additionally, African American individuals typically have a lower socioeconomic status then other groups, creating access barriers Those of higher socioeconomic status have the opposite effect due to excessive resources they have more opportunity to make unwanted health behavior choices that heighten their risk. If care is prolonged this will not only increase incidence rates but potentially increase the death rate as well if it is not caught quickly enough. Socioeconomic status needs to be high enough so that individuals can meet their needs but not so high that it allows them to indulge in unwise health decisions. If socioeconomic status rises and in regard to breast cancer risk this would help to mitigate the problem.
In conclusion, breast cancer is a leading cause of death among women in United States, one that does not discriminate against age race, gender or socioeconomic status. As a result of so many women being diagnosed with this disease every year, prevention, education and good health behavior are essential to lowering an individual risk. Furthermore, those who possess the risk factors listed above or are African-American Caucasian women should hey greater attention to their choices. If all factors are taken into consideration early detection and or prevention Will occur. In addition, individuals Will be more likely to raise their socioeconomic status and less healthcare expenditures Will be utilized due to appropriate preventative care measures and a reduced incident rate.