Breast Cancer
Prevention, Treatment, and Emotional Impact
Among all the cancers globally, breast cancer is among the most often occurring ones and the main cause of cancer-related death among women. The World Health Organisation (2023) estimates that every year around two million fresh instances of disease are diagnosed. Notwithstanding advances in survival rates and treatment, the disease still poses difficulties beyond of biology. Beyond simply a medical disease, breast cancer is a public health worry, a psychological burden, and a socioeconomic one (Adam & Koranteng, 2020). Development of breast cancer is affected by a complicated interaction of changeable and non-modifiable elements. Especially in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, genetic alterations greatly raise susceptibility (Fallowfield & Clark, 1991). Increased risk also results from other variables including age, dense breast tissue, hormone exposure, and lifestyle choices. McCarthy et al. (2021) underline that some women are subsequently identified with advanced stages even with negative mammography results, therefore exposing flaws in present screening policies. From mammography to targeted medicines, advances in diagnosis and therapy have changed clinical results. Still, there are gaps. Coleman (2009) notes important flaws in advanced breast cancer therapy recommendations; Suman et al. (2022) underline the need of individualized medicine in enhancing results. Treating oneself, though, is insufficient. Often spanning long after medical treatment stops, the emotional and social effects on patients and family are significant (Zhou & Yao, 2022).
Three main areas, the risk factors for breast cancer, the spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and the emotional, social, and financial effects experienced by persons impacted, will be discussed in this paper. Further focus will be on the part public health campaigns, new technologies, and policy suggestions can play in determining more fair and compassionate treatment.