Breast cancer and early detection in low-income minority communities
Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women (Roubion-Johnson & Williams, 2012). According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer begins when cells in the breast start to develop out of control (ACS, 2016). The cell further develops as tumor that an individual can feel as lumps or can be seen on an x-ray. The tumor may eventually become malignant if the cells grow into the surrounding tissue (ACS, 2016).
Recent studies have shown that better treatment options are available to women if the cancer can be detected at an early stage (Roubion-Johnson & Williams, 2012). In fact, the availability of screening …show more content…
Early detection can be done either by early diagnosis, identifying through signs and symptoms, and screening. Mammography screening, breast self examination (BSE) and clinical breast examination (CBE) are important screening methods that all women should be aware of. Advanced Practice Nurses are in a unique position to positively contribute to the efforts to raise awareness levels of these screening methods. These methods need to be a part of the regular health care provided to women – especially women in low-income and minority communities; and nurse practitioners, who are becoming increasingly important in prevention healthcare, are strategically placed to render such …show more content…
The particular concern for this study centered on the presentation of women to post-Katrina New Orleans primary care clinics with advanced stage invasive breast cancer. A Breast and Cervical Early Detection program that provided screenings was available in the city at the time, but it appeared that a general lack of awareness resulted in difficulties locating patients for the program (Roubion-Johnson & Williams, 2012). Against this backdrop, the authors sought to conduct a study with the goal of enabling detection of breast cancer in its earliest stage with the hope of improving treatment options and a consequent favorable patient
Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women (Roubion-Johnson & Williams, 2012). According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer begins when cells in the breast start to develop out of control (ACS, 2016). The cell further develops as tumor that an individual can feel as lumps or can be seen on an x-ray. The tumor may eventually become malignant if the cells grow into the surrounding tissue (ACS, 2016).
Recent studies have shown that better treatment options are available to women if the cancer can be detected at an early stage (Roubion-Johnson & Williams, 2012). In fact, the availability of screening …show more content…
Early detection can be done either by early diagnosis, identifying through signs and symptoms, and screening. Mammography screening, breast self examination (BSE) and clinical breast examination (CBE) are important screening methods that all women should be aware of. Advanced Practice Nurses are in a unique position to positively contribute to the efforts to raise awareness levels of these screening methods. These methods need to be a part of the regular health care provided to women – especially women in low-income and minority communities; and nurse practitioners, who are becoming increasingly important in prevention healthcare, are strategically placed to render such …show more content…
The particular concern for this study centered on the presentation of women to post-Katrina New Orleans primary care clinics with advanced stage invasive breast cancer. A Breast and Cervical Early Detection program that provided screenings was available in the city at the time, but it appeared that a general lack of awareness resulted in difficulties locating patients for the program (Roubion-Johnson & Williams, 2012). Against this backdrop, the authors sought to conduct a study with the goal of enabling detection of breast cancer in its earliest stage with the hope of improving treatment options and a consequent favorable patient