Lumpectomy Essay

Breast cancer is a continuously growing disease worldwide. In the United States, one in eight women who live to age 95 years develop breast cancer sometime during her lifetime. (“Merrill’s Atlas”, 2012) Even though breast cancer is occurring more frequently, breast cancer is one of the most treatable cancers. Because this cancer is more treatable when it’s found early, more efforts have been pushed towards a yearly mammogram beginning at age 40. Men can also develop breast cancer, however it is extremely uncommon. Because it is so rare men are not screened for breast cancer the way that women are, however when there are suspicions of cancer, imaging can be done. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women ages 40-55. (“Digital,” 2009) Even when mammography is performed properly, approximately 10% of cancers remain radiographically occult, …show more content…
About 20% of biopsies result in a diagnosis of breast cancer and the remaining 80% represent a false alarm. (“Digital,” 2009) Many times depending on how extensive the cancer is a lumpectomy or mastectomy is performed. A lumpectomy is where a portion of the breast is removed. A mastectomy is where the entire affected breast is removed. Chemotherapy or radiation treatments are often used as well. The earlier the cancer is discovered and the smaller the cancer is upon detection, the better long-term prognosis for the woman and the less radical the procedures needed. (“Digital,” 2009) The advancements in mammography are continuously developing worldwide. Due to the significant increase in breast cancer in the past several years, now women are more aware of the disease and prevention. Most women now know their risks of developing breast cancer; therefore mammograms are being performed more routinely after the age of