The Risk Factors that Could Predispose Development of Breast Cancer Case Study

The Risk Factors that Could Predispose Development of Breast Cancer Case Study

What risk factors does Anna have that could predispose her to cancer development?

After the review of Anna’s history, after she presented herself for her annual check-up, there are a number of notable predisposing factors that contribute to the development of breast cancer. The first predisposing factor for cancer development is age. According to epidemiological and disease surveillance data by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), an increase in an individual’s age increases the risk of developing various types of cancer, including breast cancer, due to the accumulation of various mutated cells across the body (cancer.gov, 2021). Anna is 45 years old and thus at a higher risk of breast cancer. Another risk factor for cancer development that Anna is predisposed to is her family history of cancer. Due to the genetic link in cancer development, having parents with cancer can increase the risk of developing cancer. Besides these factors, other predisposing risk factors for the development of breast cancer are related to lifestyle, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, health factors such as diabetes and obesity, and lack of sufficient self-care (Momenimovahed & Salehiniya, 2019). Anna has noted that she has a history of obesity and diabetes and that she smokes regularly. Additionally, Anna has been busy taking care of her children and never took the time to have a mammogram, increasing the risk of developing breast cancer and other types of cancer.

What signs and symptoms could indicate that Anna has developed cancer?

Anna manifests various signs and symptoms that show that she has developed cancer. The first sign of breast cancer that Anna shows is the palpable lump in her right breast. The lump can indicate growing cancerous tumors in her breast. Anna has also been experiencing some pain in the nipple of the right breast. This nipple and breast pain could be linked to the lump in her breast, which is a clear indication of cancer. The physical examination of Anna’s breasts found that her right breast had a bit more tenderness than the left one. Breast tenderness with a lump and pain are clear symptoms of a developing breast cancer. Anna also has shared that she has had a tendency to feel more tired than normal and that, at some moments, she never seems to feel like herself in the last six months. These are clear signs and symptoms that Anna has developed breast cancer. However, a diagnostic mammogram is required to confirm this diagnostic assumption.

Based on Anna’s risk factors and presenting problems, identify three care strategies that you would use to provide quality care to Anna. Provide a rationale to explain why you chose these strategies.

Providing quality care to Anna requires the adoption of strategies that are specific to her situation and condition. The first strategy I would use to ensure that Anna has the best quality care to manage her breast cancer is to provide her with the best education on breast cancer. Such an education plan for Anna would include the major risk factors for the development of breast cancer, factors that exacerbate breast cancer symptoms and risk the development of other types of cancers, and the importance of regular cancer screening. Providing such information to her can help improve her adherence to therapy and self-care to manage and improve the outcomes of the breast cancer situation. Another strategy is to engage her in both physical and mental self-care. This includes physical activities and psychological therapies. This will help reduce and prevent the negative mental health outcomes associated with cancer development.

The third strategy is to educate Anna on the various available therapies to help her manage cancer development and get treated. This is important as it helps the patient make informed decisions on the type of treatment for breast cancer and reduces any negative outcomes such as mental distress and malpractice claims.

 References

cancer.gov. (2021, March 5). Risk Factors: Age. National Cancer Institute (NCI). https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/age

Momenimovahed, Z., & Salehiniya, H. (2019). Epidemiological characteristics of and risk factors for breast cancer in the world. Breast Cancer : Targets and Therapy, 11, 151. https://doi.org/10.2147/

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Scenario
Anna is a 45-year-old female who presented to her physician’s office for her annual check-up. Anna has a history of diabetes, obesity, and noncompliance with diet and medications to control her diabetes. She is a single mother of three teenagers and smokes regularly. During the history review, Anna shared with you that she has not been feeling like herself for the past six months; she has been unusually tired and thought that she felt a lump in her right breast during a self-breast exam around that same time. She stated, “I am very busy with my children; I haven’t had time to get it checked out.” She has recently been experiencing right nipple pain. Anna has a positive family history of breast cancer; both her mother and grandmother have been treated for breast cancer. Anna has never had a mammogram. During the breast examination, the practitioner palpated a lump in Anna’s right breast. No discharge from the nipple was observed. Anna’s right breast was tender upon palpation. No abnormalities were found in the left breast. Based on the physical findings, Anna will undergo a diagnostic mammogram.

The Risk Factors that Could Predispose Development of Breast Cancer Case Study

Instructions
In a 2-page paper, describe the care that Anna would require and address the questions below.

What risk factors does Anna have that could predispose her to the development of cancer?
What signs and symptoms could indicate that Anna has developed cancer?
Based on Anna’s risk factors and presenting problems, identify three care strategies that you would use to provide quality care to Anna. Provide a rationale to explain why you chose these strategies.

Resources
For assistance with citations, refer to the APA Guide.