How is breast cancer influenced by both genetic and environmental/lifestyle factors? Please help mee! =[?

Question

Also.. What are the implications of basing breast cancer research on a population that does not reflect the true mortality rate of breast cancer in women, and what could be done in regards to this matter?
Knowing that-Breast cancer is the second most lethal form of cancer for women and in recent decades has received much needed attention for research.However,many research studies rely on the voluntary participation of women that fit the criteria for being at risk for cacner, who are aware of what researech is being done, and have the means to participate.This creates an inequality in the makeup of participants for research studies.Despite the fact that once diagnosed,African American women are 30% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women,most research studies have a participation rate for African American women of less than 10% Similarly,another group of women that is at high risk of mortality from breast cancer is the low-income group etcPlease help me with this essay!

Answer 1

There are a number of risk factors for the development of breast cancer, including:

family history of breast cancer in mother or sister
early onset of menstruation and late menopause
reproductive history: women who had no children or have children after age 30 and women who have never breastfed have increased risk
history of abnormal breast biopsies
Though these are recognized risk factors, it is important to note that more than 70% of women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors. Having several risk factors may boost a woman's chances of developing breast cancer, but the interplay of predisposing factors is complex. In addition to those accepted factors listed above, some studies suggest that high-fat diets, obesity, or the use of alcohol may contribute to the risk profile. Another factor that may contribute to a woman's risk profile is hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

HRT provides significant relief of menopausal symptoms, prevention of osteoporosis, and possibly protection from cardiovascular disease and stroke. However, studies show that there is a small increased risk of developing breast cancer with HRT use. Thus, the use of hormone replacement therapy should be based on personal risk factors.

Of all the risk factors listed above, family history is the most important. In The Biological Basis of Cancer, the authors estimate that probably about half of all familial breast cancer cases (families in which there is a high breast cancer frequency) have mutations affecting the tumor suppressor gene BRCA-1. Another gene (BRCA-2) also appears to confer inherited vulnerability to early-onset breast cancers. However, breast cancer due to heredity is only a small proportion of breast cancer cases; only 5%-10% of all breast cancer cases will be women who inherited a susceptibility through their genes. Nevertheless, when the family history is strong for development of breast cancer, a woman's risk is increased.

Not all lumps detected in the breast are cancerous. Fibrocystic changes in the breast are extremely common. Also known as fibrocystic condition of the breast, fibrocystic changes are a leading cause of non-cancerous lumps in the breast. Fibrocystic changes also cause symptoms of pain, swelling, or discharge and may become evident to the patient or physician as a lump that is either solid or filled with fluid. Complete diagnostic evaluation of any significant breast abnormality is mandatory because though women commonly develop fibrocystic changes, breast cancer is common also, and the signs and symptoms of fibrocystic changes overlap with those of breast cancer.-

Answer 2

Although you and your sister will be considered having a higher risk for breast cancer, keep in mind that about 10% of cancers are due to genetics. I was told since I had breast cancer my daughters would need mammograms around the age of 30 instead of the "norm" of 40. But I also tested negative for the Breast Cancer genes. You don't mention if your mom had the genetic testing done. I think that would have a bearing on "percentages". But, just like any woman, you will need to start doing monthly breast self examinations around the age of 20 and see a doctor yearly for an exam. You should get the mammograms earlier as well due to your family history of breast cancer.

Answer 3

As a breast cancer survivor, I have found the following website the most useful and reliable:

www.breastcancer.org

Peace and good luck.

Answer 4

Not sure. But here is some encouraging latest news:

US scientists crack entire genetic code of breast and colon cancers

Research on cancer and the genetic code looks like it may at long last produce real breakthroughs

For more info, visit:
http://www.librarynews.info/
http://www.medical-research-study-directory.info/medical-research-study-directory/
http://www.medical-research-study-directory.info/
http://www.lasik-surgery-san-diego.info/
http://www.san-diego-dentist.us
http://www.san-diego-plastic-surgery-cosmetic-surgery-doctors.us/
http://www.acne-treatment-medicine-1.info/

Answer 5

About 50% of breast cancers are diagnosed in women with no family history of the disease, so identifying at-risk women is a crap-shoot at best. One of the lifestyle risks associated with BC are obesity, because fat cells manufacture estrogen. This would feed an estrogen-receptor positive tumor already started.

Some docs want women to have genetic testing done to see if they carry the marker for one of the types of breast cancer. One of the problems I see with this plan is - what will be done with this information? With credit card companies, the Veteran's Administration, and other types of sensitive computer systems being infiltrated and compromised, who's to say what would happen to a database filled with millions of womens' test results? Positive test results could be used to deny women jobs, life insurance or health insurance.

Medical research is in many cases not widely publicized. Patients with an interest in the trials and research are likely to enroll, but if patients don't have access to the information, and don't know whom to ask, they'll never have a chance to do so.

The practice of double-blind drug trials may discourage patients who suffer from certain life-threatening diseases because they do not want to jeopardize their life by being given a placebo or a potentially lethal drug. Individuals with many family responsibilities may feel that they can't take a chance and possibly leave their families alone.