The goal for this forum is for each student to choose one kind of cancer. Using

Question

The goal for this forum is for each student to choose one kind of cancer. Using the internet (the sites in the exploration can be useful or http://www.preventcancer.org/education2c.aspx?id=148) learn what the risk factors are for that type of cancer. What is the incidence for that type in the American population? What is the death rate for people suffering from it? Are there certain ethnic groups that are at greater risk for developing this type of cancer? Have specific genes been identified that increase that are correlated with the development of the specific cancer you are researching? Are there any promising treatments or therapies for this type of cancer? Are there particular preventive measures one could following to decrease the chance of getting this type of cancer? And finally the big question: which is more effective approach to fighting cancer. Understanding the environmental risk factors that cause cancer then attempting to alter our lifestyles to avoid them or research to find a cure once cancer has developed.

Explanation / Answer

Breast cancer is being reported to have the increasing incidence day by day. The risk factors of breast cancer in females include, age above 45 to 50 years, a family history of breast cancer, radiation exposure, obesity, and carrying defective genes that cause breast cancer. Women According to U.S breast cancer statistics, the overall incidence of breast cancer is about 12%. Women with the age above 50 years have the increased risk of death. The death rate of breast cancer is about 75% to 85%. White women are at higher risk of developing breast cancer than African Americans and Asian women.

In the cells affected with breast cancer and ovarian cancer, two mutated genes, namely BRCA1 and BRCA2 are found and mutations in these genes such as BRCA can be inherited. According to this study, the people with the BRCA1 gene mutation are at greater risk of breast cancer than that of the people with BRCA2 mutation.  

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are very helpful and it is 100% curable if the disease is diagnosed at early stages. However, after metastasis the disease cannot be cured but can be controlled with effective chemotherapeutic and radiation therapy regimens.

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