Effects of Breast Cancer on Patient and Their Families Paper Example

Introduction

According to the World Health Organization, (2015), 2.5 million were infected with breast cancer while over 530,000 persons died in 2014 of the disease worldwide. The international organization observes that over 230,000 new invasive cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in 2014 in America. Breast cancer forms either in the lobules or the ducts cells of the breast. Sometimes the disease occurs in the fatty tissues found in the human breast and can spread to other body organs muscles, and tissues such as the lungs, brain, liver, and bones. This paper discusses the effects of breast cancer on the patient and their families.

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Effects on the patients

Breast cancer has a noticeable impact on the victim`s body which traumatizes the patientChanges in the breast occur (Boris, 2010). A painless irregular lump or bump is formed. The swelling may be painful at times. The breast changes color and the thickness enlarge or at times reduces. A clear fluid with bits of blood is noted from the nipples. The nipples also change their shape and may turn inwards. The skin surrounding the breast becomes itchy, dry and cracks. The armpits swell and become tender. A chronic cough, short breaths, and breathing difficulties arise in case of cancer affecting the lungs. If cancer reaches the liver, the victim experiences severe abdominal pains and body swellings as a result of retention of body fluids.

When breast cancer reaches the brain, the mental processes such as memory, perception, emotions, consciousness, cognition and/behavior are fully or partially altered. The advanced stages of the disease lead to general body weakness, and the victim is unable to perform normal duties and depends on others. Unemployment occurs hence loss of income.

Effects on the patients` families

Marc, (2011) postulates that breast cancer has various effects on the patients` families: The patient develops a strained relationship with immediate family members and society. Sometimes the patient suffers financial difficulties and ends up depending on the relatives and friends for basic needs, and therefore the patient becomes a burden to the families.

Conclusion

Proper nutrition and nursing can reduce the high mortality rates attributed to breast cancer through the provision of proper education to patients. Effective curative processes for these patients can lead to improved life both physically and psychologically. All in all, the effects of the disease depend on the victims` age, the type of cancer and the degree of spread of the disease.

References

Boris, P. (2010). Cancer genetics (cancer treatment and research). Berlin: Springer

Marc, L. (2011). A concise history of breast cancer, USA. Nova science publishers

World Health Organization. (2015). World cancer report. International agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization