BREAST SCREENING

Evaluation of Clinical Visits Associated With Mammography

Table of Contents

Introduction1

Discussion2

Screening of Breast Cancer2

Mammography2

Breast Screening Unit Visit6

Reason for Screening Women6

Communication Issues7

Knowledge and Attitudes about Breast Cancer Screening8

Reasons and Values of the Procedures Undertaken9

Assessment Clinic11

MDM (Multidisciplinary Meeting)12

Conclusion13

References15

Evaluation of Clinical Visits Associated With Mammography

Introduction

Health care and screening behaviours, as well as, late-stage disease detection have been found to account for much of the difference in morbidity and mortality outcomes among women with breast cancer. Several variables have been reported to influence screening behaviours such as regular visits to a primary care physician or gynaecologist, beliefs about screening, socio-demographic factors such as higher education and income, as well acculturation and perceived discrimination (Erblich et al. 2000: pp. 277-292). While these factors have been examined in the literature, there has yet to be a study that examines several of these factors simultaneously, or that has attempted to create profiles of women that are related to their screening behaviours.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United Kingdom, approximately account for 1 out of every 4 diagnoses. In 2009, approximately 192,370 new cases of cancer were diagnosed with about 40,170 women expected to die from breast cancer (Ackerson & Preston 2009: pp. 1130-1140). Across the world, a 5-fold variation in incidence rates has suggested that women living in industrialized societies are at increased risk with rapid increases in incidence among developing nations and U.K. immigrant populations. 23 of every 100 deaths are caused by cancer, i.e., 13,599 deaths. The most common reason of death among cancer patients was lung cancer because of which 2,950 people died, followed by colorectal cancer, 1323 deaths and 1139 people died because of breast cancer (Katapodi et al. 2010: pp. 64-73).

In this paper, we will be discussing about the screening of breast cancer and what are the reasons behind it. Also, we will be analyzing three patients that are suffering from breast cancer and their treatment procedures.

Discussion

Screening of Breast Cancer

Screening and improved treatment of breast cancer have contributed to improved survival, however treatment is fraught with debilitating and psychosocial functioning. Financial costs of treatment are also considerable, for example the National Cancer Institute reported that in the U.K. £8.1 billion was spent in 2004 (Schootman et al. 2008: pp. 489-496). Stages of breast cancer or smaller tumours indicate screening was delayed. Prognosis improves significantly with appropriate screening measures (e.g., mammogram and clinical breast exams; and has been shown true across racial and ethnic groups in the U.K.

Mammography

Mammography adherence is defined as having had a mammogram in the past two years and is based on the mammography guidelines of the NCI. As the more cognitive component of fear, it measures a woman's perception of the degree of discomfort and concern experienced when physical space and interpersonal space are intruded upon, in terms of the room and the machinery as well as her interpersonal concerns related to staff, privacy and the personal nature of having a mammogram. Studies have demonstrated that detecting breast cancer early ...