Breast cancer is one of the most problematic diseases for women around the world because of its prevalence. Fortunately, due to the widespread of this illness, the attention of doctors and citizens is riveted to it. However, many people still know very little about breast cancer. Besides, this topic includes many issues, from ethical to genetic. The purpose of the paper is to discuss various aspects of the disease, both moral and medical.
Any condition is associated with a specific ethical dilemma that both doctors and patients face in the process of treatment. Breast cancer is an acute topic, as the tumor is located in a sensitive area. The operations to eradicate it can even change the appearance of a person if it becomes necessary to remove the breast. Therefore, questions regarding this disease are associated with many ethical considerations. Firstly, all actions should be carried out with the full consent of the patient. Naturally, this also applies to breast cancer surgery. In this case, the patient should be informed as much as possible. Also, the subject should be asked about the method of the operation: whether to conduct a mastectomy or perform breast-conserving surgery (Carmichael & Sandelin, 2019). The individual opinion in this matter should be decisive, as it is connected with a person’s anatomy.
In addition to the question of the surgery, there is an ethical problem associated with the genetic characteristics of the disease. Since for many tests, professional doctors conduct genetic analysis; they have a lot of information both directly about the patient and the family. Such information may include a predisposition to some diseases, as well as biographical moments related to the lifestyle. This knowledge is purely personal and cannot be divulged; therefore, the doctor must handle such data in a way that protects the rights of people (Carmichael & Sandelin, 2019). Maintaining medical confidentiality and protecting the patient from social consequences is also one of the crucial ethical issues regarding the disease.
It is worth noting that the tests and information collected are necessary to provide better care for the patient. Moreover, such procedures help to improve methods of treatment and diagnosis. Although heredity in the case of breast cancer is only one of the few factors, it does not make that aspect less critical. The genetic analysis allows one to determine a predisposition to disease much earlier (Forman, 2020). Such influence factors cannot be detected in any other way than by conducting a specific analysis. Accordingly, the use and appeal of genetics in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer can improve the situation with the disease. At the same time, it becomes possible to reduce the cost of conventional practices, for example, by conducting screenings much less frequently, since over diagnostics is also a harmful phenomenon (Carmichael & Sandelin, 2019). Therefore, the use of genetic methods in the treatment of breast cancer is not only practical but also cost-effective.
However, genetic methods are not an absolute panacea and should not be used as a perfect solution to breast cancer treatment. As with any disease, an integrated approach is required, which can change on the go depending on new data and evidence. For example, as mentioned above, it is impossible to prevent cancer only by conducting regular screenings. The onset of the disorder is influenced by many factors, from the environment to lifestyle and nutrition. Therefore, the patient must turn to the methods that are best suited to a particular situation. For example, one of the recommendations for monitoring breast cancer is physical activity (Sturgeon et al., 2017). It can be used to identify the risk of a disease or a tendency to that. Before taking radical steps and starting therapy, the patient may reduce the danger of adverse events through exercise and a healthy diet. The same type of action should be used to consolidate and improve existing results. Therefore, it is imperative to consider this issue from all sides and take into account the possible treatment options.
Disseminating knowledge regarding the disease is no less important than choosing the right course of therapy, as this method will help people learn more about breast cancer. However, for correct and clear communication, it is necessary to develop and follow a precise action plan that will help convey information to colleagues or patients. First of all, it is essential to tell what breast cancer is and what are its first signs and symptoms. Secondly, people should know the information about the factors causing this disease. The possibility of a genetic predisposition should be mentioned, as well as the importance of a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and physical activity. Thirdly, it is necessary to provide a list of medical centers that can conduct screenings and genetic tests of various kinds. These three simple steps can help increase people’s awareness and reduce the rate of development of the disease.
Thus, breast cancer is a complex and relevant disorder in modern society. Its treatment is associated not only with many genetic characteristics and the presence of a large number of triggers of the disease but also with multiple ethical issues. However, with the use of appropriate diagnostic and treatment methods, this condition is easily eliminated. Besides, it is equally essential to disseminate information about breast cancer, as knowledge can help prevent the disease no less effective than all other methods.
References
- Carmichael A.R., Sandelin K. (2019) Ethics and breast cancer. In: A. Ferreres (Ed.), Surgical Ethics (pp. 257-264). Springer, Cham
- Forman, M. R. (2020). Breast cancer and nutrition: A paradigm for prevention in 3D across the life course. Frontiers in Oncology, 10(129), 1-6. Web.
- Sturgeon, K. M., Fisher, C., McShea, G., Sullivan, S. K., Sataloff, D., & Schmitz, K. H. (2018). Patient preference and timing for exercise in breast cancer care. Supportive Care in Cancer, 26(2), 507-514. Web.