Breast cancer is one of the most important and common public health issues in the UK (Arthur et al., 2020). In addition, Breast cancer is still a major public health concern since it is a disease that raises both medical and social concerns. It is a problem that affects communities and healthcare systems globally (Arthur et al., 2020). Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in the UK that has prompted major efforts in the medical field to manage, prevent and research the disease. The general public also needs to understand breast cancer because early identification and awareness are critical to improving outcomes beyond the medical community. This essay seeks to examine the nature and significance of breast cancer by examining its epidemiology, risk factors, and wider effects on society.
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Articulate The Nature And Significance Of Breast Cancer
Because of its incidence and effects on both people and society as a whole, breast cancer is a major public health concern (Carreira et al., 2020). It can affect both men and women, but it affects women significantly more frequently (Carreira et al., 2020). It is characterised by the growth of malignant cells in the breast tissue. Breast cancers can range in type from non-invasive ones that just affect certain portions of the breast to aggressive ones that have spread to other body parts (Carreira et al., 2020). One of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, particularly in women, is breast cancer (Daly et al., 2021). It is a significant cause of new cancer cases and cancer-related deaths in women, which makes it a serious public health issue. Significant health effects from breast cancer may include physical symptoms as well as issues from the illness and its treatment (Daly et al., 2021). While early detection is critical since it frequently results in better outcomes, advanced breast cancer can be difficult to treat and have a high risk of morbidity and death (Daly et al., 2021).
One in eight American women (12.4%) may have invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives (Hendrick et al., 2021). Breast cancer is a serious public health hazard that affects women globally. This figure demonstrates the disease's severity and frequency. About 266,120 new instances of invasive breast cancer in women and 63,960 cases of non-invasive breast cancer were expected in the United States alone in 2018 (Hendrick et al., 2021). Although women are the primary victims of breast cancer, males are also affected by the disease; in fact, 2,550 men were anticipated to receive an invasive breast cancer diagnosis in the same year, indicating that 1 in 1000 men will face this illness at some point in their lives (Hendrick et al., 2021).
Discuss The Health Promotion Activities In The UK
In the UK, early detection, public education, and supportive care are all part of a multimodal strategy for managing and preventing breast cancer (Keane et al., 2023). The National Breast Screening Programme, which encourages women between the ages of 50 and 70 to have mammography scans every three years with the goal of detecting breast cancer in its earliest and most curable stages, is at the centre of these initiatives (Keane et al., 2023). Widespread awareness initiatives like Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which highlight the significance of routine self-examinations and timely medical consultations upon recognising changes, are a good addition to this. In order to effectively educate the public about risk factors and preventive measures, educational campaigns make use of digital platforms and healthcare practitioners (Keane et al., 2023).
In addition to advocating for improved healthcare funding and legislation, organisations like Breast Cancer Now and Cancer Research UK use research and campaigning to further our understanding of and ability to treat breast cancer (Toohey et al., 2022). In addition, the provision of all-encompassing support services, such as counselling, support groups, and rehabilitation, emphasises the dedication to providing individuals impacted by breast cancer with comprehensive treatment (Toohey et al., 2022). This strategy is designed to include focused programmes for high-risk populations, providing genetic counselling and, if needed, more frequent screening. When taken as a whole, these health promotion initiatives have greatly raised awareness and increased survival rates in the UK, but there is still work to be done in guaranteeing that various populations have equal access to these resources (Toohey et al., 2022).
Highlight The Roles And Contributions Of Healthcare Professionals In Health Promotional Activities
Healthcare professionals are essential to the success of health promotion initiatives because they each bring a special set of knowledge and abilities to the table (McKenzie, Neiger and Thackeray, 2022). Regular screenings and patient education by doctors and general practitioners, who are frequently the initial point of contact in the healthcare system, are vital to the prevention and early identification of disease (McKenzie, Neiger and Thackeray, 2022). By giving essential health education, immunisations, and individualised counselling, nurses expand this care into the community (McKenzie, Neiger and Thackeray, 2022). To improve population health, public health professionals create comprehensive health promotion programmes through research and policy development. In order to prevent diet-related disorders, nutritionists and dietitians play a critical role in educating individuals and communities towards healthier dietary choices. While attempting to de-stigmatize mental health concerns, mental health professionals address the frequently disregarded component of emotional and psychological well-being by providing therapy and support. Pharmacists are trustworthy and easily accessible (Jimenez et al., 2020). They do health exams and provide helpful advise on medication management. Professionals in physical therapy and exercise emphasise the value of physical activity in preserving and enhancing health (Jimenez et al., 2020). Finally, to ensure that health promotion is inclusive and all-encompassing, health educators and community health workers play a critical role in serving as a bridge between healthcare services and the community, particularly when it comes to reaching out to at-risk populations (Jimenez et al., 2020). Collectively, these experts represent a strong force in the field of public health, proving the value of an interdisciplinary, cooperative approach to health promotion.
Conclusion
In summary, healthcare professionals' coordinated efforts in health promotion initiatives are critical to tackling the complex issues surrounding public health. Everybody performs a different but related role in public health, from doctors and nurses who work directly with patients and educate them to public health professionals who create policies and carry out research. This approach is further enhanced by the involvement of nutritionists, mental health professionals, chemists, physical therapists, and community health workers who address a range of health and well-being issues. In addition to helping with early detection and disease prevention, their combined experience also supports mental health and healthier habits, all of which are essential for creating a society that is more robust and health-conscious.
References
Arthur, R.S., Wang, T., Xue, X., Kamensky, V. and Rohan, T.E. (2020). Genetic Factors, Adherence to Healthy Lifestyle Behavior, and Risk of Invasive Breast Cancer Among Women in the UK Biobank. JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, [online] 112(9), pp.893–901. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djz241.
Carreira, H., Williams, R., Dempsey, H., Stanway, S., Smeeth, L. and Bhaskaran, K. (2020). Quality of Life and Mental Health in Breast Cancer Survivors Compared with non-cancer controls: a Study of patient-reported Outcomes in the United Kingdom. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 15(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-020-00950-3.
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McKenzie, J.F., Neiger, B.L. and Thackeray, R. (2022). Planning, Implementing and Evaluating Health Promotion Programs. [online] Google Books. Jones & Bartlett Learning. Available at: https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=1hh1EAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Healthcare+professionals+are+essential+to+the+success+of+health+promotion+initiatives+because+they+each+bring+a+special+set+of+knowledge+and+abilities+to+the+table&ots=5OXykXPrlw&sig=LuxVT_-6i6jDlCMQfsWjOB0LLqc [Accessed 18 Nov. 2023].
Toohey, K., Hunter, M., McKinnon, K., Casey, T., Turner, M., Taylor, S. and Paterson, C. (2022). A systematic review of multimodal prehabilitation in breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 2(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-022-06759-1.
