Breast cancer research

Based upon the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year, it has been said that almost every three minutes another woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. This frightening statistic demands a response, and the men and women engaged in breast cancer research are the often unsung warriors who meticulously engage, on a daily basis, in this fight against breast cancer.

Breast cancer research centers around three major areas: the cause, prevention, and treatment. These warriors in research are fighting to find a cure, fighting to find better treatments, and fighting to find improvements for early detection strategies through their tireless research efforts.

The cause

Breast cancer research, as with other cancer research, is partially focused on identifying a direct cause for breast cancer and then ultimately finding a cure. The rationale for researching the cause is because once the cause has been identified then truly effective treatments and prevention strategies can be implemented to cure and prevent the occurrence of breast cancer. Current research related to the causes of breast cancer is looking into genetic factors, familial correlations, as well as certain lifestyle behaviors that potentially indicate a risk for developing breast cancer.

The Research

Breast cancer research is also focused on identifying effective prevention strategies to reduce the chance of an individual developing breast cancer. Current research in the area of prevention is looking at a variety of medications that may facilitate in decreasing an individual’s risk for developing breast cancer. Logically, it can be seen that this research goes hand-in-hand with research into the root cause of breast cancer. Researchers are looking into the relationships between breast cancer occurrence and diet, activity level, tobacco use, alcohol use, breastfeeding practices, and other lifestyle behaviors to identify any lifestyle practices that may facilitate in reducing the risk of breast cancer. A significant focus in the research is also aimed towards enhancing mammography and other breast imaging tests which are instrumental in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. This research is vital because an earlier diagnosis of breast cancer often gives the individual a better chance of survival because early intervention with treatment strategies can be implemented.

The Treatment

Research is also being conducted that delves into new and more effective regimens for treatment of breast cancer. The research is diverse and is focused on looking at new and different ways of approaching mastectomy procedures, new methods for breast reconstruction surgeries, new radiation therapies, and new chemotherapy regimens. Ideally, the ultimate goal is to identify the cause of breast cancer and subsequently the strategies that can be implemented to prevent the development of breast cancer. However, researchers also recognize that while the pursuit of this ideal is in-progress; they must also research more efficient and effective treatments strategies to enhance the success and reduce the debilitating effects of breast cancer treatment methods.
Individuals who engage in breast cancer research are true warriors. They are steadfast, unrelenting, and tenacious in their efforts to bring an end to breast cancer in the world. These are the individuals who, over the years, have discovered treatments that are giving individuals diagnosed with breast cancer a chance at survival which they would not have had a few years ago. These researchers are constantly working to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the early detection methods, such as the mammogram, in order to facilitate health care providers in making an earlier diagnosis, subsequently allowing an earlier initiation of treatment, thus enhancing the chance of survival for an individual diagnosed with breast cancer. The life-saving efforts of these researchers can not go unnoticed – these researchers are truly some of our greatest warriors in the fight against breast cancer.