Breast Cancer Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Breast Cancer - Research Paper Example Locally advanced breast cancer is distinguished by the application of the TNM Staging Process and is considered to be stage III where the tumor has extended to the chest wall and or the axillary nodes but has not metastasize to far organs and body cavities. Last but not the least is metastatic breast cancer or advanced breast cancer, which is distinguished by the presence of malignant or cancerous cells in the various body parts like the bone; or distant organs like the lungs or the liver (Johnston et al, 2008). Signs and Symptoms Breast cancer symptoms are mostly composed of the changes in the physical outlook of the breast marked by lumps/growths, nipple retraction or dimpling, flaky skin on the nipple area, bloody discharges from the nipple and a change in the shape or alignment of the breast. The symptoms stated may be related to other forms of illness, hence undergoing mammogram screening is the best option if breast cancer is suspected because this will show malignant cells of tumors present within the breast especially if they are small and cannot be felt by the touch of the hand even while breast self examination is done (Johnston et al, 2008). Etiology/Pathogenesis The risk of breast cancer increases with age and becomes double every ten years until a woman reaches menopause. The root cause of breast cancer is still currently undetermined, but recent studies show that the development of the disease comes from various factors, and that women who are predispose to the following aspects are more susceptible to breast cancer: 1) had early menarche (menstruation) especially those who had their first menstrual period before age twelve; 2) had their menopause at a later age than the normal; 3) gave birth at an older age (30 years old and above); 4) has a family history of breast cancer; 5) excess alcohol consumption; 6) prolonged exposure of breast tissue to radiation; 7) recent utilization of oral contraceptives; 8) had postmenopausal hormone replacement the rapy; 9) obesity; and 10) mutation of the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 (Johnston et al, 2008). Diagnostic Tests After being diagnosed of breast cancer and before surgery or any other treatment is considered for the patient, an assessment which includes medical history review, mammography and histology are done extensively. The patient assessment profile is followed by biopsy and the staging process, to determine the extent or magnitude of the cancer involved. Subsequent to the results of the tests that were done; the patients will now be informed of the different treatment alternatives, making them aware of the advantage and disadvantages of each treatment poses and the risks involved in all the procedures that will be undertaken (Chan et al, 2010). Treatments The recommended medical treatment for breast cancer involves the application and combination of: surgery (mastectomy), chemotherapy plus tamoxifen. radiotherapy plus tamoxifen, neo-adjuvant therapy and systemic adjuvant chemotherapy. Prior to any form of medical treatment, doctors normally provide their patients with options on how to cure the disease. This means giving the patient appropriate information on the actual procedures involved to remove the cancer cells from the breast and other parts of the body where it metastasized. This process permits the patient to choose for herself or himself about the kind of medical treatm

Invasion of Privacy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Invasion of Privacy - Research Paper Example However, it is also notable that the media, being the major tool for information broadcasting, is protected through the freedom of speech, which can be used to challenge and defend its mandate to avail information to the public. On the other hand, it is possible to find that the media may not disclose information such as names of the subject of discussion if there are no hard facts to prove the statements but the reader or listener can easily tell who the person being discussed is (Cate, 2000). In such a context, it becomes difficult for a person to press charges against the media for character damaging or defamation. This paper is a critical evaluation of the right to privacy. The Right to Privacy The right to privacy is fundamental, though not absolute, as it protects human dignity. Apparently, every person has weaknesses, which, if brought out to the public, may influence negatively in shaping public opinion, which may in turn affect the success of such a person either in the soci al or political life (Alderman, 2001). For example, public offices such as the presidency, legislature, and judiciary among others require people of high integrity not withstanding that the office holders are also human beings and are prone to making errors. It therefore goes without saying that the fact that such people are public servants does not mean that the public should have unauthorized access to their private information such as family life, financial information, and medical records among other delicate issues that may relate to them. The European Convention on Human rights through article 8 protects citizens’ family and private life from intrusion by the state or other agencies (Alderman, 2001). Generally, there has not been a definite definition of privacy but it is worth noting that there are four major categories that have been acknowledged across the board. These are for example; information privacy, physical privacy, communication privacy and territorial priva cy (Alderman, 2001). With regard to information privacy, every citizen has the right to withhold any information regarding himself be it personal data, health status, among others. Personal data for example credit card information, bank details should not at any given time be accessed by a second party unless there is a court order demanding the same to be availed in circumstances such as if a person is being investigated for crimes such as corruption, money laundering among other justifying conditions. Most of the constitutions including that of the US indeed do not have specific statutes guaranteeing the right to privacy though most of the privacy issues are covered in other statutes related to human rights. However, it is observable that the US constitution, through the 9th amendment, offer a blank check to the courts enabling them protect human rights that are not included in the constitution (Kennedy, 2003). This means that the courts have the prerogative of ensuring that human dignity is respected and one way of doing so is by protecting their privacy. On the other hand, the government reserves the right to access personal information for the use by its agencies but this must be in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974.