Information about Breast Cancer
Diana Su, a current high school student and writer in California.

Overview

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. The estimates of breast cancer in women this year according to the American Cancer Society (ACS) is about 297,790 new cases diagnosed, and the chance that a woman will die from breast cancer is about 1 in 39 (about 2.5%). No one can be 100% sure that they are not one of those women. So it's always better to know more about what cancer is, how it’s diagnosed, and ultimately, why insurance is important once one has a diagnosis.

Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the body grow uncontrollably and invade nearby tissue. These abnormal cells can form a mass of cells, which is called a tumor, that can be either cancerous or not. Cancer can affect anyone and can happen anywhere in the body.

Cells are the tiny parts that make up the body. Each cell has its own function and way of working. They grow and divide to replace old or damaged cells. But, if cells become damaged or changed, they can start to grow and divide too much, which can lead to cancer.

Cancer can spread to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis. This is when cancer cells break away from the original tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymph system. They can then start to grow in other parts of the body, forming new tumors. In breast cancer, it typically starts in the cells of breast tissue and can spread to nearby lymph nodes, bones, liver, and lungs.

Breast cancer can happen because of things like genes or life habits. According to the ACS, “Changes in many different genes are usually needed to cause breast cancer.” “10% of breast cancers have known abnormal genes associated with them that are inherited from parents. About 90% of breast cancers develop from acquired (not inherited) gene alterations. Women with a family history of breast cancer may have inherited an abnormal gene since many genes are still unknown.” It's important to find breast cancer early, so regular checkups and self-exams are helpful. There are ways to treat breast cancer, especially when it's found early.

Treatments

To diagnose breast cancer, doctors may do a breast exam mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy to remove a sample of breast cells for testing. A breast MRI may also be used for diagnosis.

After a diagnosis of breast cancer, doctors will need to determine the stage of the cancer ranges from stage 0, which is limited in the milk ducts; stages 1, 2, and 3, which usually includes invasive tumors from little to large; to stage 4, which is already spread to organs other than the breast, in order to determine the appropriate treatment. According to Mayo Clinic, tests and procedures used to stage breast cancer may include a blood test, mammogram of the other breast to look for signs of cancer, bone scan, CT scan, and PET scan might also be used. 

By using these tests, doctors can determine the size of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body, and how bad the cancer is. This information will help guide the treatment plan and provide a prognosis for the patient.

It is important for the patients to work with their healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that best suited their individual needs. This may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments. It is also important for patients to take care of their physical and emotional health by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, seeking support from friends or families, and attending regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the five year survival rate of breast cancer in the U.S is 90%.

Insurance

In order to help cover the cost of medical care, many people choose to have health insurance, which can provide financial protection against extremely high medical expenses.

Insurance itself is a contract between an individual and an insurance company. The individual pays a premium in exchange for protection against financial loss or damage from an event, such as an accident or illness. The insurance company assumes the risk of loss and provides coverage for the individual according to the terms of the contract. 

Health insurance policies may vary, but they typically cover cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and prescription drugs. They may also cover some or all of the costs associated with follow-up appointments, hospital stays, and other medical expenses related to cancer treatment.

Having insurance provides financial protection against unexpected medical expenses, for example, the cost for treating stage 4 breast cancer can go up to $134,682 according to the National Library of Medicine. It ensures access to quality healthcare, and provides peace of mind for individuals and families.

Not having insurance can lead to significant financial burdens and barriers to accessing healthcare services. Without insurance, individuals may be responsible for paying the full cost of medical care, which can be very expensive. They may have difficulty accessing certain treatments or procedures due to their cost. This can result in delayed or inadequate care, which may negatively impact their health outcomes.

The type of insurance that benefits breast cancer treatments the best varies, but generally, comprehensive health insurance plans that offer broad coverage, including cancer-specific treatments and medications, are the most beneficial. It is important to carefully review the policy and speak with the insurance provider to understand the coverage and any potential limitations or exclusions.

Prevention

Although there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, there are some lifestyle changes that may help reduce the risk of getting it. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, being physically active, and avoiding tobacco. Women should also consider regular breast cancer screenings, especially if they have a family history of the disease because a family history of breast cancer is linked to having abnormal genes associated with a high risk of breast cancer, such as the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.