Introduction
It should be stressed that breast cancer is one of the dangerous conditions, which might lead to lethal consequences. This type of cancer is a malignant tumor of the glandular tissue of the breast (Oeffinger et al., 2015). Throughout the world, women suffer from this form of cancer most frequently. It annually affects a large number of females aged 13 to 90 years. Over the past 30 years, the number of cases of this disease has increased dramatically. The purpose of this paper is to create a breast cancer screening initiative and discuss its implications.
Reasoning
Breast cancer has been chosen as the topic for screening initiative because it is the dominant form of cancer experienced by women. Importantly, many females die because of it (Oeffinger et al., 2015). The ultimate goal of the current screening initiative is to promote the early detection of this dangerous condition. Importantly, this objective includes the orientation at the detection of the disease at the stage when it can be treated before the unalterable harm to the woman’s body.
Population
Notably, different screening types will be applied to different population groups. Women starting from the age of 20 should carry out an independent examination of the breast. A clinical examination of the breast should be performed for 20 and 30-year-old women every three years. Starting from the age of 40, females should be screened every year. Women aged 50 to 74 are recommended to have screening every two years. Overall, females belonging to the high-risk group should be screened yearly; however, it is recommended that women at moderate risk discuss the advantages and disadvantages of annual screening with their therapist (Oeffinger et al., 2015). Thus, women aged 20-74 represent the group to which the screening will be advised; however, certain limitations and conditions are applied.
Outcomes
The screening will affect several outcomes. First, it will enable the active detection of early forms of breast cancer in the age group 40-60 years (the most vulnerable category). Second, an increase in the life expectancy of patients with malignant neoplasms of the breast is predicted. Third, the screening will improve the quality of life of patients and reduce the level of disability (Oeffinger et al., 2015). Fourth, this method will reduce the costs of treatment, enhance rehabilitation, and improve the social life of women. Fifth, it will allow achieving the main goal, which is to reduce mortality from breast cancer in the population groups discussed in the previous section.
Setting and Expenses
The setting for breast cancer screening is the low-resource environment. Importantly, the statistics have revealed that less developed regions have higher levels of mortality from breast cancer among women due to poor availability of screening resources. Therefore, the initiative is aimed at sustainable cancer prevention in regions where screening has been unavailable previously. Importantly, the initial screening will be free of charge as envisioned by the Affordable Care Act (Office of the Legislative Council, 2010).
Conclusion
It is worth noting that the goals of screening for breast cancer can be achieved only with its proper organization and active participation of the population groups. It will assist greatly in the timely detection of the tumor and allow conducting the appropriate treatment when the severe consequences can still be eliminated. The quality screening will lead to a significant reduction in mortality. However, not all women have equal access to screening services. Consequently, this initiative will allow covering those population groups that have so far remained unreached.
References
Oeffinger, K., Fontham, E., Etzioni, R., Herzig, A., Michaelson, J., Shih, Y.,…Wender, R. (2015). Breast cancer screening for women at average risk. JAMA, 314(15), 1599-1614.
Office of the Legislative Counsel. (2010). Compilation of patient protection and Affordable Care Act.