Discussion: Unit 6, Due Wednesday by 11:59 pm CT
Breast Exams
Instructions
It is anticipated that the initial discussion response should be in the range of 250-300 words. Response posts must demonstrate topic knowledge and scholarly engagement with peers. This is not the only criteria utilized for evaluation; substantive content is imperative. All questions in the topic must be addressed. Please proofread your response carefully for grammar and spelling. Do not upload any attachments. All responses need to be supported by a minimum of one scholarly resource. Journals and websites must be cited appropriately. Citation and reference must adhere to APA format (6th Ed.).
Classroom Participation
Students are expected to initially address the discussion question by Wednesday of each week. Participation in the discussion forums is expected with a minimum total of three (3) substantive postings (this includes your initial posting and posting to two peers) on three (3) different days per week. Substantive means that you add something new to the discussion, you aren’t just agreeing. This is also a time to ask questions or offer information surrounding the topic addressed by your peers. Personal experience is appropriate for a substantive discussion and should be correlated to the literature.
All discussion boards will be evaluated utilizing rubric criterion inclusive of content, analysis, collaboration, writing and APA. If you fail to post an initial discussion you will not receive these points, you may however post to your peers for partial credit following the guidelines above. Due to the nature of this type of assignment and the need for timely responses for initial posts and posting to peers, the Make-Up Coursework Policy (effective July 2017) does not apply to Discussion Board Participation.
Discussion Prompt [Due Wednesday]
Select ONE of the questions listed below and create a substantive initial post. Please post the question number you chose in the title of your post. (i.e. Question 2 Breast Exam)
- Detail the routine health periodicity for the gynecologic and clinical breast exam. What health factors are utilized to determine the need for a Pap test? When is the Pap test no longer necessary?
- When is the ideal time to complete a clinical breast exam? What steps would you follow for concerning findings on the clinical breast exam? What age or risk factors indicate the need for a mammogram?
Estimated time to complete: 3 hours
Expert Solution Preview
Breast exams play a vital role in the early detection and prevention of breast cancer. As a medical professor, I understand the importance of educating college students about breast exams and equipping them with the necessary knowledge to perform and assess these exams. In this assignment, we will address key questions related to breast exams, including routine health periodicity, the need for a Pap test, and the appropriate time for clinical breast exams and mammograms.
Question 1: Detail the routine health periodicity for the gynecologic and clinical breast exam. What health factors are utilized to determine the need for a Pap test? When is the Pap test no longer necessary?
Answer:
The routine health periodicity for the gynecologic and clinical breast exam varies based on factors such as age, individual risk factors, and guidelines provided by medical organizations. Generally, it is recommended that women have an annual wellness visit, which includes both a gynecologic exam and a clinical breast exam.
During a gynecologic exam, a healthcare provider examines the reproductive organs, including the breasts. They check for any abnormalities, such as lumps or changes in breast tissue, and evaluate the overall health of the patient’s reproductive system. This exam is crucial for early detection of breast abnormalities and other gynecologic conditions.
The need for a Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, is determined by several factors. The Pap test is primarily performed to screen for cervical cancer. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it is recommended that women start undergoing Pap tests at the age of 21. For women aged 21-29, a Pap test is recommended every three years. For women aged 30-65, a Pap test combined with HPV testing is recommended every five years or a Pap test alone every three years.
The Pap test may no longer be necessary after the age of 65 if the woman has had consistently negative results for previous Pap tests and does not have a high risk of cervical cancer. However, it is essential for women to discuss their individual health history and risk factors with their healthcare provider to determine when the Pap test is no longer necessary.
Question 2: When is the ideal time to complete a clinical breast exam? What steps would you follow for concerning findings on the clinical breast exam? What age or risk factors indicate the need for a mammogram?
Answer:
The ideal time to complete a clinical breast exam (CBE) is determined by factors such as age, risk factors, and personal health history. The American Cancer Society recommends that women in their 20s and 30s should have a CBE as part of their periodic health examination performed by a healthcare provider every three years. After the age of 40, women should have a CBE annually. However, it is important to note that guidelines may vary among different medical organizations, and it is crucial for women to follow the recommendations provided by their healthcare provider.
If concerning findings are detected during a clinical breast exam, further evaluation is necessary. The healthcare provider may recommend additional imaging tests, such as a mammogram or an ultrasound, to get a better understanding of the findings. Based on the results of these tests, the healthcare provider may decide to conduct a biopsy to determine whether the findings are benign or potentially cancerous.
The age or risk factors that indicate the need for a mammogram are also influenced by guidelines provided by medical organizations. The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer should start having annual mammograms at the age of 45. However, women aged 40-44 have the option to start annual mammograms if they wish to, and women aged 55 and older can switch to biennial mammograms or continue with annual mammograms. Women with a higher risk of breast cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease or certain genetic mutations, may need to start mammograms earlier or have them more frequently.
In conclusion, routine health periodicity for gynecologic and clinical breast exams, the need for a Pap test, and the appropriate timing of clinical breast exams and mammograms are important aspects of breast healthcare. Adhering to recommended guidelines and having open discussions with healthcare providers can ensure early detection and prevention of breast cancer.
