WHICH METHOD (MRI OR DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAPHY) IS MORE SENSITIVE AT Essay - 1

WHICH METHOD (MRI OR DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAPHY) IS MORE SENSITIVE AT DECTECTING BREAST CANCER IN WOMEN UNDER THE AGE OF 50 - RESEARCH PROPOSAL - Essay Example Medical experts impute the decline in breast cancer deaths to earlier detection and more efficient treatments. Breast cancer is dangerous because of its early latent character and long asymptomatic stage. Treatment can be much more effective if detected in the early stages. The benefits of early detection are capable of offsetting the anticipated risks and costs involved. This research project is therefore proposed to examine the relative sensitivity and cost effectiveness of two methods of detecting breast cancer. The methods examined are Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Digital Mammography. The study is confined to women under the age of fifty due to the particular issues faced by patients in this age group. Breast cancer is a common form of cancer, accounting for a high rate of mortality among women, next only to lung cancer (Taft & Taylor, 2001). The incidence of breast cancer is on the rise all over the world, posing a significant risk for women. One out of eight women in the developing world is estimated to develop breast cancer at some stage of their lives. Among the various factors identified as responsible for the incidence of breast cancer, genetics, environmental and lifestyle risk factors are considered significant ones (Nkondjock, & Ghadirian, 2005). Mortality caused by breast cancer is especially high among women between the ages of forty and forty-nine. Even apart from the mortality rates, the emotional and psychological impact of the condition is severe. Fear of the disease and the nature of treatment to be undertaken add to the negative impact (Breast Cancer Screening For Women Ages 40-49 – NIH Consensus Statement. Medscape General Medicine. 1999) Early, accurate detection leading to effective and less drastic treatment methods can significantly reduce the trauma associated with breast cancer, resulting in better prognosis and