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Running head: APPROACH TO CARE

Approach to Care

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APPROACH TO CARE

Approach to Care

Cancer is a collection of infections that is characterized by cells growing in an

uncontrollable way. There are very many different categories of cancer depending on the

class of cell, which is infected initially. In most types of cancer, the affected cells divide in an

out-of-control way to form masses or lumps of tissue that are referred to as tumors. However,

there are times cancer prevents the normal function of the blood by causing abnormal

division of cells in the blood stream, which leads to leukemia. Benign tumors refer to those

that tend to stay at one location and have limited development.

There are times when tumors can uncontrollably grow and interfere with some body

functions such as the nervous, reproductive, and digestive systems. Also, such growths may

produce hormones, which disrupt the way in which the body functions. Different types of

cancer include anal, cervical, breast, throat, blood, bladder, and kidney cancers. Many health

specialists have come up with ways to treat these cancers and how to prevent some of them.

To reduce the risk of an individual getting cancer, they are advised to avoid smoking, limit

exposure to UV sun rays, reduce the intake of alcohol, stay fit, eat healthy foods, and seek

medical attention regularly.

Cancer can lead to various signs and symptoms. In most cases, such symptoms are not

as a result of cancer but are due to either the benign tumors or different complications. If an

individual experiences symptoms, which last for more than one week then the physician takes

order tests and a physical exam among other procedures in order to know the root of the

symptoms (Deslauriers, 2013). If the health practitioner finds out that the individual has

cancer, he will carry out other procedures or tests to find out its exact stage.

A stage in cancer refers to the extent at which the disease has spread and is based on

how much the tumor has spread and how large it is. When the doctor gets to know the stage

APPROACH TO CARE

of cancer he is then able to give the individual the required treatment and discuss his/her

prognosis. Prognosis refers to the seriousness of cancer and the chances of survival of the

individual (Deslauriers, 2013). When one understands cancer and is aware of the outcomes,

they are able to cope with the diagnosis and have more control over the disease.

A cancer is named according to its initial stage during diagnosis regardless of

whether it worsens or affects other normal cells and body parts. Other information on the

progression of cancer is included on the stage that was earlier diagnosed. Therefore, despite

the fact that cancer might change, the stage does not. The most common staging system for

cancer is known as the TNM. The first letter in the TNM system of staging cancer refers to

the extent at which the primary tumor is at during the diagnose. Moreover, the N shows the

quantity of lymphatic nodes near the primary tumor that have cancer. On the other hand, the

M represents whether the disease has metastasized or not (Deslauriers, 2013). This refers to

whether the disease has spread to other body parts from the main tumor. The different stages

of cancer are described as stages 0, 1, 2,3, and 4 depending on the extent of how the disease

has spread. Cancer can also be described as in situ, regional, localized, unknown, or distant

depending on how the doctor has diagnosed it.

Diagnosis of cancer involves lab tests where low or high levels of some substances

such as urine and blood may be a symptom of cancer. However, since not all abnormal lab

results prove the existence of cancer, doctors do not rely on lab tests alone when diagnosing

for cancer. The physician can use imaging procedures to find out whether a tumor is present

or not. Such procedures make pictures of different areas inside the body of the individual.

They include the CT Scan, Ultrasound, Nuclear Scan, PET Scan, MRI, and X-rays. Also,

doctors use a biopsy to diagnose cancer. A biopsy refers to where the doctor takes a tissue

sample from the patient. Afterward, a pathologist checks for signs of cancer in the tissue by

using a microscope.

APPROACH TO CARE

The treatment of cancer and the disease itself can lead to various complications to the

individual. Pain is among such complications. Although not all types of cancer are painful,

some of them cause pain during treatment. Physicians prescribe certain medication and

practices to ensure the pain related to cancer is treated effectively. Also, cancer patients often

experience fatigue especially during treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy

(Davies & Epstein, 2010). However, the fatigue is managed easily and is temporary. Another

complication that is brought about by cancer and its treatment is difficulty in breathing,

which can be treated in various ways. Also, cancer tends to take up food from the healthy

cells and thus causing them to lack enough nutrients. This leads to the patient losing a lot of

weight. It is difficult to treat this complication even by using the artificial nutrition, which is

done through pipes into the vein or stomach (Davies & Epstein, 2010).

Cancer can also lead to changes in the chemical balance of the body of the patient,

which exposes them to many serious complications. Some of the signs and symptoms that

show chemical imbalance are confusion, constipation, frequent urination, and excessive thirst

(Davies & Epstein, 2010). Since cancer affects body systems such as the nervous system, it

can lead to failure of function or pain in one body part. For instance, brain cancer leads to

symptoms such as headaches and feeling weak on either side of the body, which is closely

related to stroke symptoms. Most people who survive cancer are more vulnerable to its

recurrence. There are some types of cancers that are more likely to recur compared to others.

A doctor may advise the patient to undergo follow-up plans in order to prevent the recurrence

of cancer (Dicato, 2013). Such plans include periodic exams and scans during the years and

months after treatment in order to search for the recurrence of the disease.

The side effects that are accompanied with the treatment of cancer vary depending on

the individual. Also, the age of the individual, the type of treatment, and the frequency or

amount of treatment among other medical conditions determine the side effects that an

APPROACH TO CARE

individual is likely to experience (Dicato, 2013). Some of the common side effects of the

treatment of cancer are delirium, anemia, diarrhea, hair loss, throat and mouth problems,

fertility and sexual problems in both men and women, and changes in the nail and the skin of

the cancer patient.

Most patients with cancer undergo emotional distress upon finding out that they have

the disease and sometimes during the treatment. It is also common to undergo psychological

distress when worried about the recurrence of the disease. Some of these emotions include

disbelief or shock, depression, anxiety, guilt, feeling left out, uncertainty, and helplessness

(Thornton, 2011). In order to improve the psychological well-being of a cancer patient, they

are advised to focus on things that they are capable of changing and not those they cannot

change. Also, one should not generalize cancer since it affects different people in different

ways. One ought to speak out to their friends or those close to them or cancer survivors about

how they feel.

The patient should engage in healthy lifestyles and concentrate much on the need for

proper nutrition, rest, private time, and exercise. Professional counseling is also important

when trying to improve the psychological state of a cancer patient. The counseling should

include, group, family, and individual therapy. Also, mind-body techniques can help deal

with psychological distress (Thornton, 2011). Such techniques include energy therapies,

laughter therapy, relaxation therapies, and interventions to manage stress.

Some of the physical effects of cancer and its treatment can be managed. For instance,

a cancer patient can manage fatigue by engaging in an exercise program. Also, in order to

manage pain, the patient can keep a record of the various levels of pain and various levels of

pain in order to inform the doctor in case of any changes. Also, the patient should ensure they

take the medicine prescribed to them at the right time and follow the dosage given to them by

APPROACH TO CARE

the physician (Thornton, 2011). Some physical therapies can also be used to relieve pain

caused by the treatment of cancer. Such therapies include the use of ice packs, hot water

bottles, and regular massage.

During chemotherapy, it is common for cancer patients to experience hair loss.

However, this is temporary. The patient may opt to use hats, wigs, turbans, or scarfs. A

couple going through complications in their intimacy due to the side effects of cancer are

advised to seek to advise from professionals in order to find other ways to enjoy their

sexuality. Lymphedema refers to swelling that is caused by the accumulation of lymph fluid

when there is ineffective functioning of the lymph nodes or lymph vessels. This complication

has no cure and is mostly managed in order to ease drainage and reduce discomfort (Thornton,

2011). The cancer patient experiences swelling in areas such as the genitalia, neck, trunk,

face, legs, and arms. There are professional therapists that help cancer patients to manage the

effects of lymphoedema through various treatment programs.

APPROACH TO CARE

References

Davies, A., & Epstein, J. (2010). Oral complications of cancer and its management.

Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Deslauriers, J., Pearson, F. G., & Shamji, F. M. (2013). Lung Cancer, Part I. London:

Elsevier Health Sciences.

Dicato, M. (2013). Side effects of medical cancer therapy: Prevention and treatment.

London: Springer.

Thornton, D. (2011). Living with cancer: The ultimate teen guide. Lanham: Scarecrow

Press.

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