Approach to Cancer Care

Answer

Approach to Cancer Care
Cancer refers to a group of illnesses which involves abnormal cell growth with a high potential of invading and spreading to other body sections. Some of the common signs and symptoms of cancer includes abnormal bleeding, lump, unexplained loss, prolonged cough, unexplained loss in weight, and changes in bowel movement. Despite the fact that these symptoms may be an indication of other health concerns, they may also indicate cancer. Copstead and Banasik (2012) indicate that more than 100 forms of cancers affect the human race. Through proper screening and testing, it is possible to establish cancer cells at an early stage whereby they can be treated. Through proper care, cancer cells can be effectively eliminated from the human system. This paper provides insight into the approach to cancer care. The major concepts addressed include diagnosis and staging of cancer. The complications of the health concern, the treatment of the side effects and the methods which suppress the psychological and physical effects of the disease are also addressed.
Cancer Diagnosis
Detecting cancer cells at an early stage is an important consideration since it enhances chances that the cancer condition will be treated effectively. Kvale and Bondevik (2008) note that routine self-examination is one of the common forms of screening which can be implemented for cancer diagnosis. Conducting routine self-examination process or other forms of screening are effective in, for instance, diagnosing cancer of the mouth, breast, skin, testicles, and rectum. Conducting self-examination is effective in detecting the condition before the symptoms of cancer can be serious. According to Copstead and Banasik (2012), most cases of cancer are diagnosed and detected when serious symptoms develop and when a tumor is felt. Cancer diagnosis process is initiated with a thorough physical analysis process. Additionally, a complete medical history of the affected individual is also carried out. Lab studies of blood, urine and stool are also effective in detecting any cell abnormalities which may suggest presence of cancerous cell.
In instances when a tumor is believed to exist, imaging tests are conducted to diagnose the cancerous cells. X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography, fiber-optic endoscopy exams and ultrasound are common examples of technologies which assist doctors in determining the location and size of cancer. Copstead and Banasik (2012) indicate that any cancer diagnosis process should be confirmed before administration of treatment. A biopsy process is conducted to confirm the diagnosis provided for most cancers. In this case, the sample tissue collected is further analyzed under a microscope to establish the existence of any cancerous cells. In instances where cancer cells are existent, other tests are carried out to provide specific information regarding the cancer. This level, also known as the staging phase, is vital as a follow-up stage for diagnosis. It is important for the doctors to establish if the cancer has spread to other body organs (Copstead & Banasik, 2012). Further tests may be conducted in cases where the initial diagnosis does not show presence of cancerous cells despite the cancer symptoms. However, before starting treatment after a positive diagnosis, it is advisable that an individual should obtain a confirming opinion from a doctor specializing in the treatment of cancer.
Staging of Cancer
There are four major stages of cancer. The first stage is 0. The first cancer phase is describes the condition in situ, meaning “in place.” Cancers at stage 0 are still available on the area where it started and has not spread to any tissues in the surrounding. Cancer at this stage can be cured easily normally through a surgical process involving the removal of the tumor. Stage I is the second phase of the cancer. This stage of grouping refers to cancer situation whereby a small tumor has not grown deeply into the tissues in the surrounding. Additionally, stage I also suggests that the cancer has not yet spread to the lymph nodes and other body segments. In other cases, this stage of cancer is also referred to as the early cancer stage (Copstead & Banasik, 2012).
Stage II and Stage III cancer suggests a phase where the tumor have deeply grown into the surrounding tissues. Additionally, the two phases also suggests that the cancers may have also spread into the lymph nodes. However, the other sections of the body are still not yet affected by the cancerous cells at this point. Stage IV of the cancer suggests that the cancer has affected the other body parts which mean that treatment at this point is highly challenging. Stage IV cancer is also referred to as the advanced cancer phase (Copstead & Banasik, 2012).
Cancer Complications
Cancer is associated with several forms of complications. Pain is one of the common forms of complication experienced by cancer patients. The pain can originate from the tumor or the administered treatment for the cancer. Knops, Goossens, Burger, Stalpers and Ubbink (2009) note that not all cancers are painful. The use of recommended pain medication as well as other approaches can effectively address cancer related pain. Breathing difficulties is a common complication associated with cancer and its treatment. Fatigue is also a common complication experienced by cancer patients. Mick (2008) provides that fatigue is majorly associated with chemotherapy treatment administered through radiation therapy. Fatigue is normally temporary in that it mainly wears off after the treatment process comes to an end.
Treatment Side effects
Nausea is one of the common side effects of cancer treatments. Certain forms of treatment such as chemotherapy are associated with nausea. According to Osterman, Schwartz-Barcott, and Asselin (2010), a doctor can predict if a treatment is likely to result to nausea. However, the nauseous effect can be remedied through the use of other medications administered during the treatment process. Weight loss is also a common side effect of cancer treatment. Knops et al. (2009) indicate that cancer treatment deprives normal cells of nutrients. In most cases, this is not affected by the amount of calories consumed by the patient on a daily basis or the type of food consumed. Notably, in most cases, the use of artificial nutrition administered through the use of tubes or intravenously does not aid in preventing weight loss process among cancer patients (Osterman et al., 2010). Breathing difficulty can also be experienced as a form of treatment side effect. The use of medication can be considered to ease the side effect of this condition.
Lessening the Physical and Psychological Effects
Fighting cancer is associated with psychological distress which patients experience when coping or after diagnosis. For instance, the constant worry associated with the fear of cancer recurrence is one of the common forms of emotion evident in the case of cancer patients. As a result, cancer care is necessary and considered as a vital part of cancer care treatment. For instance, it is advisable that cancer patients should strive to establish a new outlook. This involves focusing on what a patient can change rather than what cannot be transformed. Through this strategy, the patient will avoid stressful thoughts which only disturb their emotional wellbeing.
It is also recommended that cancer patients should refrain from generalizations. Each patient should understand that cancer means something unique for every person. The experiences that cancer patients have throughout the process of diagnosis and treatment are unique. Therefore, refraining from making generalizations promotes a positive mentality of an individual diagnosed with cancer in that he/she will agree that the process does not have to be complicated as it was for another patient (Mick, 2008). Moreover, it is also advisable that cancer patients should also implement several mind-body techniques for a better psychological wellbeing. For instance, relaxation therapies, stress management interventions, laughter therapy and energy therapies are some of the common forms of mind-body interventions effective for the promotion of a patient’s emotional wellbeing. Making healthy lifestyle choices is advisable for better physical development of a cancer patient. This involves paying attention to nutrition, rest, private time and exercise which are highly effective in promoting good health. Healthy life style choices are highly recommended as a result of the difficult treatment options which the patients are required to undergo which directly affects their general body mass.
Conclusion
In summation, this paper has discussed, the approaches to cancer care, addressing diagnosis and staging of cancer, as well as possible side effects of treatment and ways of suppressing the psychological and physical effects of the condition. The paper has presented that early diagnosis of cancer is vital for effective treatment and cure. Routine self-examination screening, and imaging tests and ultra sounds are some of the effective in detection of cancer before worsening of its symptoms. There are four main distinct cancer stages with 0 stage being the first stage and one which is easier to cure and stage four being the advance stages with substantial treatment challenges. Cancer is associated with several complications including treatment side effects such as pain, breathing difficulties, and fatigue. In addition, cancer is associated with physical and psychological effects which can, however, be overcome through several strategies including establishing new look, refraining from generalization, relaxation therapies, healthy lifestyle choices just to mention