Cancer and Approach to Care with Nursing Process

Nursing Process and Cancer Care
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Diagnostic Methods
There are several types of diagnostic methods used to identify the possibility of cancer. One of these methods is a biopsy. Here sample cells are collected for further analysis at a laboratory. Secondly, there is a physical exam. In this exam, the doctor feels parts of the patient's body to identify any lumps that may be indicative of cancer. Thirdly, there are imaging tests. These tests allow the doctor to analyze the patient's internal organs or bones in a way that is not invasive. Imaging test methods include magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography. Laboratory tests are yet another diagnostic method used to identify the possibility of cancer. Here the physician carried out an analysis of samples such as blood or urine. The laboratory analysis aims to identify any components in the sample that may be indicative of cancer.
Staging of Cancer
After a diagnosis is made, staging follows to determine the extent to which cancer has spread. The tumor, nodes, and metastases (TNM) is one of the methods used in the staging process. This method uses three parameters to categorize the stage of cancer. First, the size of the original tumor is determined. The N (nodes) category is used for determining whether the cancer has reached nearby lymph nodes. On the other hand, the M category is used for determining whether cancerous cells have spread to other parts of the body. The degree of severity of each measure means that indicates how advanced the cancer is (Young et al., 2020). For instance, if the tumor is large (categorized as T4), cancer has greatly spread to lymph nodes (N3), and there are metastases (M1), then the cancer is at an advanced state. With the values obtained for each measure, the doctor can label the stage of the disease that a patient is in. Once labeled, the client/ patient is consequently referred to by that stage even if the values become change.
Complications of Cancer
While the complications of cancer may differ with the specific type a patient is suffering from, there are some general complications that are present in most types. One of these complications is pain. The pain caused by cancer may be exacerbated by treatment methods. Secondly, a cancer patient may suffer from fatigue. Thirdly, cancer patients may experience extended periods of indigestion accompanied by significant discomfort after meals. Fourth, cancer patients may suffer from rapid changes in their weight. Most of the time, these patients are likely to lose weight though weight gain could be a complication in some cases (Young et al., 2020). Another common complication of cancer is diarrhea and recurring episodes of constipation. Additionally, cancer patients may also experience unexplained skin changes. Common skin changes include darkening or reddening of the skin and experience sore that fail to heal. Recurring of cancer that had been effectively treated is yet another common complication. These are some of the most common complications of cancer.
Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
In cancer treatment, side effects often result from interference with healthy cells. One of the most common side effects of cancer treatment is neutropenia (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). This condition refers to a deduction in the number of white blood cells and is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Lymphedema is another common side effect. It refers to swelling of a part of the body and mainly occurs as a side effect of surgery or radiation treatment. Patients undergoing chemotherapy may experience loss of hair. Evidence shows that most of these patients regain their hair a few months after treatment has been completed. Nausea and vomiting are also quite common in patients receiving cancer treatment. Evidence shows that in some cases, especially in chemotherapy, the nauseating feeling can be brought about by the thoughts of treatment (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Some medications may help ease nausea and vomiting. These are some of the most common side effects of cancer treatment.
Methods to Lessen Physical and Psychological Effects of Cancer
There are several methods that can be used to lessen the physical and psychological effects of cancer. Healthy eating has been shown to improve the condition of cancer patients. Foods that are rich in antioxidants are particularly helpful in making cancer patients feel better. Physical exercise has also been shown to provide numerous benefits to cancer patients. Exercise offers the body both physical and emotional benefits. Through the production of endorphins, the mood and psychological well-being of a cancer patient who engages in regular physical exercise are likely to improve. The National Institute of Health also observes yoga as one of the methods to lessen the physical and psychological effects of cancer. Studies involving women with breast cancer show that yoga could help reduce sleep disturbances and moderate improvement as far as cancer-related fatigue is concerned (National Institute for Health, 2022). The institute also recommends mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques. These techniques, which involve meditation, could help cancer patients deal with issues such as anxiety and stress.
Factors contributing to Yearly Incidence and Mortality Rates of Cancer
Cancer is the leading cause of death in the United States. Cigarette smoking has been implicated in about 80% to 90% of all mortalities emanating from lung cancer (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2022). Additionally, the habit of smoking increases the incidence of several types of cancer. These include cancer of the mouth, esophagus, and myeloid leukemia. Exposure to smoking or being a secondhand smoker also increases the likelihood of contracting lung cancer. Evidence shows that secondhand smokers have at least 20% more risk of having lung cancer (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2022). Additionally, more than 7000 lung cancer deaths reported yearly involve secondhand smokers.
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