Approach in Using the Nursing Process for Cancer Management

Cancer
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Cancer
Introduction
Cancer refers to a disease that causes body cells to grow uncontrollably and usually spread to other parts. In particular, the human body comprises trillions of cells. They multiply via a process known as cell division to form new cells that the body needs. When the cells grow old, they are damaged, and new ones take over. When the process of cell division is disrupted, it results in tumors, some of which are cancerous. Cancerous cells multiply through a process referred to as metastasis and spread to other parts of the body (National Cancer Institute, 2021). Notably, the type of cancer is determined by where the cancerous cells develop first. The various types of cancer include breast, bladder, colon, kidney, lung, liver, leukemia, pancreatic, prostate, and endometrial cancer. The paper focuses on cancer diagnosis, staging, complications, the side effects of treatment, the mortality rate of various types of cancers among Americans, and the education and support that the American Cancer Society (ACS) should provide to individuals affected by this disease. In addition, it depicts how the nursing process can provide safe and effective care for cancer patients across their life span and how undergraduate education in science studies and liberal arts contributes to the foundation of nursing knowledge and prepare caregivers to work with cancer patients.
Diagnosis and Staging to Cancer
Regular cancer screening provides the best chance for diagnosing the disease in its early stages, which facilitates effective treatment. A doctor can diagnose cancer using different approaches, including physical exams, imaging tests, laboratory tests, and biopsies. A physical exam entails feeling body areas that might have lumps, which might indicate cancer. Laboratory tests, such as blood screening, can enable a doctor to identify abnormalities that might be caused by cancer. Additionally, imaging tests might help a physician examine internal organs and bones. They might include X-rays, bone scans, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography (Stanford Health Care, 2022). A biopsy involves collecting samples of cells from a patient for testing in a laboratory. In particular, it is the most definitive way to diagnose cancer, and it shows the type and location. Once a diagnosis has been made, the doctor works to determine the stage of the disease. In particular, cancer staging is crucial since it determines the best options for treating the disease. Staging procedures and tests are done to show how cancer has spread to various body parts. Cancer stages start from 0 through IV. The higher the stage the more advanced cancer has spread.
Cancer Complications, Side Effects of Treatment, and Methods of Lessening Psychological and Physical Effects
Cancer causes abnormal cell development that divides uncontrollably and can destroy body tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Some of the complications caused by the disease include fatigue, weight changes, yellowing of the skin, persistent discomfort or indigestion, difficulty swallowing, joint pain, persistent night sweats, and unexplained bleeding. Additionally, cancer treatment might lead to various side effects due to the damage caused to healthy body cells. Side effects are different from one person to another based on the type of treatment administered. Some of the common side effects of cancer treatment include neutropenia, hair loss, lymphedema, vomiting, nausea, pain, blood clots, fatigue, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, and nervous system problems (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022a). Other side effects that might be caused by cancer treatments are depression, tiredness, and trouble eating. Physical and psychological stress involves what individuals feel when under emotional, physical, and mental pressure. There exist various methods that cancer patients can use to reduce physical and psychological stress. They include social support groups, cancer education sessions, training in stress management, medication, or relaxation, exercise, counseling, and medications for anxiety or depression. Moreover, cancer patients need proper care and support from families and friends so that they can overcome various challenges they come across. Due to the changes caused by cancer, individuals might become unable to control or manage the changes caused by the disease. Physical and psychological stresses are recognized as some of the factors that might decrease the quality of cancer patients’ lives. For example, when patients identify the side effects of their treatment, they should not hesitate to report to their doctors so that a good treatment option can be recommended to reduce more suffering. In addition, healthcare specialists should assess the effects of cancer treatments on specific patients and suggest more effective ways of treatment. Besides, clinical guidelines are present to enable doctors and caregivers to help their patients manage the disease.
Factors that Contribute to the Yearly Incidence and Mortality Rates of Various Cancers among Americans
In the United States of America (USA), cancer is the second-leading cause of death. Based on the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), around 1.7 million individuals are diagnosed with cancer annually. Additionally, 600,000 people die from this disease yearly. Approximately 1 in 3 individuals are likely to have cancer during their lifetime (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022b). Although cancer can be cured if diagnosed early, it becomes extremely difficult to manage, treat, and control the disease when it is more advanced. The factors that contribute to its yearly incidence and mortality rates among Americans are obesity and overweight, infectious disease, excessive use of alcohol, tobacco use, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity. The majority of individuals who are diagnosed with stage IV of cancer do not survive for an extended period. That is because the disease is found to have spread to other parts of the body and is more challenging to manage and control (Rawla, Sunkara, & Barsouk, 2019). However, early diagnosis of cancer provides a good chance to treat it. However, the factors mentioned above make it difficult to cure, treat, or manage the disease since they worsen the condition. Smoking or drinking alcohol when one is under medication is not advised for cancer patients. That is because it disrupts the treatment process and hinders the effective functionality of the treatment. As such, to reduce the yearly incidence and mortality rates of cancer, it is hig...