Cancer Examinations
Multiple procedures and examinations are needed to confirm a cancer diagnosis. Initial clues may be gleaned from the patient’s medical history and a physical examination. Imaging tests, including X-rays, computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging scans, and ultrasounds, may help detect cancer.
Biopsies, which involve examining a tiny piece of tissue under a microscope, may sometimes be used to diagnose cancer. Blood tests may uncover markers associated with specific cancers. Endoscopy is a procedure where a tube containing a camera is used to examine the interior of a bodily cavity or organ. Inherited cancer risks might potentially be identified via genetic testing.
Types of Diagnostics
Staging may help assess the severity of a cancer once a diagnosis has been established. The TNM system is widely used. The quantitative part of this strategy uses data analysis and statistical methods developed for cancer research to reveal regularities in cancer occurrence, responses to therapy, and the efficacy of therapies. At the tumor stage, we assess the primary tumor’s size and its level of metastasis in nearby tissues.
A higher count indicates that the tumor is more widespread. Lymph node involvement is graded from N0 (no lymph node involvement) to N+ (increasing node influence), with N+ being the most advanced stage (Howlader et al., 2020). The M stage, also known as the metastasis stage, assesses whether or not the cancer has migrated to other areas of the body; an M0 stage indicates no distant spread has occurred, while an M1 stage indicates that distant metastasis has occurred.
Together, these TNM characteristics define a stage often designated by a Roman number (Stage I, Stage II, etc.). Localized cancers are diagnosed at earlier stages, whereas metastatic cancers have progressed to a later stage and spread to other parts of the body. The cancer’s stage influences treatment options and expected outcomes. Talk to medical professionals to get an accurate assessment of how far along in its development your cancer is.
Complications of Cancer
It is relatively uncommon for people with cancer and those helping them to treat it to have a wide range of challenges and side effects, some of which may have severe emotional and psychological consequences. Extreme fatigue is a typical symptom among cancer patients, and it may be exacerbated by the disease and by treatments like chemotherapy and radiation (Pucci et al., 2019). Examples of coping mechanisms include working out, eating well, sleeping sufficiently, and seeking professional help (such as therapy).
Cancer and cancer therapy both have the potential to weaken the immune system, making the patient more susceptible to infection. Preventative measures are crucial, such as using good hygiene, staying away from sick individuals, and being vaccinated. Notifying authorities quickly of any signs of infection is crucial for proper treatment (Miller et al., 2019). Pain is a key challenge in cancer treatment that must be addressed because of the growth of the tumor, invasive procedures, or the side effects of medication. Medicine, complementary therapies, and specialized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs are typically necessary for effective pain management.
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting may be debilitating. Dietary changes and anti-nausea medication may both help treat and manage these symptoms. Hair loss is a typical side effect of chemotherapy that may affect a patient’s confidence. Some people find comfort in covering their heads emotionally or with cold hats to lessen the severity of hair loss.
The phrase “chemo brain” describes the cognitive deficits experienced by cancer patients, such as memory loss and inability to focus (Miller et al., 2019). Mental exercises, periodic maintenance, and memory aids may help patients adapt to these shifts. A thorough understanding of these issues and side effects is crucial in the battle against cancer. Patients with cancer may benefit significantly from individualized strategies to alleviate the distressing side effects of their condition, which can provide comfort and relief during difficult times.
Factors Contribution
In the United States, the yearly rates of incidence and mortality from various cancers are the result of a complex interplay between a variety of factors. Smoking, eating poorly, not getting enough exercise, and drinking heavily are all significant risk factors for developing cancer and dying from the illness. Since smoking is a significant cause of lung cancer, public health initiatives to encourage healthier behaviors and reduce tobacco use are desperately required.
The risk of developing certain forms of cancer is increased in certain persons due to inherited genetic abnormalities. Individuals with a higher risk might be better targeted for preventive measures like increased surveillance or risk-reducing surgery if they have undergone genetic testing and counseling (Debela et al., 2021). The disparities in cancer survival rates may be reduced by addressing healthcare availability. To reduce health disparities that contribute to the overdiagnosis and undertreatment of cancer, it is essential to eliminate inequities in access to healthcare.
For instance, environmental exposures, including occupational hazards and pollution, have been related to the disease. Cancer risks may be increased by exposure to carcinogens, including asbestos, radon, and other chemicals. Regulations and safety initiatives in the workplace are meant to reduce exposure to such hazards. People must also have easy access to and use cancer screening programs (Pucci et al., 2019). Cancer screenings, including mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap smears, might detect the disease at an earlier, more treatable stage, lowering mortality rates.
American Cancer Society Influence
Regarding cancer care, the American Cancer Society (ACS) is invaluable. Nurses have access to a wide variety of ACS services to provide recommendations to patients. First, ACS offers a wealth of materials about the many forms of cancer, available treatments, and methods of dealing with the disease. Patients and their loved ones may get the knowledge they need to make well-informed healthcare choices with the help of these print and digital resources (Howlader et al., 2020). Nurses may refer patients to these materials to help them better understand their conditions and participate in treatment decisions.
Second, ACS provides valuable assistance through patient navigation programs, which help people understand and negotiate the nuances of the healthcare system. Patient navigators help patients make appointments, get to the right specialists, and understand their financial obligations. Nurses may offer these services to help patients with complicated medical journeys navigate the healthcare system more efficiently. Finally, ACS offers emotional help via support groups, where patients and loved ones may feel secure talking about their experiences in a supportive environment.
Cancer Care
High-quality, lifelong care for cancer patients relies heavily on the nursing process. It has five levels that build on one another to provide thorough, client-centered care. In the diagnostic phase, the data is examined to establish the patient’s needs, problems, and strengths in terms of medical treatment. Due to the severity of their sickness and the wide variety of probable side effects from medication, cancer patients have a heightened need to recognize their symptoms (Pucci et al., 2019). A nursing diagnosis that considers the patient’s life stage and the nurse’s preferences might lead to a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s individual requirements.
Care oriented on the patient’s needs is provided in an iterative cycle that includes preparation, execution, and evaluation. During the planning phase, nurses determine the goals, strategies, and outcomes they want to achieve. At this point, the care plan is being carried out, and services such as treatment, counseling, education, and teamwork with other healthcare team members are being delivered.
Evaluation, the last phase, ensures that the patient’s progress and the treatment plan’s effectiveness are regularly assessed (Miller et al., 2019). Nurses may provide holistic care by adapting treatment plans to match the needs of their patients, whether they are young children, adults, or the elderly. This all-inclusive approach ensures that cancer patients get top-notch care throughout their lifetimes.
An extra “Translational Research” phase might be implemented to improve the cancer research strategy by incorporating an interdisciplinary viewpoint. In this stage, researchers work to develop and implement new methods for detecting and treating cancer in patients. The advancement of novel medicines and personalized medicine techniques to improve the outcomes of cancer patients is facilitated by closing the gap between fundamental scientific research and its clinical application.
Research Approaches
Nursing’s basic understanding of cancer research might benefit significantly from an interdisciplinary research strategy from the liberal arts, scientific studies, mathematics, and the social and physical sciences. Beyond its molecular features, cancer is a complex and complicated illness (Pucci et al., 2019). Comprehending the cancer experience requires considering its psychological, cultural, economic, and ethical components (Debela et al., 2021). The breadth of cancer research is expanded, and the underpinning knowledge for oncology nursing practice is enriched using an interdisciplinary approach.
The first significant advantage of an interdisciplinary approach is patient-centric and comprehensive treatment growth. Incorporating humanities and social sciences perspectives allows us to understand better the cultural, psychological, and societal contexts in which cancer occurs. When nurses have this knowledge, they can better meet their patients’ spiritual, cultural, and emotional requirements. By using this information, doctors may create treatment programs that are more tailored to each patient and take into account their unique needs, goals, and beliefs.
Mathematics and science are crucial to cancer research because they make it possible to gather, analyze, and understand massive databases on cancer incidence, treatment results, and the efficacy of different therapeutic methods. These fields provide the resources essential for spotting patterns, inequalities, and developments in the cancer landscape. To better treat and prevent cancer, this data-driven method guides the implementation of evidence-based procedures and policies.
The ethical implications of cancer research are crucial. Research on the ethical implications of clinical trials, patient consent, and the use of cutting-edge technology in cancer therapy has benefited from including insights from the liberal arts and social sciences. This emphasis guarantees that cancer research is conducted following the highest ethical standards, protecting patients’ rights while maintaining the reliability of research methods.
References
Debela, D. T., Muzazu, S. G., Heraro, K. D., Ndalama, M. T., Mesele, B. W., Haile, D. C., Kitui, S. K., & Manyazewal, T. (2021). New approaches and procedures for cancer treatment: Current perspectives. SAGE Open Medicine, 9. Web.
Howlader, N., Forjaz, G., Mooradian, M. J., Meza, R., Kong, C. Y., Cronin, K. A., Mariotto, A. B., Lowy, D. R., & Feuer, E. J. (2020). The effect of advances in lung-cancer treatment on population mortality. New England Journal of Medicine, 383(7), 640–649. Web.
Miller, K. D., Nogueira, L., Mariotto, A. B., Rowland, J. H., Yabroff, K. R., Alfano, C. M., Jemal, A., Kramer, J. L., & Siegel, R. L. (2019). Cancer treatment and survivorship statistics, 2019. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 69(5). Web.
Pucci, C., Martinelli, C., & Ciofani, G. (2019). Innovative approaches for cancer treatment: Current perspectives and new challenges. Ecancermedicalscience, 13(1). Web.