Approach to Cancer Care (Essay Sample)

Approach to Cancer Care
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Introduction
Cancer has been rated as the second leading cause of death especially in America. Cancer is a complex disease that can be handled by specialists. It also requires a balanced approach during treatment, the specialist not only focus on the disease but also consider the patient’s experience. Initially when an individual is diagnosed with cancer, it is normally the beginning of a long journey for them depending on the extend of the cancer. For them it will mean people will remain on treatment for a long time that can cause allot of financial and emotional constrains. This is why patients suffering from cancer also suffer from physical, psychological, social and spiritual problems. Elimination of the disease is yet to be achieved but applying practical approach to relief the pain of those suffering and improving the quality of their lives is very important when dealing with cancer patients. Cancer treatment services are all over the world but scientist have proven that the best model for treating cancer is ensure the patient is relieved of the pain associated with cancer at the same time ensure that the disease is controlled . This approach provides a more comprehensive response to cancer (Fawcett & MacQueen , 2010).
Cancer
There are more than 200 types of cancer that originates from different causes. These different types of cancer presents different symptoms .In recent research conducted by Cancer Research Center in UK , it indicates that one in three people will develop some form of cancer while still alive. The same research noted that in the UK, a total of 298,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed ranging from breast cancer, large bowl cancer and prostate cancer . Cancer causes fear in many people since it is a life threatening disease. However most people diagnosed with cancer still survive (Fawcett & MacQueen , 2010).
Diagnosis and staging of cancer.
When diagnosing cancer, the doctor performs a physical examination combined with the patients’ history related to the current symptoms. Several tests can be done to know which type of cancer is to be treated and its exact location. To diagnose cancer, the doctor needs to take sample of the tissues that is suspected to be affected and analyzing it using a microscope. A biopsy is done for further examination. Biopsy requires that a piece of tissues is removed from the individual and examined to see if there is any tumor that is developing. Blood count test can be helpful because it provides useful information about individual’s health status. Use of advance technology to conduct test like endoscopy help in treating cancer. In other areas where the tissues cannot be seen scanning is used (Rogriguez ,& Brigewater ,2010).
. Ideally most people are encouraged to go for a comprehensive medical check up on a yearly basis. During the routine medical checkups most patients have been diagnosed with cancer. It also advisable that when one notices some signs associated with cancer it is important to seek medical examination For example for breast cancer, a swollen lump under the breast is one of the signs to watch out for. After the diagnosis the doctor will want to further examine that stage of the disease. This is to determine how far the disease has spread. Cancer normally spread very fast to other organs within the body. Therefore staging is important during the diagnosis process. Cancer stages are classified based on the way it spreads and the extent it has spread with each stage having different development process. The first stage means that the tumor is within the organ where it has originated. The second stage means the tumor has spread to other nearby tissues or possibly to the lymph nodes within the area. The third stage means the tumor has grown widely and affected other organs within the body. The last stage is where the tumor has spread to other organs and other parts of the body from its original source (Rogriguez ,& Brigewater ,2010).
In treating cancer there are several complications as the disease progresses. Therefore early detection and treatment is important .The most common complication is fatigue. Fatigue is a situation where one lacks energy needed to perform task or daily simple routines. It is estimated that close to 70% of patients suffering from cancer experience fatigue severally. According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer treatment processes like chemotherapy and also radiation therapy leads to fatigue that at time s leads also to certain complex situation like anemia. Patients with cancer will always feel fatigued even if they are rest. This might hinder them from being actively involved in daily routine due to lack of energy. Therefore patients with cancer are advised to perform light chores .To overcome fatigue patients need to have a nutritious diet and perform simple exercises on daily basis .Fatigue results to poor concentration lack of interest in doing anything and also sleeplessness . Fatigue also reduces the capability of one performing mental tasks. Doctors however states that experiencing fatigue does not mean that the patient’s condition is worsening or the treatment is not effective (Rogriguez ,& Brigewater ,2010).
Another side effect is loss of hearing which cannot be reversed. Loss of hearing happens slowing as it results from radiation therapy and platinum chemotherapy drugs like carboplatin among others. Nausea is also a common problem with cancer patient. Research states that 20-30 % of cancer patients experience nausea. It becomes worse for patients with advance cancer. Nausea can be accompanied by vomiting.
Diarrhea is common in cancer patient because cancer drugs normally reacts with other enzymes that are generated by the bacteria located in the intestine .This causes mild or severe diarrhea. Chemotherapy has been cited to be the main cause of diarrhea but not to all patients. Various ways are yet to be established to minimize the side effects of cancer treatment especially in older people. There are few coping mechanisms in relation to the cancer side effects. Usually patients are advised to eat easily digestible foods like bananas especially raw vegetables and fruits and other foods that are rich in fiber in order to reduce some of the side effects (Vertex ,2009).
Methods to lessen physical and psychological effects.