Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer - Essay Example

Approach to care al affiliation Approach to care Globally, cancer is one of the life-threatening diseases causing deaths at analarming rate. Arguably, there are over 200 different types of cancers treated using unlike methods (Werning, 2007). Many cancers can be treated at an early stage while others can only be controlled by relieving pain. It, therefore, is important to conduct health checks for treatment at an early stage. In the contemporary world, however, the segregated social and economic levels have exposed people into cancer problems rather than relieving them from the dangerous disease. Factors such as poverty and poor developments have greatly contributed to the poor treatment witnessed in countries around the world. Cancer affects not only the physical health but can also lead to distress of friends and family members. Notably, no single treatment exists for cancer; nevertheless, it is a gradual process, which attempts to eliminate the affected cells. Diagnosis Diagnosis of cancer plays a vital part in the entire treatment process. It, therefore, is important to give the right results for correct cure. In the process of cancer diagnosis, the medical and physical examination history plays an important role. It starts by a number of tests aimed at determining the type of cancer and location within the body (Werning, 2007). The tests include analysis of the electrolyte level, complete blood count and blood studies. In prostate specific antigen tests, health officers are required to use prostate biopsy as a primary step of determining cancerous cells. Tied to the primary tests are the imaging studies, which enhance professional ability to understand the type of cancer or any abnormalities in the body. These include MRI, CT, and X-rays scans as well as ultrasound tools (Zucchi, 2010). Other diagnosis tools also include endoscopy used to visualize tissues within the intestinal tract, bronchi or throat. Areas such as lymph nodes and interior sides of bones cannot offer clear visualization. As a result, radionuclide scanning is appropriate, which involves the injection of IV (weak radioactive substance), which is easily detected in any abnormal tissue. The definitive process of diagnosis cancer gives presumptive evidence according to various medical experts. In case the above diagnosis techniques do not give adequate or present results of doubt, preceding tests play an important role in localizing abnormalities. Tissues examination remains the best diagnosis procedure for cancer. According to pathologists, biopsy is the best, but expensive way of detecting cancerous cells. Certainly, skin and intestinal tissue biopsy are simple; however, brain tissue of lymph node biopsy requires a close attention and care (Werning, 2007). Notably, biopsy can diagnose more than the definitive results by identifying the cancer type. From this perspective, it plays significant process is diagnosis. Staging of cancer Staging is the process of unfolding the location, rate of spreading and effects of cancer on other organs within the body. The technique helps in planning and predicting treatment or a chance of recovery. There are three factors used to determine staging including growth, size and the rate of spreading to other organs. According to the American Joint committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging examines Tumor T, Node N, and Metastasis M to represent the size, spread and location consecutively (Greene, 2002). Evidently, doctors determine stage groupings by combining the tree factors. In this light, there are four stages starting with stage 0 where the cancer is in situ. At this stage, cancer is curable and has not spread to other tissues. Stage 1 represents the early stages, and the cancer has not spread deeply into other organs. Cancer in Stage 1 is also curable; however, immediate action is necessary. Stage II and III have tumours deeply spread in other tissues. In as much as the spread is vast, it mainly covers areas such as the lymph nodes and not the entire body. Stage IV has the cancer spread to many organs and presents serious effects if not checked well. Also called Metastatic cancer, stage four is most advanced and dangerous to the patients (Werning, 2007). Therefore, serious attention and care is necessary. Complications of cancer Cancer has a series of complications on the patients. It leads to growth and development of tumours of different parts of the body (Zucchi, 2010). The tumours have a direct effect on various operating systems ranging from the respiratory to the digestive tracts. In extreme conditions, tumours can affect physical movements where patients cannot move as a result of severe pain (Werning, 2007). On the other hand, prostate cancer can interfere with the reproductive systems of women. From this perspective, cancer can lead to birth complications, which may either affect the mother. In many cases, breast cancer has left women with one breast or both gone; hence, young ones do not enjoy the primary milk (Greene, 2002). The side effects of cancer treatment Cancer treatment is not one of the smooth processes where patients recover without experiencing negative effects. As a matter of fact, cancer patients undergoing treatment have a lot to bear. Chemotherapy and other biological therapy techniques reduce blood components such as white, red and platelets. They lose appetite mainly as a result of depression or anxiousness (Zucchi, 2010). It is inevitable to provide good nutrition and appropriate diet to keep the body working properly. In addition, cancer patients undergoing treatment have physical changes in body image. In essence, the patients have less self-esteem and may feel less confident in doing different activities (Werning, 2007). With regards to intimacy and sexuality, cancer treatment affect both the emotional and physical behaviours. It transforms communication, self-confidence and views the partner. In many cases, sexual intercourse is impossible during treatment as it presents a painful experience. Consistent sickness is also a common characteristic of patients undergoing cancer treatment. Surgery, for example, leave complications that cannot allow patients work or indulge in various activities. Other side effects include hair loss, change in skin and nails, eye defects, and complications in the digestive system (Greene, 2002). In addition, patients have added characteristics like nausea, which may lead to emotional distress. In essence, cancer patients undergoing treatment have many effects raising many questions as to researchers cannot find treatments without such effects. Methods to lessen physical and psychological effects The emotional, physical, and psychological effects of cancer treatment often leads to death of many patients without coping abilities. It, therefore, is important to present various methods that allow smooth, efficient and responsible coping strategies. People suffering from cancer need love as a primary and core factor of recovery. Lack of love leads to depression, as patients feel neglected. Therefore, family members and friends have to show love to cancer patients as a key factor in recovery. According to research, gentle exercise cuts down the tiredness and preserve muscle strength (Werning, 2007). It is important to ensure cancer patients do not indulge into strenuous or heavy work or exercises. Certainly, this causes normality hence reducing the aspect of tiredness experienced by the patients. Patients must also have consistent consultative forum with doctors or nurses. The health providers have vital information regarding the treatment process. Patients undergoing treatment must always inform doctors of changes or feelings (Zucchi, 2010). Notably, the consistent communication gives enough time to react and advise appropriately regarding changes. Certainly, intimacy does not only involve sex. However, expressing feelings can also follow other channels. Patients, therefore, must desist from focusing on sex as the only means of intimacy. In conclusion, cancer is a serious disease causing more deaths than other contagious illnesses. Diagnosis of cancer can be through screening, medical examination or blood sampling. Screening includes the use of MRI, CT, and X-rays scans not forgetting ultrasound tools. Cancer staging passes through various steps from stage 0 to the most dangerous stage IV. Complications and side effects that arise from cancer include adverse sicknesses, loss of appetite, and interference with the intimate life. Undeniably, more research is necessary to devise treatment initiative with limited effects. It is also important to create awareness to patients on the importance of keeping a good health while under medication. References Greene, F. L. (2002). AJCC cancer staging manual. New York, NY: Springer. Werning, J. W. (2007). Oral cancer: Diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation. New York: Thieme Medical Publishers. Zucchi, I. (2010). The transcriptional complexity of cancer: a breast cancer experience. Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics, 203(1), 61. Read More