A Sensitization Campaign Aimed at Reducing Cancer Deaths - Assignment Example

? Discussion Question Cancer is among the most dreaded diseases in the world. It tops the list of global fatality causes accounting for approximately 7.6 million deaths each year according to International Agency for Research on Cancer 2008 estimates. The majority of these deaths occur among the middle and low income groups. Besides, it is estimated that in 2008, 12.7 new cancer cases occurred. If this rate is unchanged, the number of cancer victims shall stand at approximately 21.4 million by 2030 with associated death of 13.2 million people. However, given that one third of cancer cases can be traced to lifestyle, some cases can actually be prevented through adoption of healthy behavioural and dietary habits. To this end, the global health agencies have embarked on a sensetization campaign aimed at reducing cancer deaths by 8 million within a decade. Although numerous studies have been conducted to establish the real cause of cancer, none has given a definitive answer to this problem. Several factors both genetic and environmental are pointed out as likely causes. However, it is important to note that less than 9% of cancer cases are as a result of inheritance. Most cases are due to mutation of oncogenes caused by environmental elements such as cigarettes, alcohol, radiations and chemicals. In this regard, cancer is defined as a disease caused by uncontrolled growth and multiplication of body cells (Raymond, 2007). Through cell division and growth, the body is able to produce more cells needed for healthy existence. However, in some instances, the abnormal cell division and growth occurs leading to production of many cells some of which are not needed by the body. These extra cells gather to form either benign or malignant tumor. However, a benign tumor does not pose health risk because they do not move to other parts of the body. In the contrary malign tumors also known as cancerous cells multiply and damage neighboring tissues. In addition, they can separate from parent organ and spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph. With regard to cancer, diagnosis refers to the process of trying to establish whether the disease is actually cancer and its possible causes. It involves the removal of tissues from affected organs by a surgeon for examination under microscope by a pathologist. There are various types biopsy conducted on cancer suspects depending on the part of body being examined. When a needle is used to suck fluid from tumor cell, then the process is referred to as needle aspiration biopsy. Other types include excisional biopsy where the whole tissue is removed and incisional biopsy where part of the tissue is detached. After the diagnosis has been done, the process of examining its extent (staging) follow. This process is essential because it helps in determining the stage of cancer. There are four cancer stages often written in Roman numbers. Stage I imply that the tumor is small usually less than 2cm and still confined in the organ. Stage II cancer is bigger, usually 2-4 cm has not started spreading. Stage III cancer means the tumor is more than 4cm and has began spreading to the lymph nodes. Finally, stage IV means cancer has spread to other body organs Besides, staging help the physician to determine the type of tumor, check the spread, prescribe suitable treatment and predict the patient future outlook (Susan, Marsha and Margaret, 2009). Staging is preceded by clinical investigations such as surgery, blood test and medical scanning. Radiation imaging is the most common method used in staging. This can be done through Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computerized Tomography (CT) scans. Cancer like all other diseases is associated with various general and specific complications. Among the most prevalent complications is a neurological condition called brain metastases. It is estimated that 23% of cancer patients are affected by this condition. It is brought about by the spreading of tumors from other organs to the brain. Some of its side effects include headache, epileptic seizures, memory loss, increased intracranial pressure, vomiting disturbance of consciousness and specific neurological symptoms. Although, this condition has diminished chances of being cured, early diagnosis through Computerized Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging is critical in treatment process. Some of the treatments used include use of drugs to relieve pain and kill cancerous cells (chemotherapy), brain surgery and use of radiation to kill the tumor. Another metabolic complication of cancer is called hypocalcaemia. This condition is caused by high level of serum calcium in the body and affect close to 30% of cancer patients. Calcium is essential mineral used for bone formation, hormonal discharge and neurological functions. The level of calcium in the body is checked primarily by pyrathyroid hormone. The overproduction of this hormone leads to increased discharge of calcium into the blood. Cancer patients develop hypercalcaemia due to malignancy, whereby tumor cells alters the release of pyrathyroid hormone. This condition produces side effects such as abdominal pain, kidney stones, abnormal heart beat, depression, constipation, nausea and bone aches. It can be diagnosed by carrying out a combination of blood test and urinalysis. Patients can be treated by hydration to normalize calcium levels or dialysis. Other options are homotherapy and surgery. The final complication in this discussion is epidural spinal cord compression which affect close to 5% of cancer patients. As the name suggest, this condition is associated with application of pressure on spinal cord leading to pain and sometimes paralysis. The durra is the membrane covering the spinal cord and even brain. When a tumor spread to the spine it establishes a swelling that compresses the spinal cord (Lisa and Jerome, 2009). Consequently, the patient feels back pain. Other side effects include urine pretension, difficulty in walking and neck pain. Advanced cases may also lead to impotence. The most effective diagnosis for this condition is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Some of the preferred treatment methods are radiation therapy, surgery and corticosteroids. Cancer patients undergo devastating physical and psychological effects even after being cured. Some of these effects are long term in nature and require constant support and care. Some of the physical effects include loss of hair, weight loss, and incapacitation of body parts, swellings on the body, bone aches, urinary problems, blood clots and fatigue. The psychological effects include depression, low self esteem, anxiety, disturbance of consciousness and memory loss. Given that some of these effects are long term, various intervention measures should be put in place to prevent secondary disorders that may affect the already burdened patients. To achieve maximum results, interventions should target families where the patients hail, to health facilities where the patients receive medical care to the state where the medical policies are made. At family level, the government should make it mandatory for the family member taking care of the patient to be taught how to take care of cancer victims. This should also be extended to general populace by integrating basic health care skills course in the educational curriculum. This will stem out stigmatization of cancer patients and trigger conscious understanding of health conditions At the hospital level, the health the practitioners should explain to the cancer victims the long term effects of the diseases so that they can be prepared to live with it or manage the effect. Effective interaction and communication between the cancer patients and caregivers can reduce magnitude of depression and impart realistic expectations (Irene et al., 2002). Part of this communication should include training on healthy living skills such as regular exercise and taking balanced diet. To boost these efforts, the state should establish a cancer support centers in all villages. These centers should be equipped with modern cancer diagnostic and treatment equipment. Apart from medics, other professionals such as counselors should also be employed in these centers to provide counseling services to cancer patients undergoing emotional stress. The centers should be linked to the central depository of health records to facilitate easy access information regarding the cancer patients. Finally, on the national front, as a policy matter, the government should consider removing all charges levied on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases like cancer in all public hospitals. In addition, cancer diagnosis should be done along with other common laboratory tests. This requires great investment in healthcare. To cater for patients who cannot access public hospital, the government should consider giving all cancer patients a lifetime insurance cover so that they can seek medical services in best private hospitals. However the venture is expensive and requires innovative ways of financing. This can be done through establishment of a provident fund where employees make mandatory contributions. Another means of financing is creation of fund where a small percentage of revenue from export of natural resources is deposited for financing social services. However, it is important to note that the strategies for improving health care systems vary from country to country with each producing different results. Therefore, emphasis should be placed on catering for the welfare of cancer patients. References Irene J. Higginson et. al (2002).Communication in End-of-life Cancer care: A comparison of Team Assessments in three European countries. Journal of Clinical Oncology.20 (17):3674-82. Lisa, M., & Jerome, P. (2009). Neurological complications of cancer: New York: Oxford University Press. Raymond, R. (2007). Cancer biology. New York: Oxford University Press Susan, P., Marsha, M, & Margaret, L. (2009). Cancer. Santa Barbara: Greenwood Publishing Group. Read More