What are the differences of cancer in men than women?
-More men than women die from cancer-related deaths each year.
-Mortality rate from lung cancer is
... [Show More] higher in men (26%.)
-Cancer with the highest incidence among men is prostate cancer (19%.)
-Men are more likely to develop liver cancer.
-Head and neck cancers occur more often in men.
What are the differences of cancer in women than men?
-Cancer with the highest death rate among women is lung cancer (25%.)
-Cancer with the highest incidence among women is breast cancer (30%.)
-Thyroid cancer is more prevalent in women.
-Women are less likely to have colon cancer screenings.
What does it mean if a tumor has a Grade I Histologic rating?
Cells differ slightly from normal cells (mild dysplasia) and are well differentiated (low grade.)
What does it mean if a tumor has a Grade II Histologic rating?
Cells are more abnormal (moderate dysplasia) and moderately differentiated (intermediate grade.)
What does it mean if a tumor has a Grade III Histologic rating?
Cells are very abnormal (severe dysplasia) and poorly differentiated (high grade.)
What does it mean if a tumor has a Grade IV Histologic rating?
Cells are immature, primitive (anaplasia), and undifferentiated; cell of origin is hard to determine (high grade.)
What does it mean if a tumor has a Grade X Histologic rating?
Grade cannot be assessed.
What does a Stage 0 cancer indicate?
Cancer in situ.
What does a Stage I cancer indicate?
Tumor limited to the tissue of origin; localized tumor growth.
What does a Stage II cancer indicate?
Limited local spread.
What does a Stage III cancer indicate?
Extensive local and regional spread.
What does a Stage IV cancer indicate?
Metastasis (spread of the cancer to a distant site.)
What should you teach patients and the public about cancer prevention and early detection?
-Limit alcohol use.
-Get regular physical activity (e.g., 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity 5 times weekly.)
-Maintain a normal body weight.
-Have regular physical examinations.
-Obtain regular colorectal screenings.
-Avoid cigarette smoking and other tobacco use.
-Get regular mammography screening and Pap tests.
-Be familiar with your own family history and risk factors for cancer.
-Obtain adequate, consistent periods of rest (at least 6 to 8 hours per night.)
-Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher. Avoid the use of tanning beds.
-Eliminate, reduce or change the perception of stressors and enhance the ability to effectively cope with stress.
-Eat a balanced diet that includes vegetables and fresh fruits, whole grains, and adequate amounts of fiber. Reduce dietary fat and preservatives, including smoked and salt-cured meats with high nitrate concentrations.
What are the warning signs of cancer?
-Change in bowel or bladder habits.
-A sore that does not heal.
-Unusual bleeding or discharge from any body orifice.
-Thickening or a lump in the breast or elsewhere.
-Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.
-Obvious change in a wart or mole.
-Nagging cough or hoarseness.
What are some problems caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy?
-Hyperuricemia
-Cardiotoxicity
-Pericarditis and Myocarditis
-Fatigue
-Anorexia
-Constipation
-Diarrhea
-Hepatotoxicty
-Nausea and Vomiting
-Stomatitis, Mucositis, and Esophagitis
-Hemorrhagic Cystitis
-Nephrotoxicity
-Reproductive Problems
-Anemia
-Leukopenia
-Thrombocytopenia
-Alopecia
-Chemotherapy-Induced Skin Changes
-Radiation Skin Changes (dry to moist desquamation)
-Cognitive Changes ("chemo brain")
-Intracranial Pressure
-Peripheral Neuropathy
-Pneumonitis
What are some examples of oncologic emergencies?
-Spinal Cord Compression
-Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS)
-Third Space Syndrome
-Hypercalcemia
-Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
-Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS)
-Cardiac Tamponade
-Carotid Artery Rupture
What are the manifestations of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome?
-Facial edema, periorbital edema
-Distention of veins of head, neck, and chest
-Headache- seizures
-Mediastinal mass on chest x-ray
What are factors that affect how patients cope with cancer?
-Ability to cope with stressful events in the past.
-Ability to express feelings and concerns.
-Age at the time of diagnosis.
-Attitude associated with the cancer.
-Availability of significant other.
-Disruption of body image.
-Extent of disease.
-Past experiences with cancer.
-Symptoms.
In the TNM Classification System, what does TX indicate?
Tumor cannot be measured.
In the TNM Classification System, what does T0 indicate?
No evidence of primary tumor (tumor cannot be found.)
In the TNM Classification System, what does Tis indicate?
Tumor in situ, meaning only malignant cells only within superficial layer of tissue; no extension into deeper tissue.
In the TNM Classification System, what does T1/T2/T3/T4 indicate?
A description of primary tumor based on size and/or invasion into nearby structures; the higher the T number, the larger the tumor and/or the more it has grown into nearby tissues.
In the TNM Classification System, what does NX indicate?
Nearby lymph nodes cannot be evaluated.
In the TNM Classification System, what does N0 indicate?
No evidence of cancer cells in regional lymph nodes.
In the TNM Classification System, what does N1/N2/N3 indicate?
A description of size, location, and/or number of lymph nodes involved; the higher the N number, the more extensive the lymph node involvement.
In the TNM Classification System, what does MX indicate?
Metastasis cannot be evaluated.
In the TNM Classification System, what does M0 indicate?
No evidence of metastasis can be found.
In the TNM Classification System, what does M1/M2/M3/M4 indicate?
A description of extent of metastasis; the higher the M number, the more extensive the metastasis.
What is palliative care?
A holistic approach to care or treatment that focuses on reducing the severity of disease symptoms, rather than trying to delay or reverse the progression of the disease itself or provide a cure.
What are the goals of palliative care?
-Regard dying as a normal process.
-Provide relief from symptoms, including pain.
-Affirm life and neither hasten nor postpone death.
-Support holistic patient care and enhance quality of life.
-Offer support to patients to live as actively as possible until death.
-Offer support to the family during the patient's illness and in their own bereavement.
What are the main goals of hospice care?
To assist the patient to live as fully and comfortably as possible while dying with dignity.
What is the major difference between palliative care and hospice care?
Palliative care allows a person to simultaneously receive curative and palliative treatments.
When does hospice care become an option?
When the physician determines a person has 6 months or less to live and that person or health care proxy decides to forgo curative treatments.
What are the goals of end of life care?
-Provide comfort and supportive care during the dying process.
-Improve quality of the patient's remaining life.
-Help ensure a dignified death.
-Provide emotional support to the family.
What are the physical manifestations at end of life related to the cardiovascular system?
-Increased heart rate, later slowing and weakening of pulse
-Irregular rhythm
-Decreased BP
-Delayed absorption of drugs given IM or subcutaneously [Show Less]