Cancer is an unusual growth of cells, also referred to as malignancy. Breast cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and lymphoma are among the different types of cancer and symptoms may vary according to type. Tobacco use, aging, heredity, alcohol use, poor nutrition, obesity, and radiation or chemical exposure are the most common risk factors of developing cancer. Some of these causes are preventable, but others such as aging and heredity are not. Over time, several components may act jointly to cause healthy cells to develop carcinomatous. Diagnosis and staging of cancer, complications, side effects, treatments, and methods to decrease physiological and psychological effects of cancer are discussed in this paper.
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Treatment reactions can be variable from one person to another. Age of the patient, history of medical problems, treatment type and the frequency of treatment are the main factors that influence the side effects of cancer treatment. Most of the side effects will relieve immediately after the treatment, but some may last longer. “The main type of cancer treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and stem cell transplant” (National Cancer Institute, 2015). Pain, infection and discomfort are the most common side effect after the surgery. Normal cells in our body organs, mainly lung, heart, kidney, GI system, reproductive system and nerve cells can be damaged by chemotherapy. These organs can be protected with medications in certain cases. Alopecia or hair loss, another side effect of chemotherapy, may grow back, but the color and texture may differ. Fatigue, malaise, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and erythema at the site are the common side effect of radiation treatment and it can occur up to 6 months after treatment (NCI, …show more content…
Continuous declining in physical health and fear of relapse are the main reasons for worsening of psychological symptoms. Seeking help is the initial step to reduce the physiological and mental impacts of cancer. Grieving is a normal practice, inspires the patient to concentrate on various approaches to adapt to cancer. If the patient can feel a little feeling of hope, they can set their brain off of the thought of cancer. Staying active is another approach to increase self-esteem. Cancer is a wakeup call for some individuals to recognize their internal power, and spend more time with family and restore broken relations. Highly expensive cancer treatment is also a massive problem for the patients, in addition to the physiological and mental distress. Mental and emotional distress can be relieved by giving sufficient, emotional and spiritual support. Peer-care groups can share individual experiences and support each other (NCI,
Treatment reactions can be variable from one person to another. Age of the patient, history of medical problems, treatment type and the frequency of treatment are the main factors that influence the side effects of cancer treatment. Most of the side effects will relieve immediately after the treatment, but some may last longer. “The main type of cancer treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and stem cell transplant” (National Cancer Institute, 2015). Pain, infection and discomfort are the most common side effect after the surgery. Normal cells in our body organs, mainly lung, heart, kidney, GI system, reproductive system and nerve cells can be damaged by chemotherapy. These organs can be protected with medications in certain cases. Alopecia or hair loss, another side effect of chemotherapy, may grow back, but the color and texture may differ. Fatigue, malaise, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and erythema at the site are the common side effect of radiation treatment and it can occur up to 6 months after treatment (NCI, …show more content…
Continuous declining in physical health and fear of relapse are the main reasons for worsening of psychological symptoms. Seeking help is the initial step to reduce the physiological and mental impacts of cancer. Grieving is a normal practice, inspires the patient to concentrate on various approaches to adapt to cancer. If the patient can feel a little feeling of hope, they can set their brain off of the thought of cancer. Staying active is another approach to increase self-esteem. Cancer is a wakeup call for some individuals to recognize their internal power, and spend more time with family and restore broken relations. Highly expensive cancer treatment is also a massive problem for the patients, in addition to the physiological and mental distress. Mental and emotional distress can be relieved by giving sufficient, emotional and spiritual support. Peer-care groups can share individual experiences and support each other (NCI,