Cancer: A Case Study

Cancer is becoming a second leading cause of death in our society. The expenses for diagnosis and treatment are overwhelming. People may deal with various challenges like; physical, social, emotional and spiritual. “Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body” (What is cancer, 2014). “Cancer is associated with the alteration expression of cellular genes that normally regulate proliferation and differentiation” (Copstead & Banasik, 2013). Abnormal cells are called termed, malignant or tumor cell. Many abnormal cells that create cancer tissue are also known by name of the tissue that originates from, for example breast, colon, and lung etc. Absolute diagnosis for cancer needs positive cytological findings. There are …show more content…
Pain can be triggered by cancer itself or by cancer treatment. As the tumor grows, it spread into the surrounding tissues and put pressure on nerve. “According to National Comprehensive Cancer Network, pain falls into 3 categories; Visceral pain (caused by damaged organ tissue), Somatic pain (affecting a specific area of the muscle, bone or skin) and Neuropathic pain (caused by injury to the central nervous system)” (Cancer Complication, n.d.). Before cancer treatment it is essential to know what kind of pain is present. After pinpointing the source, remove the source of pain. Medicine and different approaches (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation etc.) can be used to treat cancer related pain effectively. To manage pain, health provider may recommend a course of treatment, which includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioid. Adequate pain control is important in every day people’s …show more content…
There are many side effects in cancer. Physiological side effects are for example; Fatigue, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, skin and nail changes, urinary problem. Psychological side effects are for example; shock, disbelief, fear, anxiety, depression, anger, feeling of isolation, helplessness etc. Side effects can be different from person to person, some people have very few while other have many. To relieve fatigue, try to do regular physical activities like yoga that help in manage weight. Take enough rest, adequate hydration, enough nutrition through food, which is important. Recognize trigger food that cause nausea and take anti nausea medicine. Take pain medicine to control pain along with medicine for constipation. Because, pain medicine can cause constipation, so high fiber, lots of fluid is recommended. Addressing Psychological care is necessary and it is an integral part of cancer care. Psychological well being can help individual feel relaxed, in control, cope better during treatment, overcome anxiety and depression and enjoy life. Thus, positive mind is important to move on and live life. To prevent psychological side effect talk about feelings, reach out to family, friends, meet other cancer survivors, seek professional counseling, mind body technique (stress management, laughter therapy,