Introduction
The provision of advanced cancer care necessitates the implementation of a collaborative and interdisciplinary strategy. According to Wang et al. (2016), the condition of cancer care of superior quality is predicated on the fundamental idea that patient participation serves as the bedrock of high-quality care. The absence of a standard gold treatment is evident in the context of complex and incurable malignancies. Hence, it is imperative to prioritize the intrinsic needs, values, and preferences of patients with advanced tumors to deliver cancer care oriented around the patient and of superior quality. Considering those mentioned above, the subsequent essay explores the application of the nursing method in cancer care. This paper specifically examines the topics of cancer diagnosis and staging, difficulties associated with cancer, side effects of cancer treatment, and strategies for mitigating psychological and physical distress.
Diagnosis and Staging of Cancer
As stated by the National Cancer Institute, physicians diagnose cancer through laboratory testing, biopsies, and imaging studies. Laboratory examinations mostly center around the analysis of tumor markers, as cancerous cells exhibit an overproduction of these biomolecules. Various imaging modalities, including computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear scans, bone scans, and X-rays, are employed to evaluate the human body’s internal anatomical features to detect any neoplastic growths or irregularities. In the majority of instances, medical practitioners typically do not require the utilization of biopsies as a diagnostic tool for cancer. Furthermore, the utilization of a physical examination can also serve as a diagnostic tool for the identification of cancerous conditions. For example, medical professionals may conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient to detect the presence of abnormal masses that could potentially signify the presence of neoplastic growths. In this context, observations of variations in skin pigmentation and increased size are documented. Nevertheless, medical practitioners do not just depend on physical examination as the sole means of achieving a precise cancer diagnosis.
Zhang et al. (2021) assert that cancer staging involves determining the extent of the primary tumor based on factors such as depth, size, or invasion of neighboring organs. Staging is a crucial procedure that consists of determining a tumor’s precise location and size, with the ultimate goal of establishing the most suitable course of therapy. In addition, the cancer staging process is utilized to choose the most optimal treatment approach by predicting the trajectory of tumor progression and assessing the likelihood of treatment efficacy. Although the circumstances of each patient may differ, it is often seen that malignancies of similar types or stages tend to exhibit comparable results. It is important to note that staging does not apply to all forms of cancer. Leukemia is a malignancy that impacts the hematopoietic system, specifically the blood cells, and is commonly characterized by systemic dissemination to other organs before clinical identification.
The numeric and Tumor, Node, Metastasized (TNM) method of cancer staging after the confirmed diagnosis.
Most cancers are staged at diagnosis and after treatment. Clinical and pathological staging are the primary cancer staging modalities. There are several cancer staging approaches; however, TNM is widely used. In this framework, the doctor assigns T to the tumor, N to the lymph nodes, and M to metastasis to determine the comprehensive cancer stage. Doctors examine the T-category primary tumor to determine its anatomical location. In this scenario, “TX” means the tumor’s size cannot be specified, whereas “T1” means its location cannot be defined. Cancer cells grow within their source cells without spreading to nearby tissues. Tumors are characterized by size and applied using numerical values 1, 2, 3, or 4. Lymph nodes are examined for malignant infiltration in the N category. NX denotes no awareness of lymph node malignancy, while NO indicates no cancer. Dimensions, spatial coordinates, and number of afflicted lymph nodes are 1, 2, and 3 (Zhang et al., 2021).
Medical professionals assess tumor metastasis in M. MX means no tumor, but M1 means cancer cells have metastasized to nearby organs. Note that each cancer kind has its own TNM classifications. Thus, letters and numbers may be interpreted differently in various cancers. The stage is determined by combining T, N, and M values. In this context, cancer has phases I–IV. Size and spread to adjacent body parts increase with a higher numerical value. Advanced cancers metastasize to nearby organs, requiring more advanced treatment. Stage 0, carcinoma in situ, refers to a cancer’s restriction to its origin cells without further spread.
Complications of Cancer, Side Effects of Treatment, and Methods to Lessen Physical and Psychological Effects
Cancer patients encounter many situations related to malignant tumors, metastasis, paraneoplastic disorders, and anti-cancer therapy. These emergencies can be minor or life-threatening but always require prompt action to prevent permanent damage. SIADH, SCC, and anaphylactoid response are common cancer complications. Cancer still causes most symptoms of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. The disease is caused by an oversupply of antidiuretic hormone, which maintains fluid balance. Excess hormones can cause water intoxication. Spinal cord compression is a severe cancer consequence. Application of Nursing Process Approach to Cancer Care Essay. About 5% of cancer patients have spinal metastases; according to Brook (2020), Oxaliplatin therapy for cancer patients is associated with severe and even fatal anaphylactoid responses.
Malignant medicines can cause side effects because malignant cells damage healthy cells. Side effects depend on patient features and drugs. Neutropenia, lymphedema, nausea, vomiting, alopecia, cognitive impairment, deep vein thrombosis, and pain are joint cancer therapy side effects. Fatigue, depression, and appetite loss are among the side effects. Cancer patients can use many methods to reduce physical and psychological symptoms. To reduce symptoms, people can use medication and oxygen. Pharmaceuticals can relieve physical symptoms, while oxygen can reduce breathlessness. Patients may seek emotional support from family and friends to manage the disease’s psychosocial effects (Brook, 2020).
Factors Contributing to the Yearly Incidence and Mortality Rates of Various Cancers in America
The primary determinants leading to elevated cancer mortality rates among the American population are predominantly associated with lifestyle choices. The factors above encompass tobacco use, physical inactivity, overweight, and obesity.
Tobacco use
Tobacco consumption in the United States poses a significant threat to public health. Cigarette smoking, a prevalent habit among Americans, has been identified as a significant contributor to around 440,000 premature deaths annually due to cancer. According to Nooreldeen & Bach (2021), smoking is accountable for 30% of cancer-related fatalities. There exists a correlation between smoking and the development of eight distinct types of cancer, namely lung, pancreatic, bladder, kidney, pharyngeal, laryngeal, and esophageal cancers. Moreover, it has been discovered that tobacco usage is associated with the development of colon stomach tumors and leukemia.
Physical Inactivity
Physical activity is associated with a wide range of mental and physical advantages, such as decreased likelihood of early death, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even cancer. Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the likelihood of developing colon, rectal, and endometrial cancer. Significantly, engaging in physical activity is an essential adjunct to dietary management to prevent weight gain and is indispensable for maintaining weight following purposeful weight loss. Rawla, Sunkara, and Barsouk (2019) reported that a notable proportion, namely about 15 percent, of lung, colorectal, and breast cancers in the United States can be ascribed to insufficient engagement in physical exercise.
Overweight and Obesity
According to Rawla, Sunkara, & Barsouk (2019), empirical evidence indicates that around 70 percent of the American populace is afflicted with obesity or overweight conditions. Obesity has been identified as a significant factor in the occurrence and fatality rates of various types of malignancies. These encompass the utilization of female hormones in the treatment of breast and uterine malignancies, the exploration of insulin pathways for colon cancer, as well as the investigation of other cancers occurring in diverse anatomical locations. It is imperative to prioritize the mitigation of the three risks above factors in order to effectively decrease the incidence and fatality rates associated with diverse forms of cancer.
How the American Cancer Society (ACS) Might Provide Education and Support
The primary objective of the American Cancer Society is to provide comprehensive support and assistance to individuals navigating the complexities of their cancer journey. In addition to assisting those who have cancer, societal resources are also allocated towards supporting the relatives of cancer patients. The American Cancer Society (ACS) offers support services to cancer patients. These services encompass patient services, support groups, medical equipment, social services, provision of wigs and prostheses, transportation services, accommodation assistance, and financial initiatives. In addition to its other endeavors, the society disseminates cancer-related educational materials by publishing patient education brochures, professional journals, books, and pamphlets. The educational resources provided center around distinct forms of malignancies, strategies for prevention, and techniques for managing the associated challenges.
Recommendations for these patients and why
As a nurse, I highly recommend availing oneself of the following services: the online community, transportation assistance for medical care, and housing accommodations. The American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Network facilitates the exchange of practical advice, personal stories, and the cultivation of hope among individuals affected by cancer (Lovelace et al., 2019). The online community, which is accessible without charge, was established with the specific purpose of providing support and resources for those diagnosed with cancer and their respective families. Lodging services are particularly advantageous for patients undergoing cancer treatment at a considerable distance from their residence and require accommodations during this period. Moreover, transportation services provided to patients play a crucial role in addressing their challenges while accessing treatment facilities.
Use of the Nursing Process in Providing Safe and Effective Care for Cancer Patients
Five successive phases in the nursing process provide patient-centered cancer care. In 1958, Jean Orlando developed the nursing process, integrating critical thinking, goal-directed services, nursing intuition, and evidence-based suggestions. The nursing process includes assessment, diagnosis, planning, execution, and evaluation. The doctor uses critical thinking and data collection at assessment by directly interviewing patients or primary carers. In this environment, doctors gather patients’ physical, psychological, social, and spiritual data.
The Maslow hierarchy is used to determine an individual’s needs. Doctors evaluate patients to determine their health conditions (Lovelace et al., 2019). The third step is planning, where cancer patients set quantifiable, achievable goals. These goals include adherence to medicines, healthy eating, and emotional support. The fourth stage, implementation, differs per patient. In this phase, doctors monitor cancer patients for signs and symptoms and teach them how to manage and cope. Nurses encourage cancer patients to seek post-treatment care during this era. In the last step, nurses evaluate if treatment goals were met. Results are based on patient improvement, maintenance, or decline.
How does an interdisciplinary research approach (which includes liberal arts, science studies, mathematics, and social and physical sciences) build on the foundational nursing knowledge related to cancer research?
Cancer nursing research incorporates liberal arts, science studies, mathematics, and social and physical sciences to expand understanding. Cancer is complicated and requires more than biomedical expertise. The confluence of disciplines gives nurses a holistic view of cancer, its effects on people and communities, and effective treatments. Liberal arts in transdisciplinary cancer research illuminate human nature’s cultural, ethical, and social aspects. Art, literature, and philosophy help nurses grasp cancer’s emotional and existential dimensions, fostering empathy and patient-centered treatment. The interdisciplinary approach recognizes that cancer impacts people psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually. Science studies critique cancer research approaches. Preconceptions, biases, self-awareness, and introspection must be critically assessed during the study. Nursing researchers might strengthen their approaches with science philosophy to ensure scientific rigor and ethical integrity. This promotes ethical and honest field research. Cancer research uses mathematics for data analysis, modeling, and statistical inference (Lovelace et al., 2019). Using quantitative tools, nurses and mathematicians improve epidemiological studies, treatment outcome prediction, and cancer incidence and prevalence.
Precise measurements increase cancer care by increasing nurse treatment evidence. In interdisciplinary cancer research, social sciences study sociocultural elements that affect health outcomes, inequalities, and cancer prevention and treatment policy. Nurses can study cancer’s social environment to learn how socioeconomic, cultural, and structural differences affect patients’ outcomes. Biophysics and biochemistry explain cancer’s molecular mechanisms. This knowledge is essential for creating accurate therapeutic approaches and individualized treatment programs that match nurse interventions with cancer research. Nursing incorporating liberal arts, science studies, mathematics, and social and physical sciences helps cancer research. Nurses can better treat cancer and advance the field with this holistic approach.
Conclusion
In summary, it is imperative to adopt a personalized approach to providing care for cancer patients, one that is closely aligned with the unique needs and circumstances of each patient. The classification of cancer staging is based on the TNM system, which considers the tumor’s site, metastasis, and lymph node involvement, categorizing stages I to IV. Physicians typically facilitate the diagnosis of cancer through the utilization of diagnostic imaging techniques and tissue biopsy procedures. The increased occurrence and fatality rates of various types of malignancies in the United States can be ascribed to a multitude of variables. The factors encompassed in this category consist of obesity and overweight, tobacco misuse, and insufficient engagement in physical exercise. The American Cancer Society is vital in supporting cancer patients by offering educational resources and various support programs to enhance their overall well-being. The delivery of patient-focused and holistic care to cancer patients should incorporate the utilization of the five steps of the nursing process.
References
Brook, I. (2020). Late side effects of radiation treatment for head and neck cancer. Radiation Oncology Journal, 38(2), 84.
Lovelace, D. L., McDaniel, L. R., & Golden, D. (2019). Long‐term effects of breast cancer surgery, treatment, and survivor care. Journal of midwifery & women’s health, 64(6), 713-724.
Nooreldeen, R., & Bach, H. (2021). Current and future development in lung cancer diagnosis. International journal of molecular sciences, 22(16), 8661.
Rawla, P., Sunkara, T., & Barsouk, A. (2019). Epidemiology of colorectal cancer: incidence, mortality, survival, and risk factors. Gastroenterology Review/Przegląd Gastroenterologiczny, 14(2), 89-103.
Zhang, C., Mei, Z., Pei, J., Abe, M., Zeng, X., Huang, Q., … & Ugai, T. (2021). A modified tumor-node-metastasis classification for primary operable colorectal cancer. JNCI Cancer Spectrum, 5(1), pkaa093.
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