CANCER

 Cancer is a group of more than 200 diseases characterized by unregulated growth of cells.  This growth of new cells is called a tumor.  Tumors can either be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).  Benign tumors grow slowly, are localized to one area, and do not usually cause death.  Malignant tumors grow rapidly and can spread to other body parts.  This spreading is called metastasis.  Malignant tumors, if not treated will most likely cause death  Malignant tumors, if not treated will most likely cause death.

 Cancer does not discriminate, it affects all ages, races and genders  Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in Canada  There were 75, 700 deaths in Canada from cancer in 2012 Common cancer sites are:  Lungs – most deaths for men in 2012 with 27.2%. Most deaths for women with 25.9%  Breast – the most new cases for females in 2012 with 25.6%  Prostate – the most new cases for males in 2012 with 27.2%  Colon  Rectum  Uterus  Skin

 Carcinoma › Malignant neoplasm of epithelial origin or cancer of the internal or external lining of the body. › It is present in the skin, the covering and lining of organs and internal passageways, such as the GI tract. › Accounts for 80-90% of all cancers. › 2 sub types, adenocarcinomas (organs/glands) & squamous cell carcinomas (epithelium)  Sarcoma › Supportive and connective tissues such as bones, tendons, cartilage, muscle, and fat. Several types.  Myeloma › Cancer that originates in the plasma cells of bone marrow

 Leukemia › Cancers of the bone marrow. › Different types depending on the part of the blood they affect  Lymphoma › Develop in the glands or nodes of the lymphatic system, a network of vessels, nodes, and organs (specifically the spleen, tonsils, and thymus). › Lymphomas may also occur in specific organs such as the stomach, breast or brain. › Lymphomas are subclassified into two categories: Hodgkins and Non-Hodgkins lymphoma  Mixed types

CAUSES/RISK FACTORS The causes of cancer are not completely known, however, there are some factors that contribute.  Family hx/genetics  Smoking  Alcohol  Poor diet  Radiation exposure  Chemical exposure carcinogenic The word carcinogenic means cancer causing

WARNING SIGNS CAUTION Use the acronym CAUTION  C hange in bowel or bladder habits  A sore that does not heal  U nusual bleeding or discharge from any body orifice  T hickening or a lump in the breast or elsewhere  I ndigestion or difficulty swallowing  O bvious change in a wart or mole  N agging cough or hoarseness

Tx  Tx can be used for several reasons.  Tx can:  cure  keep the cancer from spreading,  slow a tumor’s growth  help relieve symptoms.  Tx can be extremely successful when cancer is detected early.  Tx depends on the size, type and location of the tumor as well as if it has metastasized.

 One or a combination of tx’s can be used. The 3 main types of tx are: 1. Surgery : 1. Surgery : Works well when the tumor is localized. Cancerous tissue as well as some surrounding tissue is removed. BILATERAL MASTECTOMY

2. Radiation 2. Radiation : Radiation destroys cells. (Cancer and normal cells)  It can be used alone or in combination with surgery or chemo.  Radiation has many side effects including: › N&V › Pain/discomfort › Fatigue › Anorexia › Diarrhea › Skin breakdown

Chemotherapy : 3. Chemotherapy : Powerful drug therapy that kills cells (cancerous and normal).  There are many severe side effects from chemo including  N&V  Stomatitis  Alopecia  Bruising  Bleeding  Infection

Cancer pt.’s have many needs. Care includes:  Ensuring adequate rest  Pain control  Preventing skin breakdown  Preventing bowel problems  Positive attitude and encouragement