Cancer 101: A Cancer Education and Training Program for

[Target Population]

Date

Location

Presented by:

Presenter 1

Presenter 2

Basics of Cancer Treatment

Cancer 101

Learning Module 7

Learning Objectives

At the completion of learning Module 7, you will be able to:

• Discuss the Western approach [and target population approach?] to cancer treatment

• Discuss the difference between local and systemic treatment for cancer

• Describe the reason side effects occur with cancer treatment

• Describe at least two side effects that can occur as a result of cancer treatment

• Discuss the benefits of managing physical effects of cancer and cancer treatment

How We Become Well Again

• For many [target population] diagnosed with cancer, treatment often involves a blend of both Western medicine and [target population] medicine.

• Both may be necessary in the fight against cancer.

Western Medicine

Characteristics of the Western medical approach to cancer treatment include:

• Science based

• Focus on physical aspect of the disease

• Team of special doctors working together to develop a treatment plan to fit the patient’s situation

[Target Population] Medicine

Characteristics of [target population] medicine include:

• xxxx

• xxxx

• xxxx

Holistic Approach

• Goal of treatment is centered on restoring harmony and balance.

• [Target population] are most likely to benefit when treatment is focused on a holistic approach that involves a blending of Western and [target population] medicine.

Cancer Treatment

The treatment team:• Patient• Surgeons• Medical oncologists• Radiation oncologists• Nurses• Others

The treatment plan:• Surgery• Chemotherapy• Radiation therapy• Hormone therapy• Biological therapy• Stem cell transplant• Clinical trial

Treatment Factors

Treatment for cancer depends on the following factors:

• Type of cancer

• Size, location and stage of the disease

• General health of the individual

Local or systemic treatment?

Local treatment affects cancer cells in the tumor and the area near it:

• Surgery• Radiation therapy

Systemic treatment travels through the bloodstream reaching cancer cells all over the body:

• Chemotherapy• Hormone therapy• Biological therapy

Treatment Methods - Surgery

• The removal of the cancerous tumor.

• May also include removal of the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes near the tumor.

Photo credit: Linda Bartlett | Source: NCI

Treatment Methods – Radiation Therapy

• Use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells

• Types:– External (outside the

body)– Internal (implanted in

the body)

Photo credit: Rhoda Baer | Source: NCI

Treatment Methods - Chemotherapy

• The use of drugs to kill cancer cells.

• Can be given:– Intravenously (through

a vein)– Oral/by mouth (pills)– Injection (a shot in the

skin tissue or muscle)– Topical (applied on the

skin)Photo credit: Rhoda Baer | Source: NCI

Treatment Methods – Hormone Therapy

• Used against certain cancers that depend on hormones for their growth.– Breast cancer– Prostate cancer

• Anti-hormone treatment can cause these cancers to go away or be controlled for a time.

Treatment Methods – Biological Therapy

• Also known as immunotherapy.

• May:– Stop or slow the growth of cancer cells– Make it easier for the immune system to

destroy cancer cells– Keep cancer from spreading to other parts of

the body

Treatment Methods – Stem Cell Transplantation

• Transplantation of blood-forming stem cells enable patients to receive high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

• Three types of stem cell transplants:– Autologous– Syngeneic– Allogeneic

Treatment Methods – Clinical Trials

• Research studies that evaluate promising new therapies and answer scientific questions.

• Cancer treatments available today are the result of clinical trial research.

Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)

• Complementary medicine

• Alternative medicine

• Ensure safe and coordinated care – inform your provider about any therapies you use or are considering

Side Effects

• Side effects depend mainly on the type and extent of the treatment.– Surgery Pain– Radiation therapy Tiredness, skin changes– Chemotherapy Hair loss, anemia,

tiredness, weakness, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth or lip sores

– Biological therapy Flu-like symptoms– Hormone therapy Weight gain, hot flashes,

nausea

Palliative Care

• Manage physical effects of cancer and/or its treatment.

• Given in addition to treatment throughout patient’s experience with cancer.

• Every person will have different palliative care needs.

• Research shows it improves quality of life.

Case Study

• Martha had local and systemic treatment.

• Local:– Surgery to remove the breast tumor– External radiation therapy to the breast after

surgery.

• Systemic:– Tamoxifen after surgery for prevention

• Complementary Medicine:– Yoga

In Summary

• You now have an understanding of:– Common cancer treatments and their

potential side effects.