CANCERCANCER

CancerCancer is a group of more than 200 is a group of more than 200 diseases characterized by unregulated diseases characterized by unregulated growth of cells.growth of cells.

This growth of new cells is called a This growth of new cells is called a tumor.tumor. Tumors can either be Tumors can either be benignbenign (non- (non-

cancerous) or cancerous) or malignantmalignant (cancerous). (cancerous). Benign tumors grow slowly, are localized to Benign tumors grow slowly, are localized to

one area, and do not usually cause death. one area, and do not usually cause death. Malignant tumors grow rapidly and can Malignant tumors grow rapidly and can

spread to other body parts. spread to other body parts. This spreading is called This spreading is called metastasismetastasis. . Malignant tumors, if not treated will most Malignant tumors, if not treated will most

likely cause deathlikely 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

CarcinomaCarcinoma› 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) SarcomaSarcoma

› Supportive and connective tissues such as bones, tendons, cartilage, muscle, and fat. Several types.

MyelomaMyeloma› Cancer that originates in the plasma cells of bone

marrow

LeukemiaLeukemia› Cancers of the bone marrow. › Different types depending on the part of the

blood they affect LymphomaLymphoma

› 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 typesMixed types

CAUSES/RISK FACTORSCAUSES/RISK FACTORSThe causes of cancer are not completely known,

however, there are some factors that contribute.

Family hx/genetics Smoking Alcohol Poor diet Radiation exposure Chemical exposureThe word carcinogeniccarcinogenic means cancer causing

WARNING SIGNSWARNING SIGNSUse the acronym CAUTIONCAUTION Change in bowel or bladder habits A sore that does not heal Unusual bleeding or discharge from any

body orifice Thickening or a lump in the breast or

elsewhere Indigestion or difficulty swallowing Obvious change in a wart or mole Nagging cough or hoarseness

TxTx 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:

1.1. SurgerySurgery: : Works well when the tumor is localized. Cancerous tissue as well as some surrounding tissue is removed.

BILATERAL BILATERAL MASTECTOMYMASTECTOMY

2.2. RadiationRadiation: 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

3. ChemotherapyChemotherapy: : 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