Approach to Cancer Care

Approach to Cancer Care
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Introduction
Cancer has been rated as the second leading cause of death especially in America. It is a complex disease that can be handled by specialists. It requires a balanced approach during treatment, where the specialists not only focus on the disease, but also consider the patient’s experience. Initially, when an individual is diagnosed with cancer, it is normally the beginning of a long journey for them depending on the extent of the cancer. For them, it would mean remaining on treatment for a long time, can cause a lot of financial and emotional constrains. This is why patients suffering from cancer also suffer from physical, psychological, social and spiritual problems (Cancer Research UK, 2015). Elimination of the disease is yet to be achieved, but applying practical approach to relief the pain of those suffering and improving the quality of their lives is very important when dealing with cancer patients. Cancer treatment services are all over the world, but scientist have proven that the best model for treating cancer is to ensure the patient is relieved of the pain associated with cancer at the same time ensuring that the disease is controlled . This approach provides a more comprehensive response to cancer (Fawcett & MacQueen, 2010).
An Overview of Cancer
There are more than 200 types of cancer that originate from different causes. The different types of cancer present different symptoms. In recent research conducted by Cancer Research Center in UK, it indicates that one in three people would develop some form of cancer while still alive (Cancer Research UK, 2015). The same research noted that in the UK alone, a total of 298,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed annually, ranging from breast cancer, large bowl cancer and prostate cancer. Cancer causes fear in many people since it is a life threatening disease. However, most people diagnosed with cancer still survive (Fawcett & MacQueen, 2010).
Diagnosis and Staging of Cancer
When diagnosing cancer, the doctor performs a physical examination combined with the patients’ history related to the current symptoms. Several tests can be done to know which type of cancer one has and its exact location. To diagnose cancer, the doctor needs to take sample of the tissues that is suspected to be infected and analyzing it using a microscope. A biopsy is done for further examination. Biopsy requires that a piece of tissues is removed from the individual and examined to see if there is any tumor that is developing (Rogriguez, & Brigewater, 2010). Blood count test can be helpful because it provides useful information about individual’s health status. Use of advance technology to conduct test like endoscopy helps in treating cancer. In other areas where the tissues cannot be seen, scanning is used.
. Ideally most people are encouraged to go for a comprehensive medical check up on a yearly basis. During the routine medical checkups, most patients are diagnosed with cancer. It also advisable that when one notices some signs associated with cancer it is important to seek medical examination. For example, for breast cancer, a swollen lump under the breast is one of the signs to watch out...