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CANCER AWARENESS
CARCINOGENS
Substances and exposures that can lead to cancer are
called carcinogens.
We come across many carcinogens in real life such as:
Tobacco smoke( both smoking and second-hand)
UV Rays
Engine exhaust
Polluted air and water
Processed Meats
Trans Fats
Makeup and beauty products
Areca nut
Hot beverages above 65 degree Celsius
Refined sugars and flours
Fast foods and soft drinks
Plastic products made of polystyrene
TREATMENT OF CANCER
The oncologist will decide what treatment is ideal based on the type
of cancer, where it is located, and how far it has spread (the stage of
cancer).
But in general, there are a few types of treatment that work for many
different kinds of cancer:
Surgery
Most people with cancer will have some type of surgery. The main
goal is to remove tumours, tissue, or areas with cancer cells, such as
lymph nodes. Doctors also may do it to diagnose the disease or find
out how serious it is.
In many cases, surgery offers the best chance of getting rid of the
disease, especially if it hasn’t spread to other parts of the body.
Along with a traditional operation, doctors can also fight some types
of cancer with:
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. There are two ways to
get it:
“Traditional” Chemotherapy
Most chemo medications are given through an injection into a vein.
But some types can be given as a shot in the muscle, under the skin,
or as an ointment or cream to put on your skin.
The side effects vary from person to person, even if one have the
same type of cancer and gets the same treatment as someone else.
Some of the most common issues are:
Fatigue
Vomiting
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Hair loss
Mouth sores
Pain
Radiation
This common treatment uses high-energy particles or waves to
destroy or damage cancer cells to keep them from spreading. It might
be the only treatment, or it might be given along with surgery or
chemotherapy.
Radiation itself isn't painful, but afterward it may cause pain, fatigue,
and skin rashes around the location of treatment. Side effects depend
on location of cancer. For example, if you’re having head or neck
radiation, you may get a dry mouth.
The physical and emotional effects of cancer and its treatment may
be very different from person to person. Palliative care can address a
broad range of issues, integrating an individual’s specific needs into
care. A palliative care specialist will take the following issues into
account for each patient:
Physical. Common physical symptoms include pain, fatigue, loss
of appetite, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and
insomnia.
Emotional and coping. Palliative care specialists can provide
resources to help patients and families deal with the emotions
that come with a cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment.
Depression, anxiety, and fear are only a few of the concerns that
are addressed.
Spiritual. With a cancer diagnosis, patients and families often
look more deeply for meaning in their lives. Some find the
disease brings them closer to their faith or spiritual beliefs,
whereas others struggle to understand why cancer happened to
them. An expert in palliative care can help them find a sense of
peace or reach a point of acceptance that is appropriate for
their situation.
Caregiver needs. Family members are an important part of
cancer care. Like the patient, they have changing needs. It’s
common for family members to become overwhelmed by the
extra responsibilities placed upon them. Many find it hard to
care for a sick relative while trying to handle other obligations.
Uncertainty about how to help their loved one with medical
situations, inadequate social support, and emotions such as
worry and fear can also add to caregiver stress. These
challenges can compromise caregivers’ own health. Palliative
care specialists can help families and friends cope and give them
the support they need.
Practical needs. Palliative care specialists can also assist with
financial and legal worries, insurance questions, and
employment concerns. Discussing the goals of care is also an
important component of palliative care. This includes talking
about advance directives and facilitating communication among
family member, caregivers, and members of the oncology care
team.
The balance between anti-tumour therapy and palliative care in
the continuum of cancer care. Pic description
A symptom is a signal that’s felt or noticed by the person who has it,
but may not be easily seen by anyone else.
frequency,
constipation,
diarrhoea,
change in shape or colour,
bloody stools and rectal bleeding
Lesions or sores that do not heal for over three months are
considered as chronic wounds.
TO DRAW
TO PRINT