Cancer and Gerontology Flashcards
(37 cards)
What are the 3 main stages of cancer?
- Initiation
- Promotion
- Progression
What occurs in the Initiation stage of cancer?
cancer cells arise from normal cells, these cells develop mutations
What occurs in the promotion stage of cancer?
characterized by reversible proliferation of alt cells
What are some promoting factors in the promotion stage?
- dietary fat
- obesity
- cigarette smoking
- Ethol consumption
What is the key prevention in the 2nd stage?
activity of promoters are reversible
How is the 3rd stage of cancer characterized?
- increased growth rate of tumor
- invasiveness
- Metastasis
Where are the common locations cancer can metastasizes?
- brain and CSF
- lungs
- liver
- adrenals
- bone
What is cancer?
a group of > 200 diseases that are characterized by uncontrolled and unregulated growth of cells
List the 4 clinical staging classifications
Cancer in situ
SI: Tumor limited to tissue of origin; localized tumor growth
SII: Limited local spread
SIII: Extensive local and regional spread
SIV: Metastasis
Describe what is the TNM System
anatomic extent of disease is based on 3 parameters:
Tumor size and invasiveness
Spread to lymph nodes
Metastasis
At what and frequency should women get mammograms?
annually for women older than 40
At what age and frequency should adults screen for fecal occult blood?
annually for adults of all ages
At what age and frequency should men receive a digital rectal exam?
men older than 50 yrs
Who and at what age should they screen for colon cancer by getting a colonoscopy?
at age 50 and they q10yrs
At what age and freq should women receive a clinical breast exam?
annually for women older than 40 and q3yrs for women 20-39 yrs old
List the risk factors for developing cancer (11)
- Age
- immune fxn
- chronic irritation and tissue trauma
- race
- genetics
6, exposure to chemicals, tobacco, and Ethol - Exposure to some viruses and bacteria
- diet
- sun, UV light or radiation exposure
- sexual lifestyle
- poverty, obesity, and chronic GERD
- chronic disease
- air pollution
What can a pt do to have a better prognosis?
early dx of cancer
Which population tends to have a worse prognosis for cancer?
minority
What is the purpose of the acronym CAUTION?
stands for 7 warning signs pts should watch for
What does the acronym stand for?
Change in bowel or bladder habits A sore that doesn't heal Unusual bleeding or discharge Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere Indigestion or difficulty swallowing Obvious change in warts or moles Nagging cough or hoarseness
What is chemotherapy?
administration of systemic or local cytotoxic meds that damage a cell’s DNA or destroy rapidly diving cells
If a pt. is undergoing chemo, what can you expect to see as an adverse effect regarding their immune system?
immunosuppression and neutropenia
What is the cause of immunosuppression and neutropenia as a result of chemo?
this occurs bc of the bone marrow suppression by cytotoxic meds
What are some nursing considerations for immunosuppression and neutropenia?
- monitor temp, WBC, and ANC
- a fever >100 should be reported immediately
- Monitor skin and mucous membranes for infxn
- Place pt in a private room, so ANC will not become <1000/mm^3