Cancers

Question 1

Types of Cancer

Answer 1

1. Lung - Smoking
2. Colorectal - Develops from inner lining of bowel
3. Prostate - Develops when abnormal cells in prostate gland form malignant tumour
4. Breast - the abnormal growth of cells lining in breast ducts
5. Skin: Melanomas (metastasise) and Carcinomas (localised)
6. Blood and Lymph: Leukaemia (blood and bone marrow), Lymphoma (lymphatic system) and Myeloma (plasma cells)

Question 2

Role of Chemotherapy and Considerations

Answer 2

• Damages cellular DNA (disrupts cell cycle)
• PPE
• Ax for and manage side effects
• Education re care of access sites
• Increase fluid to flush out drugs
• Promote rest and re-cuperation
• Psychosocial support

Question 3

National Cancer Prevention Policy - Role?

Answer 3

1. Reduction of modifiable risk factors (smoking, diet, exposure to UV radiation)
2. Regular screening for early detection
3. Immunisations

Question 4

Modalities of Treatment?

Answer 4

1. Radiotherapy - Iodizing radiation that damages cell DNA
2. Surgery
3. Chemotherapy - Use of cytotoxic drugs to damage DNA of cells
4. Hormone Therapy - Certain tumours can be stimulated by body’s own hormones
5. Immunotherapy - Drug treatment focused on using immune system to attack cancer

Question 5

Nursing Care

Answer 5

• Refer to specialists
• Provide ongoing supportive care
• Provide ongoing education
• Be empathetic, engaged and present

Question 6

Stages of Lung Cancer

Answer 6

1. Stage 1: Cx in lung tissues, but not lymph nodes
2. Stage 2: Cx may spread to lymph nodes
3. Stage 3: Cx metastasised to lymph nodes and middle of chest
4. Stage 4: Cx spread widely around body (brain, bones)

Question 7

Stages of Colorectal Cancer

Answer 7

1. Stage 1: Cx formed in mucosa of colon wall, and spread to submucosa
2. Stage 2: Cx spread through muscle layer of colon wall to serosa
3. Stage 3: Cx has spread to nearby lymph nodes
4. Stage 4: Cx has spread to organs (liver, lung)

Question 8

Stages of Prostate Cancer

Answer 8

Stage 1: Cx is small, localised to prostate
Stage 2: Cx is larger, may be in both prostate lobes
Stage 3: Cx has spread to nearby lymph nodes
Stage 4: Cx has spread to other organs

Question 9

Stages of Breast Cancer

Answer 9

Stage 1: Cx is small, localised to breast tissue
Stage 2: Cx is larger, and spread to nearby lymph nodes
Stage 3: Cx is larger, and spread to further lymph nodes
Stage 4: Cx has spread to other organs

Question 10

Stages of Melanomas

Answer 10

Stage 1: Cx cells in dermis and epidermis
Stage 2: Tumour is thicker and ulcerated
Stage 3: Cx has spread to nearby lymph nodes
Stage 4: Cx has spread to other organs

Question 11

Stages of Carcinomas

Answer 11

Stage 1: Cx is small, localised to epithelial tissue
Stage 2: Cx is larger, and spread to nearby lymph nodes
Stage 3: Cx is larger, and spread to further lymph nodes
Stage 4: Cx has spread to other organs

Question 12

Stages of Leukemia

Answer 12

Stage 1: Swollen lymph nodes
Stage 2: Swollen spleen or liver
Stage 3: Low RBC count, swollen lymph nodes and spleen
Stage 4: Low platelets, low RBC count, swollen lymph nodes and spleen

Question 13

Stages of Lymphoma

Answer 13

Stage 1: Localised, single lymph node or organ
Stage 2: 2+ lymph nodes on same side of diaphragm
Stage 3: 2+ lymph nodes above and below diaphragm
Stage 4: Widespread to other organs

Question 14

Stages of Myeloma

Answer 14

Stage 1: Beta II Microglobulin <3.5mg/L, Albumin >3.5g/dL
Stage 2: Beta II Microglobulin 3.5-5.5 mg/L OR <3.5mg/L, Albumin <3.5 g/dL
Stage 3: Beta II Microglobulin >5.5 mg/L, high LDH lvls, high risk cytogenetics

Question 15

Most Common Cancers?

Answer 15

1. Prostate
2. Colorectal
3. Breast
4. Melanoma
5. Lung

Question 16

Most Common Cancers causing death

Answer 16

1. Lung
2. Colorectal
3. Prostate
4. Blood and Lymph
5. Breast