WEEK 4 + 5 Flashcards
Cancer notes from class; End of Life notes (adults) from ATI; peds end of life
cancer
caused by genetic changes that impact how cells operate
how are genetic changes caused for cancer
may be inherited, resulting from an error during cell division, or triggered by an environmental factor, such as tobacco or ultraviolet light exposure
normally, what can the body do to damaged cells (why is this an issue with old clients?)
Normally, the body can remove damaged cells before they become cancerous
with age, the body is less able to remove damaged cells, which is why cancer occurs more frequently in older individuals.
metastasis
cancers may start in one location but then spread
primary tumor vs secondary tumor
first place cancer arises: primary tumor
subsequent sites: secondary tumors
cell changes that undergo before becoming malignant
order:
hyperplasia
dysplasia
carcinoma in situ
hyperplasia
first cell change
There is an increased number of cells, though they appear normal.
dysplasia
second cell change
There are abnormal cells present; ranges in severity from mild to severe based on the degree of abnormality and how much of the body part is affected.
carcinoma in situ
A group of abnormal cells that stay in one location without spreading.
malignant cells
cancerous
Mutated and changed; replicated much faster than healthy cells; they don’t undergo apoptosis; as they grow they can spread to more areas; create their own blood supply
apoptosis
Programmed cell death.
malignant cells don’t do this, so there isn’t room for new healthy cells and the cancerous cells spread
angiogenesis
The process by which cancers create their own blood supply.
helps the cancer to survive and grow by providing nourishment and clearing waste
what is the risk factor that is a risk for virtually every cancer
smoking
potentially modifiable common risk factors to many cancers
Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Excess body weight
Sedentary lifestyle
Dietary habits
can viruses cause cancer
yes, viruses can cause some cancers. for example, HPV can cause cervical cancer. these viruses that can cause cancer can sometimes be prevented with vaccination or treatment
five most common cancers in the US for women
breast
lung
colorectal
uterine
melanoma
five most common cancers in the US for men
prostate
lung
colorectal
bladder
melanoma
pain for cancers
regional: site of tumor
can be from surgery, procedures, treatments like radiation or chemo
what does in situ mean
in the same spot
what can pain increase in cancer patients
depression, asking for medical aid in dying, persistent pain may need interprofessional approach
things to do to prevent cancer
scan for genes to know if you carry the gene
mammogram
healthy weight
breastfeeding can lower risk
infections with cancer
Clients who have cancer commonly experience an increased risk of infection related to treatment
chemo kills WBCs so you have lower WBC and neutropenia can develop
neutropenia
Abnormally low levels of neutrophils, one of the white blood cells.
increased risk for infection
what can a minor infection lead to
sepsis