Cancer
What is it?
- "Cancer" refers to a large group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and spread of abnormal cells
- AKA: malignant neoplasm, tumor, malignancy, carcinoma
- Leading cause of death in developed countries
- Can be classified on the basis of cell type, tissue of origin, degree of differentiation, anatomic site, and whether it is benign or malignant
- Risk factors: tobacco, alcohol, obesity, inactivity, diet/nutrition, unsafe sex, urban air pollution, indoor smoke, contaminated injections, advancing age
Screen for Cancer:
- If previous history of cancer, known cancer risk factors, and/or are over age 40
Signs/Symptoms for Referral:
- Varied due to varied nature of cancer
- Red flag: waking up at night due to pain
- Pain, fatigue, swelling, local heat, hypoxia, decreased peripheral vascular supply, DVT, hypercalcemia, fluid or electrolyte imbalances, anemia, hypertension, integumentary changes, infection, sensory changes