Essay on Breast Cancer

 Essay on Breast Cancer

Cancer has become a universal pandemic over the years. Research shows the number of individuals suffering from the deadly disease is increasing drastically (Philips & Currow, 2010). The process of treatment is also painful and costly. Thus, the condition is tragic to both the patient and the family itself. It is a sad scenario because even when they finally survive, the patients are still at risk. Primarily because the disease has a tendency of reoccurring in the same patients. As a nurse practitioner, I can attest to the fact that the treatments and protocols affect both the patients and their families.

Similarly, as a nurse in a community clinic, I interviewed the family to identify the concerns and complaints. Moreover, breast cancer cases are on the rise, and they affect both the patients and their families. Furthermore, the treatment protocols raise some concerns in the patients. For instance, the treatment method is known to increase the chances of infertility. On a long term basis, the quality of life of the survivors is also affected. Therefore, an interview with the families was also necessary to find out the impact of the disease on them.

Clinical Information

Notably, the main issues aired by the family and patient are mainly four. The first category is the health and functioning aspect. The interview confirmed that breast cancer affects both the patient and the family. Consequently, the family is affected psychologically, whereas the patients are affected health-wise and psychologically. Secondly, the family is also affected socioeconomically. It is hard for families to gain support from healthcare agencies, making them use most of their assets on treatment. Furthermore, the family always hopes that the treatment works.

Thirdly, the entire functioning of the family as a unit is also in jeopardy. The financial and psychological strain of the disease often makes the family drift away. In the same fashion, adjusting to the situation is challenging for the family. Perhaps, that is why they become more isolated and withdraw from social activities (Gunes, 2010). Finally, there is some level of discomfort, emotional suffering, and worry about the family primarily because the family is distressed about the expensive treatment of the disease and the welfare of their relative. Perhaps, that is why they need to look for both psychological and financial support.

Evidence-based recommendations on care for breast cancer survivors for primary care providers: a review of evidence-based breast cancer guidelines

The first evidence-based study was based on the care of breast cancer survivors. Primarily, the focus of the research was on the prevention of recurrence, detection recurrence, and long-term effects. However, the guidelines are necessary for caregivers, such as nurses. The information was generated from 36 countries, which enabled the creation of a firm overview and instruction. It is an essential review because, after the treatment of a patient, care is necessary. Follow-up treatments and care are always essential for the successful recovery of a cancer patient (Spronk et al., 2017). Currently, the need for caregivers is high due to the increase in the cases of breast cancer. Furthermore, the facilities are also not enough for secondary care.

On the other hand, the studies also indicate that it is crucial to monitor history and carry out frequent diagnostic tests. The periodic test ensures that the recurrent cancer cells are detected early enough. The same was recommended in the article for medical practitioners. They have to follow up either yearly or on a five years basis. Physical examinations will ensure that the recurrent cancer cells are detected early enough. Four of the guidelines recommended mammography on an annual basis or after every two to five years. However, the frequency differs from one study to the other.

Studies also show that primary care has been successful in the full recovery of breast cancer patients. The main concern of many primary caregivers is how to deal with the situation in case the disease reoccurs. Notably, the recurrence of the cancer cells is expected in some cases. Thus, mammography is recommended for the follow-up of breast cancer patients. In the same fashion, the physical examination also comes in handy when it comes to monitoring the disease. In other guidelines and reviews, the patient must control their symptoms and conditions. Risk evaluation promotes a faster identification of recurrence. Finally, in other instances, an ultrasound alongside mammography is also useful in monitoring recurrence.

Similarly, the evidence-based study also created some recommendations on monitoring the long term effects of the disease. Long-term problems may occur after the patient undergoes the aggressive treatment of breast cancer. The collective impact was psychological. Thus, counseling was recommended for recovering patients. It is also crucial to ensure that in the recovery process, the affected party can socialize and fit back into society. Psychological recovery is as effective as recovering physically. Correspondingly, it is also important to apply measures that ensure reoccurrence prevention. The main recommendations were maintaining a healthy lifestyle and body weight, healthy eating, avoiding alcohol alongside ceasing smoking altogether.

Development and Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice in Cancer Care: Challenges and Opportunities

The review identifies the challenges encountered during the assessment and treatment of cancer. It also establishes the fact that the evaluation of various studies is vital in the diagnosis of the disease. One of the standard-issue highlighted is timing. Most of the cases were late stages of cancer.

Consequently, the study also highlights the issue of fatigue that is caused by cancer and their lifestyle (So, 2016). Therefore, the recommendation was an exercise program that will reduce fatigue. Secondly, the issue of counseling was also highlighted in the review. Furthermore, there was a gap in meeting the psychological needs of cancer patients.

Notably, the study also established the fact that a forum where nurses exchange ideas is crucial. A panel will make nurses from different institutions to brainstorm on the needed changes. It will also help in improving the care of patients by improvising new methods of treatment. Moreover, it is evident that nurses need to improve the care of their patients on multiple levels. Therefore, the program helped them to share ideas and experience. In the same fashion, the work of a nurse is often demanding. Thus, support from various EBP programs and clinical setups was necessary for the success of the program.

Differences and Similarities

Notably, the main difference between the two EBP articles is their approach to the care of cancer patients. The first article identifies three main aspects of the care of cancer patients. They are, namely, prevention recurrence, detection recurrence, and long-term effects. The different means of controlling the three aspects were also highlighted.

On the contrary, the second article is mainly focused on ensuring the patient regains their strength and timing the occurrence of cancer. It also highlighted the need to carry out more research on patient care as nurses. However, the similarity between the two is the fact that cancer patients need both care and psychological support.

In conclusion, the American guidelines clinical care should be individualized and not generalized. Consequently, an analysis of the patients’ history should also be included in the care of the patient alongside the physical examination. However, there are similar aspects according to the American guidelines. First, the guidelines require that a recovering patient should receive mammograms after treatment on both breasts. Routine screening ensures that the recurrent cancer cells are diagnosed early enough ( Runowicz, 2016). Secondly, the guidelines also require caregivers to teach their patients the necessity of self-examination. It is a move that aims at ensuring the reoccurrence is noticed early enough. Thirdly, screening for the presence of secondary cancer cells is also necessary. Menopausal women are often at a higher risk of developing the disease again, and that is why they need to be assessed. Finally, they are many more steps to be followed in guidelines such as psychological evaluation and counseling. However, the caregiver always has to put the needs of the patient first. Perhaps, it is essential to treat every patient differently when giving follow-up care.

References

American Cancer Society (2019). Treating Breast Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/PDF/Public/8581.00.pdf

Gunes, G. (2010). Psychosocial Dimensions of Oncology Nursing Care. Journal of Education and Research in Nursing, 7(1), 55-56.

Phillips, J. L., & Currow, D. C. (2010). Cancer as a chronic disease. Collegian, 17(2), 47-50.

Runowicz, C. D., Leach, C. R., Henry, N. L., Henry, K. S., Mackey, H. T., Cowens‐Alvarado, R. L., … & Hurria, A. (2016). American cancer society/American society of clinical oncology breast cancer survivorship care guidelines. CA: a cancer journal for clinicians, 66(1), 43-73.

So, W. K. (2016). Development and Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice in Cancer Care: Challenges and Opportunities. Asia-Pacific journal of oncology nursing, 3(1), 33.

Spronk, I., Korevaar, J. C., Schellevis, F. G., Albreht, T., & Burgers, J. S. (2017). Evidence-based recommendations on care for breast cancer survivors for primary care providers: a review of evidence-based breast cancer guidelines. BMJ Open, 7(12), e015118.