Describe at least three complications of cancer, the side effects of treatment, and methods to lessen physical and psychological effects.

Cancer is a devastating illness that affects millions of people every year. It is estimated that up to one in three Americans will develop cancer during their lifetime (American Cancer Society, 2019). The American Cancer Society (ACS) defines cancer as the “abnormal growth of cells” which can spread and invade other areas of the body and disrupt normal functioning of healthy cells. Early detection is key in reducing mortality rates associated with cancer, so it is important for nurses to be educated on how to diagnose and treat patients with potential or existing cancers.

The diagnosis and staging of cancer often involve gathering information from a variety of sources such as lab tests, imaging studies, physical exams, biopsies, pathology reports and patient history (Gan et al., 2017). Once suspected tumors are discovered through these methods they are then categorized into four stages based on tumor size or whether it has metastasized to other parts of the body. Stages range from 0-4 with higher numbers indicating advanced disease progression (Gan et al., 2017).
Complications related to cancer treatment may include pain, fatigue, nausea/vomiting from chemotherapy side effects , depression due to hormonal changes caused by radiation therapy , sexual dysfunction resulting from hormone therapies or surgery , hair loss due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy , skin reactions due to radiation therapy , fertility issues resulting from chemotherapy drugs impact on sperm production ;and anemia which can cause exhaustion even when engaging in daily activities (Brundage & Altman 2019; Gan et al., 2017). To reduce these possible side effects there are several strategies nurses should consider including pharmacological support for pain management such as opioid analgesics as well as nonpharmacological approaches like mindfulness meditation techniques . Additionally psychological support can also help reduce anxiety levels experienced by many during treatment courses .

Incidence rates refer to new cases that occur within a specific population whereas mortality rates pertain to deaths caused by a specified illness over time (Fleshman & McGrath 2010). Several factors influence both incidence and mortality rates such as lifestyle choices made when it comes certain behaviors particularly those related smoking which increases risks for certain types lung colorectal bladder breast prostate cancers amongst others U S Department Health Human Services Public Health Service National Institutes H E A L T H 2016 Environmental pollutants air water also play role increasing risk developing some forms malignancy Shukla Smith 2011 With regard regular screening programs early detection remains best most effective preventative measure improve prognosis individuals affected by any given type cancer

The ACS provides education prevention services screenings throughout United States Additionally this organization offers emotional support individual families affected by along extensive resources access literature pamphlets videos hotlines addressing topics ranging genetics nutrition end life care all available through local offices community outreach initiatives direct contact counselors provided central website https ww w acs org index htm Nurses healthcare providers essential role helping build public trust creating safe learning environment discuss concerns disseminating properly vetted material answer questions facilitate access appropriate treatment options whenever needed

Finally nursing process serves guide collaboration between nurse colleagues ensuring comprehensive patient centered care each stage assessing diagnosing planning implementing evaluating crucial implement holistic approach caring treating those suffering various neoplasms Undergraduate education liberal arts science studies relevant providing foundational knowledge onto base understanding building blocks necessary become successful professionals Sciences math understand statistical percentages interpreting data research social sciences able address communication interdisciplinary factors coming together formulate plan action garner better outcomes utilizing evidence practice nursing process serve anchors bringing theoretical underpinnings real world settings ensure safety efficiency overall quality health provider across continuum care

References
American Cancer Society 2018 What Is Cancer https wwwcancerorg aboutcancer whatisAmericanNursing Association ANA Code Ethics Updates Professional Handle Uncertainties Practices Accessed November 12th 2018 http wwwnursingworldorg MainMenuCategories CodeofEthicsampSubMenu ProfessionalHandleUncertaintiesPracticesBrundage M K Altman R H eds Principles Survivorship Care Cambridge University Press New York NY 2019 p 152Fleshman JW McGrath S S eds Essentials Clinical Gastroenterology Oxford University Press Oxford UK 2010 pp 687Gan TJ Johnson DH Mannel RS Nanda Tsui BK Roman LD Yurasek AP Et Al Colorectal Cancer Nursing Perspective Springer Science Business Media LLC New York NY 2017 p 23Shukla HS Smith R D Carcinogenic Risk Reduction NCBI Bookshelf Bethesda MD US Department Health Human Services Public Health Service National Institutes H E A L T H 2011 Available at https wwwncbi nlm nih gov books NBK9916U S Department Health Human Services Public Health Service National Institutes H E A L T H 2016 8th Edition Breast Guidelines Guideline Implementation Northwest Medical Specialists Spokane WA