Cancer care

Cancer care involves a comprehensive approach to diagnosing, treating, and managing cancer. It encompasses a wide range of services, including medical, surgical, and supportive care, tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient.

Diagnosis

Screening Tests

• Purpose: Early detection of cancer in asymptomatic individuals.
• Examples: Mammograms (breast cancer), colonoscopy (colon cancer), Pap smears (cervical cancer), low-dose CT scans (lung cancer).

Diagnostic Imaging

• Purpose: Detailed visualization of suspected cancerous areas.
• Examples: X-rays, CT scans, MRI, PET scans, ultrasounds.

Biopsy

• Purpose: Obtain tissue samples for microscopic examination.
• Methods: Needle biopsy, surgical biopsy, endoscopic biopsy.

Laboratory Tests

• Purpose: Detection of cancer markers, genetic mutations, and overall health status.
• Examples: Blood tests (e.g., PSA for prostate cancer), urine tests, tumor marker tests.

Treatment Options

Surgery

• Purpose: Removal of cancerous tissue and surrounding areas.
• Types: Lumpectomy, mastectomy, prostatectomy, tumor debulking.

Radiation Therapy

• Purpose: Use of high-energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells.
• Techniques: External beam radiation, brachytherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery.

Chemotherapy

• Purpose: Use of drugs to destroy cancer cells or stop their growth.
• Administration: Intravenous (IV), oral, intramuscular, intraperitoneal.

Immunotherapy

• Purpose: Boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
• Types: Checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, monoclonal antibodies.

Targeted Therapy

• Purpose: Use of drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth.
• Examples: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies.

Hormone Therapy

• Purpose: Block or remove hormones that fuel certain cancers.
• Examples: Tamoxifen (breast cancer), androgen deprivation therapy (prostate cancer).

Stem Cell Transplant

• Purpose: Replace damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
• Types: Autologous (patient’s own cells), allogeneic (donor cells)

Supportive Care

Pain Management

• Medications: Analgesics, opioids, nerve blocks.
• Therapies: Physical therapy, acupuncture, palliative care.

Nutritional Support

• Diet Plans: Specialized diets to maintain strength and weight.
• Supplements: Vitamins, high-protein shakes.

Psychosocial Support

• Counseling: Individual, family, and group therapy.
• Support Groups: Peer support and shared experiences.

Rehabilitation

• Physical Therapy: Regaining strength and mobility.
• Occupational Therapy: Adapting to daily activities.

Palliative and End-of-Life Care

Palliative Care

• Purpose: Improve quality of life by managing symptoms and stress.
• Services: Pain relief, symptom management, emotional support.

Hospice Care

• Purpose: Provide comfort and support for terminally ill patients.
• Services: Medical care, emotional and spiritual support, assistance for families.

Follow-Up Care

Regular Monitoring

• Purpose: Detect recurrence or manage long-term side effects.
• Methods: Regular imaging, lab tests, physical exams.

Secondary Prevention

• Lifestyle Changes: Healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation.
• Survivorship Programs: Support for long-term health and well-being.