Diagnostic Tests and Physical Exams
Discuss about the Colorectal Cancer for Journal of Psychosocial Oncology.
Mr. John a 65 years old white male had started having frequent episodes of abdominal pain and feeling tired. This symptoms prompted carol his wife to advice Jim to go see the doctor, but Jim complained that he was too busy and they have never had cancer in their family. John later went to see the doctor, a colonoscopy was done and he was diagnosed with cancer of the bowel. He was referred to a surgeon where he was get the cancerous part of the bowel removed. His medication included adjuvant chemotherapy, calcium folinate 50mg IV day 1, Fluorouracil 400mg/m2, fluorouracil 2400mg/m2 by IV infusion over 46 hours commencing in day1.
Follow up care is important after the treatment for colorectal cancer, it includes handling any side effects due to treatment therapy and monitoring for the long-term side effects. The most significant reason for the follow up regimen after curative treatment is to monitor for signs and of cancer recurrence. The follow up care is very important for the first treatment since that’s when the risk of recurrence is highest. The follow up care included physical examination and other medical tests that were used to check for the recovery. The follow up care is mostly intended for clients with stage two or three colorectal cancer. Testing for stage one colorectal cancer is less certain because this stage is less likely to occur. The following tests were recommended to watch for colorectal cancer recurrence.
A CT scan is used to create a three dimensional image inside the body using an x-ray machine to view the colon. The patient undergoes colonic cleaning before CT colonography is performed. This is because residual can cause a false positive result. Strong laxative such as sodium phosphate and magnesium citrate. The scanning is performed when the student is in supine and prone position as he holds his breath in each position. Advantages of CT colonography is that it is used to localize lesions more precisely than colonoscopy (Brien, Winawer, & Zauber, 2013, p. 371-379).
This examination allow for the examination of polyps in the entire colon by the use of a light, flexible tube called a colonoscope. Colonoscopy is performed one year after the surgery. The regularity of the test depends on the results of the previous test. If the polyps are found after examination, a colonoscopy may be recommended sooner (Ann, Sidney, & Micheal, 2012, p. 687-696). In general, this examination is performed after every five years.
Surveillance for Colorectal Cancer Recurrence
It’s used in the detection of CEA protein levels in the blood. An increased level of CEA may signify that the cancer has distributed to other parts of the body. CEA testing done after every three to six months for five years.
A light, flexible tube known as sigmoidscope is inserted into the client’s rectum to check for the presence of polyps and any other abnormalities. This test is recommended after every six months if the client had rectal cancer but did not have radiation therapy.
Recurrence of colorectal cancer may affect the same area or in another location. Recurrence of colorectal cancer starts when the cancerous cells survive the therapy and eventually develop into tumors. Recurrent colorectal cancer causes systemic changes that affect the whole body, such as weight loss, fatigue and lymph node swelling. Other signs and symptoms include constipation, abdominal pain which also includes a feeling of fullness due to gas or bloat, alteration in the occurrence of bowel movements, blood in the stool, and alteration in the constituency of the stool example the stool may be watery (Bohorquez, Sahasrabudhe, & Crollio, 2016, p. 45).
Cancer survivorship starts at diagnosis and it includes clients who have the treatment for a long time. Survivorship entails a collection of strong feelings, relief, guilt, concern and fear (Feuestein & Micheal, 2014, p. 5-7). Survivorship is the most difficult to understand this is because it is different for everyone. Physical consequence of cancer and its therapy affects the clients’ life in different ways. Most clients experience physical symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Energy depletion is the common side effect of cancer therapy. This may cause him to stop working as an electrician which demands more time and energy. Fatigue can be managed by doing exercise daily, exercise helps reduce fatigue and preserve muscle strength. Activities should be well planned and prioritized to avoid activities that will cause fatigue. Severe pain may lead to changes in sleeping patterns and memory. This changes may decrease his performance during work. Pain can be controlled by applying heating pads on the areas affected, breathing and relaxation exercise can be performed so as to reduce pain.
Cancer clients also experience psychological issues associate with colon cancer. Not only the patients are affected psychologically but also the loved the ones of the cancer patient. The psychological issues include anxiety, stress, and depression (Baynum, Davis, Green, & Katz, 2012, p. 295-300). Body changes such as hair loss, skin changes such as rashes and lastly infertility may result to depression. Anxiety and depression may lead to cardiovascular problems such as hypertension if not well treated. Lack of sexual health may also relationship and may lead to break ups (Lynch, Steginga, Hawkes, & Pakenham, 2014, p. 1363-1370). Before the treatment begins the client is advised on changes he is going to expect. He is also advised on joining support groups, this are group of people who have cancer and have successfully coped and adapted to the body changes. This support group is going to help relieve stress and depression (Wardle, 2012, p. 54-59).
Survivorship: Coping with Physical, Psychological, and Social Effects
Social effects of cancer and its therapy include detachment from the family, relationship issues and social isolation. The client might receive relationship issue (Syrjala, Schroeder, Abrams, & Atkins, 2012, p. 210-225). There might be a different reaction from the family members, coworkers and friends after cancer diagnosis. In the work place coworkers who have not yet been affected by cancer might treat one different (Kathlene, 2013, p. 63-89). Other social issues include financial problems due to cost of treatment, travel and accommodation issues (Butow, Zacharia, Chritesen, & Simard, 2012, p. 571-587). To solve this problem the patient is advised to get involved in supportive group or fitting with individuals who are also living with cancer. This supportive group is going to listen and provide support, assist the individual find healing, spend time together and keep the family spirit together.
After the diagnosis of colorectal, an individual may experience the feeling of hopelessness, guilt and depression. The individual might ask himself questions: “why me? Will I survive? What happens next?” their condition might affect their belief system and may develop anger toward God. The expressed attitude towards belief and God can be treated by speaking to religious leaders where their will express their anger, fear and doubt (Thune-Boyle, Keshtgar, & Stygall, 2012, p. 151-164). Benefits of incorporating spiritual leaders is that there will be a decrease in anxiety and depression, a reduced feeling of isolation and an increased ability to enjoy life with positive feelings and freedom from regret.
Advice the patient to avoid smoking, if not smoking to avoid areas where he will inhale smoke. Cigarette smoke contains nicotine which facilitate the damaging of blood vessels, this will make more difficult to control colorectal cancer. Smoking also raises the chances of cancer reoccurrence and delays healing after therapy.
Eating of healthy foods. Colorectal cancer and its therapy usually affects the way the body digests food and absorbs nutrients. Protein based diet can help the body be strong after treatment. The side effects of colorectal cancer treatment include constipation, weight loss or weight gain and diarrhea. This signs and symptoms decreases the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Some of the foods which will help avoid are lots of fruits and vegetables, drinking of water so as to stay hydrated, whole grains which provide fiber. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake since they interfere with drug interaction in the body. Use processed dairy foods such as yoghurt which facilitates digestion due to probiotics in the food. The client should avoid eating food with excess sugar. A colorectal cancer client diet is the same as that of a diabetic patient which includes refined sugary drinks and carbohydrates. Small meals should be taken frequently. This is to facilitate nutrients absorption when dealing with appetite and weight changes.
Lifestyle Changes for Colorectal Cancer Survivors
Physical activity has reduced incidence of cancers independent on its effect on obesity. Exercise has a number of biological effects in the body. It decreases the level of hormones which include estrogen and insulin which has been known for cancer development (Winzer, Whiteman, & Paratz, 2013, p. 811-826). It also improves immune function and lastly interfering with metabolism of bile acid leading to a reduced exposure of the gastrointestinal tract to carcinogens. The strategies that will facilitate effective education include community colorectal cancer screening and awareness, the community is educated on how one can know if he or she has colorectal cancer before it becomes untreatable.
Conclusion
Mr. John was diagnosed with colorectal cancer which is the second most leading factor in the world. Due to its advancement in technology the rates of colorectal patient have reduced. The exact cause of his colorectal cancer was not known. His symptoms include diarrhea and constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue and alteration in bowel habits. The doctor in charge put him in treatment options which include radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. The drugs that were prescribed by the doctor included calcium folinate and fluorouracil. The diagnostic test that were conducted included computed tomography, colonoscopy, carcinoembryonic antigen and lastly rectosigmoidoscopy. He was advised to watch for signs and symptoms of colorectal occurrence such alteration in bowel movements, blood in stool, abdominal pain and lastly constipation. His health education included a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding areas predisposed to cigarette smoke and lastly staying hydrated.
References
Ann, G., Sidney, J., & Micheal, J. (2012). Colonoscopic polypectomy and long term presentation of colorectal cancer deaths. New England journal medicine, 366(8), 687-696. Retrieved from Scholar.google.com/3dggmvifg
Baynum, S., Davis, T., Green, B., & Katz, R. (2012). Unwillingness to participate in colorectal cancer screening. Examining fears, attitudes and medical mistrust in an ethnically diverse sample of adult 50 years and older. Am J health promotion, 26, 295-300. Retrieved from google scholar
Bohorquez, M., Sahasrabudhe, R., & Crollio, A. (2016). Clinical manifestations of colorectal cancer patients from a large multicenter study in Colombia. Medicine, 3, 45. Retrieved from ncbi, nlm.nih.gov
Brien, O., Winawer, S., & Zauber, A. (2013). The national polyp study. Patient and polyp characteristics associated with high grade dysplacia in colorectal adenomas. Gastroenterology, 98, 371-379. Retrieved from ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3745204/
Butow, B., Zacharia, P., Chritesen, S., & Simard, S. (2012). Fear of cancer recurrence: a systemic literature review of self-report measures. Psycho-oncology, 21, 571-587. Retrieved from dx.doi.org/10.1002/pon.2070
Feuestein, J., & Micheal, D. (2014). Defining cancer survivorship. Journal of cancer survivorship research and practise, 3, 5-7. Retrieved from link.springer.com
Kathlene, O. (2013). Social support, sense of control, and coping among patients with breast, lung, or colorectal cancer. ournal of Psychosocial Oncology, 7(3), 63-89. Retrieved from Tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300
Lynch, B., Steginga, S., Hawkes, A., & Pakenham, K. (2014). Describing and predicting psychological distress after colorectal cancer. Cancer, 112(6), 1363-1370. Retrieved from onlinelibrary.wily.com
Syrjala, K., Schroeder, T., Abrams, T., & Atkins, J. (2012). Sexuality function measurement and outcomes in cancer survivors and matched controls. Journal of sex research, 27(3), 210-225. Retrieved from Dx.doi.org/10.1080/0024490009552042
Thune-Boyle, I., Keshtgar, A., & Stygall, J. (2012). Do religious/spiritual coping strategies affect illness adjustment in patients with cancer? A systematic review of the literature. Social science & medicine, 63(1), 151-164. Retrieved from Sciencedirect.com/science/article/pn
Wardle, J. (2012). Psychological input of colorectal cancer screening. Health psychology, 22(1), 54-59. Retrieved from Cancer.gov/cancer topics/coping/emotional effects
Winzer, B., Whiteman, D., & Paratz, J. (2013). Physical activity and cancer prevention: a systemic review of clinical trials. Cancer causes and control, 22(6), 811-826. Retrieved from Pubmed Abstract
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