Cancer: A Brief Introduction PDF

CANCER – A BRIEF INTRODUCTION LEARNING OBJECTIVES At the end of this session, students will be able to: Define ‘cancer’ in patient-appropriate language Describe the common types of cancer in Australia Describe some common risk factors for cancer Describe the role of physiotherapy in working...

CANCER – A BRIEF INTRODUCTION LEARNING OBJECTIVES At the end of this session, students will be able to: Define ‘cancer’ in patient-appropriate language Describe the common types of cancer in Australia Describe some common risk factors for cancer Describe the role of physiotherapy in working with individuals who have a cancer diagnosis DEFINITION – CANCER Cancer an umbrella term for a group of diseases where normal cells mutate, divide and spread to other areas of the body. A collection of cancer cells is referred to as a tumour or neoplasm DEFINITION – CANCER Cells can break away from a neoplasm and travel via the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other areas of the body (this process is called metastasis) DEFINITION - CANCER Neoplasms can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) Benign neoplasms are usually slow growing and don’t spread Malignant neoplasms are often fast growing and invade other areas TYPES OF MALIGNANT NEOPLASMS Carcinomas Malignant neoplasm originating from epithelial tissue Account for 80-90% of all cancers Adenocarcinomas – develop in an organ or gland Squamous cell carcinoma – develop in the squamous epithelium Most carcinomas affect organs or glands capable of secretion (i.e., breast, lungs, colon, prostate, bladder) TYPES OF MALIGNANT NEOPLASMS Sarcoma Malignant neoplasm of the connective tissue (bones, tendons, cartilage, muscle, fat) More common in young people The most common sarcoma often presents as a painful mass on the bone TYPES OF MALIGNANT NEOPLASMS Sarcomas Angiosarcoma or hemangioendothelioma Osteosarcoma or osteogenic sarcoma (blood vessels) (bone) Liposarcoma (adipose tissue) Chondrosarcoma (cartilage) Glioma or astrocytoma (neurogenic Leiomyosarcoma (smooth muscle) connective tissue found in the brain) Rhabdomyosarcoma (skeletal muscle) Myxosarcoma (primitive embryonic Mesothelial sarcoma or mesothelioma connective tissue) (membranous lining of body cavities) Mesenchymous or mixed mesodermal Fibrosarcoma (fibrous tissue) tumor (mixed connective tissue types) TYPES OF MALIGNANT NEOPLASMS Myeloma Malignant neoplasm that originates in the plasma cells of bone marrow Lymphoma Develop in the glands or nodes of the lymphatic system Can also develop in the stomach, breast or brain “Solid cancers” TYPES OF MALIGNANT NEOPLASMS Leukemia “Liquid cancers” or “blood cancers” Malignant neoplasm that originates in the bone marrow Associated with the overproduction of immature white blood cells that underperform – higher risk of infections TYPES OF MALIGNANT NEOPLASMS For more information on the types of cancers: CANCER IN AUSTRALIA Cancer is a leading cause of death in Australia About 50% of Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. Due to improvements in treatment, the mortality rate has dropped by 25% since 1981 The most common causes of cancer-related deaths are – lung, prostate (men)/breast (women), and colorectal (bowel) cancer COMMON TYPES OF CANCER Women Men Breast Prostate Colorectal (bowel) Melanoma Melanoma Colorectal (bowel) Lung Lung Uterine Non-Hodgkin lymphoma CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS FOR CANCER We do not know all the causes and risk factors for cancer Known carcinogens (i.e., tobacco, ultraviolet radiation, asbestos) Some intrinsic risk factors (i.e., genetics) Some cancers are related to alcohol (4.5%)., infectious agents, dietary factors Some are idiopathic WORKPLACE CANCER Occupational carcinogens are estimated to cause over 5000 new cases of cancer in Australia per year There are 165 known carcinogens workers are exposed to Common types of work – farmers, drivers, miners, transport workers, painters etc., Shift working is associated with an increased risk of cancer developing. COMMON SYMPTOMS Symptoms are varied and highly dependent on the type and location of the cancer. Some examples are: Unexplained weight loss Unusual lump or swelling Breast changes Abnormal sweating (esp. at night) Sore that won’t heal Unexplained or unusual bleeding COMMON SIDE-EFFECTS Many cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery etc.,) also result in unpleasant side-effects Some examples are: Fatigue Nausea Cognitive impairment Oral effects – infections, bleeding gums, ulcers, tooth decay CANCER PREVENTION Get regular exercise – 30-60 minutes per day Do not smoke Limit alcohol consumption Avoid excess weight gain CANCER PREVENTION Eat “well”: More vegetables, legumes and fruit, wholegrain cereals Less salt, fats (especially saturated), red meat Be sun smart Participate in early detection and screening programs when you are eligible CANCER AND PHYSIOTHERAPY Multifactorial interventions – personal alarm, assistive technology, gait aids, exercise Will vary depending on the type and impact of the cancer Home safety/environmental changes CANCER AND PHYSIOTHERAPY Multifactorial interventions – personal alarm, assistive technology, gait aids, exercise Will vary depending on the type and impact of the cancer Home safety/environmental changes ➔ Work with your patients on their goals