Contents

Introduction

Defining cancer

The nature of cancer

The biology of cancer

Cancer cells

Differentiation

Section summary

Tumours

Benign tumours

Malignant tumours

How malignant tumours grow and spread

Local growth and damage to nearby tissues

Age

Sex

Overall health status

Immune system function

Case study 1 Gerald Fergus

Spread to the lymphatic system and the lymph nodes

Spread to other parts of the body

Section summary

Aetiology of Cancer

Cancer causing substances (carcinogens)

Smoking

Alcohol

Occupational exposure

Diet

Sun

Hormones

Staging and grading of cancer

Staging

Staging and investigations

Radiology

Computerised Tomography Scan (CT Scan)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Ultrasound

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Pathology

Endoscopy and surgery

Grading and investigations

Section summary

Cancer treatment

Surgery

Chemotherapy

Classes of chemotherapeutic drugs

Side effects

Radiotherapy

Biological therapies

Bone marrow and stem cell transplants

Hormonesand hormone antagonists

Section summary

Cancer fast facts

Breast cancer

Bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer)

Lung cancer

Prostate cancer

Caring for people with cancer

Palliative care and end of life care

Section summary

Terminology

Resources

Understanding cancer is essential to providing effective nursing care to patients and families affected. This easy-to-use reference guide puts all the necessary information at your fingertips.

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