Factors That Contribute to The Incidence and Mortality Rates of Various Cancers in Americans

Factors That Contribute to The Incidence and Mortality Rates of Various Cancers in Americans

According to the CDC, the major risk factors for cancer in the US include exposure to the sun, tobacco use, alcohol use, overweight and obesity, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. Besides, infections with Hepatitis B and C virus and some strains of HPV increase the incidence of liver and cervical cancer (CDC, 2020). Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the US. Most melanoma cases are a result of exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning beds (CDC, 2020). Besides, about one-third of American adults get sunburned each year.

Smoking and passive smoke contribute to approximately 90% of lung cancer deaths in the US. Smoking is associated with cancer of the larynx, mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, urinary bladder, kidney, cervix, colon, rectum, and blood cancers. Approximately 34 million US adults smoke cigarettes, and about 58 million nonsmokers are exposed to secondhand smoke annually (CDC, 2020). Excessive alcohol use, either in the form of binge drinking or heavy drinking, increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, pharynx, breast, liver, colon, and rectum (CDC, 2020).  Approximately 17% of US adults engage in binge drinking, and 6% in heavy drinking.

Physical inactivity contributes to obesity and is associated with lung, esophageal, prostate, breast, endometrial, kidney, and colon cancers. Unhealthy diet practices characterized by inadequate consumption of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and high consumption of red meat is associated with cancers of the breast, liver, endometrial, ovarian, cervical, stomach, liver, pancreatic, bladder, colon, prostate, and kidney (CDC, 2020). Overweight and obesity are associated with at least 13 types of cancer. In the US, an estimated 40% of adults have obesity, whereas 72% are overweight (CDC, 2020). The most common cancers, endometrial, breast, and colorectal cancer. These types of cancer make up 40% of all cancers diagnosed in the US.

How the American Cancer Society (ACS) Provide Education and Support

The ACS offers current information on cancer to patients, families, and health providers. It provides resources on all cancers, including information on treatment options available, side effects of treatment, clinical trials, and pain management (ACS, 2019). In addition, the ACS offers resources on coping strategies, cancer screening, and prevention, and tobacco cessation. The ACS provides daily assistance and support to persons with cancer such as rides to health facilities, lodging, breast cancer support, hair loss, and mastectomy products, and online community support (ACS, 2019).  Furthermore, it connects patients to financial programs, social services, and support groups.

I would recommend patients to ACS services such as hair loss and mastectomy products for those who have alopecia and undergone mastectomy. This would significantly improve their body image, which is often affected by the side effects of treatment. I would also recommend online community support services for psychological support, which will promote mental and social wellbeing.

Utilization of the Nursing Process in Providing Safe and Effective Care

The nursing process is used in providing safe and effective care to cancer patients by identifying problems and complications, developing goals of care, implementing interventions to attain the goals, and evaluating the outcome.

Assessment

It involves identifying problems and complications through history taking, physical exams, and diagnostic results. The nurse assesses for signs of infection, bleeding, skin problems, pain, fatigue, nutritional status, body image concerns, and psychological and mental status (Jomar et al., 2017). This ensures that not only the physical symptoms are focused on but also psychological wellbeing.

Diagnosis

Nursing diagnoses are formulated based on the identified assessment cues. Nursing diagnoses for a cancer patient may include Chronic pain; Fatigue; Imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements; Impaired tissue integrity; Risk for infection; Disturbed body image (Jomar et al., 2017).

Planning

It aims at preventing complications, alleviating physical symptoms, and improving the quality of life. The goals developed are time-bound to guide evaluation. The goals for a cancer patient can include achieving adequate pain control, relieving fatigue, maintaining optimal nutrition, maintaining tissue integrity, and promoting an improved body image and self-esteem (Jomar et al., 2017).

Implementation

The nurse identifies evidence-based interventions that will promote the attainment of the set goals. For instance, to achieve adequate pain control, t