Patient Care2 Multidimensional Care 2 Fatumata Wongbay 04/10/21 ✓ Solved

Breast cancer is a compilation of abnormal cells developing in the ducts, tissue, or breast lobules. The cells usually develop quickly, forming lumps that starve the nearby tissues (Waks & Winer, 2019). The risk factors for breast cancer are a combination of various factors. Various factors predispose Anna to breast cancer. One of the significant risk factors of this patient is the positive history of cancer in her family.

The history shows that her mother and grandmother had breast cancer, which puts her at considerable risk. The other one is her gender. This disease occurs typically almost 100 times more frequently in women. This, therefore, predisposes her to this disease. The other factor is obesity and lack of physical exercises. Lastly, age is another very significant factor that predisposes this patient to breast cancer. As the patient is approaching menopause age, this is the age where most patients are diagnosed with this disease and thus a significant risk factor.

Different people with breast cancer will present with different signs and symptoms. The development of lumps in the breasts is one of the signs of breast cancer (Sorin et al., 2020). The tumors are irregular in shape, not painful, and hard. Although the practitioner did not find any discharge during the examination, the tenderness on the right breast is another sign of breast cancer. The signs and symptoms that this patient presents may be early signs of breast cancer. It is therefore important to do further assessment and tests to ascertain this.

Another symptom is nipple pain. Nipple pain related to cancer may range from mild to severe or from short to long-lasting episodes, especially when the disease is spreading to other parts of the body. Nipple pains caused by cancer will usually only affect one breast and nipple. It is also noted that there is no symmetry between the left and the right breast. The left breast has no anomalies. Studies show that when breasts are not symmetric, it may be a sign of breast cancer. Extreme fatigue is a significant symptom that is usually presented with patients suffering from breast cancer. The patient reports exhaustion that does not go away. Since this patient reports that she has been feeling exhausted, this could indicate that she is developing breast cancer.

One of the essential care strategies is pain reduction and management. Pain treatment usually is part of cancer treatment. It is essential to have a plan of how to manage the nipple pains to increase the patient’s quality of life. If the patient gets relief from the pain, it allows them to enjoy their day-to-day activities. The other important care strategy is dietary and nutrition alterations. This is especially important because the patient has a history of obesity and diabetes. The patient must be educated on the importance of strictly adhering to a healthy diet, especially during the treatment process.

There are some foods that the patient should avoid, such as red meat, foods with added sugars, processed foods, and fat, as these foods may cause further damage to the patient. She should, therefore, eat legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Another essential thing is to educate the patient about the diagnosis and the treatment process. The patient requires as many resources and educational materials as possible to understand the condition and treatment process. This is very important in cancer treatment as it helps in motivating the patients and encouraging them to stay positive.

Paper For Above Instructions

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer mortality among women worldwide. For any patient diagnosed with breast cancer, a holistic understanding of their risk factors, signs, and symptoms, as well as an appropriate care plan, is essential in improving their prognosis and quality of life. This paper discusses Anna's risk factors for breast cancer, the various signs and symptoms she may present, and the care strategies that should be considered to provide her with comprehensive care.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

The risk factors associated with breast cancer are multifaceted and encompass genetic, environmental, and lifestyle elements. In Anna's case, one of the most significant risk factors is her family history of breast cancer. Having close relatives, such as her mother and grandmother, diagnosed with the illness considerably elevates her risk, which aligns with findings that suggest familial patterns in breast cancer incidence (Tischkowitz & Moller, 2010).

Gender plays a crucial role as well, particularly since breast cancer is overwhelmingly more prevalent in women by almost 100-fold compared to men (American Cancer Society, 2021). Obesity is another significant risk factor, as excess body fat has been linked to an increased likelihood of developing breast cancer due to hormonal changes and inflammation (Elwood et al., 2015). Furthermore, Anna’s age places her at heightened risk, particularly as she approaches menopause, a phase during which the incidence of breast cancer diagnosis peaks (Gierach et al., 2019).

Signs and Symptoms

Understanding the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is vital for early detection and effective management. Anna may present with various symptoms, such as breast lumps, which can be hard, irregular, and painless. These lumps could signify malignant tumors, making it imperative for further diagnostic evaluation (Sorin et al., 2020). Additionally, tenderness, particularly in one breast, could indicate underlying issues that require medical scrutiny. Nipple pain that occurs unilaterally is another symptom that warrants concern (Jiang et al., 2021).

Fatigue is another common symptom reported by patients with breast cancer. Persistent exhaustion that does not improve with rest can often signify a broader health issue, such as malignancy (Piper et al., 2010). Additional observations, such as changes in breast symmetry, may offer further clues, as irregularities in this area can be indicative of potential malignancies (American Cancer Society, 2021).

Care Strategies

Given Anna's presentation and risk factors, implementing a multidimensional care strategy is crucial. A primary focus of her care should be on pain management. Effective pain relief strategies are essential to enhance her quality of life during and post-treatment (Post-White et al., 2016). Developing a tailored pain management plan that addresses her specific needs will ensure that Anna can participate in her daily activities with reduced discomfort.

Nutritional changes should also be prioritized. Educating Anna about healthy dietary practices is essential, particularly because her obesity and diabetes increase her susceptibility to adverse effects during treatment (Calle et al., 2003). A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains can bolster her immune system and overall health while avoiding processed foods and sugars that may exacerbate her condition (Haggstrom et al., 2010).

Educating Anna about her diagnosis and treatment process is equally important. Providing her with accessible resources and emotional support will empower her and help mitigate anxiety associated with her condition (Fang et al., 2015). This holistic approach not only encompasses physical health but also mental well-being, which is vital in navigating her treatment journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the complexity of breast cancer requires a comprehensive understanding of risk factors, symptoms, and care strategies. For Anna, recognizing her family history, gender, obesity, and age as critical risk elements will guide appropriate screening and interventions. Awareness of symptoms coupled with effective pain management, dietary adjustments, and education will collectively contribute to a multidimensional care plan aimed at improving her overall quality of life. Through collaborative care efforts, patients like Anna can navigate their cancer journey with resilience and hope.

References

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