Oncology Nursing
1. Cancer
Definition: Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells which invade surrounding tissues and spread (metastasis) to other parts of the body.
Causes of Cancer (Risk Factors)
* Genetic predisposition
* Tobacco use (smoking and chewing)
* Alcohol consumption
* Exposure to radiation (UV rays, X-rays)
* Chemical carcinogens (asbestos, benzene, industrial chemicals)
* Viral infections (HPV, Hepatitis B and C)
* Obesity and unhealthy diet
* Hormonal imbalance
* Chronic irritation or inflammation
* Immunosuppression
Types of Cancer
* Carcinoma (epithelial tissue)
* Sarcoma (connective tissues like bone, muscle, fat)
* Leukemia (blood and bone marrow)
* Lymphoma (lymphatic system)
* Melanoma (skin pigment cells)
Clinical Manifestations
* Unexplained weight loss
* Fatigue and weakness
* Persistent pain
* Lump or swelling
* Non-healing ulcer
* Abnormal bleeding or discharge
* Changes in bowel or bladder habits
* Persistent cough or hoarseness
* Difficulty swallowing
* Enlarged lymph nodes
Management of Cancer
Medical Management
* Surgery (removal of tumor)
* Chemotherapy
* Radiotherapy
* Immunotherapy
* Hormonal therapy
* Targeted therapy
Nursing Management
* Pain management
* Nutritional support (high protein, high calorie diet)
* Monitor side effects of treatment
* Prevent infection
* Provide psychological support
* Maintain hygiene and skin care
* Patient education and counseling
* Palliative care in advanced stages
2. Oncology Nursing
Definition: Oncology Nursing is a specialized branch of nursing that focuses on care of patients with cancer including prevention, treatment, symptom management, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
Role of Nurse in Cancer Care
Prevention and Early Detection
* Health education on cancer risk factors
* Promote screening programs
* Encourage healthy lifestyle
Care During Treatment
* Administer chemotherapy and radiotherapy safely
* Monitor side effects
* Manage pain and symptoms
* Maintain infection control
Psychosocial Support
* Provide emotional support
* Reduce anxiety and fear
* Support family members
Palliative Care
* Provide comfort care
* Pain relief measures
* End-of-life care support
Rehabilitation
* Help patient return to daily activities
* Encourage physiotherapy
* Promote self-care independence
3. Short Notes: Classification of Cancer
Cancer is classified based on the type of tissue from which it arises:
Carcinoma
* Originates from epithelial tissues
* Most common type of cancer
* Example: breast cancer, lung cancer
Sarcoma
* Originates from connective tissues such as bone, muscle, cartilage, and fat
* Example: osteosarcoma
Leukemia
* Cancer of blood-forming tissues (bone marrow)
Leads to abnormal white blood cell production
Lymphoma
* Affects lymphatic system
* Includes Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Melanoma
* Originates from melanocytes (skin pigment cells)
* Highly aggressive skin cancer
Previous Year Questions (INC & ANC)
1. Define Cancer. Explain its causes, types, clinical manifestations and management.
2. Define oncology nursing. Describe the role of nurse in cancer care.
3. Write short notes on classification of cancer.
4. Explain the risk factors and prevention of cancer.
5. Describe early signs and symptoms of cancer.
6. Write short notes on tumor markers.
7. Explain diagnostic procedures used in cancer detection.
8. Describe surgical management of cancer patients.
9. Write short notes on chemotherapy and its side effects.
10. Explain nursing responsibilities during chemotherapy administration.
11. Write short notes on radiotherapy and nursing care of patients receiving radiotherapy.
12. Explain complications of cancer and their nursing management.
13. Describe pain management in cancer patients.
14. Write short notes on palliative care.
15. Explain hospice care and end-of-life care in oncology nursing.
16. Describe nutritional care of cancer patients.
17. Write short notes on metastasis.
18. Explain psychological problems in cancer patients and nursing care.
19. Describe infection control in immunocompromised cancer patients.
20. Write short notes on bone marrow suppression.
21. Explain care of patients with oral cancer.
22. Describe nursing care of breast cancer patients.
23. Write short notes on leukemia.
24. Explain role of nurse in cancer screening and early detection.
25. Describe prevention of cancer at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.
26. Write short notes on chemotherapy precautions.
27. Explain rehabilitation of cancer patients.
28. Describe care of terminally ill cancer patients.
29. Write short notes on surgical wound care in cancer patients.
30. Explain ethical issues in oncology nursing.
