Nursing Oncology: Cancers of the reproductive System

Summary

In this video, the host covers various cancers that affect the male and female reproductive systems, including prostate, breast, endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancers. For prostate cancer, early screening is crucial, and risk factors such as age and genetics are discussed. Breast cancer prevention involves mammograms, self-checks, and lifestyle modifications. Endometrial cancer and cervical cancer are linked to hormonal factors and HPV, respectively, with prevention through screening and vaccination. Ovarian cancer, known for its vague symptoms, is hard to detect early. Treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are explored for all cancers. This video serves as an informative guide for nurses and students to understand these cancers and their management.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prostate cancer screening begins at age 50 for most individuals, with a blood PSA test and a digital rectal exam. PSA levels should be checked before the exam to avoid false results.
• 😀 Risk factors for prostate cancer include older age, genetics, diet, and urinary symptoms such as hematuria, frequency, and retention.
• 😀 Prostate cancer can be diagnosed with elevated PSA levels (above 4), a transrectal ultrasound, and biopsy.
• 😀 Treatment for prostate cancer includes radiation, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Possible complications include urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
• 😀 Breast cancer screening begins at age 40 through mammograms and self-checks, with baseline mammograms done at age 35 for those at high risk.
• 😀 Risk factors for breast cancer include smoking, hormonal replacement therapy, obesity, long-term use of oral contraceptives, and genetics.
• 😀 Breast cancer symptoms include nipple retraction, ulceration, discharge, dimpling of the skin, and non-tender lumps.
• 😀 Mastectomy patients should avoid using the affected arm for blood pressure, injections, or blood draws to prevent complications like lymphatic issues and edema.
• 😀 Endometrial cancer is associated with unopposed estrogen exposure and presents with post-menopausal bleeding.
• 😀 Cervical cancer is caused by HPV, which can be prevented with the HPV vaccine and regular Pap smears starting three years after the onset of intercourse or by age 20.
• 😀 Ovarian cancer presents with vague GI symptoms and has a poor prognosis due to its late detection. Treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

Q & A

At what age should men start screening for prostate cancer?

Men should start screening for prostate cancer at age 50 unless they are at high risk, in which case screening may begin earlier.

Why is it important to collect PSA levels before performing a digital rectal exam (DRE)?

It is important to collect PSA levels before performing a DRE because the exam itself can increase PSA levels, potentially leading to a false positive result.

What are the common risk factors for prostate cancer?

Risk factors for prostate cancer include older age, genetics, and diet.

What are the common symptoms of prostate cancer?

Symptoms of prostate cancer include hematuria, urinary frequency, retention, hesitancy, and frequent bladder infections.

What treatments are available for prostate cancer?

Treatment for prostate cancer may include radiation, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.

At what age should women begin breast cancer screening?

Women should begin breast cancer screening at age 40 through mammograms and monthly self-checks.

What are some risk factors for developing breast cancer?

Risk factors for breast cancer include smoking, hormonal replacement therapy, obesity, long-term use of oral contraceptives, genetics, and early menarche.

What precautions should a nurse take when caring for a patient who has undergone a mastectomy?

After a mastectomy, a nurse should avoid taking blood pressure, blood draws, or injections on the side of the surgery. They should also encourage the use of a sling, loose clothing, and arm exercises to reduce edema and improve range of motion.

What is the main cause of cervical cancer, and how can it be prevented?

Cervical cancer is primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It can be prevented through the HPV vaccine, which is typically administered before college, and through regular pap smears to detect early changes.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer, and why is it difficult to diagnose?

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague, often resembling gastrointestinal disturbances like constipation or discomfort. This makes it difficult to diagnose early, leading to a poorer prognosis.