Cancer Diagnosis: Symptoms, Testing, and Self-Management Plan

Running head: CANCER DIAGNOSIS 1
Cancer Diagnosis
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CANCER DIAGNOSIS 2
Cancer Diagnosis
Introduction
Mostly, many view it as a death sentence. This disease has resulted to fear in the face of
humans. However, there is still a glimmer of hope as the cases of survivors of cancer are on the
rise (“World Health Organization,” 2014). Cancer comprises a group of diseases, among them,
is colorectal cancer.
Colorectal type of cancer mainly starts at the colon or the rectum. This cancer typically
begins when the cells near the rectum or colons grow out of control. Mostly, colorectal cancer
starts as growth on the lining of the rectum or colon known as the polyps. Some type of polyps is
likely to change over time (after many years). Usually, the transformation of polyps to cancer
will depend on the kind of polyps it is. The two known types of polyps are 1. Adenomatous
polyps (adenomas) linked to being a precancerous condition 2. Hyperplastic polyps and
inflammatory polyps which is not precancerous (Eberhart et al., 2014). The following document
will offer insight on colorectal cancer.
Discharge plan
In most instances, there may lack follow up of colorectal Survivors once discharged from
health centers. Therefore, a comprehensive plan needs to be recommended to address their needs
within the continuum of their care (“Drugs,.com,” 2018). The method should comprise of the
following:
i. There should be hotlines for survivors. 911, He/she should call when he/she experience
symptoms such as cough blood, experience chest pain, etc.

CANCER DIAGNOSIS 3
ii. An individual should contact oncologist in case: one has a fever, see blood in bowel
movement, cannot control temperature, or in case he/she need support.
iii. Administration of drugs should be done timely, for example, anti-nausea, prescription
pain medicine among other-directed.
iv. An individual should be encouraged to get screened as directed by a healthcare provider
for example yearly, monthly, etc.
v. Colorectal cancer survivors should be warned on various lifestyle activity that affect
their health, e.g., smoking
vi. .Colorectal survivor should engage in regular exercises as directed by a physician.
vii. . The Patient should be encouraged to eat healthy food, e.g., fruits. It's a fact that patient
will change their diet in the course of the cancer treatment.
Moreover, Transition care model should be applied to discharged patients. According to
this model, it defines a set of activities aimed at the continuation of health care when patient
move from a different location, e.g., from hospital to home (Oeffinger and McCabe, 2016).
This method entails logistical arrangement, provision of education of patients and family
and coordination between health professionals and the discharged patient.
Also, Transition Theory model should be applied to monitor patients. The model defines
that a people are likely to undergo a series of change when modifying his/her behavior. The
theory recognizes that change occurs over time. A person is expected to undergo the
following steps: pre-contemplation( person is not ready), contemplation(person is getting
ready), preparation(person is ready) and action in the course of the therapy. Hence, it's of
great importance to recognize this
Signs and Symptoms

CANCER DIAGNOSIS 4
It’s important to note symptoms of Colorectal cancer may not be immediately detected
(Adelstein, 2011). However, if discovered the following symptoms will be evident:
I. Changing the habits of the bowel, for example, diarrhea and constipation.
II. There is bleeding of the rectal.
III. Stool in blood, which makes the stool look too dark.
IV. Pain in the abdominal.
V. Fatigue and general body weakness.
VI. Unexpected weight loss.
These symptoms may be coupled with often bleeding of the digestive tract. Eventually, this leads
to blood loss whose impact will be low blood cells count condition known as anemia.
Recommended Testing and Diagnosis
It's the fact that most individuals having colorectal cancer do not have symptoms.
Therefore, comprehensive testing and diagnosis need to be conducted. These tests are commonly
known as screening tests. In the light, these test helps to prevent or identify colorectal cancer
before signs start developing.
During these tests a doctor will be able to gather vital information concerning possible risk
factors, medical history of an individual and if necessary individual family history (“World
Health Organization,” 2014). The tests are:
Blood tests
Blood count (CBC): This test examines the various cells found in the blood. In case one has low
blood count it may indicate an anemic condition (Nordqvist, 2018). Usually, people with the