Cancer Risks and Prevention

This week we have discussed in class risks associated with cancer.

Carcinogen exposure can come from several sources. The major risk factors associated with cancer are smoking, dietary habits, exposure to radiation, environmental and chemical carcinogens, frequent heavy consumption of alcohol, and viruses, as well as genetic factors.

Tobacco is responsible for 1 out of 5 deaths in the United States. Smoking is considered an acquired behavior, which means that this is an activity that one chooses to engage in even though evidence states that specific behavior (smoking for example) can lead to the development of cancer.

Did you know that smoking is the most preventable cause of death?

Another significant statistic states 89% of persons who develop lung cancer are smokers.

It is the nurses responsibility to teach patients about prevention and risk factors associated with cancer. Learn about cancer for both you and your patient through gaming.

Check out the games; I like "Burn Out".

Please visit the National Cancer Institute and use the risk tool calculators to identify your personal risk level, then research what you as a nurse can do to reduce your current risk.

The Environmental Protection Agency is an in depth resource for environmental risk factors.

Environmental Carcinogens released into air & water

The primary prevention of cancer consists of changes in lifestyle habits to decrease exposure to carcinogens. For instance, exercising, eating healthy especially including foods rich in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables, as well as maintaining a healthy weight are activities that promote health and wellness.

Another means of prevention is cancer screenings. They are performed at certain ages, with familial history, or in the presence of signs or symptoms.

Please apply what you have learned this week and examine your surrounding community and home environments to determine what possible risk factors or exposures could potentially impact your personal cancer risk.

You may use your text, notes, and the provided links to help guide you.

Discuss your findings and offer possible solutions to decrease your risk of carcinogen exposure as you would with a patient. Share two nursing diagnosis that would correlate with your findings.