Running head: Disease Process Paper: Cancer 1
Disease Process Paper: Cancer
Lauren Sheetz
Liberty University
Disease Process Paper: Cancer 2
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most common types of diseases throughout the world. It affects millions all
across the globe. Cancer can start anywhere in the human body and can progress at a certain
point. This paper will discuss the description of what cancer is, the organ systems this disease
affects, the diagnosis process, preventable factors, and treatment options.
Keywords: cancer, disease
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Disease Process Paper: Cancer
Cancer is a disease that affects millions across the globe. Cancer is the name given to a
collection of diseases. Unfortunately, it can start almost anywhere in the human body. There are
multiple types of cancers, including Leukemia, Melanoma, Breast, and many more. Cancer can
affect the circulatory system, lymphatic system, immune system, and even the hormone system.
Description
According to The Disease Process of Cancer, “Cancer originates in a single cell
somewhere in the body. The cell divides and grows in the organ of the origin, causing a
localized tumor. Cancer cells then spread to adjacent tissues or regional lymph node drainage
areas, and then advance to distant organs or structures, creating metastatic tumors” (National
Cancer Institute, 2018). As stated previously, cancer can affect many organ systems within the
body.
First, when cancer affects the circulatory system, it circulates the cancer which makes it spread.
According to Cancer Research UK, here is an example: “Cancers of the colon often spread to the
liver. This is because blood circulates from the bowel through the liver on its way back to the
heart” (2017). With this being said, by the blood circulating, cancer can spread throughout the
rest of the body throughout that process. Another system cancer affects is the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is a system of tubes and lymph nodes throughout the body. This is closely
related to the blood circulation. The cells in the lymphatic system fight off infection and destroy
damaged cells. When cancer cells break away from the tumor, they may get stuck in one of the
lymph nodes. The lymphatic system also contains many other organs including the spleen, the
thymus, the tonsils, and more where cancer can begin. One more system cancer can majorly
affect is the immune system. Clearly, the immune system protects one’s body against illness and
infection caused by bacteria and much more. Cancer Research UK states, “The immune system
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is important to cancer patients in many ways because: 1) cancer can weaken the immune system,
2) cancer treatments may weaken the immune system, and 3) the immune system may help to
fight cancer” (2017). Lastly, cancer can even have an effect on the hormone system. Cancer
Research UK says, “The hormone system is a network of glands and organs in the body that
produce hormones. It is also called the endocrine system” (2017). Some cancer cells can produce
hormones that are in the body and cause symptoms.
Biology online dictionary states homeostasis as, “The tendency of an organism or a cell
to regulate its internal conditions, usually by a system of feedback controls, so as to stabilize
health and functioning, regardless of the outside changing conditions” (2016). As cancer comes
in many different forms, so do the effects it has on homeostasis and the effects on the body.
Diagnosis
American Cancer Society states that, “Cancer is nearly always diagnosed by an expert
who has looked at a cell or tissue samples under a microscope” (2015). The procedure that takes
out the lump is called a biopsy. The National Cancer Institute says, “Common symptoms
include:
•Skin changes, such as: a new mole or a change in an existing mole, or a sore that
does not heal.
•Breast changes, such as: change in size or shape of the breast/nipple or change in
texture of breast skin.
•Other common symptoms include a thickening or lump on or under the skin,
weight gain or loss with no reasons, abdominal pain, feeling weak or very tired,
etc.” (2018).
Cancer is a complex group of diseases with many and multiple causes. Although cancer can be
genetic, there are many common causes of cancer. Some of those include smoking and using
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tobacco, physical activity, excessive sun exposure/other types of radiation, and viruses and other
infections.
Treatment
There are many different types of cancer treatments all depending on the cancer you have
and how advanced it is. Some people with cancer may only have one treatment options as where
other cancer patients may have many options. The main treatment for cancer is chemotherapy
and/or radiation therapy. Other options include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone
therapy, or even clinical trials.
According to the National Cancer Institute, “The list below includes the most-studied
known or suspected risk factors for cancer…Limiting your exposure to avoidable risk factors
may lower your risk of developing certain cancers
•Age
•Alcohol
•Cancer-causing substances
•Obesity
•Sunlight
•Tobacco” (2018).
Conclusion
In conclusion, cancer is unfortunately a common, yet debilitating disease. There are many
risk factors that play into this disease as discussed above. I learned so much about this disease
that I did not previously know. It affects many organs in the body which takes a toll on the whole
body itself. Depending on the type of cancer an individual has, there can be several treatment
options, although the main treatment option is chemotherapy. Even though cancer can be
hereditary, there are some ways to possibly avoid being at high risk of cancer including not being
in the sun excessively, heavy alcohol drinking, tobacco use, and more. It is so crucial to keep
these things in mind as unfortunately it is such a common disease that affects so many. It is sad
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seeing the effects of cancer on an individual – the results can be heartbreaking, but also some
come out in victory as well, and those results can be so amazing to see.
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References
How is cancer diagnosed? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-
diagnosis/tests/testing-biopsy-and-cytology-specimens-for-cancer/how-is-cancer-diagnosed.html
The hormone system and cancer. (2017, December 18). Retrieved from
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/what-is-cancer/body-systems-and-cancer/the-
hormone-system-and-cancer
What Is Cancer? (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.cancer.gov/about- cancer/understanding/what-is-
cancer#types
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