What type of cancer does your team help treat?
I work in radiation/oncology, and we treat solid tumors with radiation.
Can you describe the process of cancer treatment if someone were to obtain it at an early stage?
There are 3 basic ways to treat cancer: surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation. The patient's treatment depends on type of cancer. A patient may have just one type of treatment, or all 3 depending on the type, location, and the stage. Stages are 1-4: 1 is early and localized; stage 4 means that the cancer has spread to distant areas of the body.
Have you seen a drastic increase in the number of patients you treat with cancer throughout the years?
No, I have not. The numbers usually remain rather constant.
With that said, do you think people are being cautious of cancer and seeing the doctor regularly for check-ups for possible early detection of cancer?
Yes, screenings and treatments for cancer are improving every day.
Can you describe the more harsh symptoms of cancer? Have they worsened as time goes on or stayed the same?
The hardest symptoms to see are people in pain or that have trouble breathing. Symptoms are much better treated with medications. Pain, nausea, and anti-anxiety medicines are much better and patients are much more comfortable.
What makes cancer dangerous?
Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells. So the abnormal cancer cells interfere with the normal healthy cells in the body. Cancer can spread from the primary site to other areas in the body and make it very difficult to control.
Are they still finding new types of cancer? Is this evidence of evolution in cancer?
I do not know of any new types of cancer. There are trends where some types of cancer become more prevelent. Certain types of cancer are more common in certain age groups, gender, and ethnic groups. This may be evidence of evolution due to certain traits being carried on in certain people. For example prostate cancer is more common in African American men. Asian people have lower rates of cancer.
What are some misconceptions about cancer or breast cancer?
Cancer is not one disease. It is many different diseases. Even in Breast Cancer there are many different cell types, grades, and stages of disease. The cell type and other factors determine the treatment you will get.
Any interesting stories involving patients with cancer and recovery?
Every cancer patient has a story, and that is what makes caring for them so interesting. It is nice to see patients and their families show strength and courage to fight their disease.
What made you want to nurse? Did you ever experience a personal story with relation to cancer that made you want to help others?
I liked biology and have always been a natural care giver. I enjoy helping and taking care of people. I decided that I wanted to work with cancer because as a nursing student I worked with cancer patients. I found that the patients and their families inspired me.
