Date of Learning: 26/04/2024
Title of learning activity: Cancer Learning Log
I am writing this learning log after reviewing the slides from the class I have missed on the 26/04/2024. The topic of the class was Cancer. This is a topic particularly close to my heart because of the impact this disease had in members of my family, and because I do work in a cancer Hospital. Cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It arises from genetic mutations that disrupt the normal regulatory mechanisms governing cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. These mutations can be acquired through environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, or inherited genetic predispositions. The pathophysiology of cancer involves multiple stages, including initiation, promotion, and progression. Initiation occurs when genetic mutations or alterations in cellular signalling pathways lead to the transformation of normal cells into cancerous cells. Promotion involves the expansion of the transformed cells through clonal expansion and acquisition of additional mutations. Progression is characterized by invasion into surrounding tissues and metastasis to distant organs. Cancer can arise in virtually any tissue or organ of the body, leading to a diverse array of malignancies. Common types of cancer include carcinoma (originating from epithelial cells), sarcoma (arising from connective tissue), lymphoma (affecting lymphocytes), and leukaemia (affecting blood cells). Cell mutations in cancer often involve alterations in oncogenes (promoting cell growth) and tumour suppressor genes (inhibiting cell proliferation), as well as dysregulation of signalling pathways involved in cell cycle control, apoptosis, and DNA repair. Benign tumours are non-cancerous growths that do not invade surrounding tissues or metastasize to other parts of the body. They typically grow slowly and remain localized, causing minimal harm unless they exert pressure on nearby structures. In contrast, malignant tumours are cancerous growths characterized by uncontrolled growth, invasion into adjacent tissues, and the potential for metastasis to distant sites. Malignant tumours pose a greater threat to health and require prompt intervention. Metastasis refers to the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumour to distant organs or tissues via the bloodstream or lymphatic system. It is a hallmark of malignancy and a major factor contributing to the morbidity and mortality associated with cancer. Metastatic disease is often more challenging to treat than localized cancer and may require systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Living with cancer involves navigating a range of physical, emotional, and practical challenges associated with the disease and its treatment. Cancer survivors may experience long-term side effects of treatment, psychological distress, financial strain, and disruptions to daily life. However, advances in cancer care have led to improved survival rates and quality of life for many individuals, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive supportive care, survivorship planning, and access to resources and support services.
KSBs addressed:
| B1 | Treat people with dignity, respecting individual’s diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences |
| B2 | Show respect and empathy for those you work with, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to evidence based best practice |
| B3 | Be adaptable, reliable and consistent, show discretion, resilience and self-awareness |
| S28 | Support people with commonly encountered symptoms including anxiety, confusion, discomfort and pain |
| S29 | Give information and support to people who are dying, their families and the bereaved and provide care to the deceased |
| S30 | Recognise when a person’s condition has improved or deteriorated by undertaking health monitoring, interpreting, promptly responding, sharing findings and escalating as needed |
| S31 | Act in line with any end of life decisions and orders, organ and tissue donation protocols, infection protocols, advanced planning decisions, living wills and lasting powers of attorney for health |
| S32 | Work collaboratively and in partnership with professionals from different agencies in interdisciplinary teams |
| S33 | Maintain safe work and care environments |
| S34 | Act in line with local and national organisational frameworks, legislation and regulations to report risks, and implement actions as instructed, following up and escalating as required |
| S35 | Accurately undertake risk assessments, using contemporary assessment tools |
| S36 | Respond to and escalate potential hazards that may affect the safety of people |
| S37 | Participate in data collection to support audit activity, and contribute to the implementation of quality improvement strategies |
| S38 | Prioritise and manage own workload, and recognise where elements of care can safely be delegated to other colleagues, carers and family members |
| S39 | Recognise when people need help to facilitate equitable access to care, support and escalate concerns appropriately |
| K35 | Understand own role and the roles of all other staff at different levels of experience and seniority in the event of a major incident |
| K36 | Understand the roles of the different providers of health and care |
| K37 | Understand the challenges of providing safe nursing care for people with complex co-morbidities and complex care needs |
| K38 | Understand the complexities of providing mental, cognitive, behavioural and physical care needs across a wide range of integrated care settings |
| K39 | Understand the principles and processes involved in supporting people and families with a range of care needs to maintain optimal independence and avoid unnecessary interventions and disruptions to their lives |
| K40 | Understand own role and contribution when involved in the care of a person who is undergoing discharge or a transition of care between professionals, settings or services |
| K41 | Know the roles, responsibilities and scope of practice of different members of the nursing and interdisciplinary team, and own role within it |
| K42 | Understand and apply the principles of human factors and environmental factors when working in teams |
| K43 | Understand the influence of policy and political drivers that impact health and care provision |