Whether it is a cancer that is recurring or one that is not cure-friendly, advanced cancer can respond to treatment and is no longer always a death sentence. As with any other illness, management of signs and symptoms, open communication with your health-care team, an effective support group and solid coping skills are pivotal for those living with advanced cancer. Some of the key considerations facing patients and/or loved ones include treatment options and objectives, as well as the decision of which treatment to undertake.
Definition
Advanced cancer occurs when the disease has migrated from its original site to other areas of the body. In some cases, it is locally advanced in a vital organ, but has not reached distant sites; in others, it may have metastasized or spread throughout the body through the lymph system or bloodstream. Care and treatment of advanced care are focused on the management and relief of symptoms, as well as improving the patient's comfort and quality of life.
Symptoms
The symptoms of advanced cancer will vary from one patient to the next. According to the National Cancer Institute, some of the commonly treated symptoms of advanced cancer include lethargy, upset stomach, shortness of breath, blocked bowels, weakness, nausea, sputum/cough, weight loss, vertigo, confusion, depression, forgetfulness, anxiety, swollen legs and ankles, skin rashes, tastelessness, bladder or bowel issues, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances and pain.
Treatment Approaches
Individuals diagnosed with advanced cancer may benefit from a variety of treatment approaches, depending on the location and type of cancer they have. It is entirely within the patient's discretion which choice of treatment is best for him. Typically, advanced cancer is not addressed through surgery, except in cases where it can eliminate pain, stop bleeding or enhance the quality of life. Also referred to as palliative radiation, radiation therapy enables patients to decrease pain and other symptoms by shrinking tumors. Systemic therapy such as hormonal therapy or chemotherapy, which is administered intravenously or orally, is the treatment recommended for cancer cells that have spread.
Complementary & Alternative Medicine
Patients with advanced cancer may find helpful non-drug therapies known as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). These may be used to treat side effects of treatment, such as fatigue, pain and nausea; reduce stress; relax muscles; promote healing; and achieve well-being. However, prior to opting for one of these methods, patients should consult their physician to ensure that it will not adversely affect their cancer treatment. Some of the most popular CAM approaches include meditation, deep breathing, hypnosis, biofeedback, special diets, massage therapy, imagery, herbal and vitamin therapy, and acupuncture.
Life Expectancy
Patients with advanced cancer can live longer than expected, even many years beyond their diagnosis. As with any disease, there is no certainty about outcomes or life expectancy, and an individual's prognosis may evolve over time.
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