Cancer of the cervix develops in the lower parts of the uterus due to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), transmitted through sexual intercourse. Treatment involves Radiation therapy with chemotherapy or chemotherapy followed by surgery. However, the best treatment plan can be by stage of the disease, for the stage 0(carcinoma in situ) treatment may include laser surgery or conization, internal radiation therapy that best suits those who cannot undergo surgery and hysterectomy for those who no longer want to bear children. Total hysterectomy and conization work for Stage IA1 while radiation therapy and chemotherapy for stage IB and IIA. Treatment for stage IIB, III& IVA involves a clinical trial of chemotherapy to lessen the tumor and afterward, surgery. The last stage, IVB requires treatment involving chemotherapy or radiotherapy and as palliative therapy to lessen cancer symptoms.
Nurses in charge of these cervical cancer patients should be in a position to provide education, care, and facilitate interconnections between the patient cultures, health literacy and, psychosocial needs to the patient. By so doing, it results to improved clinical outcomes for these cancer patients since they have contact with the particular clinical nurse. According to Schyve, cultural barriers, poor health literacy, and little English expertise are the “triple threat” to efficient and effective health care by the Joint Commission (2007). To be regarded health literate, nurses should ensure that their clients incorporate reading and writing skills, critical thinking, listening and speaking skills and decision-making. Undoubtedly, cancer causes stress to both the patient and their families. Hence, nurses need to offer support, encouragement to the person and urge the families and the patient to join the cancer support groups (Lin &Bauer, 2003).
In conclusion, implementation of radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the essential treatments that have worked for many women with cervical cancer. However, depending on the stage of the patient’s cancer, the patient may need more than one treatment plan provided by the cancer treatment group including, medical and radiation oncologist, a gynecological oncologist and a gynecologist. Other than the doctors, a variety of other specialists such as psychologists, nurses, clinical nurse practitioners, rehabilitation specialists and other social workers to enhance medical care and attention to the patients. Nurses should also assist patients in making decisions concerning their appropriate treatment plan and its side effects and possible complications.
References
Schyve, P.M. (2007). Language Differences as a Barrier to Quality and Safety in Health Care: The Joint Commission Perspective. Oakbrook Terrace. Society of General Internal Medicine Publishers.
Lin, H.R, Bauer, M. (2003). Psycho-spiritual Well-being in Patients with Cancer. New Jersey. Jadv Nurs Publishers.
Hassan, H. (2009). Cervical Cancer. New York. Rosen Publishing.
