INTRODUCTION
Breast cancer is a global health threat due to its frequent nature with a frequency of 30% amongst other types of cancer. In women, breast cancer comes second in causing cancer related deaths. Despite these known facts, there are several incidences with the current research showing that it has been increasing for the past two decades. (Suhail, 2012)
Breast cancer diagnosis and its treatment cause numerous psychological and physical effects on women. These include inability to perform roles in the family, social dysfunction, chemotherapy (sometimes with acute consequences), depressive symptoms and negative emotions amongst other effects. When one is diagnosed with breast cancer, research shows that most people lead a low quality life due to its impacts and the traumatic nature of management. However, this should not be the case. (Baum, 2000)
MANAGING BREAST CANCER AFTER TREATMENT
After treatment, this is the most opportune time to give guidance to survivors on how to positively live healthy. In making sure that breast cancer survivors soldier on with their lives strongly and with great hope of seeing the following day, I would propose Orem's Self-Care Deficit theory to be best for the breast cancer survivors. This is due to the fact that it is applied at personal level. It encompasses three theories which are patient-based. I do believe that it is the responsibility of patients especially breast cancer survivors to take good care of themselves so as to avoid the recurrence of the disease because they are the most affected.
How it operates
In Orem’s model of nursing, patients are always encouraged to take care of themselves. This model aims at helping to move on the rehabilitation path and take necessary steps to basic care of themselves. Through this, it is believed that they can recuperate very fast and holistically. In this theory, the breast cancer survivors need to take care of the needs of other people as well. They should also ensure that they meet the health requisites which arise due to the health conditions. (Alligood and Tomey 2000)
This theory argues that self care agency is necessary for the perfect care of oneself. This is due to factors such as gender, family system, gender; age etc. with this the self care agency, it easier for the nurse to know exactly what is happening with the patient. Upon knowing where the problem lies, the nurse in-charge will be able to tell identify the nursing systems required for supportive or educative purpose. (George, 2002)
As you try your best to be healthy, kindly keep your doctor closes that incase of any sudden anomaly occurs, he/she should be there to help.
Lastly, Orem’s theory tells us that when you have been recommended for some cancer screening tests, there isn’t a need of avoiding them. Through this method, one is likely to live a happy long life.
DIETARY CONSULTATION
Research shows that women recuperating from breast cancer should be advised to follow the laid guidelines of good health like observing their weight, avoid smoking, limit alcohol and eat balanced diet. It is advisable for breast cancer survivors to keep their doctors close and ask them to prepare them what is best for them in terms of diet. (Akram, 2012)
Women recovering from breast cancer are encouraged to follow established guidelines for good health, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating a balanced diet and limiting alcohol.
It is also generally accepted that taking a lot of fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of recurrence.
THEORY INCORPORATION
I strongly believe that the world society has a role to make reduce the incidences of breast cancer. However, we have the ability but we are not putting it to use. This is why the cases of this metastatic disease are on the increase. I will try my best to provide interventions through psycho-education for people to believe in orem’s theory. If the patient becomes very observant and knows what is good for him/her, there are better chances of living a healthier life than he/she who takes no responsibility. Breast cancer survivors have to be very keen and avoid stressful situations, overeating, and heavy physical exercises amongst other unhealthy practices. Thus, orem’s model of nursing best suits cancer survivors in avoiding recurrence of the disease. (Bardwell A. and Fiorentino L.2012)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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