How does cancer affect physical health?
Physical symptoms vary across cancer types and treatment modalities but commonly include fatigue, sleep disturbances, pain, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea, neuropathy, skin rashes or toxicity, cachexia, arthralgias, myalgias, lymphedema, impaired sexual functioning, and cognitive problems [5, 6].
What is a Stage 4 cancer?
Stage 4 cancer is sometimes referred to as metastatic cancer, because it often means the cancer has spread from its origin to distant parts of the body. This stage may be diagnosed years after the initial cancer diagnosis and/or after the primary cancer has been treated or removed.
Why does cancer make you tired?
Cancer uses your body’s nutrients to grow and advance, so those nutrients are no longer replenishing your body. This “nutrient theft” can make you feel extremely tired.
What are the physical and psychological effects of cancer?
A cancer diagnosis can affect the emotional health of patients, families, and caregivers. Common feelings during this life-changing experience include anxiety, distress, and depression. Roles at home, school, and work can be affected. It’s important to recognize these changes and get help when needed.
How does cancer affect other body systems?
In metastasis, cancer cells break away from where they first formed, travel through the blood or lymph system, and form new tumors in other parts of the body. Cancer can spread to almost anywhere in the body. But it commonly moves into your bones, liver, or lungs.
Can cancer make your legs weak?
Muscle weakness is a major clinical problem for patients with advanced cancer. In addition, chemotherapy itself can cause muscle weakness and this can persist for months or years after treatment, causing problems such as fatigue and falls which can lead to fractures and increased mortality.
What does Terminal cachexia mean?
Cachexia (pronounced kuh-KEK-see-uh) is a “wasting” disorder that causes extreme weight loss and muscle wasting, and can include loss of body fat. This syndrome affects people who are in the late stages of serious diseases like cancer, HIV or AIDS, COPD, kidney disease, and congestive heart failure (CHF).
Why do cancer patients get mean?
Cancer patients simply want to be their old selves, Spiegel says, so they often can fail to make their new needs clear to their loved ones and caregivers, which can lead to frustration and anger.
Can cancer cause personality changes?
Yes, they can. Brain tumors often cause personality changes and sudden mood swings. Although these mood changes and their severity will vary from one person to another, it’s relatively common for someone with a brain tumor to experience increased: Aggression.
How does metastasis cause death?
If a metastasis lands near or inside these structures, then it may simply block, squeeze, or crush these parts in a way that can be devastating. For example, a metastatic tumor may block an airway or press on the part of the brain that controls breathing.
What is Stage 4 metastatic cancer?
Stage 4 cancer is a condition in which cancer has spread (metastasized) from its original location to other organs in the body. Metastatic cancer is what claimed the life of Elizabeth Edwards nearly four years after it was first diagnosed.
How long can you live with Stage 4 cancer?
The word terminal is a vague term and one that suggests active dying, usually within months. Because many people can live for years with stage 4 cancer, the disease is better described as advanced or late-stage until signs of end-stage disease develop.
Should I get a second opinion for Stage 4 cancer?
Stage 4 cancer is a serious disease that requires immediate expert care. Patients who have been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer may consider getting a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis and explore treatment options.
What are the side effects of Stage 4 lung cancer treatment?
Side effects of treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy vary among different people and may limit your ability to tolerate treatment. Health conditions, such as emphysema, may lower stage 4 lung cancer life expectancy.