Terminal cancer, or as end-stage cancer, is the final stage of a cancer diagnosis. The disease can, then, no longer be controlled or cured. It is a serious and life-limiting condition that requires specialized care and support for both the patient and their loved ones. Today we’re answering the question what is terminal cancer and explore its symptoms and causes.
Causes
Cancer is a result of abnormal growth and division of cells in the body. The specific cause of a person’s cancer may vary, but some common causes include:
- Genetics: Some cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer, have a strong genetic component. As a result one may inherit them from a family member.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals, toxins, and pollutants may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
- Lifestyle factors: Factors such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor diet may increase the risk of developing cancer.
Diagnosis
It’s typically a team of healthcare professionals that make the diagnosis of terminal cancer. This may include a doctor, nurse, and other medical professionals. The process typically involves a physical examination, imaging tests such as MRI, and biopsies to confirm the diagnosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of terminal cancer will depend on the type and location of the cancer, but may include:
- Pain.
- Fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Changes in skin color or texture.
- Lumps or masses in the body.
As the cancer progresses, symptoms may worsen and may eventually lead to total disability.
Treatment
Treatment options for terminal cancer are limited and typically focus on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life.
Palliative care: Palliative care is a specialized type of care that focuses on relieving pain and other symptoms. It also attempts to improve quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. A team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and social workers are providing this support.
Hospice care: Hospice care is a type of palliative care that is provided to patients who are nearing the end of life. It typically takes place in the patient’s home or in a hospice facility.
Myend & Terminal Cancer
A terminal cancer patient may need an end-of-life planner such as myend.com for several reasons.
First, as the disease progresses, patients may experience a decline in their physical and mental abilities, making it difficult for them to plan for their end-of-life care on their own. A end-of-life planner like myend.com can help patients to document their preferences and wishes for their care. As a result they can communicate these wishes to their loved ones and healthcare providers.
Second, as the disease progresses, patients may experience difficulty communicating and making decisions. This also makes it even more important to have their end-of-life wishes clearly stated in advance. Myend.com allows patients to document their preferences, such as their location of care, their religious or spiritual beliefs, and their wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments.
Deterioration
Third, terminal cancer is a progressive and debilitating disease with no cure, and the patient’s condition may deteriorate rapidly. Having an end-of-life plan in place can give patients and their loved ones peace of mind. Especially through knowing that loved ones will respect their wishes and that they’ll receive the care they want at the end of their life.
Fourth, Myend.com also allows patients to store their important documents. Examples of these are their advance directive, last will, and power of attorney in one secure and easily accessible location. This ensures them that their loved ones and healthcare providers will have access to them when needed.
Overall, myend.com can be a valuable resource for terminal cancer patients and their families, helping them to plan for and navigate the end-of-life process with confidence and dignity.
Fact & stats about terminal cancer
Here are some additional facts and statistics about terminal cancer:
- Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and it is estimated that 9.6 million people died from cancer in 2018.
- The most common types of cancer that lead to terminal stage are lung, colorectal, stomach, liver and pancreas.
- The 5-year survival rate for all cancers combined is approximately 18%. The 5-year survival rate drops to less than 10% for patients with advanced or metastatic cancer.
- Patients with terminal cancer often experience symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing, which can significantly impact their quality of life.
- Hospice and palliative care can help to manage symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with terminal cancer.
- Over 80% of people with terminal cancer would prefer to die at home, however, only around 20% actually do.
- Advance care planning, which includes discussing end-of-life care preferences with loved ones and healthcare providers, is important for patients with terminal cancer. After all, it can help to ensure that their wishes are respected and that they receive appropriate care.
- At the end of life, cancer patients and their family members often have high levels of stress, depression and anxiety. Hospice care can help to provide emotional and spiritual support to patients and their loved ones.
- Research is ongoing to improve the understanding of cancer and to develop new treatments. However, for terminal cancer patients, the focus is on quality of life and comfort rather than curative treatments.
It is important to note that these statistics are subject to change as new data becomes available, and that the statistics are for general information only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Keep important documents in a safe place
Besides the furniture and other household items, you might find a variety of papers inside the house. Toss out any mail that’s just junk mail and shopping lists. But be sure to go through all of the letters and papers that are leftover. Unfortunately, important documents are sometimes mistaken for junk mail and accidentally thrown out.
If you’ve inherited a house full of stuff, that might include financial accounts too. You’re in charge of managing those affairs and tying up loose ends. You’ll need a lot of official documentation to accomplish those tasks, so hold onto it all.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, terminal cancer is a serious and life-limiting condition. It requires specialized care and support for both the patient and their loved ones.
Palliative care and hospice care can help to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Myend.com can be a valuable resource for terminal cancer patients and their families. After all, it’s the perfect platform to help them to plan for and navigate the end-of-life process with confidence and dignity. Start navigating you end-of-life today with a free account. Keep in mind that it is important to discuss end-of-life care preferences with loved ones and healthcare providers. This can ensure that the patient’s wishes are respected and that they receive appropriate care.
