Cancer stages — diagnosis, prognosis, treatment

There are several different ways to classify cancer into stages. Thanks to such divisions, it is possible to adjust the entire therapy process to the patient's needs — not only for treatment, but also for psychological reasons. Knowing the stage of the cancer is also important from the point of view of patient care.

The stages of cancer

The basic division of neoplastic disease includes 4 main stages — diagnosis, treatment, remission, and terminal stage. Each of them is extremely difficult for the patient, but also his relatives.

Cancer diagnosis

Cancer diagnosis is usually preceded by observing symptoms that could indicate the disease. This moment is important due to the possibility of early cancer detection. Unfortunately, in many cases the disturbing symptoms are underestimated and the doctor appointment is postponed. A large number of patients come to the doctor's office when the symptoms are very bothersome. Unfortunately, it usually means an advanced stage of the cancer. Therefore, it is very important to monitor the body and report to a doctor as soon as possible after noticing disturbing symptoms. In the case of cancer, time is very important, and its early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of a cure.

The moment of diagnosis is the first moment when the patient comes into direct contact with cancer. Being diagnosed with cancer comes with very strong emotions — fear, insecurity, anxiety, and sometimes depression. Complicated medical terms can also create confusion. Therefore, psychological support plays an important role at this stage — it can be relatives, a support group or an organization supporting cancer patients. It is also worth seeking help from a specialist, i.e. a psychologist, who, being a properly trained person, can help you overcome difficult moments.

Cancer treatment

The next step is to start treatment. The main treatments for cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biological therapies. Depending on the selected therapy, side effects may appear. Some of them can significantly reduce the patient's quality of life. It is very important that you are well acquainted with its possible course before starting treatment. Knowledge in this area allows you to be well-prepared for the side effects associated with treatment. The type of treatment and its duration is selected on the basis of the performed tests. The results provide information on the type of neoplasm, its size, location, and the impact on the patient's body. Cancer therapy can end in one of two ways — remission or relapse.

Cancer remission

Cancer remission is the term used to describe the stage when cancer cells are no longer detected in the patient's body. If the patient remains in remission for a period of 5 years, the doctor may decide that the patient is cured. Most relapses occur within 5 years of treatment in remission. Even though the time has elapsed without the disease recurring, there is still a risk that it will occur in the following years. For this reason, it is necessary to constantly monitor your health through regular examinations prescribed by a doctor. It’s also worth remembering that relapse does not mean that it cannot be cured.

Read more about remission here: https://tumor3d.com/en/blog/cancer-remission-what-does-it-mean

The last stage of cancer

Symptomatic treatment is usually initiated when all therapeutic options have been used and none has contributed to remission. It often includes cytostatic drugs to stop or reduce the growth of the cancer. Maintaining the highest possible quality of life for the patient and providing assistance is also very important. The aim of all activities is to reduce the symptoms of the disease, and in the case of palliative patients, also to change the psychological nature.

The transition to the terminal state usually takes place in the last few days or at the end of the life of the patient. During this time, the organism weakens, the patient stops eating and the functions of various systems - nervous, respiratory and circulatory — are slowly extinguished. Due to the progressive weakness, contact with the patient is usually difficult.