Cancer Care

WHAT IS A CANCER?

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancer develops when the body’s normal control mechanism stops working. Old cells do not die and instead grow out of control, forming new abnormal cells. These extra cells may form a mass tissue, called a tumour, whereas other cancers, such as Leukaemia do not form these mass tissues.

Cancer may occur anywhere in the body. In women, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers, and in men prostate cancer is the most prevalent. Lung cancer and colorectal cancer affect both men and women in high numbers.

THERE ARE FIVE MAIN CATEGORIES OF CANCER:

Carcinomas – this begins in the skin or tissues that line the internal organs

Sarcomas – this cancer develops in the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle or other connective tissues

Leukaemia – this begins in the blood and bone marrow

Lymphomas – this starts in the immune system

Central nervous system – this is when cancer develops in the brain and spinal cord

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms caused by cancer will vary depending on what part of the body is affected. Some general signs and symptoms associated with, but not specific to, cancer include:

• Fatigue

• Lump or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin

• Weight changes, including unintended loss or gain in weight

• Skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening or redness of the skin, sores that will not heal, or changes in existing moles

• Changes in bowel or bladder habits

• Persistent cough or trouble breathing

• Difficulty swallowing

• Hoarseness

• Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating

• Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain

• Persistent, unexplained fevers or night sweats

• Unexplained bleeding or bruising

How Emary Home Health Care can help you with cancer

At Emary Home Health Care we understand that everyone has their own individual needs and preferences. We know that people who have had a cancer diagnosis are unique individuals who need a specific care plan designed especially for them.

Whatever your needs we will do our very best to support you.

At Emary Home Health Care we handpick our nurses and carers not only for their qualifications and experience but also for their sensitivity and compassion. At a time of great pressure, we are here to make life easier for you and your family.

Maybe you’d benefit from help with:

• Administering medication and pain relief

• Ensuring any necessary adjustments are made in the home

• Getting to appointments

• Companionship and a listening ear in times of worry

• Getting out and about and sourcing any helpful activities, for example, alternative therapies

• Cooking, housekeeping and general errands