Cancer Pathophysiology, Prevention and Detection - Concept Map
Cancer: Uncontrolled Cell Growth and Malignancy
Related concepts
Pathophysiology of Cancer
Sub concepts
- Normal Cell Regulation
- Genetic Mutations
- Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes
- Carcinogenesis Process
- Invasion and Metastasis
Relationship to central
Foundation explaining how cancer develops at cellular and molecular level
Tumor Characteristics and Classification
Sub concepts
- Benign vs Malignant Tumors
- Grading (Cellular Differentiation)
- Staging (TNM System)
- Tumor Nomenclature
- Sites of Metastasis
Relationship to central
Clinical descriptors that distinguish cancer types and severity
Cancer Detection and Diagnosis
Sub concepts
- Warning Signs (CAUTION)
- Screening and Early Detection
- Diagnostic Tests
- Biopsy Types
- Tumor Markers
Relationship to central
Methods to identify and confirm malignancy
Cancer Prevention
Sub concepts
- Primary Prevention (Risk Reduction)
- Secondary Prevention (Early Detection)
- Lifestyle Modifications
- Vaccinations
- Occupational Safety
Relationship to central
Strategies to reduce cancer incidence and risk
Cancer in the Philippines
Sub concepts
- Leading Cancer Types
- Department of Health Programs
- RA 11215 (NICCA)
- Cancer Assistance Fund
- Nursing Advocacy
Relationship to central
National epidemiology and healthcare response
Nursing Management
Sub concepts
- Health Education
- Self-Examination Teaching
- Diagnostic Support
- Community Advocacy
- Cultural Competence
Relationship to central
Professional interventions aligned with RA 9173 Nursing Practice Act
Concept connections
- Proto-oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor GenesCarcinogenesis ProcessMutations in these genes drive the three stages of carcinogenesis; normal protective functions are lost
- Carcinogenesis ProcessPromotion StageThe promotion stage is reversible, making it the critical window for primary prevention interventions
- Tumor Suppressor Gene LossFailure of ApoptosisWhen p53 and other suppressor genes are inactivated, programmed cell death cannot occur, allowing malignant cells to persist
- AngiogenesisProgression StageTumor development of its own blood supply marks the transition to aggressive, progressive malignancy
- MetastasisLymphatic System SpreadThe lymphatic route is the most common pathway for carcinoma spread; regional node involvement is assessed in TNM staging
- Metastatic SitesLung Liver Bone BrainThese are the four most common organs affected by distant metastasis across cancer types
- Benign TumorsWell DifferentiationBenign tumors retain normal cellular structure and appearance; slow growth; encapsulation confines the lesion
- Malignant TumorsAnaplasia and InvasivenessLoss of differentiation and infiltrative growth are hallmarks of cancer; enables invasion and metastasis
- Grading SystemCellular DifferentiationGrade reflects how abnormal cells appear microscopically; Grade 4 is anaplastic and most aggressive
- TNM StagingOverall Stage 0-IVCombination of T, N, and M components produces an integrated stage that predicts prognosis and guides treatment
- Stage IV CancerDistant MetastasisPresence of M1 (distant metastasis) defines Stage IV, the most advanced and poorest prognosis
- CAUTION Warning SignsEarly Detection ScreeningPatient recognition of CAUTION signs prompts evaluation; nurses teach awareness as part of secondary prevention
- Pap Smear ScreeningCervical Cancer PreventionDetects precancerous HPV changes; combined with HPV vaccination, dramatically reduces cervical cancer incidence
- MammographyBreast Cancer Early DetectionRoutine mammography screening from age 40 detects breast cancer at earlier, more treatable stages
- ColonoscopyColorectal Cancer PreventionDetects and removes polyps before malignant transformation; considered primary prevention at the polyp level
- BiopsyDefinitive Cancer DiagnosisHistopathologic examination of tissue is the gold standard; imaging and tumor markers support but do not replace biopsy
- Tumor MarkersTreatment MonitoringPSA, CA-125, CEA, AFP are used to monitor response to therapy and detect recurrence; not for initial diagnosis
- Tobacco AvoidanceLung Cancer PreventionSmoking cessation and avoidance of secondhand smoke is the most effective primary prevention for lung cancer
- HPV VaccinationCervical Cancer PreventionHPV vaccine prevents infection with oncogenic strains; primary prevention before exposure occurs
- Hepatitis B VaccinationLiver Cancer PreventionHep B vaccine prevents chronic infection that leads to hepatocellular carcinoma; national childhood program in Philippines
- Healthy Diet and ExerciseColorectal and Breast Cancer PreventionReduces risk through maintained weight, improved gut motility, and hormonal balance
- Sun ProtectionMelanoma and Skin Cancer PreventionReduces UV exposure, the primary modifiable risk factor for malignant and nonmalignant skin cancers
- Leading Cancers in PhilippinesBreast Lung Colorectal Liver CervicalThese five cancer types account for the majority of cancer burden in the Filipino population
- Hepatitis B EndemicityLiver Cancer PrevalencePhilippines has moderate to high hepatitis B prevalence; chronic infection is the major risk for hepatocellular carcinoma
- HPV PrevalenceCervical Cancer IncidenceHPV infection is necessary but not sufficient for cervical cancer; vaccination and screening are key prevention strategies
- Smoking Prevalence in MalesLung Cancer Leadership in MenHigh male smoking rates in Philippines drive lung cancer as top cancer in men; ongoing public health challenge
- RA 11215 NICCANational Cancer Control ProgramRepublic Act 11215 (2019) legally mandates integrated cancer control across prevention, detection, treatment, and financial protection
- Department of HealthCancer Screening ProgramsDOH implements national screening initiatives, trains providers, and coordinates cancer services in provincial and municipal levels
- Cancer Assistance FundFinancial Protection for PatientsRA 11215 established the fund to reduce financial burden and improve access to treatment for poor cancer patients
- Nursing Health EducationPrimary and Secondary PreventionNurses are frontline educators for risk factor counseling, CAUTION sign awareness, and screening promotion in communities
- Family-Centered CareFilipino Cancer PatientsFamily involvement in decision-making and care is culturally essential and improves patient compliance and outcomes
- Cultural SensitivityOvercoming Fatalism and DelaysNurses must address Filipino beliefs in kapalaran and balangkas to encourage early symptom reporting and screening
- RA 9173 Nursing Practice ActNursing Scope in Cancer CareThe law defines nursing functions in assessment, education, advocacy, and care coordination in oncology and prevention settings
- NANDA Nursing DiagnosesCancer-Related Patient ProblemsCommon diagnoses include Risk for Ineffective Coping, Deficient Knowledge, Fear, and Risk for Delayed Help-Seeking
- Maslow Hierarchy of NeedsNursing Priority SettingPhysiologic needs (pain, symptom control) are addressed before psychosocial and education interventions
Diagrams
Cancer Pathophysiology, Prevention and Detection - Full Concept Hierarchy
Comprehensive mind map showing the hierarchical relationships of all major concepts in cancer pathophysiology, prevention, and detection. This serves as the central visual organizing framework for the entire chapter, showing how cellular changes lead to cancer, how it is classified and staged, how it is detected, and how nurses promote prevention within the Philippine healthcare context.
Carcinogenesis: Three-Stage Process of Cancer Development
Flowchart illustrating the three critical stages of carcinogenesis: Initiation (irreversible mutation from carcinogen exposure), Promotion (reversible proliferation of mutated cells - the prevention and early detection window), and Progression (irreversible invasion and metastasis). This diagram emphasizes that primary prevention targets the initiation-promotion window, while secondary prevention targets early progression before advanced disease. Color coding highlights the severity progression from normal (green) through reversible (yellow) to irreversible/malignant (red).
TNM Staging System: Classification of Tumor Extent and Spread
TNM staging classification system showing how Tumor size, lymph Node involvement, and Metastasis status combine to determine overall cancer stage (0-IV). Lower stages indicate better prognosis and more curative potential, while higher stages (especially Stage IV with distant metastasis) indicate advanced disease with primarily palliative treatment goals. This diagram is essential for understanding cancer prognosis communication in nursing practice.
Benign vs Malignant Tumor: Key Distinguishing Characteristics
Comparative flowchart distinguishing benign from malignant tumors across seven key characteristics: growth rate, encapsulation, invasiveness, metastatic potential, recurrence rate, and effect on the host. This framework is essential for nursing assessment, patient education, and prognosis communication. Different tumor types are named according to their tissue origin and malignancy status.
Cancer Warning Signs CAUTION: Recognition and Nursing Assessment
Clinical decision flowchart for assessing CAUTION warning signs in patient encounters. This mnemonic tool (Change in bowel/bladder habits, A sore that won't heal, Unusual bleeding/discharge, Thickening/lump, Indigestion/dysphagia, Obvious mole change, Nagging cough/hoarseness) guides nurses in identifying potentially malignant conditions and initiating appropriate referral and diagnostic workup. Associated cancer types are shown for each sign.
Cancer Prevention Strategy: Primary and Secondary Levels
Comprehensive prevention framework showing primary prevention (reducing exposure to carcinogens to prevent cancer from developing) and secondary prevention (early detection through screening and self-examination). This illustrates the nursing role in both levels according to RA 9173 and the Philippine DOH cancer control program, emphasizing that primary prevention is more cost-effective and has greater population impact than treatment.
Diagnostic Procedures in Cancer Detection: From Suspicion to Confirmation
Sequential diagnostic pathway showing how suspected cancer is confirmed and staged. Key points: clinical assessment precedes imaging, but BIOPSY is the definitive diagnostic test (not imaging or tumor markers). Tumor markers are used primarily to monitor treatment response and detect recurrence, not for initial diagnosis. This pathway guides nursing interventions from initial patient education through diagnostic support to treatment planning.
Leading Cancer Types in the Philippines: Epidemiology and Incidence Distribution
Epidemiologic distribution of leading cancer types in the Philippines. Breast cancer is the most common overall and the leading cancer among Filipino women. Lung cancer is the leading cancer among men and is strongly associated with high smoking prevalence. Liver cancer is linked to hepatitis B endemicity, and cervical cancer is associated with HPV prevalence. This distribution informs nursing priorities for screening promotion and prevention counseling in Philippine practice settings (RA 11215, NICCA).
Nursing Process in Cancer Care: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation
Complete nursing process cycle for cancer care in the Philippines, aligned with RA 9173 Nursing Practice Act and the five-step nursing process (ADPIE). Incorporates NANDA nursing diagnoses common in cancer contexts, Maslow's hierarchy for priority setting, and culturally sensitive assessment including Filipino beliefs and family-centered care. Emphasizes the nursing role in prevention, early detection, patient education, psychosocial support, and advocacy within the Philippine healthcare delivery system.