Colon cancer and skin cancer

Screening for Colon Cancer

• Colonoscopy every 10 years after 45 years old

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer grows slowly, 5-15 years, no symptoms.

• Rectal bleeding (First Sign)

• Change in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)

• Pain

• Anorexia

• Weight loss

• Palpable mass

• Anemia (r/t rectal bleeding)

After Colonoscopy

• wanna be up and moving, no bed rest position preferred

What to do if Pt have abdominal Incision

• Splinting (Reduce pain during coughing, sneezing, laughing, or movement)

• Encourage deep breathing and coughing to prevent atelectasis and pneumonia

What to do if Pt is asking about treatments?

• Direct them to the doctor

Skin Cancer Prevention

• Avoid prolonged sun exposure

• Refrain from tanning booths

• Daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 15 or higher

• Prior to extended periods of sun or outdoor activities- SPF 30 or higher even in the winter

• Broad-rimmed hats, sunglasses

Proper sunscreen application:

• 1 oz to any uncovered skin 30 minutes before anticipated sun exposure

• Reapply every 2 hours

• Reapply immediately after swimming or excessive perspiration

Skin Body Map

• Monthy skin checks

• A skin lesion body map is a visual tool you can create to record the location, size, color, and changes of moles, freckles, birthmarks, bumps, sores, or other skin markings.

Basel Cell Carcinoma

• Pearly fleshed color, elevated

How would you expect Melanoma

Asymmetry- one half does not match the other half

Border irregularity (edges are ragged or notched)

Color variation (may include shades of brown, black, red white, or blue

Diameter greater than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) or Dark in color

Evolving (any change in shape, size, color, or any new symptom such as bleeding or crusting).