Question

what are the methods that nurses can use to communicate risk factors and prevention measures to clients anout cancer

Answer 1

Cancer is no longer a silent disease. The advance in the treatment and increase in number of survival rate, it has become more convinient to communicate with client.

There are different approaches to communicate about the risk factors and prevention of cancer to the client. Some of them are follows:

- Do not ignore them. Tell them that we are here for you, we will get through this together. Just stay connected with them.

- Think before you speak. Your words are more powerful, one comment can change their mood. Avoid the use of cliches like hero or battle.

- Just listen what they have to say. Let them talk without interrupting about their worries and pain.

- Don’t be intrusive. Don’t ask personal questions about their blood reports or number of tumour markers. Refrain from the comments about how they look after getting disease.

- Avoid comparisons regarding other peoples with cancer.

- Let the medical practitioners to talk about the side effects that can occur while treating. Give advice to slow down or bring them in control. Tell them that the effects are due to the reaction of medication acting upon them.

- Offer encouragement through success stories of cancer survivors . Never tell the stories of unhappy endings.

Always seek advice of medical professionals prior to making decisions about their treatment.