In the context of cancer epidemiology and lifestyle choices, how can nurse practitioners effectively communicate the link between modifiable risk factors, such as tobacco use and poor nutrition, and the development of various types of cancer while also addressing potential cultural or social barriers to behavior change?
A person’s lifestyle has a significant impact on the development of different types of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, hereditary germ-line mutations account for just 10% or less of all cancer cases, and many cancer types are preventable. There are numerous cancer risk factors that people can avoid or eliminate to lower their chance of contracting the illness. Alcohol, sun exposure, tobacco use, dangerous jobs, radiation, low fruit and vegetable intake, low fiber intake, excessive red meat consumption, pollution, hyperglycemia, inactivity, obesity, and infections are some of the risk factors (Kashyap et.al, 2022). While certain populations may not be able to prevent certain risk factors, many can if they are given the right information about how to do so. Socioeconomic position might make it difficult to avoid risk factors, such as providing for your family through dangerous jobs that expose you to chemicals or not always being able to purchase for the finest food. The risk of developing cancer can also be influenced by a person’s race or sex. Black and brown Americans may be at a higher risk of dying from some cancers compared to white Americans (Kashyap et.al, 2022). Despite having a lower diagnosis rate, black women die from breast cancer at a higher rate.
The nurse practitioner’s communication skills are crucial when discussing with a patient the modifiable risk factors and the development of cancer. It is crucial to be able to communicate with people who have distinct social and cultural obstacles. A person’s values, conduct, and beliefs are greatly influenced by their culture. Individuals from minority cultures thought that the physician would treat them unfairly and that they would not receive proper care (King & Busolo, 2022). Since we as nurse practitioners are not familiar with every culture, it is crucial to acquire the skills necessary to provide care that is culturally competent. The nurse practitioner can enhance their communication skills, cultural understanding, interpersonal awareness, sensitivity, and personal awareness in order to achieve cultural competency skills. Additionally, the nurse practitioner has access to programs and training that address cultural awareness. Make sure the patients you are speaking with understand what you are saying when you are explaining things to them, even if this requires hiring interpretation services. Inquire about their culture to find out if there are any issues or suggestions for changes. The nurse practitioner can assist with them to identify alternative options that are still better than their present diet, as they might not be able to afford to change the groceries they buy due to cost (King & Busolo, 2022). The nurse practitioner should make sure they comprehend the modifiable risk factors and create a plan that works for them to prevent these risk factors. The patient’s culture must be considered and the nursing plan modified as necessary to best meet their needs.
References
Kashyap, D., Pal, D., Sharma, R., Garg, V. K., Goel, N., Koundal, D., … & Belay, A. (2022). [Retracted] Global Increase in Breast Cancer Incidence: Risk Factors and Preventive Measures. BioMed research international, 2022(1), 9605439.
