Page 140 - Petelin, Ana. 2021. Ed. Zdravje starostnikov / Health of the Elderly. Proceedings. Koper: University of Primorska Press.
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avje starostnikov | health of the elderly 138 ment of oral cancer; the lack of information consequently affects the patient’s
perception of post-traumatic disorders. Patients should be informed of the pos-
sible physical and psychological consequences of the operation; information
is also needed before surgery (Jehn, 2021). The path of accepting the diagno-
sis, treatment, and re-socializing is difficult for patients, especially for those
who do not have enough social support. They often suffer from emotional dis-
tress that occurs at any time during, or even more frequently, after the treat-
ment. They represent a much higher suicide risk compared to a demograph-
ically comparable general population group (Twigg et al., 2020). The authors
found that no specific procedures exist for reducing suicide risk in these pa-
tients. Schorn and colleagues (2020) state that strong family ties and meaning-
ful friendships reduce problems with depression and anxiety.
Researchers Kell et al., (2018) point out that one of the most important
factors with positive effects in the treatment process and later, is communica-
tion with nurses and doctors as well as in the home environment.
Treating oral cancer is demanding and never without consequences. It
marks the patient for life (Kansky, 2017). The author states that it is of vital im-
portance to offer support to the patients also as human beings, to encourage
and listen to them, and in this way help their successful rehabilitation after
treatment.
Conclusion
The reviewed literature on oral cancer in older adults clearly confirms the fact
that it is of vital importance to put the quality of life of patients at the forefront.
Oral health is an integral part of the overall health and well-being of
every individual and society. The contents of the reviewed research papers in-
dicate the need to stop smoking and moderate alcohol consumption. These are
key elements in preventing and controlling oral cancer. Improving oral hy-
giene can bring additional benefits, as can caring for healthy teeth. Due to the
increasingly important role of HPV infection in the development of oral can-
cer, more attention needs to be paid to the younger generation and their pro-
tection against this type of infection.
Early detection is needed to successfully treat oral cancer and improve
survival rates. This can be achieved by raising the awareness and knowledge of
the consequences of the risk factors that lead to disease.
References
BLATNIK, J., ZADNIK, V. and ARTNIK, B., 2019. Rak ustnega predela V
Sloveniji v letih 1985–1914. Zdravstveni Vestnik, vol. 88, no. 11–12, pp. 493–
508.
DIDANOVIĆ, V., 2015. Kirurško zdravljenje raka glave in vratu. In: LOGAR,
M., ed. Celostna zdravstvena nega in oskrba pacienta z maligno bolezni-
jo v področju glave in vratu: zbornik predavanj / 5. strokovni seminar iz-
perception of post-traumatic disorders. Patients should be informed of the pos-
sible physical and psychological consequences of the operation; information
is also needed before surgery (Jehn, 2021). The path of accepting the diagno-
sis, treatment, and re-socializing is difficult for patients, especially for those
who do not have enough social support. They often suffer from emotional dis-
tress that occurs at any time during, or even more frequently, after the treat-
ment. They represent a much higher suicide risk compared to a demograph-
ically comparable general population group (Twigg et al., 2020). The authors
found that no specific procedures exist for reducing suicide risk in these pa-
tients. Schorn and colleagues (2020) state that strong family ties and meaning-
ful friendships reduce problems with depression and anxiety.
Researchers Kell et al., (2018) point out that one of the most important
factors with positive effects in the treatment process and later, is communica-
tion with nurses and doctors as well as in the home environment.
Treating oral cancer is demanding and never without consequences. It
marks the patient for life (Kansky, 2017). The author states that it is of vital im-
portance to offer support to the patients also as human beings, to encourage
and listen to them, and in this way help their successful rehabilitation after
treatment.
Conclusion
The reviewed literature on oral cancer in older adults clearly confirms the fact
that it is of vital importance to put the quality of life of patients at the forefront.
Oral health is an integral part of the overall health and well-being of
every individual and society. The contents of the reviewed research papers in-
dicate the need to stop smoking and moderate alcohol consumption. These are
key elements in preventing and controlling oral cancer. Improving oral hy-
giene can bring additional benefits, as can caring for healthy teeth. Due to the
increasingly important role of HPV infection in the development of oral can-
cer, more attention needs to be paid to the younger generation and their pro-
tection against this type of infection.
Early detection is needed to successfully treat oral cancer and improve
survival rates. This can be achieved by raising the awareness and knowledge of
the consequences of the risk factors that lead to disease.
References
BLATNIK, J., ZADNIK, V. and ARTNIK, B., 2019. Rak ustnega predela V
Sloveniji v letih 1985–1914. Zdravstveni Vestnik, vol. 88, no. 11–12, pp. 493–
508.
DIDANOVIĆ, V., 2015. Kirurško zdravljenje raka glave in vratu. In: LOGAR,
M., ed. Celostna zdravstvena nega in oskrba pacienta z maligno bolezni-
jo v področju glave in vratu: zbornik predavanj / 5. strokovni seminar iz-
