Cancer is a group of diseases in which uncontrolled abnormal cell division takes place. Cancerous cells reproduce and spread rapidly despite space restriction, nutrient deficiency and signals from the body. As reported by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the nation. The progress of any type of cancer is divided into stages; the last stage of cancer which is incurable is known as terminal cancer.
Body Changes
As stated by the UK-based cancer support charity Macmillan, most cancers result in many body changes in the affected person. Terminal cancer can affect the process of digestion, for example, impairing the body's ability to derive energy from food. This ultimately results in feelings of exhaustion and weakness. The chemical balance in the body is also affected and causes symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss and changes in physical appearance.
Coma
Patients in the end stages of terminal cancer may experience coma, states Macmillan. Feelings of drowsiness and sleepiness develop gradually in the end stage of cancer, eventually causing unconsciousness. Response and hearing capacity also diminish although patients may be well aware of what is happening around them. This condition is also accompanied by decreased interest in eating and drinking.
Breathing Changes
According to Macmillan, breathing changes often occur during the end stages of terminal cancer. Cancer often results in a decreased movement. Being stationary for long periods of time may cause accumulation of fluid in the air passages. Breathing is heavy and challenging, sometimes accompanied by loud heaves. Breathing may become irregular with long gaps in between the breaths.
Pain
Stanford Cancer Center reports that a person in the end stages of cancer may experience significant pain. This pain is unique to every individual and can be acute or chronic in nature. Pain occurs as a result of various treatments that are used by a physician to combat the disease. Stanford Cancer Center recommends pain control management to make terminal cancer patients as comfortable as possible.
