Dr. Elizabeth Kacel shares what people with cancer should know if they are experiencing insomnia, including causes of cancer-related insomnia, how it can impact daily life, how they can cope with insomnia, and how the health care team can help manage it.
Mental confusion, also called delirium, is a change in a person’s awareness. Confusion affects how a person thinks, sees the world around them, and remembers things.
The main signs of mental confusion or delirium are sudden changes in awareness. A person with confusion or delirium might suddenly get very sleepy and unaware of their surroundings or act very upset and nervous. The person will not recognize this change in themselves and is most often noted by family members or medical providers.
Constipation happens when stools (feces) become less frequent, painful, or dry and difficult to pass. Constipation starts when the body absorbs more water or food moves through the bowels more slowly. It is a common symptom for people with cancer. There are treatments available to help relieve constipation and make patients more comfortable when passing stools.
