Understanding Chemotherapy: A Guide for Cancer Treatment
In a human body, normally, the cells grow in an orderly way; however, some cells keep on growing in an uncontrolled fashion. The unchecked growth may result in the development of lumps called a tumour. If the tumour is malignant, it is termed as cancer. Since the discovery of the actual cause behind cancer, many treatments and surgeries were used to cut the tumour tissues in different body parts; however, the success rate remained low.
In a human body, normally, the cells grow in an orderly way; however, some cells keep on growing in an uncontrolled fashion. The unchecked growth may result in the development of lumps called a tumour. If the tumour is malignant, it is termed as cancer. Since the discovery of the actual cause behind cancer, many treatments and surgeries were used to cut the tumour tissues in different body parts; however, the success rate remained low.
Beginning of Chemotherapy
Until the 1940s, there was no instance of the existence of a systematic procedure for the treatment. The actual breakthrough was achieved when surgeons developed a new method of cancer treatment, after the discovery of X-ray and anaesthesia. It was only in the later years of the 20th century that the first successful documentation of chemotherapy took place. Nitrogen was used for treating the condition of lymphoma in a patient, which marked the beginning of chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is considered as a breakthrough in cancer treatment. Over the years, new chemotherapy drugs were discovered which resulted in successful treatment of numerous kinds of cancer. It has now become one of the principal modes of treatment of cancer patients.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy, simply put, is the use of different drugs to kill cancerous cells. The procedure stops and slows down the growth of cancerous cells in the human body. Nowadays, chemotherapy has three prime applications:
It is curative for a few malignancies like leukaemia and germ cell malignancies
Plays a palliative role for metastatic epithelial malignancies
Plays a crucial role in resected epithelial malignancies
Understanding chemotherapy may help individuals cope better with the situation and assist them in making a decision about the treatment.
How is it Administered?
Chemotherapy can be given in numerous ways
By mouth
By introducing the drug directly into the affected tissue
With the help of a Catheter
Through a Needle
What is the Duration of Chemotherapy?
The duration of chemotherapy varies according to the stage and type of cancer. It also depends on how an individual’s body responds to the drug. Therefore, it can be given for a few days, few weeks, or a long-term. Your doctor will tell you about the course of treatment after scrutinising your reports.
Is Chemotherapy Painful?
Chemotherapy does not cause any discomfort generally; however, some medications may cause mild burning sensations.
If a person experiences any pain, coolness, unusual burning sensation, s/he must immediately tell the doctor. Moreover, if there is any redness or tenderness over the injection site, the doctor must be contacted immediately.
What are the Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy may produce different side-effects in different patients but not all. The possible side effects are:
Hair Loss
Muscle Weakness
Loss of Appetite
Nausea and Vomiting
Ulcers
Dry and Tired Eyes
Increased Risk of Bruising
Diarrhoea or Constipation
Chemotherapy is widely used because it destroys cancer cells and reduces the chances of reoccurrence. It can also be used as a supportive treatment to shrink cancer and increase the success of the primary treatment.
However, depending on the conditions a cancer patient may have to undergo different treatment. You can avail the health checkup packages in Jodhpur at lower rates. Medipulse has a dedicated department for cancer care with a team of experienced doctors, who can guide the patients with the appropriate treatment. The doctors have treated thousands of patients with varying stages of cancer successfully.
5 Lifestyle Tips for Cancer Prevention
Each year, cancers levy a heavy societal burden in terms of cost and epidemiology. This lethal disease is responsible for millions of death every year globally. The growing cost of cancer treatment due to the introduction of advanced techniques and advanced drugs are restricting the patients of lower socioeconomic status from availing high-end treatments.
Each year, cancers levy a heavy societal burden in terms of cost and epidemiology. This lethal disease is responsible for millions of death every year globally. The growing cost of cancer treatment due to the introduction of advanced techniques and advanced drugs are restricting the patients of lower socioeconomic status from availing high-end treatments.
As the genomic changes that induce cancer have come in light, the prevention methods have also emerged and gained significance in recent times. Moreover, given the continued growth of cancer suffering patients, the primary prevention measures remain an utmost priority.
We, therefore, propose some lifestyle changes that have shown promising results in cancer prevention. These regulatory measures can even have a positive impact on the future generation.
Smoking: Smoking is known as the leading cause of not only cancer but also of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD). People who start smoking at an early age are more susceptible to disease. Nonetheless, both passive and active smokers are at high risk of developing cancer because smoking allows the cancerous cells to accumulate and grow in the body. In addition to this, it is a factor that also leads to the recurrence of this deadly disease. On the flip side, smoking cessation can decrease the risk of almost all type of cancers much significantly. Therefore, one should curb smoking to increase the likelihood of being cancer-free.
Diet: According to the findings of the World Health Organization (WHO), dietary factors have accounted for approximately 30% of cancer in western countries. In developing countries, the risk of cancer from an improper diet stands at 20%. Researchers have further uncovered that making changes in dietary pattern, such as consuming less animal fat and sugar can be associated with reduced risk of cancer.
Physical Activity: Breast cancer is another cause of a considerable number of deaths among women. Lack of physical activity is one of the prime factors impacting the risk of breast cancer. However, as cancer has a long latency period, the risk factors can be eliminated by correcting unhealthy lifestyle.
Alcohol: Alcohol drinking is a well-known contributing factor; many research studies have shown the association between alcohol and cancer. People who consume alcohol are predisposed to a higher risk of cancer. The folic acid attenuates the likelihood of disease in the people who drink alcohol. If people adopt a proactive stance by minimising exposure to alcohol, they then can prevent cancer in the formative stage.
Caffeine, Minerals and Vitamins: Studies conducted so far support the vitamin intake, and reduced consumption of caffeine, which correlates with lesser risk of developing cancerous cells. Especially, vitamin D and Calcium reduce the risk to a considerable extent.
Although these lifestyle changes they cannot cure cancer but can curtail the occurrence to a considerable extent. Moreover, the effects of prevention extend to the entire population and are not dependent on socioeconomic status. However, it is not advisable to entirely rely on prevention methods after cancer is detected. One should consult an expert for cancer treatment. Jodhpur also has some highly recognized cancer treatment centers that you can visit for proper care.