Jacob Walker

Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases. Being diagnosed with cancer is often equated with palliative care and ultimately, death. More than ever, there is much research on different treatment and preventive strategies for cancer. In fact, many are seriously considering natural therapies, complementary and supplementary modalities, and Eastern medicine such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, and acupuncture but the accepted treatment in Western medicine: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Undergoing chemotherapy is something an individual with cancer should prepare. The effect of chemotherapy can be debilitating to a person for days at a time which will leave his/her responsibilities hanging.

Chemotherapy is defined as a drug treatment that utilizes potent chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in the body. Treatment protocol of cancer will vary depending on the origin, size and the immune system of the patient. These drugs can be used alone or in conjunction with other chemotherapeutic agents. Though chemotherapy is accepted, it still poses risks and side effects. Also, it cannot differentiate cancer and healthy cells as well as unable to specifically target affected cells. Chemotherapy is often used in cancer cases, but it can be used in other disease condition such as bone marrow diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Preparation for the side effects of chemotherapy will vary depending on the drug administered; however, it is wise to expect to experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, mouth sores, constipation, and bruising. These side effects might be felt immediately right after, days prior, or a few days after the treatment. Other than this, another concern to watch out for is long-lasting or delayed occurring effects like heart problems, damage to lung tissue, nerve damage, the risk for development of secondary cancer and kidney problems. In other words, it is like a double-edged sword. It has both risk and benefits.

Special Considerations

Since chemotherapy can disrupt daily living, it is wise to plan early on.  It is recommended to have a device to ensure easier access to the peripheral veins or implantation of central devices. Chemotherapy treatments are extremely damaging to the peripheral veins, and it is advisable to administer such drug through a central device.

The catheter or device will be surgically implanted into a large vein, and the most common site is in the chest. Blood tests will be prescribed, beforehand, to check for the liver and kidney function. Also, the status of the patient’s heart will also be crucial in determining the dosage of the drugs especially if the patient will use doxorubicin and epirubicin.

Visit your dentist. You will need to check your dental health as well as check if there are signs of infection. Treatment of open cavities and existing infections will reduce the risk of complication during chemotherapy.

Before the start of the therapy, begin to have healthy eating habits. After the treatment, it might be helpful to share meals with family members or friends. Studies show that patients are more likely to eat when surrounded by people. When nothing seems appetizing, prepare soft, bland food like cooked cereals, mashed potatoes, and eggs.

On the first treatment, make sure you have enough sleep the night before and consume a light meal before going in the infusion unit. Ask family members or loved ones to accompany you to your first cycle.

The infusion will often take a few hours depending on the protocol. Bring a book, easy crafty projects, or laptop for movies, music, etc.

If it can add up to one’s well-being, consulting a spiritual advisor or counselor is also beneficial. You can find one at BetterHelp.com. They are professionals that are more than willing to help you on your journey to mental and emotional wellness during your cancer battle.

Cancer is reported as a rare health condition among children ages 0-19 years old. Nonetheless, it has been the leading cause of death by disease among children past infancy. In 2016, statistics reported that approximately 80,000 deaths of children worldwide were accounted for cancer. Childhood cancer differs from adult cancer due to various factors. One common ground is that most diseases are not due to the lifestyle element where adults’ cancer are linked. Cancer in children almost develops without any distressing symptom until it is detected, at most of the times, it is already in its advanced stage.

Researchers are still leaning towards heredity and genetics as the primary etiological agent for childhood cancer. The DNA mutations passed from the parent to the child increases the risk of a child to develop specific forms of cancer. Scientific investigations are still ongoing on finding other possible reasons for cancer development; because until now, there has not been a universal statement on its actual cause.

The Difference

Childhood cancer is not easy to take. Parents go to a cycle of grief and depression upon knowing the diagnosis. When the child undergoes a series of treatment, the financial aspect becomes a burden, and the after-effects of the surgery become a dark cloud whether the child survives or not.

Compared to adults, cancer cells in children shows a good reaction to treatment showing good prognosis of survival. However, the side effects of the medication will take its toll after about several years later. Late-effects can occur to nearly 60% of childhood cancer survivors such as heart problem, hepatitis, sterility, sensory problems, and secondary cancers. Also, long-term medical follow-up is a significant concern to ensure that cancer processes are detected early if there are any.

Medical advancement in the treatment of childhood cancer has vastly improved its survival rate. Let’s take for example the case of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a most common childhood cancer that has dramatically increased its survival rate to 88% compared to less than 10% half-century ago. This is promising for this type of cancer. Other types of lymphoma, brain tumor, and soft tissue sarcoma remain to have a poor prognosis and low survival rates.

Other Effects

Experiencing cancer at an early age exposes the vulnerability of the child’s body. Cancer can be localized, or it can affect the whole-body system. If this happens, the child will have multiple medical problems to handle, and the ordeal of going through various treatments is not very welcoming. The different treatment modalities may also have some effects on the developmental stages of the child. Surgical interventions, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, complex medication administration, and transplantations can have some positive impact, but the adverse reactions can sometimes take years to be detected.

The financial aspect can also be a significant factor in consideration of surviving cancer. Some cancers require the newest form of treatments, and these are way out of budget for some families. Some medications are only available in some countries thus acquiring them will require the family and the child to travel and stay there for a duration of time. All of these falls under the financial factor. So, it is easy to say that if you don’t have enough financial resources, the chances of survival become nil.

Cancer is not always a good thing – at any age. Getting cancer is like getting a death sentence. The human response is only limited to facing the challenges it brings. The worst thing about having children with cancer is not always a welcoming idea. As parents, we tend to rationalize that they don’t deserve to suffer this condition. But then again, as humans, we tend to fight the battle at any cost. Fighting cancer is still one’s most significant battle there is—especially with children. At this point, all we can is wait and hope that the next treatment or scientific discovery can bring positive outcomes in overcoming cancer.

Cancer was once considered a rarity, but nowadays statistics show that the incidence of cancer is steadily increasing. These may be attributed to various factors such as genetics, exposure to carcinogens, lifestyle, hazardous environment, and immune system.

Cancer – despite its groundbreaking research and extensive studies on treatment modalities – remains to be dreaded by many. It is comparable to receiving a life sentence because the individual with cancer knows the death is just lurking in the corners. The anxiety and anticipated grief associated with cancer are believed to be more stressful than the treatment itself. It forces individuals especially in early adulthood and not only the patients, but the family and loved ones to confront the reality of death and how fleeting and fragile life is. It is much better if you can understand the emotional and mental effects of grief through BetterHelp‘s website.

Set Your Battleground

If cancer runs in your family or you have loved ones who are fighting cancer or a cancer survivor, the idea of cancer happening to you is not farfetched. Having genetics susceptible to mutation does not mean 100 percent chance of developing cancer in the future. People with a family history or those under moderate-risk and high-risk category should not accept their fate sitting down.

Preventive measures and screening tests are recommended by experts to prevent tumor growths or at least detect the cancer cells at the early stage. There are preventive programs available in different cancer centers.

In women, breast cancer is a prevalent type of cancer. While the incidence of this particular type of cancer is quite high as a comparison of the other types of cancer, the only consolation one ponders on is the fact that there is much research done explicitly for breast cancer and its treatment.

Also, the prognosis of breast cancer is high and the survivor rate quite favorable. High-risk women are often managed aggressively by oncologists. For instance, prophylaxis mastectomy and hysterectomy may be recommended for women who have a mutation in BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene. These mutations are linked to breast and ovarian cancer. Also, these women will be under strict surveillance with six months of general physical examination checkup and monthly breast self-examination regardless of the age. Also, annual mammograms might be performed for women with high risk as early as 25 years old or 10 years younger than the age of the relative with the earliest breast cancer diagnosis in the family.

Lastly, chemoprophylaxis may be prescribed. Chemoprophylaxis is regulation of the endocrine system which plays a crucial role in the reduction of the risk of invasive and in-situ breast cancer. Examples of the medications given are Tamoxifen, Raloxifene, and Anastrozole.

Other Strategies

More than this management of high-risk cases, it is still advisable to follow the general guidelines for ensuring a healthy and manageable lifestyle.  It is essential to lower down stress. Maintaining weight might be neglected, but excess weight predisposes one’s self to different forms of cancer. Next to the neglect is having an active activity level. Exercise is not only a mood booster but also, prevents obesity and the development of cancer. Consumption of green leafy vegetables, as well as fruits, moves us away from diseases and that includes cancer. Avoidance of carcinogens is quite essential because exposure to these chemicals is established to lead to cancer. Therefore, no smoking and avoid second and third-hand smoke. Please, take care of your overall health as much as you can.