health sectionhealth sectionIMRT, or intensity-modulated radiation therapy, is a modern technique that allows doctors to supply precise amounts of radiation to cancerous cells with minimal harm to the body. It differs in several ways from standard radiation therapy.
Blood product transfusions are done when certain elements in the blood itself have been lost, are not being made, or not enough is produced. Many times, treatments against cancer can cause the loss of blood elements.
When discussing treatment methods for different forms of cancer, the cost/benefit ratio must always weigh the likely gains of the treatment versus the side effects. Some individuals decide that treatment methods like chemotherapy, with its accompany fatigue and nausea, are not worth the cost. For them, avoiding chemotherapy suggests a number of options, including radiation, surgical removal of the cancerous organ, seeking alternative treatments or no treatment at all.
Fatigue after chemotherapy is a common symptom that can vary in severity based on the type of cancer you have, as well as the type of chemotherapy being used to fight the cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, the feeling of tiredness during chemotherapy can last anywhere from a few days to well after treatment has ended.
Modern medicine has its faults, especially when it comes to cancer treatment and prevention. Chemotherapy is far too invasive, and the side-effects can be difficult for the patient. Homeopathic medicine and herbal remedies are available to cancer patients with virtually no side-effects, and herbs come from the earth, providing a natural aide to surgery and prescription medication. However, one should consult her doctor before adding anything to a treatment plan.
Many factors interact to pose involuntary weight loss concerns for cancer patients. Nausea, vomiting and altered sense of taste can cause cancer patients to decrease their caloric intake. Additionally, cancerous tumors cause changes in metabolism that make cancer patients lose lean muscle tissue and fat stores. Maintaining a healthy weight during cancer treatment can help patients feel better and withstand the side effects of therapy. Read on to learn how to prevent weight loss during cancer treatment.
Itching interferes with quality of life and it can increase the risk of skin infection from scratching. Itching in cancer patients stems from a variety of causes. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants and biological therapy can cause changes to the skin that cause itching. Infections or the healing process of wounds can cause itching. The cancerous tumor can also release inflammatory substances into the body that cause itching.
Cancer treatment focuses on eradicating fast-growing cells. This is the reason behind the undesirable side effects of cancer treatments on the gastrointestinal tract, like nausea and vomiting. A healthy diet can help you to feel better and withstand the side effects of your cancer treatments; but you will still need to cope with the nausea.
