Although very important in fighting the disease it usually has side effects.

With that in mind, we have prepared this post that will explain what chemotherapy is and point out what its types and side effects are - as well as presenting some dietary tips to reduce the possible discomforts resulting from the treatment. Check it out!

WHAT IS CHEMOTHERAPY?

Chemotherapy is a form of treatment that seeks to prevent or hinder the growth of cancer cells. It can be applied orally intravenously or intramuscularly, allowing the medicine to be distributed through the bloodstream.

For this reason chemotherapy can cause side effects after a treatment session. After all, the medication hits both the cancer cells and those that are still healthy. It is therefore an aggressive, though very functional, strategy.

HOW IS THE CHOICE OF THE TYPE OF CHEMOTHERAPY TO BE USED?

There is a series of protocols and analyses to be carried out in order to decide the ideal treatment. In other words, it means that the responsible doctor defines the prescription according to the type of cancer, the patient's clinical conditions and the stage of the disease, among other information. Then, the quantity of doses - daily or weekly - that will comprise each cycle of treatment is decided.

The doctor's assessment also decides the purpose of treatment, i.e. whether chemotherapy will be curative, adjuvant, neoadjuvant or palliative.

PALLIATIVE CHEMOTHERAPY

Palliative chemotherapy only improves the quality of life of the patient and is only used in cases where there is no longer any chance of curing the disease.

It is important to remember that chemotherapy is not the only, nor the most effective, treatment against cancer.

CURATIVE CHEMOTHERAPY AND ADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY

Curative chemotherapy is used when the aim is to cure the cancer using only specific chemotherapy drugs.

In the case of adjuvant chemotherapy , the aim is to get rid of cancerous cells that may not have been eliminated during the surgical process.

The purpose of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is to reduce the tumour before radiotherapy or surgery is performed.

SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY?

Side effects of chemotherapy can last a few days or a few weeks and include:

• Hormonal and mood swings;
• Anaemia;
• Absence or decrease in appetite;
• Diarrhoea or constipation;
• Motion sickness and vomiting;
• Fatigue;
• Mouth sores and opportunistic infections;
• Changes in skin tone;
• Hair and body hair loss;
• Reduced libido;
• Dizziness;
• Weak and brittle nails.

Besides these more common effects, in the long term chemotherapy can also cause cardiac, hepatic, pulmonary and nervous system alterations. However, these effects can last for months. Furthermore, different effects affect patients in different ways. Finally, the effects that occur in a certain cycle of treatment may not be repeated in other cycles.

In other words: the dreaded hair loss may not affect one patient, and be the primary side effect of another.

HOW CAN FOOD CONTRIBUTE TO REDUCING THE SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY?

Every care is needed for a patient weakened by the effects of the treatment. Therefore, including redoubled attention to the person's diet is essential.

Processed foods and foods with chemical additives should be avoided.

On the other hand, fruit, seeds, whole grains, vegetables and protein (such as eggs, fish and meat) are indicated. In addition, all food should be properly washed and sanitised, avoiding any risk of contamination. This includes restricting the consumption of raw food - as is the case of many Japanese delicacies.

Finally, fatty ingredients and those rich in sugar should be avoided, as they can potentiate nausea and vomiting symptoms. However, bear in mind that, in addition to these factors that can help throughout the treatment, psychological support from friends and family is fundamental for the patient.

To know more about chemotherapy and other relevant information about preventing and fighting cancer, please contact us!

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