What is chemotherapy used in the treatment of cancer?

 What is chemotherapy used in the treatment of cancer?

There are many types of cancer such as breast cancer, lung cancer, uterine cancer, colon cancer. All these cancers have a common cause, the abnormal growth of cells. In this disease, uncontrolled division of cells starts in any part of the body.

Chemotherapy is the most common treatment method used in the treatment of cancer. Chemotherapy is used to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy stops cancer cells from spreading. It works by preventing other cells from forming, growing and dividing. Because cancer cells usually grow and divide faster than normal cells.

Therefore, chemotherapy has a greater effect on cancer cells. But the drugs used for chemotherapy are so powerful that sometimes they can even affect healthy cells.

Just as the medicine used in the treatment of bacteria is called antibiotic, the medicine used in the treatment of cancer is called chemotherapy. Chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, CAR T cell therapy and bone marrow transplants are all systemic therapies used in the treatment of cancer.

Which stage cancer patients are given chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy should be given to patients according to the condition, stage and type of cancer. Some need to be given chemo in the initial stage, while some need to be given only in the fourth stage. This therapy is often more necessary in the second, third and fourth stages than in the first stage.

Chemo is given to diagnose some cancers, reduce some and prevent some patients from growing. In the first stage of breast cancer, cancer can be cured by surgery and radiation alone, there is no need to continue giving chemo. Chemo is not necessary even in the early stages of colon cancer. Apart from these two, in some cancers, chemo may be given in the first stage.

How often should chemotherapy be given to cancer patients?

Which cancer is it and what is the condition? Accordingly, the number of chemo may vary. In ovarian cancer, 6 cycles of chemo are enough, in breast cancer, four to eight cycles are given. There may be a decrease in other cancers.

Especially in lung cancer, there is an example of giving chemo for a long time. But generally it may be given from four times throughout life.

Some side-effects of chemotherapy

Cancer is a chronic disease. In this, the cells of the body divide uncontrollably, this process of division is stopped by chemotherapy. Chemo also kills the bad cells that divide uncontrollably, along with the normal cells that develop every day. Hair cells develop daily. Chemo affects it, causing hair loss.

Another thing is that our digestive system, from the mouth to the anus, also develops daily. It also affects it, causing problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Lack of white and red blood. In addition, there are problems such as dry menstruation in women and lack of sperm in men. These problems are seen because chemo kills new cells.

Medical science has also developed drugs that reduce these side-effects that occur during chemotherapy. So do not be afraid to use this medicine.

How is chemotherapy given?

About 90 percent of chemotherapy is given intravenously. If it is to be given by injection, chemo drugs are given by injection after admission.

It is also given as an oral medicine to some patients. Also, if someone's cancer has spread to the brain, chemotherapy is also given from the back. If someone has skin cancer, it is also given as an ointment.

Things to consider in people receiving chemotherapy

First of all, a person undergoing chemotherapy should pay special attention to their diet. Because what is needed to form new cells in our body is obtained from a healthy and balanced diet. Fresh home-made food should also be eaten with a little more protein. Drink plenty of water.

It is also important for people taking chemo to get enough rest. You should rest for seven to 10 hours daily. It is also good to do light exercise daily. Keep your body active by doing jogging, yoga and light exercise at home.

While undergoing cancer treatment, the immune system is also weak, so there is a higher chance of infection. In this case, special attention should be paid to hygiene, use of masks if you have to avoid crowded places, etc.

After receiving chemotherapy, if a blue stain appears on the body, sores appear, gums or nose bleeds, you should immediately contact the treating doctor.

Other drug treatments for cancer

Targeted therapy: This treatment targets genes or proteins found in cancer cells. Those genes or proteins are needed to develop specific cancer cells.

Immunotherapy: This treatment helps the body's natural defenses to fight cancer. This treatment is used today for some types of cancer.

Hormone therapy: This treatment changes the amount of hormones in the body. Hormones contain chemicals. Hormones are naturally produced in the body. It helps in controlling the activity of certain cells or organs. Hormone levels control many types of cancer Doctors use hormone therapy. This includes some breast and prostate cancers.

Kar-T cell therapy: Kar-T cell is a special treatment method, which has been found to be very effective in blood cancer patients. It is a treatment technique that uses immune cells called 'T', which are present in the patient's body. The 'T' cells in the body, especially in the blood system, are taken out and genetically engineered in the laboratory to recognize cancer and act against it, and then sent into the patient's body, which can kill the cancer.

Bone marrow transplant: Blood cancer that cannot be cured by chemotherapy is treated with bone marrow transplant. Bone marrow transplantation is the process of destroying the unhealthy bone marrow in the body and placing another healthy bone marrow.

How much vitamin B-12 should be in the body?

 How much vitamin B-12 should be in the body?

Lack of vitamin B-12 can be harmful to the body. Because this vitamin helps in DNA repair, function and formation of red blood cells in the body. In such a situation, if it is lacking, the body cannot function properly and various health problems may occur.

If vitamin B-12 deficiency persists for a long time, it can also cause cancer. When it is deficient, DNA synthesis slows down. As a result, the cells of the body grow unnecessarily and become cancer.

Vitamin B-12 cannot be made by the body itself. That is, its quantity should be kept in balance through diet.

How much vitamin B-12 should be in the body?

Normal levels of vitamin B-12 in men and women are between 200 pg/ml and 900 pg/ml. In the elderly, its level is between 300 and 350 pg/ml. When the level of vitamin B-12 in the body is low, various symptoms appear.

These symptoms are seen when vitamin B-12 is deficient

Rapid weight loss, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness, constipation, memory loss, digestive disorders, headache, loose stools and frequent stools, blood Deficiency, yellowing of the skin, tingling in the limbs and joint pain are symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency in the body.

Screening for vitamin B-12 deficiency

It is only known if the blood is tested for vitamin B-12 deficiency or not. Therefore, if someone has symptoms, they should go to the hospital and get tested for vitamin B-12. Generally, the level of vitamin B-12 in the body should be above 300 pgL. It is treated according to what label it comes under during examination.

Foods that contain vitamin B-12

the egg

Eggs are a good source of vitamin B-12. About 46 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin B-12 can be met from two large eggs. Apart from vitamin-12, it is also a good source of protein.

curd

If vegetarians do not eat eggs or fish meat, the deficiency of vitamin B-12 can be met with the help of curd. Yogurt can be the best option to supply vitamin B-12 in the body.

the fish

Fish is also a good source of vitamin B-12, which is beneficial for skin and hair. Fish like sardines, tuna, trout or salmon are rich in vitamin B-12 and other nutrients.

cheese

Dairy products can also be included in the diet to supply vitamin B-12. Some amount of this vitamin is also found in paneer.

the meat

Chicken is also a good source of vitamin B-12. Easy to prepare and delicious to eat, chicken is a good source of protein and fat.

the milk

Milk is a good source of calcium. Besides calcium, it is a good source of protein, minerals and vitamin B-12.

How to get vitamin B-12 if you don't eat fish?

Vitamin B12 is found in foods that grow in the ground or in the soil, such as potatoes, carrots, radishes, and yams. Similarly, they can eat green vegetables, almonds, walnuts, grapes, green bananas, pulses, nuts, coconuts, yogurt and other foods.

Apart from this, you should eat milk and milk-based dishes like milk, curd, paneer, nauni etc. If nothing else, vitamin B12 supplements can be bought and taken on the recommendation of a doctor.

What kind of diet for those with heart problems?

What kind of diet for those with heart problems?

Food plays an important role in keeping the heart healthy. It is said that healthy food is the basis of a healthy body and unhealthy food is the home of disease. Various scientists have proven that bad diet affects cholesterol, weight gain and blood pressure.

When you eat unhealthy food, unhealthy fats start accumulating in the veins of the body, due to which blood cannot reach the heart. As a result, the risk of heart disease may increase. In this case, since you already have a heart problem, you should pay special attention to your diet.

What to eat for heart problems?

In case of any heart related problem, it is advised to include the following foods in your diet.

Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables play a major role in keeping the heart healthy. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which help reduce fat, calories, sodium, and cholesterol, and eating them naturally is more beneficial than drinking fruit juice.

Dry fruits: Dry fruits contain monounsaturated fat, which is related to the body's nerves. If the patient eats a handful daily, the risk of heart disease is reduced by almost 30 percent.

Healthy Protein: Good sources of protein, B vitamins, iron and other vitamins and minerals like meat, pulses, seafood, eggs etc. should be included in your diet.

Whole grains: Whole grains are good sources of fiber. It also contains many other nutrients, due to which the blood pressure is also controlled. The body utilizes the high amount of fiber, vitamins, minerals, etc. found in whole grains. Regular consumption of whole grains reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Foods rich in vitamin C: According to a research, vitamin C helps control blood pressure. Eating foods rich in vitamin C also reduces the risk of heart disease. Vitamin C is found in foods like amla, orange, lemon.

What kind of food to eat less?

If you have heart disease, it is better to eat less of these foods.

Red meat: Although red meat is rich in protein, many people include it in their diet, but heart patients should eat very little red meat. Because it also contains a lot of fat. Instead of red meat, fish and chicken can be eaten.

Egg Yolk: Eggs are considered a good source of protein for going to the gym. But the amount of saturated fat in egg yolk is high, so its intake should be reduced.

Trans fat: Trans fat damages the heart. Processed products are high in trans fat. To avoid this, read the label on the back of any item while purchasing it.

Sugar and salt: Excessive consumption of any food has a negative effect on the body. Excessive consumption of sugar and salt increases the taste and also causes diabetes and high blood pressure. Therefore, the use of salt and sugar in food should be reduced.

Something to note

Do not consume tobacco products: Tobacco products increase the risk of heart disease and heart attack. This affects the nerves of the body, which is the main cause of triglycerides and heart attacks. In addition, nicotine can increase blood pressure. Therefore, do not consume tobacco products.

Avoid drinking alcohol: Alcohol increases the problem of high blood pressure, which ultimately promotes heart disease. Excessive consumption of alcohol makes the nerves of the body stiff. Therefore, people with heart problems should not consume alcohol.

Reduce obesity: Excess fat in the body increases the level of bad cholesterol and triglycerides. It also causes high blood pressure and diabetes. Therefore, weight should be controlled to avoid heart problems and to avoid complications when the problem occurs.

Exercise: Lack of physical activity is like inviting heart disease. Obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and increased sugar levels are the cause of a comfortable lifestyle. So you should exercise daily. But those who have experienced heart problems should consult their doctor about what kind of exercise to do.

 

Does sugar cause cancer?

 Does sugar cause cancer?

 The news that eating too much sugar causes cancer is now being heard on social media. Experts also suggest not to mix sugar in food as much as possible.

Does sugar really cause cancer? And does sugar help cancer cells grow?

First let's understand about sugar.

According to nutritionist Pratima Sen, there are different types of sugar. Types of sugar include glucose, lactose, sucrose and fructose.

Dr. Sen says, 'Fruits contain more glucose and fructose. Lactose is found in dairy products like milk and cheese. Honey and fruits contain glucose and it is not harmful. But if you eat more processed sugar i.e. food with sucrose, it will harm the body.

Pratima KC, Nutritionist

Sugar and Cancer

Sugar increases obesity. And obesity is a risk factor for diabetes. There is no doubt about it. Because if the amount of sugar increases in the body, it remains in the body as unnecessary fat. And, it brings obesity.

But science has not been able to make a clear conclusion about how it causes cancer or how it causes cancer.

What does the study say?

Last year, a study by French scientists found that sugar increases the risk of cancer. According to the study, if you drink an additional 100 milliliters of such sugary products every day, the risk of cancer increases by 18 percent.

This news created waves in the public mind. Mice were used in that study. But it was not tested on humans. They argue that more studies are yet to be done for this. Even some studies have not been able to say that it has been clearly confirmed.

Some experts believe that obesity can cause cancer even though there is no evidence that sugar is directly linked to cancer. Every cell in the body is used for blood sugar (glucose). Glucose brings energy to the body.

But cancer cells use about 200 times more energy than normal cells. The tumor grows thinner and wider, which requires more and more glucose from the lungs to grow. What this shows is that glucose also helps in the formation of cancer cells.

The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute also do not say that sugar causes cancer.

Fat cells secrete inflammatory proteins called adipokines. These elements can damage human DNA and cause tumors. The more fat cells accumulate, the more deadly protein remains in the body. Obesity increases the risk of 13 types of cancer, including breast cancer, liver cancer and colon cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute, sugar does not contain carcinogenic elements that cause cancer. However, eating too much sugar can increase the risk of obesity and cancer. But there is no evidence that cancer cells cause cancer by multiplying rapidly.

The rumor that sugar causes cancer

Dr. Arun Shahi, Oncologist

It is not true that the sugar we eat causes cancer. No matter how many studies and researches have been done on this, no concrete evidence has been found. There has not been a comprehensive study on this.

It can be seen that some people believe such rumours, and give up sugary foods at once, which is not considered good in terms of health. There are as many foods as we eat. Protein, carbohydrates and fat are made from it.

Dr. Arun Shahi

Sometimes, the diet is not good and after prolonged starvation, protein and fat are also converted into glucose. What this means is that we need glucose for energy. But too much can promote obesity and diabetes.

If obesity is not controlled or diabetes has reached 10 to 15 years, stomach cancer can occur. Cancer is the uncontrolled division of cells. These divided cells also need glucose to grow. Which is obtained more from carbohydrates and sugar products.

Therefore, glucose is the basic fuel that powers each of our cells. If we eat or drink foods that contain a lot of glucose, it is absorbed directly into the blood, where it is ready to be used by the cells.

If you look at it this way, sugary foods do not directly affect you, but if you have obesity and diabetes and if you do not control it, if you eat too much processed sugary foods, there is definitely a risk of cancer.

How is sugar made?

To make sugar, the sugarcane must first be cut after it is ripe. Then cut the sugarcane into small pieces. The cut sugarcane should be washed so that it is clean and the juice should be extracted from it. Then it is cleaned by dissolving it in lime and sulphur. By doing this, mud and dirt are removed. And sugar grains are made by cooking in different stages.

Even if you don't eat sugar?

According to nutritionist Pratima Sen KC, sugar candies are eaten for taste. It is a source of carbohydrates. Rice, wheat, like the food we eat, is also a source of carbohydrates, when we eat these foods, they are also converted into sugar. That's why doctors say that even if we don't eat extra sugar, we can get the sugar our body needs from other foods as well," she says.

According to the American Heart Association, a man should not eat more than 36 grams or 150 calories of sugar per day. Women should not eat more than 25 grams or 100 calories of sugar.

What can be eaten instead of sugar?

Some people use Misri, Sakhar's Q. as a substitute for sugar They do yoga. But this is not a good option, because the amount of carbohydrates and glycemic index is the same in Misri and Sugar, says Casey.

"It is better not to use corn and sugar as a substitute for sugar," she says, "We can use natural sugar as a substitute for sugar." For example, fruits, chickpeas, raisins, etc. are sources of natural sugar.

Is it better to stop eating salt and sugar?

 Don't eat too much junk food, it contains a lot of salt. Cold drink should not be drunk, it has a lot of sugar.

This is what we hear a lot. Sugar and salt seem to be blamed for diseases ranging from high blood pressure to diabetes. Are sugar and salt really the enemy of health? What happens when you give up salt and sugar?

Nutritionist Ujjwal Rayamazhi says that the role of both salt and sugar is important for the body to function in a healthy manner. Consuming too much salt and sugar has a negative effect on health. But using limited amounts of salt and sugar in daily food does not make much difference,” he says.

Salt is made up of sodium and chlorine. which is necessary to maintain fluid level balance and control muscle contractions. Also, sugar is a form of carbohydrate and is a good source of energy for our daily activities, says Rayamazhi.

What happens when you use too much?

If you use too much salt and sugar, you can get many types of diseases. According to nutritionist Rayamazhi, excessive use of it leads to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems and kidney problems.

"For some time now, the use of food available in the market has increased rapidly. Most of these foods available in the market are high in salt and sugar. Such food also increases the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes and also increases obesity, he says.

The role of salt-sugar in weight gain

Carbohydrates are high in sugar. Therefore, consuming too much can lead to obesity. "But if it is used in a very small amount, it can help in weight control," says Rayamazhi.

The sodium in salt increases hunger hormones, leading to overeating and weight gain. Similarly, Raimajhi suggests that reducing the amount of salt will reduce the risk of high blood pressure and obesity.

Eating foods that are high in salt increases the amount of sodium in the body. When the amount of sodium increases, the body reduces the production of urine, increases thirst and the body stores more water. Which increases the weight of water in the body," he says.

What happens when you give up salt and sugar?

Food without salt and sugar can hardly be imagined, we have become accustomed to it. Rayamazhi says, "Therefore, if you leave it suddenly, the body may lack micronutrients." Hormones can be unbalanced, so it should be reduced gradually rather than quitting suddenly.

Sodium is needed to control the amount of water in the body. Sodium plays an important role in exchanging information from the brain to other parts of the body. Salt is its main source. Also, sodium is needed to keep the muscles active. Therefore, it is better to reduce the quantity than to quit suddenly,” says Rayamazhi.

Carbohydrates are needed for daily energy which is found in sugar. Rayamazhi says, "But since we get carbohydrates from other food sources, it is appropriate to consume them in a very small amount."