Precautions Patients Must Undertake When Undergoing Radiation Therapy

It is an unfortunate fact that in the past two decades the number of breast and cervical cancer related issues has considerably increased. Though medical science has improved incredibly and also become much more accessible in past few years, but the number of patients diagnosed with lethal disease has also increased.  

Radiation therapy for cancer is an essential part of the treatment as it helps in shrinking tumors and kills cancer cells by using high-energy waves. X-rays, gamma rays, charged particles are types of radiations that are used in the treatment for cancer.

As per known oncologist, Dr Sidharth Sahni these waves can damage healthy body tissues and cause side effects. Here are some tips to keep in mind while going through radiation therapy to protect your health.

Take Plenty of Rest

Fatigue is a common thing that you’ll experience and you’ll feel more when you are getting a radiation therapy. Your body will feel frail and exhausted all the time and that’s because of the radiation. 

Moisturize Your Skin Well

Using a water-based moisturizer right after each therapy session can help in keeping your skin away from redness or dryness. You can ask your therapist to recommend you a type or brand of moisturizer that will best suit your skin but it’s best to stick to something mild and fragrance free.

Eat A Healthy & Balanced Diet

Your diet plays an essential role in the healing process, so it is of utmost importance that you are aware of what you’re eating. Ask your therapy, oncologist to tell you about foods that will provide you all the essential nutrients required for your speedy recovery.

Stay Away From The Sun

While undergoing radiation, you must try and avoid having any exposure of the sun. Try to cover up the area where you’re receiving radiation, as it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Keep Your Doctors Informed 

You must tell your doctors about all the medications you’re on and all that you are taking, including any herbs or vitamins. It is important for them to know all your details.

Wear Loose Fitting Clothes 

It’s very important for you to let your skin breathe. Radiation therapy for cancer already does a lot of harm to your body. Wearing loose clothes lets your skin relax and breathe.

These are some of the tips you must follow to help yourself recover soon from the radiation therapy. With courage and determination and the support of your family, you’ll be able to pass through this phase easily. 

Experts Speak: Identifying Different Breast Cancer Types

Among all cancer types in women, breast cancer tops the charts. It mostly develops in the milk ducts of the breast or in the lobules which are responsible for carrying milk to the ducts. Based on that, it can be classified into ductal carcinoma or lobular carcinoma. Yet another classification can be made depending upon the sensitivity of the hormones like progesterone and estrogen which are present in the women body. The knowledge of various types of breast cancer can greatly help in their treatment.

Besides the aforementioned breast cancer types, one can make a broad classification here with breast cancer types. Invasive breast cancer and non-invasive breast cancer fall in this category. These are discussed below:

Non-Invasive Breast Cancer

According to Dr Sidharth Sahni,Senior Consultant Breast Surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, non-invasive breast cancers have a higher rate of survival. This can be gauged from the fact that in this type of breast cancer, cancer cells do not spread to other parts of the body but remain restricted to the point where they have originated. These types of cancers are also known as in situ cancers. One of the prime examples of non-invasive breast cancers is ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS. As previously discussed, ductal carcinoma starts to develop in the milk ducts of the breasts and is curable. The effective treatment options available for non-invasive breast cancers include mastectomy.

Invasive Breast Cancer

Dr.Sidharath Sahni further talked about invasive breast cancers. In his words, this type of breast cancer can be life-threatening. Unlike non-invasive breast cancers, it spreads to other parts of the body rather than just remaining confined to the site of its origination. Invasive cancer cells greatly affect the lymph vessels and blood vessels. Consequently, malignant tumours start developing in other parts of the body as well. Invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma are two of the most common types of invasive breast cancer which may prove to be really dangerous if there is a lack of proper treatment. If statistics are to be believed, around 70-Cancer cases out of 100 are of invasive ducal carcinoma.

If you think that every cancer type either originates in ducts or lobes of the breasts, then you are certainly wrong. Other originating sites of breast cancer include fibrous connective tissues, blood vessels lymph vessels, breast tissues etc. Some lesser known types of breast cancers are inflammatory breast cancer, metaplastic breast cancer, angiosarcoma, osteosarcoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Knowing about various types of cancers can help you identify your ailment in a better way and choose the best treatment option available.

Nutrition Tips After Breast Cancer Surgery as Suggested By Oncologists

Breast cancer surgery can bring along with it lots of frustration and anxiety. But once it is done, the patient feels relieved to some extent. However, after breast cancer surgery, it becomes more important for the patient to take care of her health. This can be achieved by following simple nutrition tips as suggested by the leading oncologists.   

                             

How to maintain a healthy diet routine for faster recovery after breast cancer surgery?

According to the prominent oncologist, Dr Sidharth Sahni, maintaining a proper diet routine after breast cancer surgery is extremely important. He has suggested a few nutrition tips that must be followed in order to fasten the recovery process. Have a look:   

  

1.       The body needs proteins more than ever after breast cancer surgery. Hence, including a protein-rich diet in your routine is always a good idea. It not only repairs the cells but also heals cuts and incisions. You can add protein to your diet by eating food items like cheese, rice and salads. Snacks such as almonds and peanuts are also good sources of proteins. Right after surgery, you don’t need to worry about calories or gaining weight. All you need to focus upon is gaining strength which can be very well accomplished by having a protein-rich diet.           

2.       Another important thing which you can include in your diet is soy or soybean. Rich in phytoestrogens (similar to the estrogen), soybeans quickens the recovery time. But before including soybean in your diet, it is important to consult your doctor about the serving size and other side-effects as soybeans are known to interfere with hormone therapy.    

3.       One can’t ignore the importance of antioxidants when it comes to breast cancer surgery after-care. The rich sources of antioxidants are fruits and vegetables including broccoli, liver, carrots and blueberries. Known for protecting the cells from damage, antioxidants are better than any kind of supplements.     

As they say, prevention is better than cure, following an anti-cancer diet will reduce the risks of getting any kind of cancer. The following list will get you started:

1.       Include fruits and vegetables in your diet daily as they are rich in antioxidants.

2.       Avoid consuming processed meats as much as possible.

3.       For breakfast, you can have whole-grain bread. Including brown rice in your meals also help a great deal.

4.       Avoid alcohol and tobacco.

Before you go forward with the aforementioned tips, you must talk to your doctor once to plan your diet properly. Also, ask him about the exercise routine which you must follow when you are recovering from breast cancer surgery.