Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
When undergoing oncology treatment such as radio and chemo therapy, there are a variety of factors which contribute to how patients feel day to day.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments are relatively common procedures used to treat a wide variety of cancers including, but not limited to breast, colon, prostate, lung and skin cancer. Both treatments use anti-cancer drugs (chemotherapy) and x-rays (radiotherapy) to destroy unwanted cancer cells, but as a secondary effect also ‘normal cells’. Although chemotherapy and radiotherapy are effective, as both treatments damage normal cells it can cause side effects.
Common side effects include[1]:
- Hair loss
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Mouth ulcers and infections
- Fatigue
- Depression or anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling in the arms and legs
- Nerve and muscle problems
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Skin and nail problems
For some patients these chemotherapy and radiotherapy side effects subside in a few days, however the severity of side effects can be very uncomfortable. For others, side effects may continue on for a substantial amount of time. Generally once treatment has ceased, unwanted effects settle down[2].
References
[1] Cancer Australia. Side effects of chemotherapy canceraustralia.gov.au
[2] Cancer Council (2018, August) Managing chemotherapy side effects cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/cancer-treatment/chemotherapy/side-effects/
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is a type of cancer affecting blood-forming cells in adults. Unlike other types of leukaemia, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia progresses more slowly[1]. In our body, there are three types of blood-forming cells that serve different functions:
- Red blood cells that serve to carry oxygen around the body
- White blood cells that fight disease and infection
- Platelets that help to stop bleeding
In healthy individuals, the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are kept in balance. In people with leukaemia, the bone marrow produces too many abnormal white blood cells. This becomes a problem not only for the balance of our blood pool but as white blood cells function to help fight infection, in individuals with leukaemia, getting rid of infections are problematic[2]. Other symptoms include[3]:
- Breathlessness and tiredness as a result of low red blood cells (anaemia)
- Weight loss
- Bruising easily
- Abdominal discomfort
- Bleeding easily
- Bleeding from the gums and nose
It is thought that the cause of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is due to changes to one or more of the genes that control the growth and development of blood cells. When treating chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, it is important to consider what stage the patient is in. Typically there are five types of treatments used: watchful waiting, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy[4].
Professor Yoland Lim Health Care works in conjunction with your medical specialists such as haematologists and oncologists.
References
[1] Mayo Clinic (2019, April) Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352428
[2] Cancer Council (2018, March) Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cancercouncil.com.au/chronic-lymphocytic-leukaemia/
[3] Better Health Channel (2015, August) Leukaemia betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/leukaemia
[4] National Cancer Institute (2019, December) Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia cancer.gov/types/leukemia/patient/cll-treatment-pdq
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in males[1].
References:
[1] Healthed Email to Medical Doctors "PSA Curly Cases and the Emergence of MRI" 23/9/19