The doctor also noted that women are now more aware of breast cancer than ever before and many of them develop help-seeking behaviour. More advanced technology for detection and treatment of breast cancer ensures greater effective treatment for the disease. This, in turn, helps to improve the patient's chance of survival and a better quality of life.
Treatment options for breast cancer can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, and other drugs. Sometimes a combination of treatments is recommended. It depends on many factors, such as cancer stage, the type of cancer and the patient's age, like whether the patient has reached menopause.
Most women with the disease are primarily treated with surgery to remove tumours. And to increase the chances of being cured, some might be advised to receive other treatments after surgery. Indeed, chemotherapy is one of the most important treatment options.
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells left behind or stop them from dividing. A doctor may sometimes use the procedure before surgery to shrink cancer cells so that it provides better convenience for a surgeon to perform the operation.
Although chemotherapy is a powerful treatment, it can be an awful experience. This is because the procedure may be associated with several unpleasant side effects that upset patients who may opt to give up the treatment. Possible reactions include nausea and vomiting, tiredness, sore mouth, hair loss, muscle aches and increased risk of infection. Each breast cancer patient reacts differently to chemotherapy treatment. Some people may have very few side effects while others may have a lot.
"Hair loss worries most patients, as it affects their looks and personalities. But you know, it's the least dangerous complication," the doctor said. "It's just short-term. It's certain that the hair will grow again after the treatment has stopped."
Meanwhile, the worst complications may be the low level of white blood cells, which increases the risk of infection.
"During the chemotherapy stage, patients should avoid crowded public places like department stores and cinemas. Always wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating and always eat cooked food. And keep away from eating raw vegetables, in particular," Dr Thitiya warned.
Chemotherapy is not complicated. Drugs are generally given to patients as an outpatient, either by injection or as tablets. Injections into the veins are given in sessions of treatment usually lasting just a few hours, followed by a few weeks of rest. A complete course of treatment ranges anywhere from four to six months.
"A rest period allows patients to recover from the side-effects associated with the procedure," the oncology specialist explained.
There are many different anti-cancer drugs used in chemotherapy and each formula is tailored to suit each patient individually. Many types of high-quality anti-nausea and vomiting medicines are also available, Dr Thitiya added.
"During this period patients can keep on working if they want to, but they must avoid laborious work or hard work outdoors. For some specific occupations, like nurses, for example, they are advised to stop working during the time of therapy as they will frequently come into contact with other patients," the doctor said.
"We encourage breast cancer patients to receive continuous treatment to make the most of it," Dr Thitiya said. "They should thoroughly discuss this with their doctors about the treatment plans, therapy benefits and possible side-effects."
Dr Thitiya also noted that when breast cancer is discovered early, patients have a better prognosis and therefore their treatment can be more successful. To help with early detection of the disease, regular self-examination is the easy first step.
"The exam should be done monthly for women aged 25 and up, when having period, for four to five days. If you feel a lump in your breast, immediately seek professional advice from a specialist. And make a breast exam a part of your regular check-up. Women may ask for a gynaecologist to exam their breasts when having their annual pap smear test as well," the doctor advised.
For precise detection, a mammogram (breast cancer X-ray) is an option. The procedure can help detect lumps that people can't feel themselves.
Guidelines for when to start screening for breast cancer differ from national cancer bodies. Dr Thitaya recommends that women over 45 should have a mammogram and a clinical exam every year.
"A mammogram should be done until a woman is 70 years old. People with a hereditary risk may start screening earlier," the doctor said.
reference http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/259460/be-proactive-in-tackling-cancer
No comments:
Post a Comment