Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Prof. dr hab. med. Tadeusz Pieńkowski from the Oncology Clinic of the Postgraduate Medical Center at the European Health Center in Otwock, dispels doubts about chemotherapy.
When treating cancer, you should eat foods such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or some herbal preparations, rich in vitamins or microelements.
MIT
There are no studies confirming the effect of consuming such products on increasing the effectiveness of treatment. Data on the interaction of vitamins and micronutrients with the natural course of cancer are contradictory.
The belief that increasing the amount of substances present in seeds, mushrooms or other natural products in the body has a beneficial effect on the course of treatment is unjustified. Some patients who take these substances because they want to influence their own fate believe that it can alleviate the undesirable symptoms of treatment. There may be times when the fear of treatment is greater than the fear of cancer.
It happens that patients assess the treatment proposed by the doctor as not very effective, and at the same time very toxic. When a patient comes to a doctor who orders a drug to be injected into a vein every three weeks, she does not feel like a decision-maker. He starts looking on his own. It seems to patients that such additional substances are effective and non-toxic, such as herbs, they will not harm them.
Meanwhile, many drugs used in medicine, including oncology, have their roots in substances obtained most often from plants, and it is not so that they cannot be harmed. The conversation with the doctor plays a huge role in this case. The physician should clearly and tactfully present data on the disease, prognosis, effectiveness and side effects of particular treatments. Patients should hope for effective and safe treatment.
During chemotherapy, you should supplement the deficiencies of vitamins and minerals by taking dietary supplements.
MIT
If someone is treated with drugs with high biological activity, he should only take drugs that are indicated for the treatment of comorbidities or to alleviate the side effects of basic therapy.
Do not take biologically active substances that are not indicated for medical reasons. Dietary supplements may further aggravate gastric disorders and may also interact with other medications.
The treatment time in the early stage of the disease lasts several months and it is not the time when any definite disorders related to micronutrient or vitamin deficiencies may occur. In some medical situations, such as iron deficiency anemia, there are indications for the administration of drugs to treat this additional disease.
When treating oncology, all other medications taken so far should be discontinued.
MIT
If a patient is treated for other diseases, e.g. hypertension or diabetes, he should of course take medications that result from the treatment of these diseases. The oncologist should be informed about it. Sometimes it may be necessary to discontinue these drugs or to modify their administration. However, it should be strongly emphasized that these other diseases also need to be treated, not postponed until later. Treatment modifications must be determined on an individual basis, sometimes with the participation of several different specialist physicians.
Young children should not be in contact with someone who is receiving chemotherapy.
MIT
There are no contraindications for such contacts. The patient does not give chemotherapy to people around him in any way. The only danger is that the patient can catch a contagious disease from a child. Having lowered immunity, he is more prone to infections. Limiting contact with children, who are often their beloved grandchildren, does not have a good effect on the psyche and it should not be done.
You are not allowed to travel to distant countries while receiving chemotherapy.
PARTLY TRUE
It is true that there are no contraindications for flying by plane, but it is important that in the destination to which we are going, we can obtain appropriate medical assistance and treatment, if necessary. Restrictions on exotic travel to the far corners of the world result from insurance, the ability to cope with a different health care system, or the ability to get out of the wilderness and return to the home center. Travel slowly. Of course, as far as symptoms such as nausea will allow. A person who had motion sickness before treatment may experience it even more.
Smoking is forbidden during oncological treatment.
TRUE
Smoking cigarettes in general is absolutely contraindicated. Exposure to tobacco smoke is a risk factor for many cancers and other diseases. This phenomenon should be limited.
You must not go out in the sun during chemotherapy.
PARTLY TRUE
Some cytostatics pose a risk of skin reactions. It’s not about not going outside, but you definitely have to remember to avoid unnecessary sun exposure, stay in the shade, and avoid strong sun, which can cause skin burns. These are recommendations that apply to everyone, both healthy and cancer patients.
Some patients, even a year after taking the last dose of chemotherapy, experience symptoms associated with it, such as pain in the legs.
TRUE
Treatment-related toxicities may only occur during treatment, e.g. nausea, vomiting. Sea-Band Adult Acupressure Anti-Nausea Bands can be used for nausea. There are also special acupressure bands for children.
Unfortunately, some medications can cause side effects that persist long after treatment. Sensory disturbances, pain in the limbs and numbness in the fingers are among these symptoms. Unfortunately, the methods that can help alleviate these ailments are of limited effectiveness.
You must not drink alcohol while receiving chemotherapy.
MIT
Alcohol consumption during treatment is controversial. Alcohol consumption is contraindicated on the day of treatment administration, immediately before or shortly after treatment.
Alcohol abuse is one of the factors that increase the risk of cancer and other diseases. However, occasional consumption of small amounts of wine or beer is possible. In some European countries, such as Italy and France, this is normal and common practice.
During chemotherapy, the body is weakened both internally and externally. It is worth taking special care of yourself during this time, using cosmetics suitable for people undergoing oncology treatment. At Medonet Market you will find creams and lotions that will help nourish and improve the condition of the skin, hair and nails, as well as products that will take care of the immunity of the entire body. You can now buy Oncoria cosmetics and food for special medical purposes at a promotional price.