Can you relax after cancer treatment is over? There are also things to be aware of
Maybe in the eyes of many people, after the cancer treatment, they can relax and turn a new page in their life. They can return to their normal life and work without having to live in the shadow of cancer all the time.
But in fact, fighting cancer is a long process. Not only are there many difficulties and challenges before and during the treatment, we need to overcome them; after the treatment, there are also many problems that we need to face and solve. The end of cancer treatment does not mean it is done once and for all.
Regular review
Even after treatment, the risk of cancer recurrence and metastasis cannot be completely avoided. Therefore, after the end of treatment, especially in the first 5 years after treatment, regular review is required to monitor the treatment effect, and to detect tumor recurrence or secondary pathogenesis at an earlier stage. Cancer, and timely intervention to improve overall survival and quality of life.
The frequency and items of re-examination after cancer treatment are affected by many factors, such as the type of cancer, its severity, physical health, and specific treatment methods. For example, in the 18 tumor diagnosis and treatment standards (2018 edition) issued by the National Health Commission of China, the review of lung cancer and breast cancer is an example:
For early-stage and mid-stage lung cancer, it is generally recommended to re-examine once every three months within 2 years after treatment; once every six months from 2 to 5 years, and once every year after 5 years; the main review is imaging examination.
After breast cancer treatment, clinical physical examination every 4-6 months for the first 2 years, every 6 months for the next 3 years, and annually after 5 years; breast ultrasound every 6 months; mammography every year , chest X-ray or chest CT; every 6 months, 3 years later changed to an annual abdominal ultrasound and so on.
Because each patient's cancer type and health status are quite different, specific review recommendations should follow the doctor's advice and review on time. In addition, if you have other symptoms or discomfort, you should seek medical attention in time without waiting for the time point for re-examination.
prevent recurrence of cancer
Recurrence of cancer can be divided into two situations: cancer recurrence and second primary cancer.
If no residual cancer is detected in the body after treatment ends, but after a period of time the same type of cancer is detected in the body, this is often referred to as a cancer recurrence.
The second primary cancer, on the other hand, is a completely new type of cancer whose origin or type of cancer cells is different from that of the first cancer. Studies have shown that in the U.S. population, overall, 1% to 3% of cancer survivors will develop a second primary cancer.
The risk of recurrence or a second primary cancer depends on a variety of factors, including the type of cancer and age at diagnosis. Studies have shown that measures that help prevent cancer also help prevent cancer recurrence and second primary cancers in treated cancer patients.
Taking the following steps will help prevent the recurrence of cancer.
To maintain a healthy weight, adults should try to control their body mass index (BMI) within a healthy range of 18.5kg/㎡ to 24kg/㎡, and avoid excessive weight gain or loss.
Get active and make it part of your daily routine, walking more and less time sitting.
The daily diet should be rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes; avoid moldy foods, and limit the intake of grilled (fired, charcoal-fired), pickled, and fried animal foods; limit consumption of red meat and Processed meats; limit "fast food" and other processed foods high in fat, starch or sugar to control calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight.
Limit the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, including drinking water and unsweetened beverages; limit the amount of alcohol consumed. In order to prevent cancer, it is best not to drink alcohol.
Quit smoking. Smoking is not only the leading preventable cause of cancer, but also increases the risk of cancer death, recurrence, and second primary cancer.
Nutritional supplements should be avoided and nutritional needs should be met through diet. If you do need to take supplements, you should take them under the guidance of a healthcare professional, not on your own.
Women who give birth after cancer treatment should breastfeed their babies if they can; breastfeeding is good for both mother and baby.
Receive more professional and comprehensive care
After treatment, most cancer patients have poorer health and quality of life than those without a history of cancer. There is also an increased risk of morbidity and premature mortality from other diseases due to the impact of cancer and treatment.
Therefore, when caring for cancer patients and survivors, they should consult medical staff in a timely manner, learn more about nursing knowledge, improve their nursing level, and provide them with more professional and comprehensive care, including adjusting their emotions and giving them the greatest spiritual support. understanding what activities they should do or avoid; what to eat, drink or avoid, and provide them with a good diet to improve cancer-related outcomes and quality of life.
All in all, the fight against cancer is not something that can be accomplished overnight. From preparation before treatment, to dealing with various side effects during treatment, to taking various measures after treatment to prevent recurrence of cancer and improve quality of life, long-term persistence and change are required. survival rate. (e-Drug Global)
So far, human beings have discovered and developed thousands of drugs. With the help of drugs, we can overcome diseases and prolong life. Researchers use clinical trials to obtain newer and better treatments. Patients can receive unmarketed new therapies early. Patients treated with new drugs have the potential to be cured, prolong survival or reduce suffering in clinical trials, which is undoubtedly a new hope for cancer patients who have not responded to existing treatments. Many cancer patients have obtained the latest targeted drugs in China by participating in clinical trials.