Arechar Healthcare

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What if your BP Medicine raises Skin Cancer Risk?

Isn’t it strange to someday come across this news? More than 25% of the world’s population suffers from hypertension (Blood Pressure or BP...

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Cancer and COVID-19: What People with Cancer Need to Know

What Cancer Patients Should Know About Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 and Cancer Patients: What’s the Connection?

Coronavirus or COVID-19 has given rise to havoc in the lives of people across geographies, wherein, the most affected patients are of cancer. Although COVID-19 can affect any individual, it has been a major threat to patients with chronic or immune-based diseases due to their altered defense systems. This is the only factor that connects the two. However, the risk can be reduced by practicing some prevention methods.

Special Precautions for Cancer Patients

People suffering from cancer, people who are getting active cancer treatment, and people with other serious conditions like lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease are prone to an increased risk of getting a severe form of Coronavirus. This means that special precautions need to be taken by cancer patients in order to be safe and live a quality life. One can consider the following among others.

Get yourself vaccinated. Over every other precautionary step, it is important to get vaccinated     first. If you don’t feel like getting the COVID vaccine, consult     your oncologist for a better and optimistic view. Immunization is the only     way left with people to get potential protection against the pandemic.

Keep enough essential medicines. If you are a cancer patient, you must check the availability of     prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications. Make sure to keep    enough essential medicines with you so that you don’t have to rush in an  emergency. 

Connect with your support system. Besides the medical team or the pharmacist, your family and friends build your support system. Get in touch with your relatives virtually (video or     other live chats) to maintain and stimulate your emotional wellbeing     too. 

Know the benefits/risks of scheduled appointments. If you have any scheduled cancer treatment/appointments with your medical team, ask your oncologist about the potential risks and benefits of attending and not attending them. This is because Coronavirus has given  rise to certain norms (social distancing and virtual meetings). 

Take up healthy activities. The ultimate weapon to fight COVID-19 is to wash hands properly, cover     mouth and nose while sneezing, practice social distancing, eat well and     stay hydrated, avoid touching the face frequently, practice good hygiene,   be vigilant, and stay at home as much as possible.

Don’t miss out on physical wellbeing. Apart from taking your medicines regularly and eating a balanced diet,  undertaking physical activities like exercise and yoga can keep your mind calm and satisfied. Take up light activities like cooking, walking, and dancing. But remember, do not overdo it.

The Final Word

Oncologists and health officials agree that the only possible way to fight Coronavirus is to limit exposure, besides immunization. Significantly, such a measure should be stressed particularly on cancer patients since they possess suppressed immune systems due to the disease. It is, thus, recommended to watch the signs of COVID-19 and report the suspected symptoms immediately to the medical team. Stay safe!

 Source: https://arecharhealthcare.blogspot.com/2021/08/cancer-and-covid-19-what-people-with.html

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How Does Smoking Increase Your Cancer Risk?

Smoking & Cancer: What’s the connection?

Smoking and cancer are the two consecutive conditions that can ruin a life. Smoking cigarettes, hookah, tobacco, cigars, and any other type of tobacco can increase your risk of developing cancer (especially, cancer of the lungs and mouth). This is because of the sole reason- any and every kind of tobacco contains chemicals that induce a poison-like effect on the human body. 

How does Smoking Affect the Human Body?

It is known by all that smoking is injurious to health. However, it is better to know “why” to quit this practice immediately.

Poisons in Cigarettes Chemicals that are present in cigarettes affect the human body adversely by weakening the immune system. This hinders the body’s immune response to     fight the cancer cells. Due to such a condition, cancer cells start growing uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body, leading to a tumor.

Poisons in Tobacco Mostly, the poisons that are constituted in tobacco are addictive and can expose the mouth (lips, inner mouth, tongue, and lymph nodes in the neck) of an individual to harmful reactions including cancer. Due to this addiction, the immune system becomes weak and antibody production may decline as a result.

DNA Damage Chemicals that are present in tobacco directly reach the lungs and other     parts of the body. When they come in contact with different types of     cells, they start to change or damage a cell’s DNA. Once this happens, the cancer cells are signaled to grow out of control and result in a cancer    tumor.

What Happens When a Cancer Patient Smokes?

Cancer is the uncontrollable growth and spread of cells in the body. It can start anywhere and spread to the surrounding tissues. Generally, a cancer patient is either on protocol-based cancer treatment or on medications that shrink tumors. 

Many tobacco specialists have stated that smoking after a cancer diagnosis or while receiving cancer medicines can worsen the symptoms and increase the risk of disease progression (progression refers to the spread of cancerous cells to the surrounding parts of the body). Even if that’s not enough, smoking can continue the DNA damage in the human body and lead to a more severe stage of cancer a person is suffering from. It’s never too late to quit smoking.

Source: https://arecharhealthcare.blogspot.com/2021/08/how-does-smoking-increase-your-cancer.html

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Best Foods for Lung Cancer

What Should Lung Cancer Patients Eat?

No hard-and-fast rule book or menu states the food items to cure or treat lung cancer. However, certain foods help to manage the symptoms of the disease and aid in maintaining a healthy lifestyle during lung cancer treatment. 

In this article, you will learn about the foods to choose among others after the diagnosis of lung cancer or a lung-related disorder.

Foods to Treat Side Effects

Experiencing side effects is a common thing during lung cancer treatment. Here is how you can manage the effects of therapies with your diet.

For nausea     Eat small meals frequently. Choose low-fat foods. 

For lack of appetite     Eat very small meals every few hours. Also, add     calorie-dense items to your daily meal like olive oil, peanut butter, etc.

For weight/muscle loss     Mainly, you should focus on getting enough calories through small meals.     Choose protein-rich and calorie-dense items like poultry, fish, and tofu.

For fatigue     Consume foods that are easy to cook. Stock up on items like peanut butter,     yogurt, nuts, granola bars, etc.

For dehydration     Drink decaffeinated fluids among others. If you can’t consume enough     water, go for juices, sports drinks, and milk.

Foods to Choose

The food recommendations you must consider over others during your treatment with medications like Albumin Bound Paclitaxel or others are: 

Protein-rich items     Eggs, low-fat dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese), nuts,     butter, beans, and soy food (miso, tofu, edamame) are rich in protein and     good for overall health. Proteins are essential to boost the immune system     and stimulate the production of necessary antibodies.

Plant-based foods     Colorful fruits and vegetables add antioxidants to your diet. Go for     plant-based food items among others.

Whole grains     Your body demands whole grains like whole-wheat bread, oatmeal,     whole-grain pasta, and brown rice to get the needed energy. Get your carbs     regularly to maintain a healthy routine.

Healthy fats-rich items     Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are rich sources of fatty acids and     other healthy fats. These items support the nervous system. 

Besides these, consider the consumption of the following for good lung health:

Pears

Green tea

Salmon

Ginger

Capers

Curry

Berries

Carrots

Red grape juice

Oysters

Tomato sauce

Watercress

Flaxseeds

Remember, adding such items to your diet can only promote healthy living. None of these tips can cure lung cancer permanently. Also, be sure to contact your health professional if you experience allergic reactions after consuming any of these foods.

Conclusion

If you are suffering from lung cancer and are undergoing treatment or are suspected of developing lung disease, make sure to look out for good and healthy diet plans. Focus more on activities that delight you. For food recommendations, consider the above-mentioned tips. Reach out to your medical team and know more about cancer-fighting foods. 

The above recommendations are not intended to be an alternative to any medicine or treatment. Do not ignore any medical prescription or dose because of anything you have read here.

Source: https://arecharhealthcare.blogspot.com/2021/08/best-foods-for-lung-cancer.html

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Pancreatic Cancer Guide: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatment

Where does Pancreatic Cancer start?

Pancreatic cancer mainly starts in a part of the pancreas. It is a large gland behind the stomach that is responsible for the secretion of digestive enzymes. It is aggressive with just a few symptoms till it reaches the advanced stage.

The uncontrollable growth of cancerous cells in the pancreas is, thus, known as pancreatic cancer. The ducts that carry the secretions out of the pancreas are where cancer may start more commonly. It is called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

What are the symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is often associated with an asymptomatic condition until it has progressed. Therefore, the signs and symptoms that occur may include:

Abdominal and back pain 

Loss of appetite

Itchy skin

Blood clots

Fatigue 

New diagnosis of diabetes

Unexplained weight loss

Light-colored stools

Dark-colored urine

Bloating 

Jaundice 

Swelling of the gallbladder

Fever and chills (rare)

Muscle and joint pain

Severe dizziness that lasts long

As per the different types of pancreatic cancers, the symptoms can be different and wide in range. However, having these symptoms doesn’t mean that you have cancer. Many other conditions may be associated with such reactions.

What are the causes of Pancreatic Cancer?

The major cause of pancreatic cancer is not known. However, certain factors that increase your risk of developing a cancerous tumor in the pancreas may include:

Genetic conditions like von Hippel-Lindau syndrome,     Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, and Lynch syndrome. 

Smoking.

An older age.

Consuming more soft drinks.

Eating a diet that is rich in red meat.

Exposure to environmental toxins

Medical factors like scarring of the liver, obesity,     diabetes, and inflammation of the pancreas.

Is it possible to prevent Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer cannot be fully prevented. There is no hard-and-fast technique to do so. However, the risk of developing such cancer can be reduced. An individual can make use of the following preventive measures:

Do not smoke.

Watch your body weight and diet.

Undertake regular physical activities.

Do not consume alcohol.

Limit exposure to harmful chemicals at the workplace.

Lower the fat in your diet.

Consume more fruits and vegetables.

Is it possible to treat Pancreatic Cancer?

Even if there is no permanent cure for cancer, it can be managed well. There are a number of cancer medicines that can treat the symptoms and decrease the risk of disease progression. Pancreatic cancer, to be specific, can be treated using surgical or non-surgical methods including:

Surgical procedure for tumors in the pancreatic head.

Surgical procedure for tumors in the pancreatic body     and tail.

Surgical procedure to remove the entire pancreas.

Surgical procedure for tumors that affect nearby blood     vessels.

Chemotherapeutic drugs like Albumin     Bound Paclitaxel

Radiation therapy (using high-energy beams).

Ongoing clinical trial.

Supportive or palliative care. 

Medications to relieve pain.

 Besides these, several other clinical studies are being conducted to improve the patients’ quality of life and decrease the cancer mortality rate. 

Note: This article is only for informative purposes. It is not intended to be an alternative for any medical advice.

Source: https://arecharhealthcare.blogspot.com/2021/08/pancreatic-cancer-guide-symptoms-causes.html

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Blood Cancer: A Growing Health Burden for India

5 Important Facts You Must Know About Blood Cancer in India

Cancers that affect the body’s immune system by occurring in the blood-forming tissues are known as Blood Cancers. Mainly, their three types are Lymphoma, Leukemia, and Multiple Myeloma. 

Every year in India, more than a lakh people are diagnosed with blood cancer. Although there is no conclusive data to show the incidence of the disease, the increasing number of bone marrow transplants being performed in hospitals is alarming. With its growing burden in India, it is important to be cautious and aware of its basics. In this article, you will learn about some important facts that you must know about blood cancer.

Some causes of Blood Cancer are preventable.

Majorly, blood cancer is caused by the following, out of which most are preventable.

Tobacco Using tobacco increases your risk of developing a number of cancers. The chemicals it contains causes gene mutations and can give rise to the     growth of tumors in your body.

Alcohol Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to the disruption of cell     function and production in the bone marrow.

Radiation exposure Exposure to harmful radiation significantly elevates your risk. This is     why people who have received radiation therapy earlier become prone to the condition.

Chemical exposure While working in manufacturing sites, you may get direct exposure to     harmful chemicals and other substances. This can be limited to prevent     blood cancer.

Family history and age These two factors cannot be changed, hence, are stated together.

Blood Cancer shows multiple symptoms.

Symptoms of Blood Cancer may vary from one person to the next. However, some common signs that may suspect the presence of cancer cells in the bone marrow are:

Persistent chest pain

Fever with chills

Frequent infections

Weakness and fatigue

Difficulty in breathing

Loss of appetite

Itchy skin or rashes

Nausea and vomiting

Night sweats

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Coughing 

The diagnosis of blood cancer is recommended by a medical professional if the symptoms worsen with time. Significantly, most reactions go away once the treatment with cancer medicines starts. 

India ranks 3rd highest in the incidence of Blood Cancer.

With its rising incidence and command over people’s lives, Blood Cancer has affected more than a million lives. To your surprise, India ranks the 3rd highest in the growing incidence of Blood Cancer. This can definitely be influenced positively by the appropriate prevention techniques and precautions. 

If detected early, Blood Cancer can be treated.

Once your doctor detects Blood Cancer, he/she will determine other factors like severity, stage, blood cell count, and other factors that are useful in deciding the best treatment option. If the condition is diagnosed at an early stage with less severity, it can be controlled using a number of regimens and formulations like Azacitidine lyophilized among others. With a greater tolerance and ability to improve life expectancy, such drugs help easy blood cancer treatment.

Right treatment increases the patient’s quality of life.

The right treatment refers to the method of treating a disease that does not harm the daily routine of the patients. Besides that, the right therapy is reliable and effective even in rare variants of cancer. A clear example is L-Asparaginase, which is an approved clinical solution for ALL (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia) that works by starving the cancer cells. Like this, there are a number of formulations developed to serve the patient’s needs and decrease the cancer mortality rate.

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Patients’ quality of life. If you are diagnosed with any type of cancer, you can consult your medical team regarding the nearest clinical trial where you can walk in as per its eligibility.

Besides these, your medical team may recommend Palliative Care that focuses only on treating the symptoms of the disease. Consult your oncologist for better guidance.

[arecharh]

Everything You Need to Know About Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Guide: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention & Cure

Cancer that starts in the lungs is referred to as lung cancer. Mostly, people who smoke are prone to this condition. It is one of the major causes of cancer death across the world. This article deals with everything you need to know about Lung Cancer, from its causes and symptoms to the prevention and cure.

What Causes Lung Cancer?

The cause of any disease paves the way for its prevention. The following are some of the common causes of Lung Cancer.

Smoking     Besides anything else, smoking makes you vulnerable to developing cancer     of the lungs. Tobacco is the leading cause. 

Gene changes     Certain gene changes can lead to abnormal cell growth. This can adversely     give rise to cancer cells.

Substances     Arsenic, chromium, uranium, nickel, cadmium, and certain petroleum     products also contribute to malignancy.

What are the Early Signs of Lung Cancer?

If you are suspected of Cancer, your doctor will look for signs and symptoms, before prescribing any lung cancer medicine. The early signs of cancer of the lungs are:’

Hoarseness and shortness of breath

Lingering or worsening cough

Loss of appetite

Chest pain that worsens while breathing deeply or     coughing

Coughing up phlegm or blood

Pain in the ribs or hips 

Lumps in the collarbone or neck

Weight loss

Headache and dizziness 

Wheezing 

Yellowing of skin and eyes

How Can I Prevent Lung Cancer?

Prevention takes a lot of courage and mental strength in this condition. The major preventive action is to QUIT SMOKING. Apart from that, one must consider the following ways too:

Avoid radon exposure.

Eat a healthy diet.

Avoid exposure to cancer-causing agents.

Avoid carcinogens at work.

Exercise most days of the week.

Choose fresh fruits and vegetables among others.

These tips not only help in preventing lung cancer but also aid in staying protected from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). It is a chronic lung disease that has a survival rate of about 4–6 years on therapy with Pirfenidone. 

How Can I Treat Lung Cancer at Home?

Home remedies will not cure Lung Cancer. However, they can relieve the symptoms associated with the disease. Options may include:

Yoga     Breathing exercises, stretching, and meditation can calm your mind and     body. Yoga can also aid in maintaining a good sleep schedule. 

Acupuncture     It is performed by a trained practitioner only. Acupuncture can help in     relieving aches and manage nausea. However, consult your doctor before     initiating this if you take blood thinners or have a low blood cell count.

Massage     Massage helps relieve pain and other symptoms like anxiety or stress. You     can consult a massage therapist who is trained to work with cancer     patients.

How do Doctors Treat Lung Cancer?

Once the oncologist diagnoses Lung Cancer, he/she plans the treatment process with the patient. Multiple points are considered and taken care of before finalizing the therapy. By now, the known ways of treating Lung Cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Aside from these, clinical trials also offer greater access to promising and new treatment methods.

Some patients with advanced-stage cancer do not prefer continuing the treatment. In such a case, one can opt for palliative care that includes the treatment of only symptoms and not of the disease.

[arecharh]

What Is Throat Cancer?

Throat Cancer: Causes, Signs, Treatment & Prevention

Overview 

Cancer of the vocal cords, the voice box, tonsils, and oropharynx is known as throat cancer. Comparatively, this is an uncommon disease. It is of primarily two types: Squamous cell carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma. The treatment option is determined as per the severity and type of cancer. Thus, it is necessary to understand the major difference between the two.

Squamous cell carcinoma:  Affects the throat’s flat cell lining.

Adenocarcinoma: Affects the glandular cells.

Out of the two, adenocarcinoma is very rare and goes undetected for years. Besides these, the two categories of throat cancer are Pharyngeal cancer and Laryngeal cancer. 

Once you know every little thing about a disease, you can definitely prevent/treat it well. In this article, you will learn about the risk factors, potential signs and symptoms, treatment, and prevention of throat cancer.

Risk Factors

Although men are more likely to get cancer of the throat than women, other risk factors play an important role. Certain lifestyle habits contribute to the rising incidence of the disease across the world, like:

Smoking 

Excessive alcohol consumption

Exposure to asbestos

Poor dental hygiene

Genetic syndromes

Poor nutrition

Apart from these, throat cancer is also associated with the infection caused by some types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). 

Potential Signs 

Detection of throat cancer may be difficult at an early stage. This is because most of its signs are often misinterpreted to be of some infection or other disease. The most common signs and symptoms of cancer of the throat are stated below:

Wheezing 

Ear pain 

A constant need to clear the throat

Change in the voice

Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)

Weight loss

Sore throat

A persistent cough 

Coughing up blood 

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Hoarseness 

Once the doctor suspects throat cancer, he/she will recommend certain screening and detection tests for precise diagnosis. Further, the stage of cancer will be determined to initiate the treatment process.

Treatment 

Treatment of any type of malignancy depends upon:

Stage of cancer

Category of cancer

The severity of the disease 

Patient’s medical history

Preferences 

In accordance with throat cancer, the available treatment options are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Most oncologists prefer surgery over other methods. This involves the removal of the tumor. It is of mainly 5 types, including Endoscopic surgery, Cordectomy, Laryngectomy, Neck dissection, and Pharyngectomy. However, patients who do not prefer surgery may be recommended cancer medicines like cytotoxic regimens.

Prevention

One can prevent cancer or decrease the possibility of being affected by the disease using the following tips. 

Quit smoking. 

Limit alcohol intake. 

Maintain a healthy weight. 

Choose colorful fruits and vegetables. 

Eat a balanced meal.

Get vaccinated against HPV.

Maintain oral hygiene. 

Besides these, ask your medical team about other possible ways of prevention if you believe you are vulnerable to cancer. Furthermore, note that the above-mentioned ways do not assure full protection against throat cancer. 

[arecharh]

Cancer Warning Signs

6 Warning Signs of Cancer that you must know

Cancer is one of the main causes of premature deaths across geographies. The majority of cancer cases comprise warning signs. Some of them are subtle, some are not. Therefore, to treat it better, the early symptoms should be known and detected. Certain telltale signs of cancer are as follows:

Unexplained Weight Loss 

Cancer cells are known to attack healthy cells of your body. On that account, weight loss may be a reaction. According to numerous medical practitioners, your body losing weight can be the very first sign of cancer. With this, you may also experience: 

Change in bowel habits

Stomach ache

Loss of appetite

Unexplained weight loss is most prominent in cancers of the esophagus, lung, pancreas, and stomach. 

A Sore that doesn’t heal

Although every sore doesn’t indicate cancer, it is the most significant sign of it. On top of that, most cancers start with a sore that doesn’t heal or a growth/mark on your skin that changes in appearance. This may be accompanied by:

Enlarged lymph nodes

Thickening of the skin

Such a situation is common in women with cancer of the breast or skin. Moreover, sores that develop in the mouth may indicate oral cancer. 

Fever

Do you know the major cause of a high body temperature? An infection or illness. 

A condition in which your body responds to a certain disease can be associated with fever. It mainly indicates the spread of cancer in other parts of the body (advanced stage). This is why an increased body temperature may not be an early symptom rather a warning sign of cancer. Besides, there can be other concerning signs of cancer, like:

Recurrent nausea

Dizziness 

Dehydration 

More significantly, in people with blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma, fever is common and alarming. By the way, did you know about Peg L-Asparaginase treatment for leukemia?

Pain and Tiredness

Whenever any disease hits your body, it makes your body vulnerable to other infections and pain. Therefore, the above-described signs can be a cause of pain and tiredness. Unexplained fatigue is, in fact, the most-occurred symptom of cancer. Additionally, you may have:

Dizziness 

Muscle pain

Difficulty in swallowing

Chronic headache

If you experience such reactions despite adequate sleep and rest, your doctor may recommend cancer-related tests.

Night Sweats

Most cancer signs are interconnected. Just like fever is a reaction of your body to a disease, night sweats are associated with a lot of conditions like:

Pelvic pain and cramps

Difficulty in breathing  

Insomnia

Depression 

Anxiety 

Basically, night sweats are an intense version of “feeling too warm” and “light sweating”. Such a situation can be linked to the early stage of cancer of the bone marrow or liver.

Persistent Cough

Cough is your body’s way of excreting unwanted substances. Colds, flu, dehydration, and allergies can cause this, more often. Yet, a cough that lasts for a longer time despite remedies can be termed as a persistent cough. That can be a sign of lung or thyroid cancer. As the disease starts to progress, the following may also occur.

Coughing up blood

Runny nose

Throat pain

There may be other warning signs of cancer also. However, before jumping to a conclusion, consider your doctor’s statement among others.

[arecharh]

Cancer and Diet 101: How What You Eat Can Influence Cancer

How does your Diet Influence Cancer?

What you eat can influence cancer growth and spread. A good diet helps in stimulating good overall health. Although no food can reduce your risk of disease, it’s the synergy of the nutrients like proteins, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. In this article, you will learn about foods you must eat or limit if you are prone to cancer. 

 Adding these dietary habits to your routine will help you boost the defense mechanism of your body. This can further aid in fighting deadly diseases and associated conditions. 

Foods to “eat less of”

Certain food items can increase your risk of developing cancer cells. However, it is not yet proven whether food has a direct connection with malignant tumors or not. Some studies have demonstrated 30-40% influence of lifestyle and routine on cancer. The following are some of the food items that should be eaten less of (especially, if you are prone to cancer):

Products containing sugar and refined carbs

Processed meat

Overcooked food

Dairy products

Foods to “eat more of”

A plant-based diet has been associated with a reduced risk of cancer. Studies have shown that people who follow a vegetarian diet live a healthier and disease-free life. However, these are just based on observations and do not imply accurate conclusions. 

Since it is better to be precautionary and safe than to be fearless, the following foods can help you. 

Apple 

Berries 

Cruciferous vegetables

Carrots

Fatty fish

Walnuts

Legumes

Foods and Drinks to limit

Since the major cause and cure of cancer are not known, it becomes important to look out for ways of prevention. Some foods and drinks can be considered to be limited if you feel you are vulnerable to cancer. Here is a list of the same. Make sure you read and remember them. 

Heavily salted and pickled foods

Alcohol and related drinks

Peanuts 

Artificial sweeteners

Burnt or barbecued foods

Cancer-fighting foods

The food items that are thought to fight or prevent cancer are known as cancer-fighting foods. These are not “prescribed” items that provide full protection against the disease. However, if you consume a diet that contains the following ingredients, you can move a bit forward towards good health.

Whole-grains

Broccoli 

Garlic 

Tomatoes 

Legumes 

Cancer diet

Diet for cancer patients is more often determined by the oncologist. However, it is better to know in advance what is right for consumption and what is not. Have a look at the below-mentioned items if you have been diagnosed with cancer and undergoing cancer therapy.

Low-fat dairy products

Lean proteins-containing foods

Colorful vegetables 

Green tea 

Besides these, your oncologist will provide you a list of food items to consume and avoid as per the therapy. For example, excessive alcohol consumption during Peg L-Asparaginase therapy can lead to hepatotoxic effects. This is why cancer and diet are interlinked. In simpler words, diet can influence cancer in many possible ways. 

[arecharh]

The Effects of HIV on the Body

How does HIV infect the body?

Most people are likely not familiar with the effects of HIV on the body. It is completely a myth that HIV only affects the immune system. It definitely has an adverse influence on other systems of the body including the respiratory & cardiovascular systems, digestive system, central nervous system. Surprisingly, your skin can also show the hitches of the virus. Thus, this article deals with all such effects of HIV on the body. 

Immune System

The major responsibility of the immune system is to fight against infection. It prevents the body from acquiring diseases. The entire operation of the immune system is governed by the CD4+ T cells. When HIV enters the body, it infects and kills the majority of these cells. Due to this, the immunity grows weaker and you become more prone to infections caused by viruses, bacteria, and other organisms. To not let HIV perform its function, medications like Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate can be used with other antiretroviral agents. Therapy with such medicines can decrease the viral load in the body and manage the effects of HIV. 

Respiratory & Cardiovascular System

Common cold and flu are a part of our normal lifestyle. However, these are those infections that you might catch very often if you have a vulnerable immune system. In fact, an HIV-positive individual can develop the signs of pneumonia too. If no treatment is initiated, your body becomes easy prey to infectious complications including pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and tuberculosis that can further cause severe difficulty in breathing, cough, and fever. 

Digestive System

Since the virus badly influences the infection-fighting system of the body, it ultimately affects the digestive system too. This means that you may develop problems associated with the digestive tract leading to a decrease in appetite and unexplained weight loss. Salmonella infection, oral hairy leukoplakia, oral thrush, and cryptosporidiosis are some majorly diagnosed diseases in HIV-positive patients. Also, chronic diarrhea can be a concern in patients with AIDS. The two E’s namely Emtricitabine and Efavirenz are widely prescribed in combination with other regimens as a perfect therapy against HIV infection. 

Central Nervous System

HIV is not known to infect the nerve cells. However, it does have an effect on the cells that surround the brain and the body. Some common complications of HIV and AIDS that are associated with the Central Nervous System of your body are:

·         Memory impairment 

·         Depression

·         Anxiety 

Skin

The most common signs of HIV/AIDS are often visible on the skin. This is because a weak immune system leaves you vulnerable to viruses like Herpes. This is quite significantly seen as sores around your mouth and genitals, painful rash, or blisters on your arms. Besides this, your body may also become susceptible to a viral infection called molluscum contagiosum among others. This involves a severe outbreak of bumps on your skin. Another condition that leads to the rise of similar symptoms is known as prurigo nodularis. Therefore, your skin may tell you more about your HIV infection than any other factor. 

[arecharh]

What Is Acute HIV Infection?

Everything you need to know about Acute HIV Infection

What happens in Acute HIV Infection? 

Acute HIV infection is the primary stage of HIV infection. This condition arises when the virus enters the cells in the body. Once the immune system gets triggered to produce HIV antibodies, this stage ends, and further complications take the charge. 

Unlike other viruses, HIV cannot be fought and eliminated by the immune system of the body. Therefore, the virus starts to destroy CD4 cells and makes the body unable to fight other infections or diseases. If not treated, this can lead to the onset of AIDS or the last stage of HIV infection. 

What all symptoms occur in Acute HIV Infection?

An individual who’s suffering from acute HIV infection may experience several symptoms. Those reactions may look like those of other viruses or flu. Some of them are given below.

Rash 

Fever 

Chills 

Headache 

Fatigue 

Diarrhea 

Swollen lymph nodes

Loss of appetite

Night sweats 

Sore throat

Mouth ulcers

These symptoms may be misinterpreted by patients and even by general practitioners. It is, thus, important to get tested for HIV if you think you have been exposed to the virus in recent times.

What causes Acute HIV infection? 

Acute HIV infection tends to occur after about 2 to 4 weeks from the virus exposure. HIV is initially transmitted via:

Blood transfusions

Shared syringes or needles

Semen 

Vaginal fluids 

Rectal fluids 

Breast milk

This infection cannot be spread through normal physical contact like hugging, kissing, sharing food or utensils, and shaking hands. Even with its known causes, there is no permanent cure for acute HIV infection.

Is Acute HIV Infection treatable?

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the only known treatment method used in treating acute HIV Infection effectively. As per the tolerance and efficacy of antiretroviral drugs, it is easy to reduce the viral load if the infection is diagnosed at an early stage. In fact, the motive of ART is to decrease the amount of virus in the body and manage the symptoms of the infection. These drugs are also known to improve the quality of life and its expectancy. 

How can I prevent Acute HIV Infection?

One can definitely prevent Acute HIV Infection. The best technique to do that is “safer sex”. Practicing safer sex means: using contraceptives, avoiding sexual intercourse with a person who is a suspect of HIV infection, and not engaging sexually with persons who have more than one sex partner. 

Other than this, one must look out to prevention techniques including:

Eating a healthy and balanced diet for a stronger     immune system.

Decreasing stress load.

Exercising regularly to maintain healthy body     weight. 

Avoiding smoke and tobacco consumption. 

Using hygienic needles to inject drugs. 

Besides the above-mentioned ways, you must seek your doctor’s advice if you are prone to HIV infection in any way. Also, get in touch with your medical team immediately if you experience any of the symptoms concerning acute HIV infection. 

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A Comprehensive Guide to HIV and AIDS

Basics of HIV and AIDS: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment

What is HIV and how does it spread?

A virus that attacks a specific type of immune system cell (CD4 helper cell) is known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV. It is a severe disorder since the virus attacks directly the immune system, which is the basis of fighting infections. In simple words, when HIV starts damaging these cells, it becomes harder for the body to defend against other infections. That means one becomes prone to every contagious disease. 

HIV spreads from one person to the next via bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal and rectal fluids, and breast milk. Significantly, the virus does not spread through casual contact or via air and water. HIV is a lifelong disease because the virus inserts itself into the DNA of the cells. Even if the causes of HIV are known, its ultimate cure is yet to be determined.

What are the signs & symptoms of HIV?

When the virus attacks your body, the immune system makes antibodies to fight the infection. The early stage of HIV is known as the acute infection stage. At this stage, some individuals may or may not experience certain signs and symptoms. Since those reactions are almost like those of flu or other seasonal viruses, HIV may not be diagnosed earlier. The following are some of the known signs and symptoms of HIV infection:

Fever with chills 

Swollen lymph nodes

General aches and pains

Skin rash 

Sore throat

Headache

Nausea 

Upset stomach

Mouth ulcers 

Fatigue 

Night sweats

How do I decrease my risk of getting HIV?

Safer sex is the ultimate way to decrease the risk of getting HIV. Apart from that, there are other prevention techniques that can be useful and be easily implemented. This includes the following measures.

Do not share needles or other paraphernalia. 

Consider PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and PrEP     (pre-exposure prophylaxis), if you have been or will be exposed to     HIV. 

Prevent mother-to-infant transmission by not     breastfeeding the child if you are exposed to the virus.

Protect others from getting infected if you have     HIV. 

What exactly is AIDS?

AIDS is “Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome” by full form. It is a condition that is characterized by a weakened immune system. This happens when HIV goes untreated for years and consequently, the virus kills a larger number of CD4 cells in the body. Doctors define AIDS as the disease that initiates when the CD4 cell count drops down to 200 per cubic millimeter or less. Due to weak immunity, the person becomes prone to diseases like pneumonia, tuberculosis, cancer, and cytomegalovirus. 

AIDS might lead to multiple symptoms including:

Recurrent fever

Chronic fatigue 

Night sweats

Anxiety and depression 

Dark splotches inside the mouth

Bumps on the skin

Rapid weight loss

Recurrent diarrhea 

Memory loss and confusion

Can HIV & AIDS be cured?

Regardless of the viral load, the treatment of HIV starts the moment it is diagnosed. However, there is no cure for HIV and AIDS. This means: the life expectancy can be increased, the viral load can be reduced, but the patients never get rid of the infection.

More significantly, HIV can be treated using multiple effective antiretrovirals. These are the medications that are formulated to decrease the growth and spread of the virus and increase the number of CD4 cells in the body. This is how HIV and AIDS can both be managed and treated. 

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Breast Cancer in Women

All About Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Background

Cancer that forms in the cells of breasts is referred to as Breast Cancer. It originally starts when the cells begin to grow out of control. Most types of Breast Cancers give rise to visible lumps. However, it is not certainly true that all breast lumps are cancerous (malignant).

Breast cancer may start in the ducts that carry milk or in the glands that make breast milk. Its origin, stage, and other such factors determine the stage of cancer, plus its treatment. Most often, people connect breast cancer to only women. But, one must know that men can get cancer of the breasts too!

Causes of Breast Cancer

The exact cause of no cancer is known. However, some factors that increase the risk of developing breast cancer are as follows:

A family     history of breast cancer.

A previous diagnosis of breast cancer.

 Alcohol     consumption.

Being overweight or tall.

A previous diagnosis of a non-cancerous breast lump.

 An     older age.

Physical inactivity.

Exposure to birth control.

Certain inherited gene changes.

A     dense breast tissue.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer in women can show a number of symptoms, whereby the most common is a lump. Individuals may even notice some or all of the following symptoms:

A change in     the size of the breasts.

A change in the shape of the breasts/nipple.

A new lump in the armpit (underarm).

A noticeable thickening on the breast.

Irritation or dimpling of skin near the nipples.

Pain in the area near the nipples.

Nipple discharge, including blood.

Pulling in of the nipples.

A rash on the nipple or near the nipple.

Swollen     lymph nodes.

Apart from these visible changes, your body may undergo certain other processes. You may feel sick or tired all the time. This may bother you a lot! Consider reaching out to your doctor. However, read below the diagnosis and treatment options of breast cancer in women.

Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

If you experience symptoms of breast cancer, it is better to get in touch with a general practitioner (GP). The first thing your GP will do is breast screening or a physical exam. This may include mammography or breast ultrasound. Once breast cancer is suspected, your GP will recommend a biopsy. Apart from these, some practitioners may even prefer a needle aspiration.

If breast cancer is diagnosed, one must look out for its treatment options instead of panicking. Get an idea about the same from the data below.

Treatment of Breast Cancer

Different stages of breast cancer demand different types of treatment options, wherein chemotherapy leads the list. For example, oncologists may prescribe Pegdoxine (Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Pegylated) injection in combination with other medications as a combination-chemotherapy to treat early-stage and metastatic breast cancer.

Sometimes, post-menstrual women get diagnosed with hormone receptor (HR)-positive metastatic breast cancer. In such cases, oncologists may prefer Fulvant (Fulvestrant) injection over other drugs. Besides these, your medical team will introduce other options like:

Surgery     (Lumpectomy and Mastectomy)

Radiation Therapy

Hormonal Therapy

Targeted Therapy

Immunotherapy

Palliative     Care

Such treatment techniques are highly effective and work by improving the patient’s quality of life. Get in touch with your GP right away if you observe any unusual symptoms.

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Who is at Risk for Prostate Cancer?

Am I at Risk of Prostate Cancer?

Abstract 

Prostate cancer is one of the top ten leading cancers among others. Ideally, all men are at risk of being diagnosed with Prostate Cancer since there is no particular cause that gives rise to cancer cells. Thus, the factors that increase your chance of developing prostate tumors can be referred to as risk factors. Some risk factors can be taken into consideration and eliminated. Whereas, some cannot. A well-understandable example of the same is a family history of prostate cancer. This can be an unpreventable cause of the illness.

Risk Factors

Researchers have found that some factors can increase the risk for prostate cancer in men. Hence, if you are looking out for its major causes, you must slide through this article for a better view.

Age 

You might wonder how the age of an individual leads to such a life-threatening illness! It does. In fact, age is the most common factor that increases your risk. It is evident that prostate cancer is rarely diagnosed in men below 40 years. Also, about 6 in 10 cases of cancer of the prostate gland occur in men aged above 65 years. This shows how “age” matters. 

Family History 

When you experience and report the symptoms of prostate cancer, the first thing your doctor might ask is “Do you have a family history of prostate cancer?” This is because genetic risk factors also top the list. Having a father or brother with prostate cancer definitely increases your risk in some or another way.

Gene Changes 

Certain inherited genes contribute to increasing the incidence of prostate cancer across the globe. Some individuals who have an inherited breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome tend to develop a more aggressive form of prostate cancer. Those mutations are of BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. 

Geography 

In North America, Australia, northwestern Europe, and Caribbean islands, prostate cancer is more common. African-American men are more likely to get prostate cancer when compared to Asian-Americans. However, there is no valid study or data that justifies this. 

Vasectomy 

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure undertaken to initiate permanent contraception in men. This operation is thought to increase the incidence of prostate cancer among men. However, there is no clinical data to demonstrate this idea. 

Exposure to Agent Orange

Prostate cancer is also associated with “agent orange exposure” as per the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. If you believe that you are at risk of prostate cancer in any way, consult your medical team as soon as possible. Once diagnosed, your oncologist may prescribe Enzalu (Enzalutamide) tablet or Abiracine (Abiraterone acetate) tablet for the management of the condition. 

 Other factors like unhealthy eating habits, obesity, alcohol and smoke, chemical exposure, sexually transmitted infections, and inflammation of the prostate also validate the incidence of prostate cancer in most men. It is, therefore, better to be aware than to be ill. Check other risk factors of prostate cancer with your physician. 

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Types of Blood Cancer

Five Major Types of Blood Cancer Explained

Abstract 

Blood cancer is a complex family of about five diseases. It is basically the growth of cancer cells in the bone marrow, where blood is produced. When abnormal start growing out of control, they interfere with the function of normal blood cells in the body. This leads to certain adverse conditions. These cancers specifically change the behavior of the existing blood cells and affect their working.

Types of Blood Cancer

The following are the types of Blood Cancer that differ in terms of their origin, growth, and the adversities. 

Leukemia 

Leukemia is the uncontrollable production of abnormal white blood cells. It is also referred to as the cancer of the blood forming tissues. There are a number of Leukemia types. Some cancers belonging to this category are more common in children. The major types of leukemia are:

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Hairy Cell Leukemia

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

The most commonly growing types of leukemia show symptoms like fatigue, unusual weight loss, excessive sweating, recurrent nose bleeding, swollen lymph nodes, frequent infections and easy bleeding or bruising. Once the symptoms are observed, your oncologist may ask you to go for certain diagnostic tests. Treatment of leukemia, when diagnosed at an early stage, is possible and effective. 

Some patients suffer from leukemia that is Philadelphia chromosome-positive. In such conditions, specialty medications  are used, like Dasacine (Dasatinib) tablet.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is the cancer of the lymphatic system of the body. It majorly starts in the white blood cells (also referred to as infection-fighters) or simply lymphocytes. The uncontrollable growth of lymphocytes in the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow results in this type of Blood Cancer. The following are the two major types of Lymphoma:- 

Hodgkin's Lymphoma- This type of cancer can occur in     both children and adults. Specifically, the uncontrollable growth of blood     cells starts in B cells (also called B-lymphocytes). 

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma- This condition, like Hodgkin’s     Lymphoma, can occur in both children and adults. In such a case, the     uncontrollable growth of blood cells starts in B-lymphocytes or in     T-lymphocytes.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome 

Myelodysplastic Syndrome is a group of disorders that is caused when something disrupts the blood cell production. Some of its types do not have a known cause. People with Myelodysplastic Syndrome may experience symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, unusual paleness, pinpoint-sized red spots, and frequent infections. 

Individuals who are older in age or have had treatment with chemotherapy or radiation are at a greater risk of the disease. 

Myeloproliferative Disorder 

It is a unique group of hematopoietic stem cell diseases. Myeloproliferative Disorder is a rare Blood Cancer that shows multiple symptoms. However, there is no known cause of this condition.

Patients with Myeloproliferative Disorder may experience shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, pale skin, prolonged breathing, and loss of appetite. 

Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is also known as the cancer of the plasma cells. In patients with Multiple Myeloma, a family of plasma cells becomes cancerous and starts multiplying. 

Symptoms of Multiple myeloma may not occur in the early stages. However, patients may experience loss of appetite, bone pain, chills and fever, nausea, constipation, excessive thirst, and frequent infections. 

Once the condition is diagnosed, it can be treated in several ways. The most common medication prescribed to patients with Multiple myeloma is Pegdoxine (Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Pegylated) injection. Other drugs and therapies also contribute to improving the quality of life of patients.

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Paclitaxel: Uses, Interactions, and Mechanism of Action

What is Paclitaxel, and How does it work?

Abstract 

Paclitaxel (sold under the brand name Abra-Bound among others) is a chemotherapeutic drug, approved for use in the treatment of certain types of cancers. An injectable formulation of this medication, also known as Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel, is a preferable treatment option for patients with:

Node-positive breast cancer, as adjuvant therapy.

Advanced carcinoma of the ovary, as a first-line and     subsequent therapy.

Non-small cell lung cancer. 

Pancreatic cancer. 

ABRA-BOUND Paclitaxel for Breast Cancer is considered and demonstrated as an upfront treatment option, among others. It is specifically prescribed for the treatment of cancer of the breast that has spread to lymph nodes in the armpit area. 

Uses of Paclitaxel

Paclitaxel is administered as an injection into a vein. It is not indicated for self-use in any condition. The medical team decides the dosage and frequency of this drug, as per the patient’s condition and tumor growth. Paclitaxel is also available in Albumin-Bound formulation. The drug may be used as a part of a multi-agent regimen. However, close monitoring is necessary to address the concerning toxicity, if any. Besides that, a proper diet chart should be made and followed throughout the Paclitaxel therapy.

Interactions of Paclitaxel

Paclitaxel might show interactions with other drugs, diseases, and alcohol. In general, it is recommended to be aware of the interactions concerning the medicine, prior to its administration. 

Drug-Drug Interactions 

The concomitant use of Paclitaxel and other drugs should be discussed with the medical team first. This is because most other regimens may interact with the ingredients of Paclitaxel. The below-mentioned conditions are some of them:

Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, oral

Eluxadoline 

Idarubicin 

Idelalisib 

Influenza virus vaccine trivalent, adjuvant

Ivacaftor 

Nefazodone 

Palifermin 

Quinidine 

Using any of the medication along with Paclitaxel should be avoided. Or dose modifications should be initiated to prevent interactions.

Drug-Disease Interactions 

Mostly, people who use Paclitaxel for Breast Cancer get worried about the disease interactions associated with the drug. Even for other types of conditions, the drug-disease interactions should be taken into consideration. Here are some of the diseases that can interact with Paclitaxel and cause adverse effects or interfere with its mechanism of action.

Severe infections

Conduction disorders

Hepatic dysfunction

Myelosuppression 

Peripheral neuropathy

Anaphylaxis 

Drug-Alcohol Interactions

Alcohol consumption during the therapy with Paclitaxel can cause adverse reactions due to the interaction of alcohol with the ingredients of the drug. Thus, you must prefer avoiding the consumption of alcohol. 

Paclitaxel: Mechanism of Action

Paclitaxel, a taxoid antineoplastic agent, interferes with the normal function of the microtubules. The drug arrests their function by posing a negative effect. This hyperstabilizes their structure. Specifically, it binds with tubulin, which is the building block of microtubules. This mechanism of Paclitaxel affects cell function. Further, the compound induces programmed cell death (apoptosis).

Treatment with Paclitaxel and other chemotherapeutic agents should be initiated after discussing the potential benefits and risks. Close monitoring of the patient’s health and tumor growth should be done in order to prevent complications. 

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