Dorothy FarrarCancer therapy
Thanks to modern therapies, the chances of recovery for cancer have greatly improved over the past 30 years. A more effective cancer therapy in combination with improved diagnostic possibilities and prevention allow a more positive view of cancer today. The extent to which the disease is curable depends on an early diagnosis, as well as on the appropriate therapy and the type of cancer.
What is cancer therapy?
Certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer, skin cancer or testicular cancer, can be cured today if detected in good time. Often the chances of recovery are about 90%. Other cases, in which, for example, the lungs or esophagus are affected, bring with them a poorer prognosis. However, all forms have in common that the treatment is basically based on three pillars: surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy. Which of these therapies is used depends on the type and extent of the cancer. Additional methods such as hormone or immunotherapy are considered for certain tumors. Psychologically supportive measures, such as targeted pain therapy, complement the treatment and make it more bearable for the patient.
Applications
Typical applications of cancer therapy:
There are many causes of cancer and, accordingly, also diverse clinical pictures. Meanwhile, more than 300 different types of cancer are known, which are divided into two main categories: On the one hand, there are solid tumors that form tumors. On the other hand, there are also systemic diseases of the blood and lymphatic systems. These include lymphoma and leukemia. Cancer occurs in different organs and originates from different types of cells.
Most diseases have as their starting point the outer and inner surfaces of the body. The most common cancer in men is that of the prostate. This accounts for about 25% of diagnoses. Places 2 and 3 are closely followed by the lungs and intestines. In women, the mammary gland accounts for about 30% of all cancers. The intestine is by far in 2nd place, followed by the lungs. The likelihood of developing cancer increases with age. However, due to the slowed cell division and the resulting reduced spread of cancer cells, the chances of recovery are often higher in older patients than, for example, in children.
Cancer therapy takes place at different times of the disease. In the case of precursors, such as breast cancer, it is often sufficient to remove conspicuous tissue without having to subsequently apply chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In the case of cervical cancer, the first cell changes can still regress on their own. Only in the case of a positive cancer result further steps are necessary.
What methods and procedures are there?
If a cancer has been diagnosed beyond doubt, treatment depends on the type of tumor. Locally limited forms, such as lip cancer or skin cancer, are surgically removed. If this happens at an early stage, when the cancer has not yet spread, further therapeutic measures can often be avoided. If the degenerated tissue cannot be (completely) removed or if the degeneration is not localized, chemotherapy is used.
The drugs used (cytostatics) slow down any cells in their growth or kill them. In the case of fast-growing cancer cells, they do this particularly effectively. This method is often used in systemic diseases. Radiotherapy also damages cells and causes them to die. However, modern technology makes it possible to direct them specifically to the tumor tissue. This method is particularly suitable for breast cancer, cervical cancer and prostate cancer.
What does the patient have to consider?
In order to enable early cancer diagnosis, regular visits to the doctor are necessary, especially at an advanced age. Gynecologists routinely scan the breast tissue and can thus detect tumors at an early stage. To prevent the onset of cervical cancer, Vaccination before the first sexual intercourse is possible. The prostate examination should be part of the routine for every man over the age of 40 and is uncomplicated and quick.
If you have Swollen Lymph Glands persistent Headaches or non-specific symptoms such as tiredness or sweating , you should not hesitate to consult a doctor. Regular check-ups are also necessary after cancer treatment. Aftercare programs offer those affected ongoing care. In addition to follow-up examinations, this also includes other therapies if necessary. The rule of thumb for the duration of the aftercare program is 5 years, but this depends on the type of cancer and the course of therapy. The success of the treatment is checked here, and if the disease recurs, appropriate measures can be taken in good time.
Execution: How is the investigation carried out?
The diagnostic procedure differs depending on the type of cancer. Tumors in the breast, for example, are felt by the doctor and confirmed by a mammogram. Lymph gland cancer can also be felt, as can prostate cancer. Tumors that are not externally visible become noticeable after a certain time through Pain and accompanying symptoms. These include, for example, tumors in the brain region, the digestive tract or the lungs. Forms of cancer such as leukemia are often discovered by accident when the patient consults a doctor because of non-specific ailments.
The doctor treating you has a variety of options for examining the cancer. Imaging methods enable a look inside the body. These include X-ray , Ultrasound , computed tomography, MRI, and PET, among others . Mammography and Pap smears are options for women. Other methods are the colonoscopy , the search for tumor markers or the removal of tissue samples ( Biopsy ).
These examinations provide more precise information about the extent of the disease. Various blood tests are also used to determine the general state of health of the patient. This is the only way to ensure that the therapy is optimally adapted to their needs. In most cases, cancer treatment is performed on an outpatient basis. Depending on the form and degree of severity, the duration of the hospital stay ranges from short treatment appointments to longer stays in a cancer ward.
Who bears the costs?
Legally insured cancer patients have to bear 10% of the costs for all health insurance services themselves. This applies to all medicines, remedies, aids, travel expenses, daily hospital allowances and costs for household help. However, a maximum limit of the deductible has been set for each year, the so-called load limit. It is a maximum of 2% of the family’s gross income, and for the chronically ill it is only 1%. Cancer patients have the option of applying for a disabled person’s pass for a period of 5 years.
This brings a number of benefits, such as increased protection against dismissal, more vacation days, reductions and tax breaks. In the event of incapacity to work, those with statutory health insurance receive sick pay after the end of the continued payment of wages. If a partial or complete incapacity to work occurs, the patient can apply for a disability pension.
Risks, complications and side effects
While cancer therapies are effective, they can also have side effects. In the worst case, after particularly intensive radiation or chemotherapy, it is possible for secondary cancer cells to develop years after treatment, emerging from the damaged tissue. After surviving cancer, some women and men suffer from Infertility or a weakened immune system .
Side effects such as pain, Exhaustion , skin and hair problems, nausea or susceptibility to infections can be treated with supportive and drug therapies. Many other side effects and complications can, in the best case scenario, be avoided entirely with optimal preparation and support.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.