How cancer affects the body and what to do to cope with the manifestations of the disease

There is constant weakness

This is how 80 to feel 100% peoplecancer patients. In contrast to normal fatigue, such as after a hard day at work, weakness in patients with oncological diseases does not pass after rest or sleep.

Some types of cancer can affect the level of hormones in the body: for example, with breast or prostate cancer, a breakdown occurs called their change. Weakness is capable develop and as a result of treatment - after chemotherapy, radiation, immune therapy, surgery or bone marrow transplantation.

Lifestyle adjustments can help you deal with constant fatigue. A clear to-do list is better refuse in favor of a free schedule that allows the cancer patient to focus on their condition. It is recommended (but only after consultation with a specialist) to include light physical activity in the daily schedule - it promotes improve well-being, mood and appetite.

Lost appetite

Decreased appetite may be caused a side effect of chemotherapy and immune therapy, taking painkillers, as well as targeted drugs for the treatment of cancer - these are drugs that "target" work with cancer cells

destroying them or preventing growth and division.

Loss of appetite can raise the risk of developing nutritional deficiencies - with it face up to 85% of people with cancer. She is capable reduce effectiveness of treatment and speed of recovery. To avoid this, it is important to maintain the balance of nutrients in the body.

When you don’t feel like eating at all, large portions of food can be divide for several small ones. More help will come foods rich in calories and protein, such as boiled eggs, muesli bars, cheese, nuts, ice cream, or canned tuna. Then even a small portion will saturate and give strength.

Decreased weight

Sometimes a person loses weight because it is physically difficult for him to eat. For example, difficulty swallowing characteristic for cancer of the larynx, thyroid gland and esophagus. They occur with tumors of the mouth or nose, salivary glands, as well as with melanoma and other neoplasms on the skin of the face. In addition, weight loss can drive nausea or vomiting.

Decreased muscle mass characteristically for cancer of the stomach and pancreas, as well as lymphomas with lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. In such cases, anorexia-cachexia syndrome may develop - due to a decrease in food intake, skeletal muscles are lost. It affects 60-80% of cancer patients.

When losing weight, it is important to eat regularly - snack Can every two hours. Costs add in the diet additional sources of calories and protein: whipped cream, sour cream, cream cheese or butter. When it's hard to chew or swallow help out cereals, soups and broths.

Changes in the perception of tastes and smells

Distortions in the functioning of receptors can drive radiation and chemotherapy, as well as surgical interventions that affect the tongue, salivary glands and areas of the nasal cavity responsible for the perception of odors. For example, patients may face with a decrease in the sense of smell, otherwise smell the usual things. As a result, food Maybe seem tasteless, too salty or sweet, and a bitter or metallic taste appears in the mouth.

To smooth out these side effects, you can experiment with the menu. If the aroma of hot dishes seems repulsive, serve cold food. Onions, garlic, basil, and mustard will help to give food an attractive smell. Sweeteners can be added to dishes that are too salty, and lemon juice can be added to dishes that are too sweet.

With an altered taste perception, red meat sometimes seems unappetizing. Then its worth it replace other sources of protein - poultry, fish, legumes, eggs or dairy products. To neutralize the metallic taste in your mouth, use plastic cutlery and cook food in glassware.

Hair thinning and falling out

Radio and chemotherapy able lead to hair loss on the head and body. The process can begin as early as 1-3 weeks after the start of treatment and become noticeable after 1-2 months of therapy. It is important to remember that this phenomenon is reversible: after a course of treatment, the hair usually grow back within 3–5 months.

Can be done in advance discuss with loved ones, future changes in appearance and choose a short haircut - even if the hair thins, the hairstyle will seem lush. It is not necessary to wash your hair often - it is enough to do it once every 2-4 days with a mild shampoo. To make your hair less tangled, a cotton pillowcase can be replaced with a silk one.

INFORMATION FOR PERSONS WITH NUTRITIONAL INSUFFICIENCY. THE PRODUCT OF SPECIALIZED THERAPEUTIC FOOD IS NOT A DIETARY SUPPLEMENT AND A MEDICINE. THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS, A SPECIALIST'S CONSULTATION IS REQUIRED BEFORE USE.