Cancer is one treacherous disease that has killed millions of people around the world. It occurs when cells multiply abnormally. And when the cancer cells spread, these form tumors that could eventually affect the organs in the body―generally the bones, lungs, and liver. Even with its unsightly nature, there are a lot of ways to combat cancer. Several home remedies for cancer have been introduced along with various treatments to help people suffering from this dreadful illness.
Relevant Treatments for Cancer
Cancer treatments vary according to the cancer type. But in general, they have the same goal and that is to get rid of the tumor and eliminate the cancerous cells. To help you understand this disease further, here are the most relevant treatments for cancer.
Surgery
Surgery is considered the oldest cancer treatment, where the tumor is removed together with its affected tissue. Just like most surgeries, this method uses different tools such as scalpels, retractors, surgical scissors, and dilators, among others. However, there are surgeries that do not require opening of the skin like lasers, cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy, and hyperthermia.
Radiation Therapy
Over the years, radiation therapy has been widely acknowledged by the medical field because of its higher success rate. This method targets the harmful cells through radiation, hence diminishing the tumor and eventually the cancerous cells. On the contrary, this treatment also has side effects because of the high dose of radiation. Often, these include hair loss, skin changes, nausea, fatigue, and such. Consequently, radiation therapy is supplemented with other kinds of treatments to make it more effective.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is also a popular method to treat cancer. This treatment is associated with drugs administered into your body to shrink the tumor and kill the bad cells. There are a lot of ways to incorporate these drugs within your system. It can be through oral, topical, intravenous, intra-arterial, and the like. Normally, chemotherapy runs for one week and then you are given around 3 weeks of break. This kind of cycle gives your body a period for adjustment as well as for recovery. Moreover, chemotherapy comes with several side effects just like radiation. These may include but are not limited to hair loss, food aversion, diarrhea, fatigue, and such.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that targets your immune system to fight cancerous cells. As a biological therapy, it utilizes living organisms to help fight infections and related diseases. Some of the immunotherapy treatments include monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, adoptive cell transfer, and other treatment vaccines. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin is another type of immunotherapy treatment, which is also used as a vaccine for tuberculosis. Immunotherapy may also include possible side effects such as rashes, swelling, and soreness.
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy focuses on slowing down or stopping the hormonal growth of cancerous cells. This method can be given through surgery or injection. Generally, this kind of treatment is comparatively less toxic and extremely effective, especially for breast and prostate cancers. However, side effects may still occur, which range from fatigue to vaginal dryness to hot flashes.
Aside from the above-mentioned treatments, there are also targeted therapy and precision medicine to help cure cancer. Normally, two or more treatments are combined for more effective results. However, it’s always better to prevent the disease than to cure it. So, make sure you keep an eye on your health and follow a balanced lifestyle. By keeping your body in tiptop condition, you lessen the chance of attracting pathogens that mainly cause the growth of cancer cells. This also helps stimulate your immune system to battle unwanted toxins. So, to fight against this deadly disease before it strikes, we’ve gathered some home remedies to make your body healthy.
Home Remedies for Cancer
If you’re looking for a healthy dietary regime that prevents cancer, here are some nutritious foods that you can add into your meals.
Broccoli
Encompassing a plant compound called sulforaphane, broccoli is dubbed as a potent anti-cancer food. When this cruciferous vegetable is taken into the body, it creates active compounds that fight against infectious properties.
Grapes
Grapes are also known to be great antioxidants. This fruit contains polyphenols that avert cell inflammation and cancer formation.
Ginseng
Studies show that ginseng plays a significant role when combined with anticancer drugs. It is said to improve cancer-related side effects because of its antioxidant properties that not just fight off harmful agents but also builds resistance.
Green Tea
Green tea also contains polyphenols that work wonder in slowing the formation of cancer cells. This antioxidant substance restricts the abnormal cell replication that causes tumors. On top of that, green tea has other health benefits such as weight loss, improved memory, and antiviral effects.
Soybeans
Another vegetable that contains anticancer properties are soybeans. Through its isoflavones, it lessens the risk of multiplication of the cancer cells. Another thing is that soybeans come with phytoestrogens that also help in blocking infectious cells from utilizing estrogen.
Wheatgrass
Though not used for cancer prevention or reduction, wheatgrass is an instrumental factor among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It provides a stronger immune system for lower risk infection.
Things to Avoid
There are also certain foods that promote the growth of cancer cells, hence should be avoided. These include processed meat and sugary products. Moreover, it’s recommended that you cut down your intake of lamb, pork, beef, and other red meat because these come with a high amount of saturated fat. Subsequently, you have to avoid tobacco at all costs. Smoking is one of the main causes of cancers in the lung, throat, mouth, and the like.
Another important factor that impacts the development of cancer cells is mental stress. Most people who are undergoing psychological stress are more prone to taking bad habits like excessive alcohol intake and overeating. As a result, this increases the risk of diseases such as cancer.
The takeaway
Now that you have a thorough grasp of the treatments and home remedies for cancer, we hope you start reconsidering your harmful routines. Staying healthy can be a challenge but it’s something that will reward you a thousand folds. So, act before it’s too late and make your health your priority. Follow a balanced diet to avoid health complications in the long run. Boost your immune system by exercising regularly.
