Bridging the gap left by chemotherapy through nutraceuticals
Introduction
Chemotherapy, often referred to simply as "chemo," is a powerful and widely recognized treatment for cancer. For many individuals diagnosed with cancer like breast cancer, oral cancer, blood cancer, etc, the word "chemotherapy" can evoke a sense of fear and uncertainty. However, understanding the fundamentals of chemotherapy can demystify this critical aspect of cancer care. In this blog, we delve into the world of chemotherapy, shedding light on how it works and its role in cancer treatment.
What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a medical treatment that uses powerful drugs to target and kill rapidly dividing cells in the body. It is commonly used to treat cancer, which is characterized by the uncontrolled growth and division of abnormal cells. The main goal of chemotherapy is to stop or slow down the growth of cancer cells, reduce the size of tumors, and ultimately, improve the patient's quality of life and increase their chances of survival.
Types of chemotherapy
Chemotherapy encompasses a diverse array of drugs, each with unique mechanisms of action and applications. The type of chemotherapy prescribed depends on the specific cancer type, its stage, and the patient's overall health.
a. Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Administered after surgery or radiation therapy, adjuvant chemotherapy aims to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
b. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Given before surgery or radiation therapy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy aims to shrink tumors, making them more amenable to subsequent treatments.
c. Combination Chemotherapy: Often, multiple drugs are used in combination to target cancer cells from different angles, improving treatment efficacy and reducing the risk of drug resistance.
Side effects of chemotherapy
While chemotherapy primarily targets cancer cells, it can also affect healthy cells that divide rapidly, such as those in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and hair follicles. This accounts for some of the side effects associated with this treatment. Common side effects may include hair loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and a decreased ability to fight infections.
Bridging the gap of chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, while effective in treating cancer, can have a profound impact on a patient's quality of life due to its side effects. However, several emerging trends, including the use of nutraceuticals, offer relief from these adverse effects. Natural ingredients like Korean red ginseng and zinziber officinale have shown promise in supporting recovery after chemotherapy by boosting the immune system. Numerous products in the market boast these ingredients, but GINONCO by Immunity Bloom stands out for offering the purest forms, providing relief from various types of treatments for cancers like breast cancer, oral cancer, and blood cancer. As we continue our fight against cancer, it becomes crucial to acknowledge the importance of both chemotherapy and supportive therapy in alleviating the burden of cancer treatment on patients.
