Cancer – Types, nutrition tips, and treatment options
Cancer is a type of mutation that affects the body’s healthy cells and prompts abnormal growth infecting other cells in the vicinity. This form of mutation is progressive in nature, and there is no viable treatment to cure the condition. Cancer can at best be managed with medications, treatment, surgery, and different types of targeted therapy to improve quality of life.
Here is a brief overview of the common types, tips for nutrition, and suggested medications for improving the overall outlook of cancer.
Common types of cancer
- Breast cancer
It is the most common type diagnosed among women in the States. Some men are also at risk. The carcinoma causes the breast cells to multiply abnormally, thus affecting shape, size, and functionality. - Lung carcinoma
The cells mutate and affect healthy lung sponge-like tissue that is responsible for respiration (absorbing oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide). - Liver carcinoma
More commonly referred to as hepatic cancer (one of the main forms), carcinoma develops in the hepatocyte cells. The progressive condition can severely affect liver function. - Blood cancer
This is again broadly classified into three types – leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Leukemia affects the white blood cells, while lymphoma mainly develops in the lymphatic system. Myeloma affects the plasma cells. - Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries when cancer cells in the glands start to multiply out of control and affect the healthy tissues around the organ. If the cancer progresses, it can affect the function of producing the egg cells for reproduction. - Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer, also referred to as prostatic carcinoma, affects the male reproductive gland, which is responsible for producing the seminal fluid necessary for conception.
Best nutrition advice for cancer management
- Foods to eat
Nutritionists recommend fruits and vegetables that are rich in carotenoids that promote anticarcinogenic benefits. Antioxidants sourced naturally additionally help reduce the effect of free radicals that destroy healthy cells. Polyphenols and allium compounds found in different types of herbs and spices also promote a better outlook. Popular options include carrots, leafy greens, dark greens, legumes, and different types of berries. Whole grains and legumes rich in dietary fibers can also promote better digestion and provide constipation relief in the long run. - Foods to avoid
Any type of processed, salty, saturated, trans-fat-rich foods containing preservatives and additives should be eliminated. This also includes sugary foods and refined carbohydrates.
Treatment options
- Treating cancer with prescriptions
There are hundreds of different prescription medications and doses. Generally, they are classified into alkylating agents, antibiotics/antineoplastics, antimetabolites, and mitotic inhibitors. Each class of medication has a different approach in alignment with the ongoing treatment. - Medication for ovarian cancer
Oncologists suggest Rubraca® for women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The medication is designed to block certain proteins from repairing already infected cells in the ovaries and prevent its spread. If the damaged DNA is not repaired, the infected cells automatically break down. Not all cells can be cleared, but the medication can destroy most of the active cells. - CAR T-cell therapy
In CAR T-cell therapy, doctors harvest T-cells from the blood to genetically modify their function and reintroduce the cells via a blood transfusion to combat existing mutation-causing cells. The new cells are programmed to bind with antigens in mutated cells and destroy them internally.
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