There are a number of cancer treatments patients will undergo depending on the type of cancer they have. Many treatments consist of a surgery to remove a tumor and the surrounding tissue, followed by radiation or chemotherapy--or both. All treatments take a toll on the body and are a source of concern for patients. There are certain precautions that should be taken by cancer patients undergoing treatment because they will improve the chances of a smooth recovery.
Diet And Hydration
Eat several small meals each day that are high in energy and protein, according to Apollo Life. Many cancer patients have a decreased appetite during treatment and find it difficult to eat more than a few bites at a time. Eating more often and eating healthy foods can remedy this.
No foods are off-limits to cancer patients, but hot and spicy foods are not usually recommended because they tend to cause stomach irritation.
Stay hydrated during cancer treatment. Radiation and other treatments tend to cause severe sweating, resulting in dehydration and loss of electrolytes. In addition, chemotherapy drugs are taxing for the kidneys, so it is important to keep them flushed with clean drinking water.
Good Personal Hygiene
Fungal, viral and bacterial infections can spell trouble for recovering cancer patients. The immune system is weaker during times of treatment, so minimizing the presence of these infection-causing agents is essential. Good oral and personal hygiene will help ensure many avoidable pathogens are kept at bay, according to Apollo Life. Good hygiene includes bathing daily, washing hands before and after meals and bathroom visits, keeping nails short and clean and brushing teeth regularly.
Limit Social Activities
Those patients most at risk for infection may need to avoid social gatherings or other places with a large number of people present. While it is important to remain social and have supporters around often, the presence of large numbers of other people can also pose a threat. Large groups of people increase the likelihood of contracting an infection, especially through respiration.
Those most at risk include older cancer patients, children and leukemia patients, who are especially vulnerable to the spread of disease.
Pregnancy
Avoid pregnancy using any means that will not interfere with your treatment. Ask your doctor's advice to determine which birth-control methods are safe. Patients undergoing cancer treatment should avoid becoming pregnant because the treatment itself may cause abnormalities in the fetus or miscarriages.
Chemotherapy Precautions
It is important for patients to know the possible repercussions of chemotherapy before beginning treatment so they will know what to expect. In addition to a wide range of possible side effects, chemotherapy can also cause DNA mutations, birth defects and may lead to other cancers, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Immediately following chemotherapy, all bodily fluids may contain the drugs, which can cause harm or irritation to your skin or others. Flush toilets twice after use, wash hands often with warm water and soap and use condoms during sex.
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