Cancer treatment of all types has some side effects. Since powerful medicines or therapies are used, these cause temporary health discomfort. There are many self-care ways to apply to improve your well-being after and during lung cancer treatment.
You might get the best lung cancer treatment in Siliguri at Hope & Heal Cancer Hospital and Research Centre. To treat lung cancer, cancer specialists mostly use surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, etc.
Some of the common lung cancer treatment side effects are:
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- hair loss
- Sleep issues
- Chest discomfort
- A general sense of sickness
- sore mouth and throat
- shortness of breath
- gastrointestinal problems
- infections and skin problems (skin darkening)
- bleeding
- low mood, anxiousness
Here are seven key steps that can help support lung cancer treatment:
1. Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is one of the major steps to take for your overall good health. Did you know smoking affects your health as well as affects your cancer treatment outcomes?
Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer, which also makes lung cancer treatment less effective. Make sure you quit smoking to improve lung function, the effectiveness of treatments, and lung cancer survival. Seek expert support if you are dependent on nicotine or tobacco products.
2. Have a Nutritious Diet
While no diet can cure lung cancer, a healthy diet can benefit treatment outcomes. A nutritious diet gives you strength, immunity, energy, hormonal balance, good sleep, et al.
Though your cancer doctor will give diet advice, you can still ask your doctor for a better understanding of food choices.
High-protein foods like lean meats, beans, seeds, and nuts help repair your tissues and improve your immunity.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients. They are rich in antioxidants that will fight inflammation and support health during and after cancer treatment.
Whole grains, like brown rice, oats, quinoa, wholewheat, corn, and millet contain many essential nutrients that will support your overall well-being throughout lung cancer treatment. Visit your doctor at the best lung cancer hospital in Siliguri, North Bengal.
Do not consume excessive oils, fried foods, processed or commercially baked goods, carbonated drinks, canned foods, red meats, alcoholic drinks, etc. Such food choices can make your health and treatment outcomes worse.
3. Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is vital to your overall health, letting your body function effectively. Hydration has multiple functions, such as regulating body temperature, flashing out toxins, protecting joints, giving nutrients to cells, and more.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can interfere with the hydration level in your body initially. To keep from dehydration, drink water, soups, broths, and hydrating foods like cucumbers and watermelon. This will take care of your fluid intake.
4. Engage in Physical Activity
Physical activity during this time doesn’t demand any vigorous practice. If you try to do any strenuous activity this time, it may affect your health, causing serious complications.
Mild exercise while you are fighting cancer improves:
- physical strength
- quality sleep
- mood and energy
- appetite
- immunity
- muscle health
Activities you can do are walking, gentle yoga, etc. These will reduce physical stress, and boost cancer treatment outcomes. Consult a reputed oncologist for lung cancer treatment in Siliguri.
5. Take Care of Yourself
To reduce the risk of infections, you should consider the following tips:
- Wash your hands often, (always clean your hands when you eat)
- Get vaccinated against COVID-19
- Request that guests wash their hands
- Take care not to cut yourself
- If accidentally any cut happens, clean the area, and apply antibiotic cream as advised by your doctor
- Get the pneumococcal vaccine if recommended by your oncologist
- Try not to avoid baths or shower
- Use mild soap and shampoo
- Brush your teeth at least two times a day to keep from germs causing infections
- Look after your skin to avoid dryness; apply chemical-free moisturizer
6. Get Rest and Adequate Sleep
The importance of rest is immense. Have enough rest since it’s vital for the body to heal optimally. Lung cancer treatments can affect sleep, such as insomnia, or interrupted sleep.
Here are certain things you can do in order to improve your sleep:
- Follow a regular sleep schedule
- Set a comfortable sleep environment with clean bedsheets, light setup, etc.
- Avoid coffee, tea, and heavy meals at least 2 hours before sleep
- Engage in activities, such as reading or listening to calming music that will make you feel relaxed
- Consult your doctor if you notice these tips don’t help and your sleep issues persist
7. Stick to Medical Advice and Ensure Follow-up Check-Ups
Maintain communication with your cancer healthcare team (doctor). Be there to attend scheduled appointments with your oncologist. Follow your treatment plan, and inform your doctor if you have any new symptoms or side effects without delay. Seeking expert support can keep you from further complications.
Treatment of lung cancer is not the same for all patients. Medical care differs based on the size of the tumour, cancer spread/stage, location, and overall health. Thus, cancer doctors ensure personalized treatment plans. Talk to the best lung cancer doctors in Siliguri today.
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