Cancer, considered one of the most dreaded diseases, has now a preventable vaccine which will go a long way in nipping the problem in the bud. The development is all the more welcome because the biggest stumbling block in the treatment is delay in reporting. For those not in the know, cancer is fully treatable if detected in the first stage.
Dr Amit Bhargava, consultant oncologist, Max Healthcare, people living with cancer need to take some extra health precaution during winter. “Due to the weak immune system, cancer patients are more prone to infections during the winter season. During this season, the infection rate in cancer patients increases by 15-20%.”
Listing out the problems, Dr Bhargava says reducing the risk of flu is the first and foremost advice to be given cancer patients during winters. Influenza or flu is common during winter months. Cancer and cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, may weaken the immune system and the people with weak immune system are at a higher risk of getting flu that can lead to serious illness.
People with cancer may also be at higher risk for illness caused by cold temperatures. One of the illnesses caused to cancer patients is hypothermia. When the body cannot produce enough heat to stay warm, hypothermia occurs. Some medications and medical conditions caused by cancer or cancer treatment can interfere with your body’s ability to adjust its temperature. Dehydration, a common side effect of cancer treatment, and having a low amount of body fat, may also increase risk.
In extremely cold temperatures, skin and underlying tissue can freeze and cause frostbite. Skin becomes firm, pale, waxy, and numb. Frostbite
may be at greater risk for frostbite if they have treatment side effects, such as a nerve disorder that cause them to be less sensitive to temperature extremes.
“Cancer and cancer treatments may increase the risk of bone complications. Sunshine is one of the best sources of vitamin D.
Source: economictimes.com Contributed by: DMSMedwire Research JSG Team
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