Understanding Cancer-Related Lymphedema
by Ellen Poage-Hooper, ARNP, MPH, CLT-LANA
Among the numerous side effects of cancer therapies, perhaps none is more misunderstood or underestimated than lymphedema. Once therapies are over, hair grows back, the appetite returns, energy is restored, but lymphedema is unpredictable. It can develop at any time, and if it does, managing it can be tricky.
Fish Oil Fights Weight Loss Due to Chemotherapy
A new analysis has found that supplementing the diet with fish oil may prevent muscle and weight loss that commonly occurs in people with cancer who undergo chemotherapy.
How Cancer Affects Your Hair, Skin, and Nails
by Carol R. Drucker, MD
One of the most common questions people have when diagnosed with cancer is “Will I lose my hair?” The answer for many is yes, but only temporarily. The loss and regrowth of hair during the cancer experience is usually due to chemotherapy treatment. Treatment can also have effects on the nails and the skin. The changes are usually temporary, but it helps to know what to expect.
How to Quell that Queasy Feeling
Side effects of cancer treatments often include nausea and vomiting. There are many reasons for this, including the cancer treatments themselves, some pain medications, liver damage, severe constipation or bowel blockage, and anxiety.
Worried About Cancer-Related Hair Loss?
For many people, the loss of one’s hair can be one of the most emotionally upsetting aspects of coping with cancer. It is, of course, a visible sign of the presence of your illness. Here are some tips to help you cope with this (usually temporary) change in your appearance.
Are You Tired of Cancer-Related Fatigue?
by Carmen P. Escalante, MD
Cancer-related fatigue is not just a usual state of tiredness. It is more severe and affects your usual daily activities. Often, you do not feel refreshed after a night’s sleep. Cancer-related fatigue is the most common side effect reported by people with cancer. It is usually caused by multiple factors, including the cancer itself, cancer treatment, anemia, nutritional factors, sleep dysfunction, psychological issues (such as depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders), pain, medications, and other chronic illnesses.
Reducing Your Risk of Lymphedema After Cancer Treatment
by Jeannette Zucker, DPT, CLT-LANA, CSCS, WCC
Lymphedema occurs when a person has a compromised lymphatic system, such as when lymph nodes are removed during surgery for cancer. Because lymphedema isn’t a largely publicized side effect, there are many misconceptions regarding the condition.
Relieving the Itch of Treatment-Related Rash and Dry SkinDuring the past few decades, scientists have been developing a number of new drugs that appear to be effective treatments for many different kinds of cancer nown as targeted treatments. As targeted treatments do their job, they focus on preventing the growth of cancer cells and killing them. Although targeted treatments generally cause less severe side effects than chemotherapy, some of the new drugs lead to skin problems.