Cancer as an illness and the treatment offered to cure
cancer, both has many side effects that can physically and mentally drain the
individual diagnosed with this illness. Many are exposed to long term side
effects if they have been undergoing treatment for a prolonged period of time
or have battled cancer and survived after many years of struggle. The life of
cancer patient or survivor is not easy as they have to make a difficult choice
between fighting for the will to live with these side effects or just give up
without trying. Many lose courage during this difficult journey as the illness
itself is life threatening with lesser chances of survival.
Here are a few side effects that may last for many
years after the time the disease has been diagnosed.
1. Chronic Heart problems.
This can result due to surgical methods as well as
chemotherapy as some drugs may influence the heart rate, pumping of blood, etc.,
which may cause irregular beating of the heart, CHF (congestive heart failure),
artery dysfunctions, etc. Some drugs that may cause severe problems related to
heart are Epirubicin (Ellence), Doxorubicin, etc.
2. Hormonal problems.
The endocrine system may get affected due to some
methods which results in changes in hormonal secretions and hormone levels in
the blood which may affect menstruation in women who may also face menopause
like symptoms. Men also may be deprived of the right hormones if they are
affected by prostate cancer. It may also result in infertility among men.
3. Blood pressure.
Another long term effect would be hypertension or
accelerated hypertension in which a person's blood level will decrease and
increase rapidly, which also cause may damage to certain organs in the
body. Diet and exercise can help combat
the issue.
There are other long term effects on the lungs,
behaviour, cognition, digestive system, etc., which will have to be regulated
and controlled if you want to manage a sustainable lifestyle.
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