As someone who has been affected by cancer, I understand the importance of post-therapy care. That's why I want to talk about maintenance therapy - a crucial step that can prevent cancer from coming back. South Point Pharmacy, located in South Surrey, BC, is committed to educating patients on the medical needs of cancer survivors. In this post, we'll dive deeper into maintenance therapy and how it can help prevent remission.
Maintenance therapy is a type of treatment that cancer patients receive after they have completed their initial treatment. The goal is to prevent cancer from coming back or to slow down the growth of any remaining cancer cells.
When doctors cannot find any evidence of cancer remaining in the body after treatment, it is called remission. This is the goal of cancer treatment - to cure the cancer and achieve remission.
Unfortunately, even when a person is in complete remission, cancer can sometimes come back later. This is called recurrence, and it can happen months or even years after treatment.
Maintenance therapy is a type of treatment that cancer patients receive during remission to help prevent the cancer from coming back. It is often used for certain types of leukemia and lymphoma and can improve the cure rate and reduce the risk of recurrence.
If you have been treated for cancer and are in remission, talk to your doctor about whether maintenance therapy is recommended for the type of cancer you have. It's important to stay vigilant and take all necessary steps to prevent recurrence.
Diet plays a crucial role during maintenance therapy. It's important to focus on foods that can help improve overall health and boost the immune system. According to the American CancerSociety, eating a diet that's high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce inflammation in the body and support the healing process. This includes eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon or chia seeds. It's also important to limit processed foods, red meat, and saturated fats. A healthy diet can help reduce inflammation in the body and support the healing process.
In regular physical activity can also help improve overall health and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, breast cancer survivors who engaged in regular physical activity had a 34% lower risk of breast cancer recurrence than those who didn't exercise. Walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga are great options to consider. Exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and boost the immune system.
Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. According to the National Sleep Foundation, lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off cancer cells. During maintenance therapy, it's important to establish a regular sleep routine and aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Sleep is important for the body to heal and repair itself.
Stress can have a negative impact on the immune system and overall health. According to a study published in theJournal of Clinical Oncology, breast cancer survivors who participated in a stress-management program had lower levels of stress hormones and better quality of life than those who didn't participate. During maintenance therapy, it's important to find ways to manage stress. This can include practicing mindfulness, yoga, meditation, or engaging in other stress-reducing activities.
Everyone knows that smoking and alcohol can contribute to cancer diagnoses, so it’s not a surprise that it is an essential aspect of post-cancer maintenance therapy. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off cancer cells. During maintenance therapy, it's important to avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
The medications used in maintenance therapy depend on the type of cancer a patient has. Medications can include tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, or rituximab. Patients typically take them orally or through an injection for several years. Because of the long-term aspect of post-cancer medication schedules, choosing a pharmacist that is familiar with your medical background and that can provide a personal healthcare experience is vital.
At South Point Pharmacy, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge to help them make informed decisions about their health. If you have any questions about maintenance therapy or any other aspect of cancer treatment, our knowledgeable pharmacists are here to help. Don't hesitate to stop by and chat with us! Let's work together to beat cancer for good.
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