Category: Cancer Prevention

Home A person with a clean-shaved head is the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions “cancer” or “cancer treatment.” Hair loss is a devastating consequence endured by a lot of cancer patients. However, there are many ways in which a cancer patient can cope with hair loss. To learn more about it, read this article. “>What causes hair loss in cancer patients? “> Treatment methods like chemotherapy and radiation therapy lead to hair loss or alopecia in cancer patients.  Chemotherapy Is a process of administering powerful drugs into the human body to destroy abnormal tumour cells. Unfortunately, some of these drugs tend to attack the rapidly growing cells in the human body, including hair roots. It affects not just the other head but the face and body hair, including eyelashes and eyebrows. Thinness or baldness of hair depends on the kind of chemotherapy used for the treatment. However, it is important to remember that not all drugs used for chemotherapy lead to air loss. Patients should communicate with their doctors regarding their concerns.  Hair loss caused by chemotherapy is temporary and starts after the final round. <span data-metadata=”“><span data-buffer=”“>Radiation therapy Is the process of using high energy to target and kill tumours. Like chemotherapy, radiation also leads to hair loss which can grow back. But, high doses of radiation lead to permanent loss of hair. Other treatment methods like hormone therapy and targeted therapy lead to temporary hair loss.  “>Is it mandatory for cancer patients to cut their hair? “> Medical experts suggest cancer patients shave their heads before various treatment methods like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc. Alopecia itself is an irritating experience. People often wake up and find strands of hair on their pillows. They experience hair loss while bathing or combing. If hair loss is ongoing, one will eventually notice it on household goods, even meals (if they are cooking). Hair loss also leaves behind uneven patches.  Shaving the head prevents irritating scenarios.  “>How to prepare for hair loss during cancer treatment? “> Shave the head Hair loss is neither a surety nor a permanent side effect. Cancer patients can prepare themselves better by cutting their hair.  Get a wig or scarf There are organizations that provide cancer care products like wigs and scarves. Many people are encouraged to donate their hair to make wigs for cancer patients. Wigs offer a sense of confidence and actualization. Those who are not comfortable wearing wigs can opt for scarves or hats. “>Want to donate hair for cancer patients? “> Contact Oncohappy if you are interested in donating your hair to cancer patients. The hair strand you contribute must be at least 12 or 14 inches long. Follow the steps mentioned on the website to make a difference in a patient’s life.  Click here Wear sunscreen It is important that patients wear sunscreen after shaving their heads. The scalp region tends to be sensitive, and sunscreen helps prevent possible sunburn. Consult a cosmetologist Patients should consult a cosmetologist to better prepare for possible face and body hair loss. In addition, they will suggest ways in which people can get artificial eyelashes or eyebrows. “>How to support cancer patients who experience hair loss?”> Cancer patients who have hair loss frequently struggle to deal emotionally. Cancer patients have expressed on social media how they have received glances and pitying looks because of their clean, shaven heads. Caregivers and peers should provide the required support to cancer patients. It is imperative that people do not perceive cancer patients as victims, and hair does not represent a loss in any way. Instead, caregivers should provide an atmosphere where cancer patients continue to lead their lives normally and happily. It is better not to force them to wear wigs or cover their heads. One must not feel shame, social challenges and pressure that come with cancer treatment. “>In conclusion,”> Health is the most important factor. Patients and their caregivers must focus on preserving and ensuring their health. Oftentimes cancer patients choose not to undergo treatment, fearing negative consequences like hair loss. As caregivers, one must keep in mind that cancer patients are going through a difficult phase. Support is the best gift one can provide a cancer patient.  “>How can CancerMitr help? “> CancerMitr provides cancer care services, including cancer care products like hair care (scarves, wigs, hats), skin care (eyebrow pencils, body lotion, sunscreen), etc.  Our focus is on providing holistic care for all our patients throughout their cancer journey so that they may look back and be proud of how far they have come. Check our website to explore all the services we offer.  Click here

Home Abnormal cell division or mitosis leads to the formation of harmful lumps of tissue called tumours or neoplasms. There are two types of tumours or neoplasms; benign and malignant. Malignant tumours are fatal because they divide abnormally, spread and invade other parts of the human body, eventually leading to the person’s death.  Tumours can also be precancerous. How dangerous is it, and how is it treated?Read this article for more about this condition. “>”>What is a precancerous condition?  A precancerous condition is a condition where a group of abnormal cells is present in the human body and can turn into malignant tumours in the future.  Precancerous cells may resemble cancer cells but do not have cancer properties. However, if left untreated, it can develop into invasive cancer cells. It can take years, even decades, for precancerous cells to become a dangerous malignant tumour.  Also read: Benign and malignant tumours: Why is it essential to understand the distinction? “>”>What causes precancerous cells in people? UV radiation: Constant prolonged exposure to UV rays, including UVA, UVB, and UVC, is harmful to the human body.  Tobacco smoke: Tobacco products like beedis, cigarettes, and pipes are notorious carcinogens. Carcinogenic chemicals:​ People are constantly exposed to various chemicals in the environment. Additionally, they could be carcinogenic, such as asbestos, benzene, etc. Excessive inflammation: People with medical conditions such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease, like Crohn’s disease, are at risk of developing cancer in the intestine. HPV infection: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is known for causing abnormal cell division and precancerous conditions. “>”>What are the different types of precancerous conditions? Also known as dysplasias, which refers to abnormal cells found in the tissue (which can be precancerous), precancerous conditions are different, and they all come with their respective risks.  Dysplasias are classified as mild, moderate, or severe according to how closely they resemble normal human body cells. Types of precancerous conditions are classified as the following;  Dysplastic moles (skin): Human papillomavirus (HPV) is known for causing abnormal cell division and precancerous conditions. Cervical dysplasia: Abnormal changes in the cervix are referred to as cervical dysplasia, and HPV infection is associated with it. Cervical dysplasia: People who are suffering from MEN syndrome (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia) might develop precancerous tissues in their endocrine glands like parathyroid, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, and pituitary glands. Esophagus dysplasia:​ When stomach acids cause damage in the esophagus, it can lead to the development of precancerous cells. Colon polyps:​ When stomach acids cause damage in the esophagus, it can lead to the development of precancerous cells. Smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM):​ It is a condition where an abnormal protein called monoclonal protein shows up in the blood. SMM can develop into multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS:​ It is a non-invasive breast cancer that can turn into a fatal condition. It is considered an early form of breast cancer and should be surgically removed from the human body. Also read: A comprehensive guide to breast cancer  “>”>What are the various treatment methods for precancerous cells?  Treatment depends on various factors such as;  The type of precancerous cells  Location of the precancerous cells Patient’s age  Presence of co-morbidities  Usually, medical experts suggest further investigation to confirm the cancerous nature of these abnormal cells. Patients often opt for treatment to prevent the possibility of cancer.The most viable treatment option is surgery. However, medical experts also recommend other treatment options, such as ablative therapy (using high or low temperatures to destroy the abnormal cells). The best way forward is to converse with a suitable medical expert about how to take the treatment forward.  “>How are the precancerous cells diagnosed?”> Abnormal cells present on the skin are visible to the naked eye. Medical experts observe the pattern and colour of skin dysplasia. Blood test helps in identifying abnormal cells in the blood. Mammography, sonography and ultrasound are other common diagnostic methods. Women are advised to undergo a pap smear test to check for the presence of cervical cancer.  Also read: The importance of early detection in cancer survival: signs and symptoms  “>In conclusion People should not pass an opportunity to get themselves diagnosed with cancer or any health-related issue. The peculiarity of cancer as a disease is that it shows up without warning. Most people don’t exhibit any symptoms until the disease is far along. People also have a tendency to disregard symptoms that are readily apparent to them. It is safer to have screenings and tests done annually or every six months “>”>Are you looking for a suitable cancer diagnosis package?  CancerMitr offers an array of cancer diagnosis packages. If you feel discomfort in any part of your body, it is better to get tested. CancerMitr is there as a friend to guide you and provide all the help you need throughout your journey from discovery to recovery. Check out our website for more information on our various packages. Click here