Chemotherapy is a treatment that kills cancer cells. This can occur either by itself or with other treatments. The chemotherapy treatment is not right for every type of cancer. Ask your doctor for other options.
There are many risks involved in chemotherapy. A number of side effects can occur, including nausea, mouth sores, loss of appetite and a decrease in red blood cells. Some drugs may also make the immune system less efficient in fighting infections. Your risk of infection may be reduced by taking antibiotics during chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy usually takes place in cycles of several weeks to a few months. The drugs are given through a device that is placed in a vein in the chest or arm. The treatment takes approximately an hour. You can discuss side effects with your doctor or nurse if you have concerns.
Your red blood cells and your white blood cells might decrease during chemotherapy. This can cause fatigue, weakness, breathing problems, and other symptoms such as breathing difficulties. If your blood counts drop too low, you might need a transfusion.
Certain chemotherapy drugs can make food taste metallic. Other side effects include dry, itchy, painful, or inflamed mouth, as well as mouth ulcers, gum inflammation, dryness, and mouth odor. Brushing your teeth gently can help to reduce these side effects. You might also want to avoid spicy foods and acidic food.
The peripheral nerves can also be affected by chemotherapy. Some people feel numbness in their feet and hands. Peripheral neuropathy usually improves after treatment. Peripheral neuropathy can also be a symptom for other issues. You should talk to your doctor about any tingling and numbness that you may feel.
Your oncologist can monitor the long-term effects treatment. You may need regular blood tests to check your PSA levels and kidney function. These tests can help your doctor find out whether chemotherapy is working. You may be able stop chemotherapy if you have severe side effects.
Side effects of chemotherapy can be very difficult to manage. Follow your doctor's and nurses' instructions. Talk to your family members and other healthcare professionals about your concerns. They can help you manage side effects and might suggest more effective treatments.
If you are struggling with side effects, you may need to arrange to have help at home and at work. You might need to arrange to get food and water. It is also a good idea to cover your head with a scarf. You might also discuss with your oncologist the best ways to continue having regular check-ups.
It is possible to discuss a potential bone marrow transfer with your doctor. This is used often to treat cancers in the bone marrow. While it is not a cure for all cancers, it can help to control lupus or rheumatoid. It is also safe for pregnant women.
FAQ
What does the term "healthcare" mean?
A service that helps maintain good mental, physical health is known as health care.
What about the role of the private sector?
In delivering healthcare, the private sector is vital. For example, it provides some of the equipment used in hospitals.
It also pays for some hospital staff. They should also be able to contribute to the running of the system.
However, they have limitations.
Private providers cannot always compete with free services provided by governments.
They should not attempt to run the entire system. This could be a sign that the system is not providing value for money.
Why do we have to have medical systems?
People who live in developing countries are often without basic health care. Many people in these areas die before reaching middle age due to infectious diseases like malaria and tuberculosis.
In developed countries, most people get routine checkups and visit their general practitioners for minor illnesses. Yet, many people suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Statistics
- For the most part, that's true—over 80 percent of patients are over the age of 65. (rasmussen.edu)
- The health share of the Gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to continue its upward trend, reaching 19.9 percent of GDP by 2025. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Consuming over 10 percent of [3] (en.wikipedia.org)
- About 14 percent of Americans have chronic kidney disease. (rasmussen.edu)
- Price Increases, Aging Push Sector To 20 Percent Of Economy". (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
How To
What are the four Health Systems?
Healthcare is a complex network that includes hospitals, clinics and pharmaceutical companies as well as insurance providers, government agencies, public officials and other organizations.
The overall goal of this project was to create an infographic for people who want to understand what makes up the US health care system.
These are some key points.
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Annual healthcare spending amounts to $2 trillion, or 17% of GDP. That's almost twice the size of the entire defense budget!
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Medical inflation reached 6.6% for 2015, more than any other category.
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Americans spend 9% on average for their health expenses.
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There were more than 300 million Americans without insurance as of 2014.
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Although the Affordable Health Care Act (ACA), has been approved by Congress, it hasn't yet been fully implemented. There are still major gaps in coverage.
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A majority of Americans believe the ACA should be maintained.
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The US spends more money on healthcare than any other country in the world.
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If every American had access to affordable healthcare, the total cost would decrease by $2.8 trillion annually.
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Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance cover 56%.
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The top 3 reasons why people don't get insured include not being able to afford it ($25 billion), not having enough time to look for insurance ($16.4 billion), and not knowing about it ($14.7 billion).
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There are two types: HMO (health maintenance organisation) and PPO [preferred provider organization].
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Private insurance covers many services, including doctors and dentists, prescriptions, and physical therapy.
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Public programs provide hospitalization, inpatient surgery, nursing home care, long-term health care, and preventive services.
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Medicare is a federal program that provides health coverage to senior citizens. It pays for hospital stays and skilled nursing facility stays.
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Medicaid is a joint state-federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families who make too much to qualify for other benefits.