If you ask a radiation oncologist in Singapore, they will tell you that cancer treatments today are much more effective than before. Thanks to continuous studies and discoveries regarding cancer treatment and cures, we now have a higher chance of beating the disease.
But it is not uncommon for everyone that despite modern technology, cancer treatments still bear some side effects, and one of them is suppression of the immune system.
It is the reason why people receivecervical cancer treatment in Singaporeto boost their immune system and avoid acquiring infections. This article will discuss how patients can improve their immune systems during cancer treatment with the help of a cancer doctor.
Cancer Patients And Infections
The role of the immune system is to protect the body from infection-causing foreign bodies or pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and toxins.
People with cancer are more prone to infections due to a weak immune system. There are several reasons why they are experiencing immuno-suppression.
- The cancer
- Certain cancer treatment
- Poor nutrition
- Existing health conditions other than cancer
1. Cancer
There are certain cancers that suppress a person’s immune system, and one of them is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that starts with lymphocytes, one of our immune cells. DNA mutation of the B lymphocytes causes Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
A cancer doctor in Singaporemay tell you that a weak immune system is one of the complications of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Therefore, patients with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma are more prone to infections.
2. Cancer treatments
Certain cancer treatments weaken the immune system as well permanently or temporarily. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy are among these treatments. For example, chemotherapy decreases the number of some types of white blood cells in the body. On the other hand, immunotherapy alters the systemic response of your immune system.
So patients receiving one or a combination of these treatments for their lung cancer treatment in Singapore may experience a weak immune system.
3. Poor nutrition
Vitamins and minerals from healthy food strengthen our immune system. People receiving treatments for cancer, such as prostate cancer treatment in Singapore, may experience a loss of appetite.
The loss of appetite could lead to insufficient vitamins and minerals in the body. Therefore, the patient’s immune system becomes weaker.
4. Existing health conditions
A weak immune system is a complication of autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions, including Type 1 diabetes.
Now that you know that cancer patients and patients receiving cancer treatments have a higher risk of weakening the immune system, the question is how to strengthen the immune system.
5 Tips For Strengthening The Immune System During Cervical Cancer Treatment In Singapore
Infection is one of the archenemies of a weak immune system. It is why people with the immune system do everything in their power to prevent contracting diseases, such as avoiding large crowds, preventing sharing of cutlery and utensils, wearing face masks, and maintaining proper hygiene.
Besides avoiding infections, cancer patients can strengthen their immune systems to have a better chance of neutralising diseases.
Here are some tips for strengthening the immune system:
1. Have an adequate amount of sleep
Sleep deprivation weakens the immune system. As people sleep, the body produces cytokines, a type of protein essential when the body is fighting an infection.
If the person does not sleep enough, the body does not produce enough cytokines. Therefore, the body recovers from infection much slower.
Your oncology doctor may require you to sleep for at least seven hours, especially when receiving prostate cancer treatment in Singapore. Avoid doing activities that will make you stay up late at night, such as watching TV or browsing your smartphone.
2. Eat healthily
Understandably, some patients are experiencing appetite loss. But remember, vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables build a strong immune system.
Cancer patients can eat small amounts of fruits and vegetables from time to time as a snack. Always include them in their lunch and dinner as well. Avoid unhealthy and fatty foods.
If the person is having trouble swallowing due to a painful throat or mouth, making soft food and smoothies out of vegetables and fruits is the next big thing.
3. Exercise
Exercise is safe for many cancer patients, but before doing so, it is better to ask your radiation oncologist in Singapore. Immune cells move all throughout the body after physical activities. The circulation of these immune cells improves immune response.
However, when the person feels fatigued and lethargic, it is better to rest than to exercise. As mentioned, consult your cancer doctor in Singapore first.
4. Get regular flu shots
Flu shots lower the risk of contracting diseases. However, patients must consult their radiation oncologist in Singapore first. There are vaccines that are not safe for cancer patients or people undergoing cancer treatments, and some are completely safe.
5. Manage stress
When a person is stressed, the body produces high amounts of a hormone called cortisol. The cortisols hamper the inflammatory response of the body and lower the number of immune cells called lymphocytes. Therefore, the body becomes more vulnerable to infections.
Moreover, when a person is stressed, they cope using unhealthy methods, including smoking and drinking alcohol. These two have negative effects on the health that could further hamper the immune system.
Your cancer doctor in Singaporemay recommend healthier ways to alleviate stress, such as meditation, breathing techniques, exercising, and having a support group with you.
Conclusion
Knowing your vulnerabilities is a great way to protect yourself from vulnerabilities. Cancer patients and people receiving cervical cancer treatment in Singapore are vulnerable to infections due to weak immune systems.
There are two ways to offset this vulnerability. One is to avoid situations where they can contract the infection, and two is to strengthen their immune system to improve immune response.
These tips can help people with weak immune systems slowly build their body’s natural defence. But do not forget to always consult yourcancer doctor in Singaporebefore trying out these tips.
Dr Johann Tang – Radiation Oncologist Singapore
Dr Johann Tang provides various cancer treatments, including cervical, lung, and prostate cancer treatment in Singapore. VisitDr Johann Tang, a radiation oncologist in Singapore.
