Chemo
Chemotherapy is a treatment with cell poisons that attack the cells at different stages of development. It destroys the cancer cells, so they cannot divide and the tumor stops growing. There are not one, but many different types of chemo. But they all have in common that they are cell killing drugs (cytostatics) that especially attack cells that divide rapidly – which defines cancer cells. The cell poisons make sure that the cancer cells cannot divide, and in this way they prevent the tumor from growing.
Side effects
Unfortunately, chemotherapy affects healthy cells in the body as well as the cancer cells. The types of cells that divide often are especially exposed. That includes cells in mucous membranes, hair cells, skin cells and cells in the bone marrow. That is why chemo can have side effects such as tiredness, hair loss or nausea. How the body reacts to chemo varies a lot. Most patients – but not all – experience side effects to some degree.
Side effects
Unfortunately, chemotherapy affects healthy cells in the body as well as the cancer cells. The types of cells that divide often are especially exposed. That includes cells in mucous membranes, hair cells, skin cells and cells in the bone marrow. That is why chemo can have side effects such as tiredness, hair loss or nausea. How the body reacts to chemo varies a lot. Most patients – but not all – experience side effects to some degree.
| Smoking is unhealthy |
43-60% of cancers of the esophagus, larynx and oral cavity are caused by smoking. (Source: Kræftens Bekæmpelse). |
Books
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| Sweet but good |
Eat chocolate - in moderation about 40 grams of chokolate 70% cocoa a day. |
