As a journalist, I interviewed Dr. Mia Gottfried, director of the Oncology Institute at Meir Medical Center of the Klalit Group, to understand more about chemotherapy treatments for cancer patients. According to Dr. Gottfried, there are now measures available to help reduce some of the side effects associated with chemotherapy treatments. However, she emphasizes that it is difficult to estimate the type of cancer a patient is suffering from without knowing their treatment history.
Chemotherapy treatment for cancer can be complementary to surgery, aiming to treat micrometastases in the body and prevent disease recurrence, or it can be used for patients in advanced stages. The effects of chemotherapy treatment can vary significantly depending on the specific situation. Previously, severe nausea was common in cancer patients, but advancements in medication have made it a less frequent occurrence today.
Dr. Gottfried notes that side effects following chemotherapy treatments can include nausea, loss of appetite, metallic taste in the mouth, weakness, decreased blood count, and increased risk of infections. Medications are available to help with vomiting, and there is also a cooling helmet that can help minimize hair loss by constricting blood vessels and reducing the amount of chemotherapy that reaches hair follicles. Despite these advancements, chemotherapy treatments can still be challenging and come with various side effects that need to be managed carefully.
In conclusion, while advancements have been made in reducing some side effects associated with chemotherapy treatments for cancer patients, managing these side effects remains crucial for ensuring effective treatment outcomes. Patients should work closely with their healthcare providers to develop an individualized plan that takes into account their unique needs and circumstances.