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Side effect of chemo and radiation2/6/2024 ![]() People with cancer may have swallowing problems because of side effects of certain treatments. Or, there can be something blocking food or fluids during swallowing, such as a large clump of food, foreign object, a narrowing of the esophagus, or a tumor in or pressing on the esophagus. This can be caused by a problem in the brain or nervous system, such as a stroke, nervous system disorder, neuropathy, or tumor affecting the brain. There can be problems with motor function, meaning messages sent from the brain aren't getting to the esophagus to tell it to swallow. Swallowing problems can be caused by different health problems, including certain types of cancer. Trouble swallowing, or difficult swallowing is called dysphagia. It may also be caused by mouth sores, an infection of the mouth or esophagus (the swallowing tube that goes from the throat to the stomach), or other problems. It may be a short-term side effect of certain treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation to the throat or chest. Create a topic in our forum.Cancer and its treatments can sometimes have effects that cause a person trouble with swallowing. Our experience providing individualized guidance for nearly 30,000 patients has been shown to impact significantly our patients’ quality of life, risk for recurrence, and cancer survival. At, our unique model of no-fee telephone counseling makes our potentially life-saving assistance accessible to all. In either case, patients seeking to enhance their ability to heal are often hampered by physical, geographic, and/or financial limitations. Other patients are not candidates for, have failed on, or refuse conventional oncologic treatment. Many patients who contact us are looking for ways to manage the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. We at have been offering cancer counseling, guidance, resources and referrals for over 35 years. In fact, approximately 83 percent of persons with cancer use at least one complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modality. However, most patients, confused or overwhelmed by the nearly 13 million resources for alternative cancer therapy available on the internet, turn for support to cancer coaches to help them navigate their choices. cancer survivors have a below-average physical quality of life, and nearly 1.4 million have a below-average mental quality of life, the researchers estimated.įor all of the above-stated reasons, cancer patients often look for holistic cancer treatment, integrative medicine, and complementary and alternative therapy (CAM) to improve quality of life and disease outcome. The investigators found that 25 percent of cancer survivors had lower than normal physical-health-related quality of life, and 10 percent had lower than normal mental-health-related quality of life. 30, 2012 issue of the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. cancer survivors have a lower-than-normal quality of life, according to a study published in the Oct. One of the most pressing issues faced by cancer patients is quality of life or lack thereof. In a new report from the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Epidemiology, researchers reviewed the cases of more than two million cancer survivors and concluded that those treated for cancer have a 14% higher risk of developing a subsequent new malignancy than would be expected in the general population. The recurrence rate for breast cancer, for example, is between 10% and 20%, according to the American Cancer Society. Of additional concern to patients treated for cancer is the risk of cancer recurrence or risk for another cancer. Radiation can also lead to fluid build-up and swelling (lymphedema), particularly common after breast irradiation. Radiation to the abdomen or pelvis can lead to bladder, bowel, or sexual problems in some people. For instance, radiation to the chest area may affect the lungs or heart. Radiation can damage normal cells, and sometimes this damage can have long-term effects. The American Cancer Society lists the following common radiation side effects : Fatigue, skin problems, hair loss, blood count changes, and eating problems. “Changes” is generally a nice way of saying “problems.” The National Cancer Institute lists the following common chemotherapy side effects : Anemia, appetite changes, bleeding problems, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, hair loss, infection, memory changes, mouth and throat changes, nausea and vomiting, nerve changes, pain, sexual and fertility changes, skin and nail changes, swelling (fluid retention), and urination changes. However, patients undergoing treatment for cancer often suffer from compromised immune function, low blood cell counts, lack of appetite, poor energy, weight loss, digestive disturbances, pain, anxiety and depression as well. Hair loss and nausea are probably the most commonly feared side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
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