Quality of life
Breast cancer is an abnormal cell change in the breast tissue. Chemotherapy is medication given and used with different goals in mind, depending on the stage of the cancer. Chemotherapy may be used to cure an early-stage cancer. Proof of the cure is when no more cancer cells appear for a long period of time. Chemotherapy may also be used to control a cancer from spreading, slow its growth or kill additional cells that have begun to spread to other parts of the body. Finally, chemotherapy may be used to help patients in an advanced stage by relieving pain and discomfort---all with the goal of improving the quality of life for those who suffer from breast cancer.
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Upon undergoing chemotherapy for an advanced stage cancer (cancer that has metastasized or spread), treatment is not curative. There is a strong relationship between clinical and sociodemographical factors, however. Regular medical visits, exams, treatment protocols in chemotherapy, psychological and financial support may improve a patient's quality of life. According to Science Daily, a study conducted at Copenhagen University Hospitals indicates mixed intensity exercise improves aerobic capacity, muscle strength and overall feelings of well-being; however, the study also describes patients as not having an improvement in quality of life due to chemotherapy's side effects such as fatigue.
Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Chemotherapy is sometimes an option for those diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. It usually depends on whether the surgically removed cancer is likely to reappear, which the patient discusses with the doctor or oncologist. According to chemotherapy.com, a survey conducted in May 2002 shows that almost all patients claim that support from family, friends and colleagues was what got them through chemotherapy, therefore improving their quality of life emotionally and physically.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Adjuvant chemotherapy is the use of drugs in combination with radiation therapy and surgery. Often, this form of therapy is given to stage 2 breast cancer patients. In premenopausal women, this form of therapy is said to delay recurrence of breast cancer significantly from the earliest stage to the most advanced stage. In post-menopausal women, researchers differ in the degree of impact. According to a study reported in the July 2000 Breast Cancer Research and Treatment journal, the quality of life after treatment demonstrates that younger patients who were unmarried had a poorer mental well-being and often displayed symptoms of depression correlating to previously mentioned studies, which indicates psychological support as being one of the most important factors in improving quality of life.
Support Networks
The Native American Cancer Research offers emotional and social support to those not only of Native American heritage. It also offers a cancer survivors network. Aquaticnet.com offers online as well as group-oriented support improving quality of life. Women's Cancer Network is also an online network that distributes monthly news letters and email updates.
Natural Stategies
Herbal and plant extract remedies, as well as vitamin and mineral supplements, may help improve quality of life for cancer patients. These remedies and supplements may be taken in place of conventional therapies or in conjunction with chemotherapy and may assist in either eradicating breast cancer or improving the side effects that go along with chemotherapy. To find out more about these natural remedies, go to cancerfightingstrategies.com.
Tags: quality life, quality life, advanced stage, Breast Cancer, improving quality
