Frequently Asked Questions About Cancer and Chemotherapy

What do you know about the cancer disease and chemotherapy, which are frequently seen in many countries around the world and referred to by frightening names? This disease can become even more frightening when there is insufficient information about it. Therefore, accessing accurate and reliable information is of great importance for both patients and their relatives. Here are detailed answers to the most frequently asked questions about cancer and chemotherapy.

Important Warning: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only. Always consult a medical professional for the most accurate information regarding your personal health condition.

1. What Does Cancer Mean?

Healthy cells in our body, except for muscle and nerve cells, have a limited ability to divide. A healthy cell divides and multiplies in a controlled manner as needed and in the required number throughout its life. When the body no longer needs it or when the cell ages, it disappears through a programmed cell death (apoptosis) process. Cancer cells, on the other hand, have the ability to divide and multiply uncontrollably, differing from this natural cycle. These cells form masses, or tumors, that grow and accumulate in a way that damages normal tissues and disrupts their functions. Cancer is not just a disease; it is the result of a series of genetic changes that disrupt the normal functioning of the body.

2. What Are the Causes of Cancer?

There are many factors that lead to the formation of cancer in the body. These factors range from genetic predisposition to environmental conditions.

• Familial – Genetic Factors: Some types of cancer (for example, breast, ovarian, colon cancer) are associated with mutations that are genetically transmitted within families. This situation can increase an individual's risk of developing cancer.

• Lifestyle Factors:

• Smoking and Alcohol Use: Tobacco and tobacco products are the main causes of many types of cancer, especially lung cancer. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer in organs such as the liver, breast, and esophagus.

• Unhealthy Eating Habits: Processed foods, excessive consumption of red meat, and a diet low in fiber increase the risk of digestive system cancers.

• Sedentary Lifestyle and Obesity: Uncontrolled weight gain disrupts hormonal balance, creating a risk factor for various types of cancer.

• Environmental Factors:

• Prolonged Sun Exposure: This is the leading cause of skin cancer. Being unprotected against UV rays causes DNA damage in skin cells.

• Exposure to Radiation and Chemicals: The frequency of cancer may increase in individuals living in industrial areas or working with certain chemicals.

• Air Pollution: Particles in air pollution are a significant environmental factor that increases the risk of lung cancer.

• Viral Factors: Hepatitis B and C viruses can lead to liver cancer, while HPV (Human Papillomavirus) can cause cervical cancer.

3. How Common Is Cancer in Our Country?

Globally, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death, while cancer ranks second. Data from our country shows a trend parallel to the increase seen in Western societies in recent years. Although exact statistics vary, cancer can affect individuals from all age groups, but it is more frequently seen in individuals over 60 years of age.

4. What Are the Most Common Types of Cancer?

The most commonly diagnosed type of cancer worldwide, unfortunately, is also the deadliest, which is lung cancer. This is followed by breast cancer and colon cancer. The high mortality rate of lung cancer is primarily due to smoking and late diagnosis. The most common types of cancer in men are lung and prostate cancer, while in women, breast cancer ranks first. Awareness campaigns are vital for these types of cancer, which have a high chance of successful treatment with early diagnosis.

5. What Are the Symptoms of Cancer?

The symptoms of cancer vary depending on the type of tumor and its location. However, some general symptoms may indicate potentially risky situations. These symptoms do not necessarily mean cancer, but it is important to consult a specialist if they persist for a long time.

• Masses and Swellings in the Body: Hard, painless swellings or masses that can be felt in the breast, testicles, neck, armpit, or any part of the body.

• Skin Changes: Sudden changes in the size, shape, or color of moles or warts on the body, bleeding, or the formation of sores. Non-healing wounds.

• Abnormal Bleeding: Abnormal bleeding from the uterus, rectum, urinary tract, or nipple. Irregular menstrual cycles, postmenopausal bleeding, or bleeding after sexual intercourse.

• Digestive System Problems: Difficulty swallowing, indigestion, prolonged diarrhea or constipation, changes in bowel habits.

• Respiratory System Symptoms: Prolonged hoarseness and cough, foul-smelling and bloody sputum.

• Unexplained Weight Loss and Fatigue: Rapid and unexpected weight loss without diet or exercise. Prolonged feelings of fatigue and tiredness.

6. Where Should Tumor Treatment Be Done?

Cancer treatment is not a process that can be carried out by a single doctor. It is a team effort and should be performed in centers where all members of this team are complete. This multidisciplinary team includes:

• Tumor Surgery Specialist: A surgeon who has sufficient knowledge and experience to surgically remove the tumor.

• Medical Oncologist: An internal medicine specialist who plans and administers systemic treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

• Radiation Oncologist: A specialist who plans and administers radiation therapy.

• Radiologist: A specialist who provides diagnosis and follow-up of the disease through imaging methods (MRI, tomography, etc.).

• Pathologist: A specialist who makes a definitive diagnosis by examining tissue samples under a microscope.

• Nurses and Other Healthcare Personnel: Experienced staff in chemotherapy administration, patient care, and psychological support. The expertise, experience, and technology brought together by these team members ensure that the treatment plan is applied in a personalized and most effective manner.

7. What Does Chemotherapy Mean?

Chemotherapy, which plays an important role in the cancer treatment process, is a systemic treatment applied to kill cancer cells and slow their growth. During this process, chemical cancer drugs (cytotoxic drugs) are used. These drugs are distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream, preventing the uncontrolled growth of tumor cells. Surgery and radiation therapy are local treatment methods (affect only the affected area), while chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, meaning it targets the entire body.

7.1 How Is Chemotherapy Administered?

Chemotherapy drugs are mostly administered to the patient via intravenous route. However, depending on the type of drug and the targeted area, different administration routes may also be available. Injections can be made into body cavities such as intramuscular, subcutaneous, or between the lung membranes, or the drugs can be taken orally in tablet form.

7.2 What Are the Goals of Chemotherapy Administration?

The main goals of chemotherapy are:

• To treat cancer and completely eliminate it.

• To prevent the spread of the disease and its metastasis to other organs.

• To reduce or eliminate the complaints caused by cancer (such as pain, shortness of breath) (palliative treatment).

• To slow down the growth of the tumor and keep it under control.

• If the disease has spread to other areas, to destroy these diseased cells.

7.3 Who Administers Chemotherapy Treatment?

This type of treatment, which requires special expertise, is administered by a medical oncologist (an internal medicine specialist specialized in tumor treatment). The medical oncologist determines the most appropriate treatment plan based on the patient's condition and manages the process.

7.4 What Are the Types of Chemotherapy Administration?

Chemotherapy can be administered in different ways depending on the stage of the disease and the purpose of treatment:

• Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapy: This is a type of chemotherapy administered before surgery. It shrinks the tumor, making the surgery easier and more successful.

• Adjuvant Chemotherapy: This is administered after surgery to eliminate any microscopic cancer cells that may remain in the body and to prevent the recurrence of the disease.

• Palliative Chemotherapy: This is given to shrink the tumor, keep it under control, or eliminate the symptoms caused by the disease (such as pain, nausea) if the disease has spread throughout the body.

7.5 What Are the Side Effects of Chemotherapy?

Although the side effects of chemotherapy drugs have been significantly reduced thanks to advancements in medical technologies, the risk of affecting normal and healthy cells during treatment has not been completely eliminated. These side effects vary depending on the type of drug used, the dosage, the patient's age, and overall health status.

• Fatigue and Weakness: These are the most commonly seen side effects. The body expends energy while fighting cancer and undergoing treatment.

• Nausea, Vomiting, Loss of Appetite: These are frequently observed in the early days of treatment.

• Hair Loss: Hair follicles are also rapidly dividing cells, so they can be affected by chemotherapy drugs. Hair that falls out will regrow a few months after the treatment ends.

• Decrease in Blood Values: Due to bone marrow suppression, decreases in red, white, and yellow blood cells may occur. This can lead to anemia, increased risk of infection, and susceptibility to bleeding.

• Other Side Effects: Side effects such as diarrhea or constipation, changes in taste and hearing, and numbness in the hands and feet (neuropathy) may also be observed.

7.6 Can the Side Effects of Chemotherapy Be Prevented?

The side effects caused by chemotherapy generally start within 1-2 days and often decrease or disappear within a week. Having a strong immune system plays a significant role in shortening the duration of these side effects. Modern medicine offers many supportive treatments to manage these side effects. Special medications for nausea and vomiting, oral nutritional products for loss of appetite and weight loss, blood transfusions or medications that stimulate the bone marrow can be used when blood values drop.

7.7 Can You Work While Undergoing Chemotherapy?

Many cancer patients can go to work within the limits deemed appropriate by their doctor and maintain their daily life routine without disrupting the treatment plan. However, due to the type of disease, the extent of spread, the intensity of the treatment applied, and side effects, some patients may not be able to continue their working life. The decision on this matter should definitely be made in consultation with the doctor and in accordance with the doctor's recommendations.

7.8 Does Chemotherapy Affect Sexual Life?

Yes, chemotherapy can affect sexual life and reproductive health. In women, it can lead to menstrual irregularities, temporary or permanent infertility, and menopause-like issues. In men, it can reduce sperm count, leading to temporary or permanent infertility. Patients of reproductive age who wish to have children should discuss reproductive health preservation methods such as sperm or egg freezing with their doctors before treatment.

7.9 Can You Go on Vacation While Undergoing Chemotherapy?

Yes, vacations can be taken as long as the treatment plan is not disrupted. However, it is essential to consult the doctor before making vacation plans. Some chemotherapy drugs can cause side effects on the skin, so it is important to protect against the sun. Additionally, a blood count should be performed to check for low white blood cell counts that could increase the risk of infection or low platelet counts that could lead to bleeding.

7.10 Is It Risky to Get Pregnant During or After Chemotherapy?

Women undergoing chemotherapy should use reliable birth control methods to avoid pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs during treatment, the likelihood of the child being born with disabilities is very high. After chemotherapy is completed and the body's hormonal state returns to normal, pregnancy can be considered under the supervision of a doctor after an appropriate period. Mothers undergoing chemotherapy should not breastfeed their babies at all.