Effects of cancer on the body

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Effects of Cancer on the Body

Physical Effects of Cancer and Its Treatments

Body Composition Changes in Advanced Cancer

Advanced and metastatic cancers significantly alter body composition, leading to decreased lean mass and variable effects on fat mass. These changes are associated with significant physical dysfunction and poor prognosis in patients with cancer. Exercise and nutritional interventions may help counteract these effects, preserving lean mass and potentially altering fat mass, although more research is needed to fully understand their impact.

Radiation Therapy and Its Biological Impact

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for cancer, which works by depositing high-energy radiation on cancer tissues. This can directly damage the DNA of cancer cells or indirectly cause damage through the production of free radicals. However, radiation can also affect non-irradiated cells through a phenomenon known as the radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE), where cells adjacent to or far from the irradiated cells exhibit similar responses . This can lead to various biological changes in cancer cells, including alterations in cell phenotype, immunogenicity, and the tumor microenvironment.

Internal Body Climate and Systemic Effects

Cancer is not just a localized disease but a systemic one that affects the entire body. The internal body climate, which includes interactions among cells and tissues, can be perturbed by cancer, creating a feedback loop that promotes cancer progression and spread. This systemic imbalance can ultimately lead to the organism's demise.

Psychological and Cognitive Effects

Cognitive Decline

Cancer and its treatments can lead to cognitive changes, affecting survivors' ability to return to work or school and their overall quality of life. These cognitive changes result from a complex interaction of treatment aspects, vulnerability factors, cancer biology, and aging. Advances in measurement approaches and statistical methods are helping to better understand and address these cognitive effects.

Body Image Disturbance

Cancer and its treatments can also negatively impact patients' body image, leading to psychological distress. Body image disturbance is common among cancer patients and is associated with factors such as female sex, absence of professional activity, and the presence of anxiety-depressive symptoms. This disturbance can significantly affect patients' well-being and quality of life.

Long-Term and Late Effects

Physical and Psychological Long-Term Effects

Many cancer survivors experience long-term and late effects of cancer and its treatments, which can include a wide range of physical and psychological problems. These issues can persist chronically or emerge months or years after treatment, negatively impacting survivors' quality of life. Increased awareness and research into these long-term effects are crucial for developing effective follow-up care plans.

Quality of Life and Fatigue

Mind-body therapies such as yoga, Tai chi, and Qigong have been shown to improve quality of life and reduce fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. These therapies can be beneficial as complementary treatments to alleviate some of the adverse effects of cancer treatments.

Conclusion

Cancer affects the body in numerous ways, from altering body composition and causing cognitive decline to impacting psychological well-being and overall quality of life. Understanding these effects and developing effective interventions are crucial for improving the lives of cancer patients and survivors. Further research is needed to explore these areas and develop comprehensive care plans that address both the physical and psychological impacts of cancer.