Cancer is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of diseases caused due to the multiplication of abnormal cells in the body. There are many types of cancer that affect a large number of people across the globe. There is no known cause or definitive cure for this condition. In this article, we shall discuss a few foods that can increase the risk of this condition and the different modes of treatment.
- Processed and fried foods
It’s a known fact that processed and fried foods are not good for the overall health of the body. But, what many do not know is that these foods can also increase the risk of developing cancer. This is because the method used to make processed and fried foods can lead to the development of carcinogens in the foods.
- Overcooked foods
Overcooking any type of food, especially meat, can lead to the development of carcinogens. Foods are more likely to overcook when you grill, barbeque, or pan-fry them. Overcooking starchy foods like potatoes can also lead to the development of acrylamide, which is a known carcinogen. Instead of overcooking, individuals can opt for poaching, pressure cooking, baking, and slow cooking.
- Dairy products
Studies have shown that consuming dairy products can lead to an increased risk of cancer. This may be because consuming dairy increases the levels of an insulin-like growth factor that is associated with certain types of cancers. Dairy products include foods such as milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt.
- Alcohol
Alcohol is another food that can increase the risk of developing cancer because when consumed, alcohol is broken down into acetaldehyde. This carcinogenic compound promotes DNA damage and even increases oxidative stress in the body.
If an individual has cancer, they can use various medications and therapies to help keep the signs and symptoms at bay as well as slow down the progression of the condition. Some of them include:
- Neulasta
Neulasta is a medication that is used to treat neutropenia. This condition is characterized by a lack of certain white blood cells that is caused due to chemotherapy. Common side effects include bone, pain in arms and legs, breathing problems.
- Ibrutinib
Ibrutinib is used to treat certain types of cancer, including lymphoma and leukemia. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, anxiety, and more.
- Venclexta
Venclexta(VEnetoclax) is a chemotherapy medication that works to stop the growth of cancer cells by killing the cells, thereby preventing them from spreading. Common side effects include tarry stools, bloating, blood in urine, bone pain, and chest pain.
- CAR T-cell therapy
This method involves taking the patient’s T-cells, binding them with a chimeric antigen receptor(CAR), and then infusing them back into the body. These new T-cells then attack and kill the cancerous cells in the body.
- Lumakras (sotorasib)
Lumakras is the only medication that has been approved for targeted therapy of KRAS G12C. The KRAS G12C is an oncogenic mutation that is common in various human cancers such as lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancers.
- Nivolumab (OPDIVO®)
Nivolumab (OPDIVO®) is a type of immunotherapy used for treating cancerous tumors that cannot be removed by surgery. It is often used in combination with other treatment options. The Nivolumab (OPDIVO®) mechanism of action involves working with the body’s T-cell to recognize and destroy cancerous cells. It is administered intravenously, and its dosage is decided by the oncologist depending on the severity of disease and overall health of the patient.
- BCMA multiple myeloma info
BCMA is a targeted therapeutic approach suggested for the treatment of multiple myeloma. The B-Cell Maturation Antigen works with CAR-T cell therapy where the BCMA proteins that contain a high concentration of multiple myeloma cells are harvested to be genetically modified. Post laboratory modification, the cells are reintroduced into the system to seek and destroy cancer cells. Since this process involves an immune system response, it will lead to many side effects.
- CTLA 4 inhibitors
Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 (CTLA 4) is a protein found in the body’s T cells that helps regulate the immune system and destroy cancer cells. Sometimes, cancer cells produce extremely high amounts of this protein, switching off T cells when they should be attacking the disease. Checkpoint inhibitors, such as the CTLA 4 inhibitor, prevent T cells from switching off. It is a type of immunotherapy for different cancers.
