Pathophysiology
Cancer is a complicated illness defined by the body’s aberrant cells growing and dividing unchecked. Normal cells often develop genetic mutations at the beginning of the disease, which can be brought on by several things, including exposure to carcinogens, inherited genetic abnormalities, or mistakes in DNA replication (Yahyaei & Pourali, 2019). These mutations disrupt the standard control of cell development, resulting in the creation of a tumor. Cancer cells can evade cell death (apoptosis) and proliferate swiftly, resulting in the growth of an abnormal cell mass. As cancer spreads, a metastasis mechanism enables it to reach distant locations and invade surrounding tissues.
Risk Factors
Exposure to carcinogens like cigarette smoke, certain chemicals, radiation, and environmental contaminants raises a person’s chance of getting cancer. Second, there is a vital genetic component since inherited abnormalities in particular genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 for breast and ovarian cancer, might predispose people to specific cancers (Yahyaei & Pourali, 2019). Additionally, unhealthy eating habits, inactivity, obesity, and binge drinking are lifestyle choices that may increase the risk of acquiring cancer. Age is an important risk factor for cancer since cancer incidence increases with age.
Medication
Tamoxifen, a medication with hormone receptors, is widely used for treating breast cancer. It obstructs the estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells, preventing estrogen’s ability to spur tumor development (Acharya et al., 2019). Tamoxifen should be taken with meals for better absorption and a lower chance of gastrointestinal adverse effects. When using Tamoxifen, one should avoid grapefruit since it includes substances that may affect how the drug is metabolized and could cause higher blood levels. Consuming dairy products and other calcium-rich foods at least two hours before or after taking Tamoxifen can help avoid any potential interactions since they can influence how well the medicine is absorbed.
Several malignancies, including lung, ovarian, and breast cancers, are treated with the chemotherapy medication paclitaxel. It works by limiting the division and proliferation of cancer cells. Due to Paclitaxel’s usual intravenous delivery method, food interactions are not an issue during the administration. Since alcohol might have negative consequences, such as liver damage and intestinal issues, it is not advised to drink while getting paclitaxel treatment. Maintaining a balanced diet while receiving Paclitaxel therapy is essential since doing so helps improve general health and gives the body the nutrients it needs for recovery.
Diet
The Mediterranean diet is a proven method for preventing or reducing cancer incidence. The diet is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which reduces oxidative stress and inflammation and promotes overall health (D’Innocenzo et al., 2019). The diet should include tomatoes because they contain lycopene, which may have anticancer properties, and folate-rich leafy greens like spinach and kale. Virgin olive oil should also be a part of the diet since it is a large source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, both of which have several beneficial health impacts.
Contrarily, some foods should be omitted from the diet to prevent or reduce the risk of cancer. Processed meats, such as bacon and deli meats, should be avoided due to their high concentration of preservatives and chemicals linked to an elevated risk of colorectal cancer. Since eating too much sugar has been related to obesity, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of developing some cancers, limiting or avoiding meals and drinks containing added sugars is also recommended. Finally, individuals are recommended to minimize their consumption of red and processed meats because they have been linked to an increased risk of colorectal and other cancers.
Websites for More Information
The American Heart Association (AHA) provides comprehensive information on the Mediterranean diet, its health benefits, and practical guidance for adopting this eating pattern. The website offers suggestions, recipes, and information on meals for the best health. The American Cancer Society is a dependable source of information about the many types of cancer, cancer prevention techniques, therapies that are available, and support services. Their website offers several tools for patients and caregivers as well as details on risk factors, early detection, suggested treatments, and other aspects of cancer.
References
Acharya, R., Chacko, S., Bose, P., Lapenna, A., & Pattanayak, S. P. (2019). Structure-Based Multitargeted Molecular Docking Analysis of Selected Furanocoumarins against Breast Cancer. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 5–12. Web.
D’Innocenzo, S., Biagi, C., & Lanari, M. (2019). Obesity and the Mediterranean Diet: A Review of Evidence of the Role and Sustainability of the Mediterranean Diet. Nutrients, 11(6), 6–13. Web.
Yahyaei, B., & Pourali, P. (2019). One-step conjugation of some chemotherapeutic drugs to the biologically produced gold nanoparticles and assessment of their anticancer effects. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 3–7. Web.