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Remission is the temporary disappearance of symptoms and signs caused by cancer. It usually lasts for several weeks to a few months, but it can last for several years or even indefinitely, depending on the type of cancer, how advanced it is and other factors. Remission can also come back after some time. Cancer remissions are quite common when treating most types of cancer. For this reason, there’s a lot of research being done on this topic to improve the chances of having a successful remission. Remission is an important part of any anticancer treatment plan because it reduces the risk that cancer will return after treatment ends. But many people still don’t know much about why remissions occur or how they can increase their chances of having one. This article explores some key insights into what causes remissions in cancer patients and provides recommendations for improving your odds during anticancer treatments so you have a greater chance at achieving remission as well after treatment ends.
What is remission in cancer?
Remission is the cessation of signs and symptoms caused by cancer. The absence of symptoms and signs does not mean that cancer has gone away completely, but rather that it has disappeared for a certain period. It’s important to note that remission is not the same as cure. Over 85% of people who have cancer will experience remission at some point in their lives. Cancer can come back at any time, so remission doesn’t guarantee that cancer won’t return. It’s important to keep cancer treatment ongoing while you’re experiencing remission because the longer you’ve been cancer free, the higher the chances are that you’ll be able to stay cancer-free for good.
The 5 main causes of remission in cancer patients
These are the main causes of remission in cancer patients. Remissions are caused by one or more of these factors, so it’s important to pay attention to these in your treatment so you can increase your chances of having a remission as well after treatment ends.
– Treatment Side Effects – Many anticancer drugs have side effects that, while not ideal for long-term cancer treatment, can cause remission in some people. For example, anticancer drugs that target the nerves and muscles, such as chemotherapy drugs or targeted therapy drugs, can cause numbness, tingling and weakness in the muscles that help people swallow and breathe. These side effects can cause remission in people who have trouble swallowing food and drink due to these muscles being affected.
– Drug Resistance – Some types of cancer are particularly likely to develop drug resistance, where cancer has adapted to the drugs given to fight it. If your cancer develops drug resistance, it will be harder to achieve remission after treatment ends, but this is a rare occurrence in most types of cancer. – Different Treatment Regimens
– Some anticancer drugs are given in different ways in different countries, and if you have cancer in another country, you may have different treatment options in your home country. One study found that people with cancer who entered remission in another country had a much greater chance of remaining cancer-free after their treatment ended compared to those who remained in their home countries. This could be because the anticancer treatment in the other country was different or because the people with cancer who were in remission in the other country had a greater chance of having a remission due to the factors mentioned above.
– Psychological Factors – Psychological factors are also important during cancer treatment. Some people find it difficult to deal with the side effects of treatment, such as nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and dry mouth. Pushing through these symptoms can help some people achieve a remission that would otherwise not have been possible.
Strategies to help increase your chances of remission
There are several things you can try during your cancer treatment to increase your chances of achieving remission. These include diet changes, physical activity, mind-body therapies and the use of herbal supplements. You can also try to keep cancer symptoms at bay by drinking plenty of water, keeping hydrated and getting enough sleep. While it’s important to maintain a healthy diet during your cancer treatment, too much healthy food can cause a feeling of fullness or even bloating in some people which can affect digestion and cause remission.
Should you expect a remission after treatment ends?
The chances of remission after cancer treatment are high even if you don’t achieve complete remission. Remission is a sign that your cancer may not be as aggressive as originally thought and you may be able to get rid of it completely with further treatment. However, it’s important to keep on with treatment even after remission occurs because the longer you’ve been cancer-free, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to stay cancer-free for good. The best way to predict if you’ll achieve remission after treatment ends is by staying actively engaged in your treatment plan. As with all aspects of the treatment process, you may have an experience that makes you think something isn’t working but keep an open mind. Be willing to try something new.
Tips to help you stay in remission after treatment ends
– Maintain a healthy diet during treatment
– Avoid sugar, processed foods, refined starches and alcohol as much as possible. Healthy, plant-based foods are good for the body and the mind. These foods contain vitamins, minerals and fiber that help the body to heal and stay well.
– Stay hydrated – People who don’t drink enough water or who drink sugary drinks have been found to have poorer outcomes from cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Maintaining a healthy water intake is especially important if you have a high energy metabolism that makes it difficult to lose weight.
– Get enough rest
– Staying active and feeling like you have the energy to push through with your daily tasks is important for those going through cancer treatment. Staying in treatment can be hard on the body and the mind, so it’s important to make sure you get enough rest.
– Expect unpleasant side effects of treatment
– Some people think experiencing side effects during cancer treatment is bad and they want to get rid of them as soon as possible. But side effects of treatment that linger after people expect them, such as dry mouth or loss of appetite, can help to keep a person cancer-free.
– Cheer up – Keep a positive attitude and stay happy during your treatment and you’re more likely to achieve remission after treatment ends. Try to stay busy so you don’t have time to think about the fact that you have cancer.
Conclusion
Cancer remissions are very common, and they can come back at any time. This means that it’s especially important to have a strong treatment plan that includes taking medications and undergoing surgery or radiation therapy. Remissions can last for years, but they can also come back after a certain period. Remissions are caused by various factors, and some people are more likely to experience one than others. Ideally, you want to be one of the people who experience remission, so you can stay cancer-free for a long time.