Intense research using medical advancements shows that women are being affected by malignancy worldwide. Due to medical advancements and machinery the treatment of cancer has increased the survival rate, but the long-term effects of cancer have become the center of attention as it has been proved by recent studies that the women treated for breast cancer are more likely to age faster as compared to other cancer-free women.
How are Breast Cancer Treatment and Accelerated Aging Linked?
Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, and hormone therapy are the treatments associated with treatment while preserving the patient's overall health. These treatments target cancer cells. Recent studies have shown that these treatments are capable of damaging the cells and the tissues of the patient's body resulting in accelerating the aging process of the patient.
Telomere Shortening
Chromosomes have protective caps at their ends called “telomeres” They play a vital role in the aging of cellular cells. It has been shown through studies that after chemotherapy or radiation therapy, there is a great chance of telomere shortening which causes premature aging.
Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress can be observed during Cancer treatments but an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species can neutralize them and bring them back to normal. However, if the oxidative stress lasts for a prolonged time there are chances that the cellular components can be damaged which results in premature aging.
Hormone Therapy
When a patient has hormonal fluctuations and menopausal symptoms, they are most likely diagnosed with Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. Hormone therapy treatment helps treat their cancer, but these hormonal changes may impact the process of premature aging as it affects Cardiovascular health and Bone density.
Inflammation
Breast Cancer treatment often triggers systemic inflammation. Inflammation is linked to the damage caused to the tissue and is the root cause of various age-related diseases as it causes impaired immune function and metabolic alterations, and these all are interlinked with aging.
Mitigating The Aging Effects due to Cancer Treatments
Although research is being done to figure out the exact cause linked to accelerated aging after breast cancer treatment but below are a few measures that can be taken to help mitigate these effects if you have any signs of breast cancer.
Personalized Treatment Approaches
In order to minimize the impact of these treatments on the healthy tissues of the body it is better to amend the treatment regimens based on the individual characteristics of the patient such as genetic makeup, age and overall health.
Lifestyle Modifications
A healthy lifestyle is very important for every individual as it supports overall well-being. First, a person should look out for early signs of breast cancer and then move on to the next step. For lifestyle modifications, getting adequate sleep, physical exercise and stress management are the basics to support a healthy lifestyle and reduce the aspects causing aging
Research
The knowledge of knowing what suits your body and what does not is very important. One should be aware of their body and get therapies and treatments according to that. Therefore, study your body and notice the changes for early detection of any health-related problem so that it can be treated and cured beforehand.
Conclusion
All these years every research on the treatments and cures of cancer and the long-term effects of these treatments was ignored. Now that the fact has been proven that women treated with cancer are more likely to age faster than a cancer-free woman, it is high time that we prevent these outcomes and do research, and prevent the healthy tissues from being damaged during radiation. By addressing these challenges to the healthcare professional, we will be able to not only overcome breast cancer symptoms but also prevent the survivor from any after-effects ensuring their happy and healthy life!
FAQ’s
- What kinds of treatments are there to treat Cancer?
Every patient has their own case, some people with cancer might only require one treatment however there might be a patient that requires both surgery and radiation, Therefore, the treatment of cancer depends upon the case of the patient.
- What to do if you have questions regarding your cancer?
If you have queries regarding your cancer, it is best and foremost that you contact your physician and be open about your symptoms and problems as they will guide you the best.
- Does everyone diagnosed with cancer have the same symptoms?
No, not everyone has the same symptoms as the signs and symptoms depend upon the location, size, and type of cancer and the damage it has caused to the nearby organs.
- Are Cancer Treatments Painful?
Yes, Cancer treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are painful.
