Carolyn Taylor: Global Focus on Cancer CANCER AND YOU This document was produced through a collaboration between Global Oncology, THE MEME, and Botswana Oncology Global Outreach (BOTSOGO)
QUESTIONS ABOUT CANCER QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE This booklet explains what you should expect when you have cancer and what you should do while you are taking chemotherapy or radiation to treat your disease.» What Is Cancer? Cancer is a disease when parts of your body grow too fast and become out of control. If not treated, cancer can cause serious illness and death.» What Are Some Types of Cancer? Some common kinds of cancer are esophageal, breast, cervical, lung, and prostate cancer. Lymphomas, Kaposi s sarcoma, and leukemias are all kinds of cancer.» When Will You Receive Medicine? Your doctor or nurse will tell you when you need to come in for your medicine.» Is it Safe to be Near People with Cancer? Yes, it is safe to be near people with cancer. Cancer is not infectious. You cannot get it from someone else. You may still have sexual intercourse, but use protective measures to prevent HIV risk and pregnancy. Your Questions: 1
QUESTIONS ABOUT chemotherapy QUESTIONS ABOUT radiation therapy IV CHEMOTHERAPY ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EXTERNAL BEAM RADIATION BRACHYTHERAPY» What Is Chemotherapy? Chemotherapy is the medicine used to treat cancer. It helps control the disease. You will get this medicine by injection, orally, or intramuscularly. Often your doctor needs to give chemotherapy in combination with either surgery or radiation therapy.» Does Chemotherapy Have Side Effects? Chemotherapy is a strong medicine that can make you feel sick in the weeks following treatment. It can be hard but you should not stop taking your medicine. Most problems will go away after treatment, but let your doctor or clinic know if you have bad symptoms. You may need to stop early and use different medicine.» What Is Radiation Therapy? Radiation therapy uses special kinds of light to make cancer shrink. The light and the machine used to make them are similar to a regular X-ray. Like an X-ray, you do not feel or see the light rays. The treatment is given from different directions so that cancer gets most of the treatment. Sometimes radiation needs to be given inside your body, close to the cancer.» Does Radiation Therapy Have Side Effects? Radiation therapy often makes people feel tired and can sometimes lead to skin changes. The effects will depend on what part of your body needs the treatment. Most problems will get better when your treatment is finished. This is called brachytherapy. Your Questions: Your Questions: 2 3
WHAT YOU MAY FEEL AFTER CHEMOTHERAPY WHAT YOU MAY FEEL AFTER RADIATION THERAPY AFTER TREATMENT PROBLEMS AFTER TREATMENT PROBLEMS Chemotherapy is a medicine that can make you feel sick. Chemotherapy is very hard but you should not stop taking your medicine. Most problems will go away after treatment. Radiation therapy often makes you feel tired and can make you sore. For radiation therapy to work it is important to keep to your schedule of treatments and not miss days. Most problems go away after treatment. GO ILLUSTRATIONS SAMPLE 4 Hair Loss Fatigue Vomiting Skin Irritation Fatigue Mucositis Nausea Constipation Diarrhea Painful Urination Diarrhea Pain 5
when to SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION CARING FOR PEOPLE WITH CANCER Go to the hospital right away if You have any of these symptoms.» Be Alert» Get Check-Ups Try not to be around people who are sick. You should go back to the clinic or hospital if Avoid big crowds and congested housing. you have a high fever or think you are getting You will be more at risk for other diseases sick with another disease. Keep taking your like tuberculosis, malaria, and colds while medicines for any other diseases like HIV, taking your medication. tuberculosis (TB), or diabetes.» Questions About Medicine Chest Pain Shortness Of Breath IMAGES: LIZ CANTU DAVENPORT IMAGES: LIZ CANTU DAVENPORT GO ILLUSTRATIONS SAMPLE Many problems after treatment are normal but some are not. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have any of these problems, especially if you feel worse.» Ask For Help If you have any questions about what people It is safe to be near people with cancer because with cancer should be doing while taking their you cannot get cancer from someone else. The medicine, talk to your doctor or nurse. clinical officers and doctors will help you to get better. Cancer patients need love and support from their families. Fainting 6 Fever 7
CARING FOR PEOPLE RECEIVING CANCER TREATMENT Avoid Sickness Wash Hands Treat Mouth Sores Cover Your Head Chemotherapy weakens your body s defenses and makes it easier for you to get germs from other people. Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, especially when you are cooking or around any animals. Eat soft foods. Mix a pinch of salt with warm, safe water in a small cup or bottle. Rinse your mouth with this saltwater before and after eating, and before sleeping at night. If you lose your hair, you should cover your head with a scarf or hat. Avoid Pregnancy Wash Food and Cook Well Drink Safe Water Apply Lotion It s important to use birth control during and after treatment. Your doctor will tell you when it s safe to stop using it. Germs in your food can make you more sick when getting chemotherapy. Wash fruit and vegetables with clean water and cook meats thoroughly. Drink safe water boil or treat your water before drinking. When skin is dry or itchy apply lotion to the area. Do Not Smoke Other Suggestions From Doctor: Eat Well Get Rest Eat multiple small meals throughout the day. Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, and grains. Avoid spicy food and any undercooked or street food. Initially, take time to sleep and rest. When feeling better return to normal activities. 8 9
GO ILLUSTRATIONS RADIATION THERAPY SAMPLE SIDE EFFECTS RECORDER chemotherapy SIDE EFFECTS RECORDER directions Circle which emotion you feel for each symptom you experienced. Circle how you feel after each week of treatment. GO ILLUSTRATIONS SAMPLE directions Circle which emotion you feel for each symptom you experienced. Circle how you feel after each week of treatment. Date Fatigue Skin Changes Sores Diarrhea Date Fatigue Vomiting Constipation Diarrhea WEEK 1 WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 4 WEEK 5 WEEK 5 WEEK 6 WEEK 6 WEEK 7 WEEK 7 WEEK 8 WEEK 8 Other Side Effects Experienced: Other Side Effects Experienced: 10 11
PATIENT REGISTRATION INFORMATION directions Please bring this booklet with you to every clinic or hospital visit. Show this booklet to the doctor, clinical officer, or nurse when you see them. PATIENT INFORMATION Patient Name Telephone Number Age Sex Type of Cancer Treatment Intent TREATMENT PLAN/RECORD Surgery Treatment: Chemotherapy Week Dates 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Treatment: EBRT Week Dates 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Treatment: Brachytherapy Week Dates 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 12
This document was produced through a collaboration between Global Oncology, THE MEME, and Botswana Oncology Global Outreach (BOTSOGO). Global Oncology thanks the Varian Foundation for its financial support to produce this publication.