Various Restrictions for Cervical Cancer Patients

In addition to undergoing medical treatment, cervical cancer patients should adopt a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding several restrictions as advised by doctors. Alcoholic beverages, red meat, and smoking are among the restrictions for cervical cancer that the patients need to avoid or limit. Let's explore the information further in the following article.

 

Restrictions for Cervical Cancer Patients

 

To ensure smooth cervical cancer treatment, patients also need to pay attention to the restrictions they should avoid. Patients are advised to adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle to prevent further complications and alleviate symptoms. The following is the list of restrictions that cervical cancer patients should avoid:

 

1. Alcoholic Beverages 

 

Consuming alcoholic beverages can aggravate the condition of this type of cancer. Alcohol consumption is also one of the risk factors for cervical cancer because it can release acetaldehyde, which damages DNA cells, triggering changes or mutations in genes.

 

These mutations induce abnormal and uncontrollable cell growth, leading to cancer. Therefore, cervical cancer patients undergoing treatment should refrain from consuming alcoholic drinks.

 

2. High-Sugar Foods

 

Consuming sugar does not directly trigger cancer. This applies to all types of sugars, including refined sugar. However, excessive sugar intake can make it difficult for a person to maintain an ideal body weight and can lead to obesity. Obesity can worsen the condition of cancer.

 

3. Fried Foods

 

One of the prohibited foods for cervical cancer patients is fried foods. Patients should also limit the consumption of fried foods, especially with waste cooking oil. This is because frying oil contains trans fats, which are harmful fats with carcinogenic properties.

 

4. Fast Food

 

Fast food is also one of the restrictions for cervical cancer patients. Fast food tends to be high in fat, especially unhealthy fats, so excessive consumption without physical activity can lead to weight gain, even obesity. This increases the risk of cancer.

 

Individuals with obesity experience low-level chronic inflammation in their bodies. If this inflammation persists for an extended period, it can trigger DNA damage or mutations that can cause cancer.

 

In patients who have reached remission, consuming foods high in saturated fat can increase the risk of cancer recurrence.

 

5. Red Meat and Processed Meat

 

The next restricted food for cervical cancer patients is processed meat or meat preserved through salting, smoking, and curing. These preservatives have the potential to heighten the risk of cancer and aggravate the condition of those who already have cancer. Some examples of processed meats include corned beef, sausages, smoked beef, and canned meat.

 

6. Raw Vegetables

 

Raw vegetables are known to potentially contain various bacteria, such as Salmonella, E. coli, or Campylobacter. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are at risk of experiencing a decrease in white blood cell count, which is essential for the body's immune system. When white blood cell count is reduced, the body becomes more susceptible to infection from some bacteria that raw vegetables contain.

 

7. Smoking

 

Smoking is another restriction for cervical cancer patients. In essence, smoking has many adverse effects on health. It is not only prohibited for cancer patients but also for those without this disease. If the patient has difficulty quitting their smoking habit, they can consult a doctor to receive appropriate advice.

 

8. Lack of Exercise

 

Although it is inadvisable for cancer patients to engage in strenuous activities to the point of exhaustion, it does not mean that they are not allowed to exercise. Patients are actually encouraged to exercise regularly to maintain an ideal body weight and improve their immune system. This will strengthen the body in fighting the HPV infection that causes cervical cancer.

 

Those are some restrictions for cervical cancer patients that are important to consider. However, it should be noted that avoiding these restrictions cannot cure cervical cancer, but rather help alleviate symptoms and optimize treatment. In other words, patients still require proper medical care.

 

Therefore, if you experience symptoms indicating cancer or have its risk factors, do not hesitate to consult an Obstetrician and Gynecologist or undergo examination at Siloam Hospitals.

You can also undergo cervical cancer screening at Siloam Hospitals by booking a Cervical Cancer Screening package. For your convenience, you can make bookings and check examination results through the MySiloam application.