“A human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it” – C.C. Scott
The disease cancer remains a major cause of death worldwide, and, with an aging population, its annual toll of 8.2 million is only expected to increase. Every second of every minute of every day, a battle of good and evil goes on inside your body. The good is your immune system which is the ultimate protector designed to defend your body from illness and infection. The evil comes in the form of pathogens, viruses, bacteria and mutated cells that are programmed to do harm. When it comes to cancer, the good guys don’t always win. But new treatments, emerging technologies and ongoing research are giving doctors more tools to help the immune system do the job it was meant to: fight back against threats like cancer.
The immune system is an efficient and powerful biological machine. It protects us from millions of germs and fights off viruses and infections. So powerful are its responses that they may cause fevers, aches and pains, inflammation and swelling. For a patient it is very important to consume proper nutrients and keep their immunity on check. Here are some changes that can occur in your immune system when you are battling with cancer:
Cancer can weaken the immune system: Once cancer spreads into the bone marrow it takes away its ability to produce enough Neutrophils which are white cells essential for fighting infection, this leaves your body vulnerable and your immune system weak. A patient with leukaemia or lymphoma mostly goes through this challenge but the risk remains for every other type of cancer. Eating a nutritious diet is one way of improving your immune system but first you must develop an eating plan that works for you.
Cancer treatments might weaken the immune system:
Radiotherapy has the potential of damaging your body’s lymphatic system which is a network of channels and glands that form a part of your immune system. Likewise Chemotherapy and steroids kill fast-growing cells, including cancer and bone marrow cells which do bone marrow damage leading to insufficient production of disease-fighting immune-system cells, ultimately weakening the immune system. Consuming protective drugs can reduce your chances of infection and help boost your immunity.
The immune system might help fight cancer:
Some cells of the immune system are capable of recognizing abnormal cells and eliminate them, but it is not enough to eradicate the cancer altogether. Acquired immunity which includes introducing your body to the infection in small amounts is one way of boosting and stimulating the immune system to make antibodies which ultimately help fight malignant cells.
Immunotherapy uses the immune system to find and kill cancer cells:
It is an evolving and promising cancer treatment that works by stimulating the immune system leading to better production of cancer-fighting cells and conservation of healthy cells.