Blood test and blood cell count

• Number of red blood cells and platelets
• Quantity and type of white blood cells
• Amount of hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen) in the red blood cells
• The portion of the sample of red blood cells

Bone marrow tests

Cytogenetic analysis

Although each person faces the disease in a different way, the truth is that having the support of others is important in this process. In fact, according to the professionals of the AECC, it is common for cancer patients to present emotional distress and anxious and depressive symptoms . If this is so in a normal situation, during confinement, the situation may become more complicated .

How to deal with confinement?

Beyond the frequent doubts that may arise about the fear of coronavirus , the situation of confinement is more difficult when we are alone at home and we do not have someone with whom to share routines and who can serve as emotional support.

In this sense, it is important to occupy our time to keep the mind busy . For example, it is key to continue with daily physical exercise practices , also from home, or to think of new healthy dish options . Although, in addition to occupying our time alone, it will also be important to try to maintain some kind of social contact, for example, by phone , video calls …

Along these lines, the AECC psychologist, Carmen Yélamos , explains in this video some guidelines to help us cope with this exceptional circumstance.

I have a sick family member or loved one, how can I help you?

Another situation that may cause special concern is when the person who is alone is a family member . As Aroa Gutiérrez, also a psychologist at the AECC , remembers , the most important thing is to ask that person what they need, since the needs of each person may be different. It is not always easy to know exactly how to help the sick person, what care is the most appropriate and what to say to relieve their pain.

Therefore, it will be important these days to be an emotional support, even if it is in the distance , and let the other person tell us how they feel, without feeling judged, or simply be there to distract themselves from this moment.

The AECC team of psychologists, whose work is being key in offering care to cancer patients and family members at this time, provide us with some very useful guidelines for all of us to take care of our emotional well-being.

Confinement can affect our emotional well-being

It should be borne in mind that the current situation has meant a break in our day-to-day, in our routines , our leisure spaces, cafes with colleagues, talks with friends, family meals, excursions and visits … Staying confined in our homes it implies that the days always seem the same, and it is normal to go to sleep with the feeling that tomorrow will be the same as yesterday.

Suddenly, our life has been paralyzed and we have had to adapt to a new situation that can generate anxiety and stress . Not only because of the experience of being confined, but also because of the consequences of such confinement. There are many people who have been affected by an ERE or an ERTE, loss of work, decrease in monthly income …; to which must be added the daily coexistence with our partner, children and children, relatives or roommates, etc.

Coronavirus Confinement: What Psychological Effects Does It Have?

The most recent studies indicate that people who have undergone a quarantine are significantly more likely to present exhaustion, frustration, anxiety when thinking about contagion and the situation, irritability, insomnia, poor concentration and indecision , deterioration in job performance and rejection. to the job or consideration of resignation. Low mood and irritability are notable for their high prevalence, and these symptoms tend to worsen as confinement lengthens.

The initial symptoms of emotional exhaustion are:

• Physical tiredness, fatigue …
• Insomnia. As contradictory as it may seem, we are finding more problems to sleep, well to fall asleep; Good because we woke up early and we find it hard to go back to sleep.
• Irritability , hypersensitivity to comments, criticisms or disapproving gestures.
• Lack of motivation. We may feel a lack of interest in activities and day to day.
• Affective distancing.
• Difficulty thinking. We may feel that we reason more slowly and forget more things.

We must not forget that human beings are social beings and we need contact with others, and although social networks and telematic means allow us to have them and feel them closer, we need their contact, company …

Tips to alleviate the effects of confinement

Probably, during this confinement we have explored a long list of activities to distract ourselves: training courses, cooking, physical exercise routines on our terrace, playing and drinking virtual coffees … And, although we can manifest a certain feeling of being fed up, now more than ever it is essential to maintain certain habits to avoid falling into neglect and abandonment. For this reason, it is very important that we maintain our work, leisure, rest or sports routines.

The psychologists of the AECC review those aspects that we should not overlook:

Routines and rituals give meaning to our experiences

Simple facts like getting up and going to bed at the same time, eating at a set time, going out to the window every day at eight o’clock in the afternoon …, are very important now. Don’t neglect routines.

Dealing with boredom is key

We must bear in mind that boredom is generally a state of mind that arises when lack of activity is perceived negatively. In this era of hyperproductivity, the stopping of our usual activity means that we can feel empty, a feeling of not knowing what to do or not doing anything. As a consequence, we can feel restlessness and irritability in many cases . It is important to put aside these thoughts of perfection or fulfillment that can sometimes assail us.

Creativity is also a state of mind to be cultivated

To do this, we must be able to face free time without anguish, get bored without fear … And let our mind fly free. It will help us to find time to do activities that are gratifying to us, relax, rest and be calm.

Avoid catastrophic thoughts

It is important to avoid thoughts that can generate higher levels of anxiety and limit our resources to face the day to day. Focus on the present, dealing with what is happening without being permanently connected and hyperinformed.

We know that this situation can still last a little longer and that these emotions can even last for several months after the end of this stage. Hence the importance of sensitizing ourselves to ourselves. For this, nothing better than breathing, reconnecting with who we are, with what we want and want.

Hence, each year on the occasion of World Colon Cancer Day, which is celebrated on March 31, we insist on the importance of all of us adopting good habits, such as healthy eating and regular physical exercise . Without forgetting, of course, the early detection programs that public health must guarantee to people at greatest risk.

Write down these tips that we have prepared for you and that will help you make the best decisions to take care of your health. 

What is colon cancer?

The  colon cancer   is a malignant tumor that, in most cases begins with the appearance of a polyp in the mucous glands of the large intestine and that, with time and for different reasons, grows into colorectal cancer.

Having a polyp does not necessarily mean having cancer. Polyps can take a few years to grow, and for example, a polyp that develops on the lining of the intestine can take up to about 10 years to develop into a malignant tumor. 

What are the causes of colon cancer?

Like most malignant tumors, there is no single cause of colon cancer. There are many factors involved, however, we do know that there is a common denominator to all types of cancer: a failure in cell reproduction that leads to uncontrolled growth and reproduction of cells. In this way, cancer cells acquire the ability to multiply and spread throughout the body without control.

What are the risk factors for colon cancer?

There are several factors that can increase the risk of colon cancer. As we said, most of them have to do with our lifestyle and, therefore, they are easy to modify; However, you should not forget that the risk increases in certain cases: 

• Most cases usually appear from the age of 50 , so these people are considered a risk group.
• When there is a history of inflammatory bowel disease.
• When there is a history of polyps or colon cancer.
• When there is a family history of colon cancer.
• Some inherited syndromes (Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, etc.).

Therefore, if you have any of the aforementioned background, go to the doctor to see you and advise.

What can I do to reduce my risk?

According to studies, up to 50% of cancer cases could be avoided by following healthy lifestyles in our daily lives . For example:

• Adopt a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, nuts and water. The Mediterranean diet is the one recommended by the WHO to have a good quality of life and prevent degenerative diseases. Avoid processed meat (sausages, sausages, ham …) and limit other foods such as red meat, pastries, sugary drinks … Remember that being overweight and obese increases the risk of cancer and other diseases. 

“Processed meat refers to meat that has been transformed through salting, curing, fermentation, smoking, or other processes to improve its flavor or preservation.” (source: WHO)

• Do physical activity of moderate intensity at least three times a week – an hour a day of walking at a good pace, riding a bicycle or playing sports such as tennis or paddle tennis. If you choose vigorous physical activity, such as running or aerobic exercises, 40 minutes will suffice.
• Do not smoke! Smoking is linked to up to 13 different types of cancer, including colon cancer.
• Don’t drink alcohol! Alcohol consumption is linked to more than 7 different types of cancer, including colon cancer. And let’s not kid ourselves: a glass of wine a day has no health benefits.

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

The  symptoms  that alert us to the possibility of suffering from colon cancer and that indicate that we should consult a specialist are: 

• Presence of blood in the stool.
• Noticeable tiredness.
• Unexplained change in bowel habit (constipation, the appearance of thin stools, etc.).

Not in all cases these signs are present, and not in all the cases that are present do they signify a diagnosis of colon cancer. This information is referential and, when in doubt, you should always go to the doctor.

How to detect colon cancer?

There are various tests and ways to diagnose colon cancer. Normally, a stool occult blood test is performed and, if positive, a colonoscopy is performed . Depending on the result of the intestinal tissue samples obtained, the following steps are proposed.

We recommend that if you are at risk age (50 to 79 years, although this range may vary depending on the Autonomous Community), inform yourself at your health center about the screening tests and how to participate in them. 

What is the prognosis for colon cancer?

The prognosis of the disease depends on the stage in which it is detected, the characteristics of the patient and the type of treatment received. Fortunately, survival is above 90% in patients in whom cancer has been detected in the early stages. That means that 9 out of 10 people who are detected early survive.

Leukemia in children

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood that begins in the bone marrow, tissue found inside the bones that produces blood cells (red, white, and platelet cells). It is produced by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells called “blasts” (immature white blood cells), which are generated in the bone marrow, displacing the rest of the blood cells, so that the child presents symptoms of anemia (tiredness, paleness … ) and hemorrhages (bruises) and infections, among others. It is the most frequent childhood cancer and there are several. The most common in children are acute lymphoblastic leukemias.

What is the most common?

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) . It is the most common type of leukemia in children. It affects lymphocytes. A significant percentage of children with ALL are between 2 and 8 years old, but it can also appear at other ages.
• Acute myeloid or granulocytic leukemia.  It usually occurs in adults, but when it appears in children, it occurs throughout childhood and adolescence. Malignant cells originate from the cells that give rise to neutrophils.
• Chronic myeloid leukemia.  Chronic leukemias are rare in children. Its characteristic is the presence of a large number of immature neutrophils. 

Lymphomas in children

Lymphomas are cancers that develop from the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. This lymphatic system is found in a series of organs such as the spleen, the thymus, the ganglia, the bone marrow; and other organs that contain lymphoid tissue such as the tonsils, skin, small intestine, and stomach. A lymphoma can develop in any of these organs. Lymphomas can be divided into Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma

It generally affects the peripheral lymph nodes, in people aged 10 to 30 years. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in children. It can also appear in the liver, spleen, nervous system, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.

More frequent solid tumors in children

The word tumor does not always imply the diagnosis of cancer. Some tumors are benign and therefore non-cancerous, while in others, the cells are very aggressive, causing malignant solid tumors. The most common in children are:

Tumors of the central nervous system

Brain tumors are classified and named for the type of tissue in which they develop. They constitute the second most frequent tumor in children. They can appear at any age in childhood and adolescence, although they are more frequent between 5 and 10 years of life. They can produce seizures, headaches, vomiting, irritability, behavioral disturbances, drowsiness, etc. 

Neuroblastoma

It is a tumor that originates from sympathetic nerve cells from the neck to the pelvis. The most frequent location is the abdomen. It is a tumor that only develops in children, generally below the age of five. One of the most characteristic symptoms is the presence of a mass and abdominal pain, but it can also be accompanied by diarrhea and bone pain. 

Wilms’ tumor

It is a malignant tumor that affects the cells of the kidneys. It generally occurs in children before the age of ten. The most frequent symptoms are the presence of an abdominal mass, fever, loss of appetite, presence of blood in the urine or abdominal pain.

Retinoblastoma

It is a malignant tumor of the retina. In almost half of the patients it is bilateral. Most often, this tumor develops in children younger than 5 years, although it can appear at any age.

Rhabdomyosarcoma

It is a type of soft tissue sarcoma that primarily affects muscle cells. Although it can occur in any muscular area, the most frequent locations are head and neck, pelvis and extremities. It occurs more frequently in males and in ages between 2 and 6 years.

Osteosarcoma

It is the most common form of bone cancer in children. They generally appear on the long bones of the arm (humerus) and leg (femur and tibia). It occurs between the ages of 10 and 25, and is more frequent in males.

Ewing’s sarcoma

It is another form of bone cancer. It affects a different part of the bone (the shaft or central part of the bone) and usually occurs in bones other than long bones and flat bones. Like osteosarcoma, it usually occurs between the ages of 10 and 25 and affects more males than females.

Lymphedema in the cancer patient

Breast cancer surgery sometimes involves removal of the lymph nodes in the armpit, causing swelling of the arm of the affected breast due to fluid buildup (lymph). It is what is known as lymphedema .

Lymphedema causes

There are other factors, such as radiation therapy, overweight and obesity , which can also help its appearance. Likewise, although it is a sequel that is usually associated with breast cancer, it is also frequent in people who have received treatment for melanoma and genitourinary cancers (cancers that affect the urinary tract, bladder, kidneys, prostate, testicles, etc.). ).

This does not mean that all patients will develop this complication. Furthermore, the time of onset of lymphedema is variable . Although it may appear immediately after surgery, it can also develop gradually after months and even years.

What can you do?

During our online workshop , what can I do to prevent and manage lymphedema ? , Dr. Virginia Prieto stressed the importance of knowing how to detect the first symptoms, as well as knowing what care is the most recommended to prevent lymphedema.

Lymphedema symptoms

People with lymphedema in an arm or leg may have the following symptoms:

• Inflammation of an area of ​​the arm or leg.
• Feeling of “heaviness”.
• Weakness or decreased mobility.
• Rings, watches, or clothing begin to tighten more than usual.
• Discomfort or pain.
• Hardened skin.
• Appearance of orange peel (swelling with small dimples).
• Disappearance of veins and bone reliefs.

Avoid lymphedema

Lymphedema prevention should start immediately after surgery and requires very simple daily care.

These recommendations will help you delay or control the appearance of lymphedema as much as possible.

• It is recommended that you start, as soon as possible, a program of respiratory and mobility exercises , which will be carried out smoothly, slowly and without “bouncing” at the end of the movement. Consult with a physiotherapy specialist to guide you.
• Extreme hygiene of the skin of the arm: use neutral soaps, dry it thoroughly and apply moisturizer daily. Before any wound on the skin of the arm or shoulder, wash it with soap and water, and use an antiseptic.
• Avoid tight clothing on the affected arm and shoulder. It is recommended that you wear a bra with wide, padded straps to avoid compressing the shoulder area.
• In the case of lymphedema, do not wear bracelets, watches or rings on the affected arm.
• Avoid carrying weight with the affected arm. Don’t put your bag on your shoulder on that side
• Avoid drawing blood, vaccines, or administering medications to that arm.
• Don’t take stress on that limb.
• Wear gloves when using scissors, knives, or any other sharp utensil. Avoid cat and dog bites and scratches.
• If you are diabetic and need to know glucose levels, try not to prick yourself on the fingers of the affected hand.
• Depilate with an electric razor (neither hot wax nor blades).
• Avoid excessive heat on the arm (saunas, sun baths or very hot water).
• Get regular physical activity (walking, swimming, cycling).
• Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables , low in salt and low in fat.

The problem with popular myths is that they can generate false expectations or unfounded fears that, in addition to misinforming us, put our health at risk. That is why, from the  Spanish Association Against Cancer  we invite you to banish once and for all those harmful beliefs that still exist around cancer. 

Does cancer cause stress?

No . Studies that have been carried out to determine if there is a direct connection between stress and cancer have not shown any relationship between the two. Cancer prognosis depends on a number of factors such as location, extent, and rate of growth. Also the previous state of health and the response of the body to treatment, that is, there is no cause-effect relationship.
What is true is that an optimal state of mind helps to better cope with the disease and its treatments from a psychological point of view.

Does cancer hurt?

Possibly not.    Cancer does not have to hurt. The appearance of pain depends on the area where the tumor is located. But, in any case, there are a large number of pain treatment options that control, in a very high percentage of cases, patient discomfort.

Does coffee cause cancer?

False.     Years ago, a scientific study linked coffee intake to an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. However, multiple studies in recent years have found no relationship with coffee and an increased risk of cancer; some works even show benefits and a possible protective role against colon cancer.

Do electromagnetic waves cause cancer?

False.    There are numerous studies showing that it cannot be concluded that a relationship exists.

Are the additives carcinogenic?

No.     Additives are present in a very varied number of foods, but in very small quantities (according to the existing regulations). It can be indicated that the authorized additives are not harmful to health, since they are used at doses in which no type of toxicity or danger occurs, even if consumed excessively.

Does chemotherapy kill more than cure?

It is not true.      The  chemotherapy   will destroy cells that have an abnormal or very fast growth are malignant. But we have cells in our body that reproduce at a very fast rate as well, which are not cancerous and are frequently affected (blood cells, for example). In addition, chemotherapy can have side effects that sometimes produce limitations and limiting symptoms and that is why we show more discomfort.

Is cancer contagious?

Never.      Cancer is not an infectious disease, so it cannot be spread from one person to another. However, when you have certain infectious diseases like human papilloma virus (HPV) or hepatitis (caused by a virus), there is an increased risk of developing some cancers. 

Also, it is important to remember that cancer is not a lottery and, in many cases, it can be prevented. In fact, up to 50% of cancer cases can be prevented with  healthy lifestyle habits like a balanced diet . 

However, and despite the fact that the cure rate is around 90% when diagnosed early, men are still not fully aware of the importance of having regular check- ups to prevent prostate cancer and other prostate diseases.

What is the prostate for?

The prostate is an internal organ located in the pelvis behind the pubis , in front of the rectum, and immediately below the bladder of urine. Its main function is to provide nutrients to the sperm and liquid for its transport in the semen.

Anatomically, it has always been said that the prostate is shaped like a chestnut. However, its size tends to increase after 50; which supposes a greater probability of suffering some complication for this reason.

The most frequent diseases of the prostate

• Prostatic hypertrophy . It is an increase in its size due to a benign tumor called a prostatic adenoma. It is very common and its frequency increases from the age of 50.
• Prostatitis. It is usually more frequent in younger men. It is an inflammation of the gland, and may be of infectious origin.
• Prostate cancer. It is a malignant tumor that settles in the prostate gland. Its frequency also increases after the age of 50.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

As we have already mentioned, age is the main risk factor for prostate cancer, especially after the age of 50. But, in addition, other factors have been described that may also influence the development of the disease:

Diet and obesity

They can be associated with the most aggressive cases. There is evidence that high-fat diets could increase the risk of prostate cancer, as well as eating a lot of red meat and high-fat dairy products, although there is no consistent evidence.

Family history

They can be considered another risk factor. Thus, the existence of cases of prostate cancer in first-degree relatives (father, siblings, children) increase the risk, especially if it has been diagnosed at an early age.

Genetics

In a small percentage of cases, prostate cancer may be related to certain genetic changes . There are some families with mutations in the BRCA genes (also associated with breast cancer), or in Lynch syndrome (hereditary colorectal cancer without polyposis), which increase the risk of prostate cancer.

On the other hand, and for reasons not well known, prostate cancer is more frequent in African American men (approximately 70%). Men of Asian descent or Pacific Islanders have the lowest incidence and mortality rates. Southern countries such as Spain, Greece or Italy have a lower prostate cancer rate.

Finally, other factors such as sexually transmitted infections or vasectomy are still under study as they currently lack solid conclusions.

Prostate cancer prevention and lifestyle

The implementation of healthy lifestyle habits is always advisable to maintain a good state of health and prevent many diseases. Also pathologies associated with the prostate and prostate cancer.

Therefore, maintaining an adequate weight, a healthy diet (that is varied, low in fat, with a high consumption of fruits and vegetables), and carrying out regular physical activity , could have a role in the prevention of prostate cancer, especially , in the appearance of the most aggressive cases.

It is also advised to avoid excessive calcium intake (eg calcium supplements) if not justified by a medical cause.

Decreasing the consumption of alcohol (always better if we eliminate it completely) and suppressing the habit of smoking are also very advisable habits to keep the general health of our body in good condition.

When to go to the urologist?

You should go to the specialist whenever there are urinary symptoms :

• Hematuria (blood in the urine).
• Changes in the rhythm of urination.
• Difficulty urinating.
• Frequent urination.
• Nocturia (getting up at night to urinate).
• Urinary urgency (uncontrollable urge to urinate).
• Incontinence.
• Painful urination.
• Hemospermia (blood in semen).
• Ejaculalgia (pain when ejaculating).
• Bone pains without just cause …

However, it should be noted that prostate cancer in its early stages has no symptoms or is indistinguishable from those caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia / hypertrophy.

As we have seen previously, if there is no special risk of developing prostate cancer, it would be advisable to consult with your urologist about the possibility and relevance of carrying out some type of tests from the age of 50 . This consultation should be carried out in the event of risk factors.

Specifically, we are talking about a deterioration in memory, attention span and concentration, learning, reasoning, executive function and visuospatial skills.

Side effects of chemotherapy on the brain

First of all, it should be clarified that, when talking about chemobrain , we are referring to a set of cognitive side effects associated with treatment, not the type of cancer. It is true that, due to the nature of the treatments used, it tends to appear more frequently in hematological tumors , colon or lung . However, it is in the breast tumor that the effect of chemotherapy toxicity on the brain is best known.

In this sense, there is proven evidence ( Journal of Clinical Oncology) that there are several chemotherapy drugs that affect stem cells of the central nervous system. Although other factors such as hormonal therapy, emotional distress, aging, fatigue, sleep disturbances or menopause may also influence.

In any case, it is a mild side effect that only occurs in 15-50% of cases and, in most patients, the survival benefit of chemotherapy far outweighs the possible associated risks.

Main symptoms of chemobrain : memory and concentration problems

The effects produced by the Chemobrain phenomenon   are mainly:

• Reversible memory leak.
• Difficulty finding the specific word to define a situation or object.
• Problems following a conversation smoothly.
• Difficult to focus.
• Rush to be able to carry out different tasks at the same time, fatigue, confusion (what is known as ‘mental fog’ or a certain daze).

Therefore, in case you notice any of these symptoms in a family member or in yourself, we advise you to consult your oncologist or a neurology specialist or neuropsychologist. If you also need medical advice, support or help, you can also contact our free Infocáncer service . A team of volunteers and professionals will try to help you in any way they can.

Chemobrain treatment

The studies are not conclusive. But, in general, and following the recommendations of rehabilitation and treatment, it can be improved.

For the majority of patients, symptoms disappear, or improve greatly, after the end of treatment, but sometimes they can remain long-term and last for years (much less frequent).

For this, certain recommendations can be followed to help improve the symptoms. Some of them, such as keeping the mind active, doing regular physical activity and cognitive stimulation (activities like reading, doing hobbies that force you to think or play cards), are the most recommended.

In our online workshop ‘ Cognitive stimulation: chemobrain phenomenon ‘, the AECC psycho-oncologist and neuropsychologist Olga Moreno offers some guidelines for mental gymnastics that help reduce its impact.  

What can you do to reduce the effects?

On many occasions the patient may feel distressed. For this reason, it is advisable to follow some recommendations to minimize the consequences of this side effect:

• Make a daily activity planning with reminders. A trick, for example, is planning the tasks you have to do in different steps . This helps us, on the one hand, not to forget anything and, on the other hand, to learn that task as a habit.
• Exercise your brain . Crosswords, word puzzles, mazes … Any activity that allows you to stay active.
• Rest and get enough sleep .
• Do some type of physical activity.
• Take care of food . Take fruits and vegetables; since its intake is related to the preservation of cognitive abilities with aging.
• Establish and follow routines. Avoid distractions .

• Ask people to repeat the information to you and ask for help if you need it.
• Stick reminders in visible places. It is also useful to keep an agenda or have a blackboard with a post-it , where to write down the routines with the specific schedule for each one.
• Get organized . Try not to do different tasks at the same time.
• Exercise memory. Use mnemonic resources (use formulas or rhymes to help you remember).
• Manage stress.
• Decrease self-demand and take into account your level of fatigue and tiredness.
• It also helps if you do something that is enjoyable for you after routines that are difficult to perform. Improve motivation to reinforce what you’ve already done and achieve some degree of motivation.