Page 91 - ce_cusco_2019

While the short term side effects of cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy are intense

and can surly reduce the quality of life for the patient during the time of treatment, effects that have the

potential to haunt the patient later in life are also a large issue. Chemotherapy has been linked to higher rates

of fertility issues, for example, after the cycles have been finished. Some women begin the process of

menopause at a much earlier age and some women completely become infertile. There was found to be only a

low risk of such effects when patients used ABVD, as it overall is not as harsh on the body. However, patients

were at a higher risk when BEACOPP was the treatment used. People who took BEACOPP were advised to

wait two years post treatment before attempting to have a child to allow the body to heal and to avoid

chemicals being passed to the fetus. One of the largest fears, perhaps, of those who gain remission is the

formation of secondary cancers as a result of their previous chemotherapies. Remission occurs when the

disease can no longer be detected in the patient. Thus, while they may be in full remission from their primary

cancer they will higher risks of developing another type of cancer due to damage done to their cells. There are

also serious late effects of radiotherapy as well unfortunately. Some patients have a higher chance of

developing dental issues such as tooth decay, increased eye problems including cataracts, a weakened heart,

dry mouth, inflammation of the lungs, and thyroid issues such as the lowered release of thyroxine, a hormone

that controls the speed of one’s metabolism and making it more difficult for patients to control and maintain

their weight. Similarly to chemotherapy, radiotherapy has also been found to cause an increased risk for

fertility issues, particularly when the radiation was administered near the reproductive organs, as well as

secondary cancers. 5

More and more scientific studies have been conducted, and are in the process of being conducted, that

can allow for people to better understand the risks that are involved with cancer treatments provided by

modern medicine. Particularly with treatments specific to Lymphoma, there has been an increase in research

in the last decade. One study done by The Breast Journal in 2010 found that women who were treated with

radiotherapy for Hodgkin Lymphoma were more likely than the average woman to develop breast cancer post

treatments. 725 women were assessed, 39 of which developed breast cancer while in remission for Hodgkin

91