There are several types of blood cancers, Hodgkin lymphoma is one type; it develops in the lymphatic system. Like other forms of cancer, the earlier Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. Among all ethnic groups in the US, Black people have the lowest cancer survival rates with the highest risk of death from cancer. This is not a result of biological differences (such as inherited factors) but rather, of socioeconomic factors, including inaccessibility of healthcare and lack of resources such as access to housing, education, healthy diet, and other disparities in living standards.
Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment: Less is More
What Is Hodgkin Lymphoma?
The lymphatic system plays a role in the body’s ability to fight infection. The lymphatic system produces immune cells (called lymphocytes). A lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell that fights infection in the body. In Hodgkin lymphoma, healthy lymphocytes turn into cancerous cells (called lymphoma cells). These cancerous lymphoma cells multiply and eventually lead to a weakened immune system.
Common symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma include:
- Fever, sweating and chills
- Fatigue
- Itching
- Unexplained Weight loss
- Lymph node swelling (in neck, armpit, or groin)
- Tonsils, liver, or spleen enlargement
Hodgkin lymphoma is treated differently depending on its stage. The type of treatment an individual receives depends on the stage of their Hodgkin lymphoma. Other considerations when treating lymphoma include age, general health, the location of the lymphoma, and other factors. Some people support certain natural healing modalities, such as lifestyle changes. But are lifestyle changes enough to treat or prevent Hodgkin’s?
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes include things like quitting smoking or drinking alcohol, eating a healthier diet, taking supplements, and working out regularly.
Research supports the idea that some lifestyle changes—such as quitting smoking and drinking, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and losing excess body weight, —may help prevent certain types of cancer. However, more research is needed to definitively back these claims. It’s important to note that these lifestyle changes have not been shown to serve as primary treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma.
According to the American Cancer Society, “Among all racial groups in the U.S., at least 43% [of all types of cancer] are avoidable, including 19% caused by smoking, 18% by excess body weight and lack of physical activity, excess alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition.”
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Diet
Many people believe that certain foods and supplements (such as antioxidants) can treat or prevent cancer. But the science surrounding