World Cancer Day 2022 | Professor Zhang Hongyan tells you: What to do if patients experience loss of appetite, muscle aches, and insomnia at home

World Cancer Day 2022

Have a healthy and happy Chinese New Year - Health science experts say

The Spring Festival is here, and the festive atmosphere is strong. In such a festival celebrated by all, the atmosphere of happiness and reunion is everywhere. Cancer patients also hope to celebrate the New Year happily and safely, but they often take their condition lightly because they are too relaxed. This also leads to a small peak in the clinical situation of cancer patients' condition recurring or even worsening after each New Year. While celebrating the festival, you also need to pay attention to your own body, especially if you have adverse reactions after taking the medicine, and you cannot seek medical treatment in time, which will delay your condition. During the Spring Festival, every cancer patient should do a good job of self-symptom management, so that they can celebrate the New Year happily and maintain the stability of the disease.

What should I do if the patient has loss of appetite at home?

Professor Zhang Hongyan tells you:

Cancer patients celebrate the New Year by adjusting their appetite, changing the types of food, rinsing their mouths before meals to keep fresh, eating vegetables and fruits that are high in protein, and a mix of vegetarian and meat foods that are colorful, fragrant and delicious. Appropriate activities can help adjust your mood, and enjoy family reunion in a comfortable environment.

What should patients do if they experience muscle soreness at home?

Professor Zhang Hongyan tells you:

If you suffer from muscle and joint pain after radiotherapy and chemotherapy, you should pay attention to the following points while at home: supplement calories, maintain a balanced diet, consume protein and vitamins, perform local massage on the painful area, and use painkillers when appropriate.

What should I do if the patient suffers from insomnia at home?

Professor Zhang Hongyan tells you:

5 ways to help you improve your sleep at home and enjoy a peaceful New Year: support from family members to help you relax, soak your feet in hot milk before going to bed, listen to soothing music often, practice relaxation regularly, and be yourself during the day.

This issue's content: Special thanks

Professor Zhang Hongyan

Chief Physician, Oncology Department, Third Medical Center, PLA General Hospital