Student ID: 2009287 Lecturer Name:BMHP5003 Module code: Laila saurani ROUTINE HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE OF LEUKEMIA INTRODUCTION The human body is made up of different cells that are structured and organized in a unique way working together to accomplish the specific functions necessary to maintain life. The functionality of the body system will be significantly affected if there is any modification to the structure or composition of the cell. Cancer is a broad category of disorders that can affect nearly all body organs or tissues. The uncontrolled production of abnormal cells causes them to infect nearby tissues and organs before spreading throughout the body. One of the most common diseases and fatalities worldwide is cancer. According to the findings made by the World Health Organization in 2017, it is predicted that the number of cancer cases will drastically increase by over 70%. Cancer has a significant negative effect on individuals, families, communities, and health systems all over the world in terms of physical, psychological, and monetary costs. The signs, symptoms, and effects of cancer on the human body vary depending on the type of cancer and the patient’s initial health condition. A few examples of cancer disease are; Lung, prostate, colorectal, breast, stomach, and leukemia. One of the most common types of cancer worldwide is leukemia; it is a kind of cancer that affects the blood cells. Leukemia affects all kinds of gender,and all age groups and cuts across all countries and peoples of the world without distinction but is prevalent among urbanized populations (Lyon, France. 2013). Cancer was rated among the six fatalities in 2015 for it claimed about 8.8 million lives worldwide. It was discovered that Cancer has claimed more lives than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria (Global health observatory. 2017). ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF LEUKEMIA Excess production of the abnormal white blood cells that accumulate in the bone marrow, bloodstream, and entire body is the pioneer of leukemia. Leukemia begins in the bone marrow, a soft region of the inside of the bone where blood cells are created. When there is a reduction in the normal blood cells due to the abnormal expansion and multiplication of the clogged, white blood cells accumulate in the bone marrow resulting in more complications. Blood continues to accumulate abnormal blood cells, which are likely to move to the lymph nodes, spleen, and all other parts of the body if not treated early. Leukemia comes in various forms which are; (lymphocytic), Acute Lymphoblastic (ALL), Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and Myeloid leukemia (AML). For every type of leukemia, there are different progression rates and replacement patterns for healthy blood and bone marrow cells. Adults over the age of 55 are most likely to have leukemia, although children under the age of 15 are also more likely to develop it. The new cells produced as a result of leukemia are different from the normal cells in the body. Once there is a decrease in the number of new cells produced in the bone marrow, it will lead to low red blood cells, platelet, and neutrophil count. Leukemia cells produce blood cells for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) can be described as a type of cancer that starts in specific blood cells that produce blood in the bone marrow. CML is a type of leukemia that grows gradually but can result in acute leukemia if not diagnosed and treated early. Anemia occurs when the number of red blood cells has reduced. The effect of anemia varies with age, gender, and health condition. Anemia may become chronic when the flow of blood to the body system has reduced drastically. In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), an excessive number of dysfunctional lymphocytes are produced by the leukemia cell. The excessive cells hinder the ability of the lymphocytes thereby lowering the body’s immunological response. CLL is not as severe as the other type of leukemia. The main form of cancer treatment is chemotherapy, however, there are other approaches such as a stem cell transplant, radiation therapy, steroid therapy, targeted therapy, and palliative care. Treatment choices can also be influenced by a variety of criteria, such as age, comorbidities, performance status, and prognostic cytogenetic and genetic make-ups (Dohner.H et al., 2017). Associated with leukemia include genetic factors, excessive alcohol consumption, genetic abnormalities, different viral agents, and exposure due to occupation. (Whitehead. T et al., 2016). HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE ROUTINE MEASURES According to estimates, making lifestyle changes including but not limited to engaging in physical activity / exercise, maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI), healthy eating habits, reduction in alcohol intake and smoking is one of the best ways to reduce the increase in cancer cases (Song M and Giovannucci E. 2016). A cancer diagnosis may have an impact on every aspect of a patient's life. The patient is likely to have a diverse range of emotions, including fear, sadness, worry, rage, and frustration. The cost of therapy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for a cancer patient could result in debt for patients who are not financially stable. By the end of 2025, the estimated number of cancer survivors is expected to exceed 20 million (Miller K. et al., 2016). Larger community hospitals have more expertise and equipment for the treatment of leukemia while most university teaching hospitals treat the majority of patients. The treatment of leukemia could be done in different categories of healthcare facilities such as university teaching hospitals, both big and small community hospitals, and private offices. Leukemias make up around 3% of all cancers, and having a good treatment requires sufficient knowledge and experience of how to manage the illness as well as inpatient facilities with qualified nursing staff and oncology pharmacists. The availability of blood products and the assistance of blood banks are essential for Efficacious management. The hospital and practice site becomes somewhat more complex as a result of treating these challenging patients. To retain their leukemia treatment capabilities, doctors might desire to keep managing hematopoietic malignancies. The most significant patient support network was the support from family, community, and friends according to the questionnaire prepared by the quality of life given to 82 patients receiving active treatment (Buckley SA, Jimenez-Sahagun D, et al. 2018). Because of this, the added benefit would be appealing to both parties for it would prevent challenges and travel difficulties faced by the patients and their families. It will be of great benefit to the smaller hospitals, private offices, and providers if treatment was given to this patient population for financial reasons as well. Management is mostly offered to patients diagnosed at the academic teaching hospital. This would cover the full spectrum of care, including cutting-edge diagnostics, induction, follow-up treatments as needed, and possibly enrolment in clinical trials. At the beginning of therapy, the beneficial induction and consolidation regimens and guidance for patients that have day 14 bone marrow biopsy, which is outstanding, or patients that have a recovery period are analyzed by the academic centers before proceeding to the community leukemia treatment centers. In cases of failure of standard therapy, patients are frequently referred to academic centers for clinical trials and HCT assessment, most likely after the end of leukemia induction. Leukemia Signs and symptoms of leukemia vary by type. Patients with acute leukemia tend to have flu-like symptoms at the early stage while some patients with chronic leukemia have no strange symptoms. The routine blood test is one of the frequently used channels to check for the presence of chronic leukemias. The general signs and symptoms of leukemia include but are not limited to bleeding, dizziness, shortness of breath, depression, fatigue, appetite, paleness, discomfort in the abdomen, joint pain and susceptibility to cold nausea, and excess weight loss. It is the sixth-leading factor in both male and female cancer fatalities. Some symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, pain, sleep disturbances, and depression are mostly experienced by children undergoing cancer treatment (Daniel L., et al., 2016). There is a five-year survival rate for diagnosis for a cancer patient. Leukemia incidence is now four times higher than it was in the 1960s. Today, 65.8% of patients with all kinds of leukemia survive for at least five years. This means that 69 out of every 100 leukemia patients have a reasonable chance of surviving at least five years after diagnosis. Many people will live for many more years than five. The impact of cancer treatment on exercise tolerance can also be influenced by the health and functional capacity of a patient before diagnosis. For the majority of survivors, there are no tests necessary before beginning low-intensity aerobic exercise (such as walking or cycling), progressive resistance training, or a flexibility program. Depending on past health history, exercise history, the existence of cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic symptoms, and other factors, medical clearance may still be necessary as previously stated (Riebe. D. et al., 2018). Standard exercise testing procedures are suitable for cancer patients who do not need a medical clearance or who have received one. There is no proof, in theory, that patients with cancer require more medical oversight during symptom-limited or maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing than other populations (Riebe D. and Ehrman J. K. 2018). Research is still ongoing on the precise cause of leukemia. Numerous factors, including but not limited to genetic mutation, inherited traits, ionizing radiation, chemical, therapeutic drugs, and viral agent have all been related to leukemia and other occupational exposures, therapeutic medications, smoking, and some viral agents. RECOMMENDATIONS Leukemia patients should discuss the possible long-term effects of cancer treatment with their doctors to reduce the risk of developing second cancer. To find reliable sources of help and information, people should get in touch with social workers, physicians, or cancer councils because all stages of cancer navigate an individual’s life and career. By administering care at the earliest possible time and offering more efficient, affordable, and simple forms of treatment, early diagnosis initiatives enhance the results of cancer patients. The American Cancer Society (ACS) advises cancer survivors to maintain a "healthy" weight, and those who are overweight or obese are advised to up their physical activity levels and cut back on their intake of foods and drinks high in calories. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which contain ample natural polyphenols, is also considered to reduce cancer risk by several folds (Zhou et al., 2016). Survivors of cancer are strongly advised to avoid idleness and engage in as much physical exercise as they could. The effect of cancer treatment on exercise tolerance may also be influenced by the person's pre-diagnosis health and functional ability. Alcohol consumption and smoking should be kept to a minimum because they are two of the main causes of cancer. CONCLUSION Although cancer has been ranked among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, yet it can be treated and cured to lower the death rate. The conclusion that can be drawn from this research is that people's lifestyle choices have a big impact on their health and recovery rates. Patients undergoing leukemia treatment or those going through the healing phase can still engage in regular physical activity to strengthen their immune systems, which aids in the healing process. A person's response to a certain exercise stimulus may differ due to demographic characteristics such as age, side effects of cancer treatment (like weariness that may reduce exercise tolerance), or direct effects of cancer treatments on physiologic systems like anemia. There have been numerous attempts to enhance leukemia care and recovery as well as to develop more effective approaches and leukemia strategies. Despite the advances made in the field of cancer treatment, no plan is ever completely effective. Chemoresistance is a major impediment to successful cancer treatment. Hence, figuring out the mechanisms driving chemoresistance is essential to comprehending the complex processes required for the treatment of cancer and developing extremely powerful medications. One cannot overstate the importance of employing some significant medicine that involves tailoring medication to a patient's specific growth to maximize therapeutic benefit. People must also maintain healthy eating habits and lifestyles to boost the immune system. REFERENCE Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee (2012). American Cancer Society Guidelines on nutrition and physical activity for cancer prevention: reducing the risk of cancer with healthy food choices and physical activity. 62(1), p 30 – 67. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.20140 Buckley, S. A., et al. (2018). Quality of life from the perspective of the patient with acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer, 124(1), p 145–152. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.30982 Cancer Council NSW (2018). 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