Cancer that affects the lymphatic system, a component of the body’s immune system that fights infection, is called Hodgkin’s lymphoma. White blood cells known as lymphocytes overgrow in Hodgkin’s lymphoma, resulting in enlarged lymph nodes and growths all over the body.
One of the two main types of lymphoma is Hodgkin’s lymphoma, formerly known as Hodgkin’s disease. Non-lymphoma Hodgkin’s is the other. People with Hodgkin’s lymphoma now have a better chance of making a complete recovery thanks to developments in diagnosing and treating this illness. The prognosis for those with Hodgkin’s lymphoma keeps getting better.
How to prevent it?
The majority of cancer cases are preventable. Tobacco use, a bad diet, obesity, and insufficient exercise are all known to increase cancer risk by two-thirds. These variables can all be changed. However, there is still a lack of appreciation for the possibility of preventing cancer by making lifestyle changes. Since we do not know what causes Hodgkin’s disease, most cases cannot be stopped. Below are a few changes you can make to prevent Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Consume a balanced diet
Although there is no particular diet for people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, you can always make an effort to plan wholesome and balanced meals. Aim for 5 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and try to include a variety in your regular rotation. For comparison, one serving of the majority of fruits and vegetables is roughly half a cup.
A serving or more of cruciferous vegetables every day, such as broccoli, kale, or Brussels sprouts, is also a good idea. Regarding dairy products, select fat-free or low-fat options whenever possible. Generally speaking, aim to consume less than 10% of your daily calories from saturated and trans fats.
Similarly, no more than 10% of your daily calorie intake should come from sugar. Aim to consume no more than 2,300 mg (milligrams) of salt daily. Drink plenty of water and sugar-free beverages like herbal tea or seltzer to stay hydrated. Decaffeinated beverages may be your best choice because caffeine can occasionally exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects. If you must sometimes get your caffeine fix, increasing your fiber intake may help alleviate some of these symptoms.
- Stay healthy
Regular exercise has been shown to improve heart health, lower anxiety, and fatigue, strengthen bones and muscles, and boost self-esteem. Before beginning any new exercise regimen, discuss your fitness requirements with your doctor. It’s a good idea to start with a light exercise regimen and then build up the intensity as you become more aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
Those who already engage in regular exercise may need to scale back their fitness level during the more physically taxing stages of Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatment, such as chemotherapy. Exercise-related illnesses are also more likely to occur when receiving chemotherapy. To minimize your risk of contracting infections during this stage of treatment, it is best to stay away from public gyms and swimming pools.