Many people take dietary supplements like vitamins or herbal products. People take supplements for different reasons, like wanting to improve health, get additional nutrition, boost the immune system, or treat side effects. These products are widely available for purchase without a prescription in the United States. But not all supplements are safe or effective, especially during cancer treatment.

A research study involving volunteers is called a clinical trial. This type of study helps doctors and researchers find better ways to care for people with cancer and other diseases. They can be used to study new and better ways to treat and prevent cancer, relieve side effects, and improve outcomes for people with cancer.

Many people have health conditions in addition to cancer. Any health concern that you have at the same time as cancer can be called a co-existing condition, a chronic condition, or a comorbidity. One in 4 adults have at least 2 chronic conditions and they are even more frequent in adults who are aged 65 and older.

Some common types of co-existing conditions are:

• High blood pressure

• Heart disease

• Lung disease

• Diabetes

• Kidney disease

• Arthritis

Cancer treatment can be more challenging and complicated for older adults. This is because older adults are more likely to have chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. Even when you are healthy, your body will most likely respond differently to treatment than a younger person’s body. For example, older adults are more likely to have serious side effects from chemotherapy.

But age should not be the only factor in your treatment decisions. Cancer treatment can help people of any age. This article helps you think about making treatment decisions.

Anemia is when the level of red blood cells in your body goes below normal. When you do not have enough red blood cells, different parts of your body are not getting enough oxygen. As a result, they cannot work the way they should and cause problems.

You can develop anemia if your body does not make enough red blood cells or destroys them. You can also develop anemia if you lose too much blood from your bloodstream. Anemia is a common side effect of cancer and many types of cancer treatment.

Diarrhea is frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements. Bowel movements are also called stools.

Although mild diarrhea can be unpleasant, it usually does not cause serious health problems. But severe diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This happens when your body loses too much water and important minerals.