Dr. Pham Cam Phuong, Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Oncology at Bach Mai Hospital, highlighted common pitfalls for cancer patients during the Tet holiday. She observed that Vietnamese people often adopt an "only once a year" mindset, leading to either unrestrained eating or, conversely, severe dietary restrictions driven by the fear of "feeding the tumor". Dr. Phuong emphasized that both approaches directly endanger patients' lives.
The most common and severe mistake is the belief in avoiding hospital visits and medication on the first and second days of Tet. Dr. Phuong stressed that cancer does not observe holidays. Patients who arbitrarily interrupt treatment or delay chemotherapy infusions risk losing a "golden opportunity" to control malignant cells. It is crucial for patients to adhere strictly to their prescribed treatment plans. Before the holiday, family members should proactively consult with doctors to prepare an "emergency medical kit" comprising: anti-nausea, pain relief, and digestive support medications to manage mild side effects promptly at home.
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Dr. Phuong consults with and examines a patient. Photo: Dieu Hien. |
Dr. Phuong consults with and examines a patient. Photo: Dieu Hien.
Regarding nutrition, the expert advises patients against energy deficiency. Instead of forcing themselves to eat three large family meals, patients should divide their intake into five to six smaller meals daily, prioritizing fresh, thoroughly cooked foods. Pickled dishes like pickled onions and pickled eggplants, which are high in salt, can cause bloating. Processed foods such as Vietnamese pork sausage and Chinese sausage often contain preservatives that increase the burden on the liver.
Cancer patients undergoing treatment must absolutely avoid alcohol. A celebratory glass of alcohol at the start of the year can diminish the effectiveness of medication and directly harm internal organs already stressed by chemotherapy.
Another significant risk during this period is the proliferation of fake news. Exploiting the desire for a healthy Tet, many websites impersonate major hospitals to advertise "herbal miracle cures" or detoxification supplements. Dr. Phuong warns that all treatment methods must be scientifically based. Relying on unverified traditional remedies is not only costly but can also lead to acute liver and kidney failure, disrupting conventional treatment processes.
Furthermore, constant travel for Tet visits can exhaust patients, whose immune systems are already weaker than normal. Patients should listen to their bodies, decline unnecessary social engagements, and wear masks in crowded places to prevent respiratory infections. Prioritizing deep sleep and complete rest is more important than attempting to attend every social gathering.
If side effects such as nausea occur, patients should consume warm ginger tea and thin porridge instead of greasy foods. For diarrhea caused by dietary changes, families must promptly rehydrate with electrolyte solutions (Oresol). In cases of constipation, patients should increase their water intake and eat soft fruits such as: dragon fruit, papaya. Patients should keep the contact number of their treatment department readily available to call immediately if any unusual symptoms arise.
Le Nga
