When you have been diagnosed with HIV, you likely know that your immune system will be compromised for the rest of your life, even with proper management of your viral load. However, what you may not be aware of is the fact that you can develop lymphoma, lung cancer, or other forms of cancer from having HIV or AIDS. In case you do develop an HIV-related cancer, get to know some of the facts that you should be aware of when you are in need of treatment for your cancer.
You May Have To Fight To Get The Treatments You Need
Patients with HIV who are diagnosed with cancer are less likely to get needed cancer treatments than non-HIV infected patients, according to recent studies. The exact reasoning behind this is unclear, but it is important to note that you may have to push and fight to get the cancer treatments you need. This may mean going through several oncologists before you find one willing to work with you to get the treatments that are best for your cancer and situation.
There Is No Nationally Accepted Treatment Protocol For Cancer In HIV Patients
One of the factors that may affect you and may contribute to the need to advocate for yourself to get cancer treatment is the fact that, as of yet, there are no national standards that set a treatment protocol for a person with cancer who is also infected with HIV. This can make some doctors hesitant to attempt any kind of treatment, for fear of causing other health problems related to the HIV infection.
A possible solution to this worry that oncologists have related to disturbing your HIV management and treatment while treating your cancer is to have the physician in charge of your HIV care and your oncologist communicate with one another and work together to develop a workable treatment program for your cancer. While it can be a challenge to find an oncologist willing to do so, you will get the care you need once you do.
Cancer Treatments Do Weaken The Immune System Significantly
In patients with normal immune systems, cancer treatments can still wreak havoc. Especially with blood cancers and lymphoma, the risks of developing an infection while going through radiation or chemotherapy are high.
For a person with HIV whose immune system is already compromised, this infection risk can be much higher. Be sure that once you start your cancer treatments that you are very careful about avoiding people and places that could get you sick. If your oncologists recommends that you remain in the hospital during your treatments, do not fight against them. It is in your best interest to follow strict infection prevention protocol.
Now that you know a few of the factors that you need to keep in mind when you are trying to get treatment for cancer while you also have HIV, you can be sure that you are doing everything you can to protect your health and get the medical care you need.
For more information, visit an oncology clinic near you.
Share7 June 2016
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