Why Pancreatic Cancer Patients Must Avoid Contaminated Water During Monsoon

Even during monsoon season, the weather can bring some relief to the heat we experience. Unfortunately, with monsoon season, we also need to be mindful of hidden dangers–– especially for patients who have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Most typically, we are cautious of infections and viral outbreaks during the rainy season. Hydration and hydration status are most critical to pancreatic health for patients who go through cancer treatments. Water contamination remains a serious concern, and for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer the damage can be much worse and immediate. 

Drinking water is important to pancreatics. Before talking about hydration, let's consider the relationship between water quality and pancreatic health

The pancreas has crucial roles in digestion and blood sugar regulation, and when cancer affecting the pancreas develops, patients don't just deal with tumor growth. They deal with complications from digestion, hydration, and immune regulation. 

Monsoon rains can serve as vehicles for the contamination of water: sewage overflow, agricultural runoff, and stagnant water create environments for bacteria. Drinking water or even eating food that has been washed in contaminated water can cause illness, but for pancreatic cancer patients who already have immune compromise from chemotherapy, cancer, or both infection can rapidly becomes life-threatening. 

Hydration of pancreatic health is not merely drinking enough water, it is drinking clean, safe water that is free of microorganisms that can cause infections. 

How contaminated water impacts patients with pancreatic cancer

1. Increased risk of gastrointestinal infection

Water borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and gastroenteritis are prevalent during the monsoon season and can result in sudden and violent bouts of diarrhea and vomiting leading to dehydration. This is even more dangerous for patients with pancreatic cancer thinking about hydration status considering they are often clinically weak, malnourished,  and could be experiencing electrolyte imbalance.Weakened Immunity. Most cancer treatments such as chemotherapy compromise the strength of the immune system. If a patient consumes contaminated water (or food), the body may lack the ability to fight off an infection, ultimately resulting in prolonged illness and delayed treatment/managing schedule. 

2. Effects on Digestive Enzymes.

 The pancreas secretes enzymes that help digest fats and proteins. Any infection, attempt at fighting an infection, or stress on the digestion system can interfere with digestive enzyme production and make it more difficult for a patient to absorb nutrients, thereby affecting overall recovery. 

3. Dangerous dehydration.

 During monsoon (or rainy) seasons, people might not feel as thirsty because of a cooler climate, but patients can be at risk for dehydration if a patient develops diarrhea from consuming contaminated water. It is critical to maintain hydro-health in the pancreatic health system to maintain bodily processes and support recoveries. 

4. Hepatitis and/or viral infection. 

Pancreatic cancer patients are more susceptible to complications associated with Hepatitis A or E, which occurs through contaminated water. Hepatitis spp affects the liver which creates more complications during cancer treatment/recovery. 

Importance of Safe Hydration

Pancreatic health as related to hydration does call for an increase in fluid intake, but also calls for an awareness of the quality of the fluids consumed. Here is what you need to pay attention to.  

• Drink only boiled, filtered, or bottled water.  
• Do not consume drinks with ice cubes unless it is from a safe water source. 
• Use water purifiers or UV filters at home. 
• Do not consume fresh juices or food from public places.Make sure that all food that is cooked is prepared using safe water. 

Additionally, adequate hydration can support pancreatic function, digestion, regulate temperature, and may help manage the side effects of treatment such as dry mouth, fatigue, and constipation. 

• Hydration Options for Individuals Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer 
• In addition to safe drinking water, other methods to hydrate can be useful too. 
• Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are a good option for maintaining electrolyte status. 
• Coconut water (sourced safely) is generally well tolerated and nutrient dense. 
• Broths and clear soups can be hydrating while still offering nourishment. 
• Buttermilk, and freshly made lime-water, are also a means of restoring hydration if made safely. 
• It is best to avoid sugary sodas or beverages that have caffeine in them, and unpasteurized drinks. 

Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration 

Patients with pancreatic cancer or their support partner should be aware of signs of dehydration: 

• Dry mouth 
• Fatigue
• Low output of urine 
• Dark urine 
• Dizziness 
• Increased heart rate 

If any of the above symptoms occur, they must be referred for medical attention right away, especially in season times like monsoon with high risk of causing infection. 

• Other Seasons Precautions for Pancreatic Cancer Patients 
• Avoid street food and not to eat foods from outside regularly. 
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly in safe water. 
• Store water in covered, clean containers. 
• Maintain strict hygiene, wash hands, sanitize surfaces and if you can, avoid crowded places in the presence of infection. 

The monsoon season presents a multitude of water related health complications which can have a serious impact on those with pancreatic cancer, eating and drinking clean is no longer a comfort but a protection of their compromised immunocompetence function, nodging nutrient absorption and act with their treatment support. 

Hydration, especially in a climate with high infection rates is an important pillar we can provide for pancreatic health recovery. Choosing safe water sources and being aware of probability of opportunities for exposure while minimizing contamination can make a difference for patients when confronted with the challenges of fighting pancreatic cancer. 

Get Care at GEM Hospital 

At GEM our oncologic care providers are advanced for the pancreatic cancer diagnosis, and take a holistic approach to care, which includes careful instruction for nutrition, hydration and the prevention of infection advising. If you or a loved one are experiencing pancreatic cancer treatment and needs advice, support, or second opinion, please reach out to us through booking a meeting with our cancer care team, as the next measure toward safe, stronger healing will require gathering of your risk factors together.