Not all cancers are the same. The term is used to refer to many different disorders. Over 100 different types of cancer have been identified. They each take a different course and are characterised by different typical symptoms and different causes or triggers. All types of cancer, however, cause a change in the genetic material of individual cells in the body. The change causes uncontrolled growth. The changes can be triggered by outside influences, but can also occur spontaneously from within. Defects can also be inherited.

Chemotherapy is a medicinal treatment for cancers and infections. It is generally used colloquially to refer to cancer treatment.
Chemotherapy makes use of substances that concentrate their damaging effects as much as possible on the cells or micro-organisms that are causing the disorder, killing them or inhibiting their growth.
When treating malignant tumours, most of these substances take advantage of the ability of the tumour cells to divide quickly, since they are more sensitive to disturbances during division than healthy cells are; however, the substances have a similarly destructive effect on the healthy cells that have a similar ability to divide, resulting in side effects such as hair loss or diarrhoea.

In radiation therapy (radiotherapy) energetic rays are directed at the tumour. These rays – such as gamma radiation or electron radiation – damage the genetic material of the cancer cells, making it impossible for them to divide, so they die.
Most cancer patients are irradiated from outside. The radiation is generated in a special device and aimed directly at the part of the body in which the tumour is located. The treatment only affects the area of the body irradiated.
The energy-laden rays damage not only the cancer cells, but also the cells of the surrounding healthy tissue, which are also irradiated. This can cause side effects.

It is still not known what the exact causes of all cancers are. However, we do know what causes some types of tumours:

• Some lung tumours are triggered by the inhalation of dust that contains asbestos.
• Some medications also increase the risk of tumours.
• Some tumours have been shown to be hereditary.
• Some lifestyle habits increase the risk of cancer. Smoking increases the chances of developing most malignant tumours, but particularly those of the respiratory passages (larynx, lungs), the urinary tract (bladder) and the uterus. Even passive smoking increases the risk of lung cancer. ‘Light’ cigarettes and filters do not reduce this risk. Pipe and cigar smokers also have a higher cancer risk. They develop oral cancer more often than cigarette smokers. That means that their cancer risk should not be considered lower than that of smokers. Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing cancer in the pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, stomach, liver and female breast. A combination of heavy smoking and heavy alcohol consumption increases cancer risk especially.
• Other causes

The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type of treatment and individual tolerance. The side effects occur independently of one another and may not occur at all or in a range of severities (from mild to lethal).

These side effects include nausea and vomiting, exhaustion, hair loss, mucositis and blood count changes.

Up to three quarters of tumour patients undergoing chemotherapy suffer associated anaemia.

While most of the side effects listed above only occur while treatment is ongoing, chemotherapy can cause irreversible damage to the heart muscles and temporary or permanent infertility.

Following chemotherapy, some patients experience an impairment of their ability to think, remember and manage stress. This is usually temporary.

The kybun shoe/kybun mat can significantly ease walking/standing for cancer patients.
Because the body is severely weakened by cancer and is very sensitive to environmental influences, the relief when walking with the kybun shoe/standing on the kybun mat can be noticed very quickly and clearly.

kybun has the following advantageous characteristics for cancer patients:

• The soft, elastic sole/mat dampens the impact of hard surfaces, allowing pain relief when walking, which in turn allows greater walking range.
• The foot can move freely in all directions on the soft, elastic material, improving mobility, power and coordination in the foot and the joints above it. Users feel safer and more stable when standing or walking.
• The increased foot activity with kybun stimulates foot and leg circulation and the lymph system.
• Because the foot musculature is strengthened, users feel much more stable and automatically walk much more upright in the kybun shoe. This has a positive effect on all the joints and organs.

• Upright body posture
• Do not make your steps too long
• Everyday/leisure: Walk with the kybun shoe or use the kybun mat as much as possible. Take note of fatigue > perform the kybun exercises regularly and take a short break if needed.
• Job: Sit as little as possible. Alternate between sitting and standing to begin with, and take along replacement shoes to change into.
• If you feel unsafe/too unstable in the kybun shoe even after a test walk, we recommend a kybun shoe model with a lower rebound effect. These have a somewhat wider sole in the area of the midfoot, providing added stability. Seek advice from your local kybun expert.
• If you find the kybun shoe model with lower rebound effec too unstable for you as well, we recommend the kybun mat. You can choose the thickness you are comfortable with (the thicker, the less stable, the more intensive the training). You can also hold on to a fixed object. This can be helpful, especially in the beginning after the operation, until you regain confidence in your body.
• Precise movements are essential. Pay attention to exact movements and be sure to take a break in case of fatigue or weakness. Lateral/medial rolling of the ankle joint on the soft, elastic material has to be corrected so that the load is applied to the foot, knee and hip with proper axial alignment. Read more under ‘Lateral/medial rolling of the ankle joint’.
• Contact a kybun dealer you trust if you have further questions, feel insecure or if there is no alleviation of pain when using the kybun shoe even though you are following the tips.