Hearing a cancer diagnosis is a life-altering and emotional time. A million thoughts race through your mind about treatments, life, death, your family, your friends, your job, and more. Although nothing can completely eliminate the stress of dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment, the tips given in this article will help to ease the process.
Cancer affects not only the person afflicted, but his or her family as well. There are a number of cancer treatments in existence, so it's best to talk to a doctor.
You can also reduce your risk of cancer by getting some exercise, as well as maintaining a healthy diet routine. Maintain a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, drink lots of water and a minimum 30 minutes of exercise each day to help keep your body from developing cancer.
Getting regular exercise helps you fight cancer. Your blood will flow more easily if you are active. Getting your blood pumping will help your treatments to go through your body easier.
Speak up for yourself when necessary. Alot of people are in the dark, they are not aware of the latest information about cancer and actually may think it is a disease that could be transferred from you to them. Put together a few responses to some common questions and be ready to address people's concerns. Being able to respond to such concerns will help your relationship with others during your cancer treatment.
Do not be afraid of a little discomfort if you need breast cancer screening. It only takes a few moments. Don't allow the intrusive discomfort of a mammogram keep you from getting one. It may save your life by detecting cancer early.
Cancer means that you must accept certain things now, instead of finding out about them later. Prepare now to fight later.
Don't be afraid to fight. You'll maximize your chances for victory over the cancer if you go into it with a fighting attitude.
If you are a caretaker for a loved one with cancer, you may benefit from attending doctor's visits with your family member so you can ask any questions you might have. By having your questions answered, you will be better informed and hence, better able to provide support.
Cancer support groups are effective at every stage of dealing with the condition, whether you were recently diagnosed or have been fighting cancer for years. You can converse with others afflicted to learn how you can cope with cancer, both mentally and physically. Most of these groups also welcome family members and friends of cancer patients.
Don't change the way you treat a beloved family member when you find out he has cancer. Cancer patients need all the positive energy from the loved ones as they can get, and when people feel sorry for them, they tend to feel bad about themselves.
It is important to be frank and honest when discussing your diagnosis. Trying to be strong and put on a brave face can make you feel isolated and alone at a time when your support system is more important than ever. Keeping the lines of communication open is essential to taking full advantage of your social support system.
Skin Cancer
Whenever you are in the sun, you should cover your skin with clothing or sunscreen to make it less likely that you will contract skin cancer. The sun's ultraviolet rays can be harmful to the skin. If you get skin cancer, it can be fatal. At a very minimum you should wear a sunscreen that is SPF30+, and make sure it is also waterproof.
Make sure you have asked all your questions before treatment commences, so you are fully aware of what lies ahead both physically and emotionally. If you know how the treatment will affect your body, it'll be easier to deal with any physical changes or problems. If you're going to suffer hair loss, talk to other cancer patients to get first-hand experience and ideas regarding makeup, wigs and even shaving so that you can be ready when your day comes.
It is important to stay attuned to your body, so you recognize any changes. If you start to feel tired, it's time for you to rest. A diet change to a healthier diet might help fight that feeling of fatigue. Pay attention to your body because it lets you know what it needs.
There are foods that help in the battle with cancer. For example, the lycopene in tomatoes is helpful in warding off prostate cancer. Documented research has proven these relationships.
There isn't a healthy alcohol consumption when you have or are trying to prevent cancer. Drinking a lot of alcohol can put you at risk for certain types cancers. Drinking too much alcohol specifically puts you at risk for mouth cancer and cancers of the throat and esophagus. While it is better to refrain from alcohol all together, you can occasionally have a drink without significantly increasing your risk of cancer.
Living healthily despite your cancer will help you cope with it. A healthy lifestyle includes eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest and exercising at least three days a week. Staying fit will give you the stamina you need to battle cancer, as well as the ability to bounce back after your treatment.
If diarrhea is one of the side effects you are suffering from your cancer treatments, you may have to give up those cherished cups of coffee. It helps you feel more awake, but it is also adding to the diarrhea you are trying to fight. Avoid caffeine completely to reduce your symptoms.
There are many methods and resources to help ease your stress and allay your fears about dealing with cancer in your life. There is no easy solution to the problem of cancer, but there are ways to ease the anxiety of a diagnosis. The tips and hints in this article, along with a day-by-day approach, can help you find the strength to win your battle against cancer.