If the word “cancer” is mentioned in a general conversation, it typically evokes a fearful reaction. A person who has never received a cancer diagnosis cannot even begin to fathom the emotional fallout of hearing that fateful phrase, “you have cancer.” No matter whether the cancer is a death sentence or is treatable, a cancer diagnoses means making serious life changes. The piece that follows aims to ease the shock such adjustments can bring.
Cancer can be difficult for the patient as well as all the family members. There are many options in dealing with cancer, and there are many options for cures, too. Consult with your doctor on a regular basis.
The key to beating cancer is to catch it early. Be diligent with screening tests so that you can detect any problems before symptoms appear. You should perform a self examination of breasts or testes once monthly, to detect any changes.
Blood Flowing
When you are battling cancer, it is still important that you exercise. Exercise helps your circulation by getting your blood flowing. Having your blood flowing is helpful in allowing your medication to easier travel throughout your body.
When it’s needed, be sure to speak up about your situation. There are a lot of people who have mistaken beliefs about cancer. Some think that cancer is contagious, and others believe that cancer affects your ability to fulfill work duties. Prepare yourself in advance for questions of this nature. Decide how you’ll respond if someone says something ignorant or offensive, and address concerns as they come up. It will have an impact on the way people treat your during treatment.
Understand the symptoms of some types of cancer, like colon cancer, if you hope to catch it. Typical symptoms of colon cancer include bloody or increasingly thin stools and weight loss that can’t be explained. Be sure to get checked out if you display these types of symptoms.
Grab all the books or online literature possible that relates to your condition or the conditions of a loved one. Confidence is actually very important here.
Sugary Drinks
All the sugary drinks that you drink actually increase the risk of you getting cancer, so limit or get rid of the sugary drinks. The load of calories and the simple carbs in these drinks may cause you to gain weight, which can further spread the cancer in the body.
A cancer diagnosis forces you to face some very scary inevitabilities. Be prepared for the battle ahead.
Don’t be fooled that alcohol can help prevent cancer. Wine only helps with cancer because it has grapes. Drinking too much alcohol will increase the risk of cancer.
If you are responsible for helping out a relative fighting cancer and go with them to medical appointments, make certain to speak up and ask any questions you have yourself. You probably have questions, too, and the doctor can help.
Cut coffee altogether if you are experiencing stomach trouble due to your cancer drugs. The caffeine in coffee will exacerbate these types of problems, so it is best to stay away from the drink completely. Other foods and drinks such as soda, tea, and chocolate have caffeine as well, so try avoiding these to help with your stomach problems.
When going out in the sun, make sure the skin is covered, either with sunscreen or clothing. Ultraviolet rays have a damaging effect on the skin, and if not treated, skin cancer can be deadly. It is recommended that you use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, especially if your skin is fair. Fair skin takes sun damage more easily.
Prior to starting treatment, ask any questions you may have so the upcoming changes to your body are well understood. This will keep you better prepared to handle the changes that occur. 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.
Certain clothing does not protect your skin against dangerous UV rays. UV protective clothing is readily available online if you are unable to find it in a local store.
The rules of sleep have not changed: get, as a minimum, eight hours a night. Cancer treatments are not easy on the body and may leave it feeling tired and overtaxed. If you are getting a good night’s sleep, it gives your body the best chance of healing in a quick manner, while also providing you with much needed energy each day. If you feel tired in the afternoons, establish a siesta break.
Certain foods have cancer-fighting properties; for instance, tomatoes have benefits against prostate cancer. Studies have shown this to be true.
While many screenings detect only cancer cells, some screening equipment can now detect changes in the body that could lead to cancer in the future if preventative measures are not sought. Time can quickly slip by, so it is very important to have these screenings on schedule.
If someone close to you has received a cancer diagnosis, don’t underestimate the value of simply telling them on a frequent basis, “I love you.” Expressing your love and support in many ways is wonderful, but sometimes it is those three words that mean the most. Saying I love you will help to affirm that it will be okay.
No matter the stage of cancer you’re in, you can do many things to improve your life, and get help and support from others. This article is the beginning of your journey to beat cancer and strengthen your will to survive.