It can be very hard to deal with having or someone you love having cancer. Articles such as this one can help keep you informed, and give you ideas on how to enjoy life, even with a difficult condition.
Detecting cancer at the earliest possible stage is key when it comes to beating cancer. Talk with your doctor and set up regular times for screenings to best eliminate the chance for early cancer growth to get out of hand without treatment. You can also do regular at home exams on yourself to detect changes in your body in areas that are prone to cancer like testes or breasts. The more often you check yourself the better you will be at noticing any differences.
You can also reduce your risk of cancer by getting some exercise, as well as maintaining a healthy diet routine. Eat lots of vegetables and fruit, drink adequate water and aim for 30 minutes of exercise a day. Not only will it improve your life, it could reduce your risk of cancer.
Did you know that the produce you buy at the store could be contaminated with chemicals? Pesticides are used on these crops to guard against diseases and pests. Before consuming vegetables and fruits, wash them using water and mild soap in order to remove the pesticides left on it, or try purchasing foods that have fewer pesticide risks.
Never underestimate the power of the simple gift of listening to a friend or loved one with cancer. It can seem hard to talk about at first, but you will soon understand the importance of being able to express your feelings to another person who actually understands what you are going through. Give them the opportunity for free expression without interjecting your own thoughts and opinions.
Colon Cancer
In order to catch colon cancer in its early stages, know the signs and symptoms. Some of the symptoms of colon cancer are bloody or thin stools and stomach cramping. If you have any of these symptoms, especially if you also are losing weight for no apparent reason, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Visit your doctor if you notice any of these signs.
Smokers need to be very aware that quitting cigarettes not only protects against lung cancer and emphysema, but also against colon cancer. Any smoke that is inhaled moves carcinogens towards the colon, and tobacco has been known to make the colon polyps bigger. Just another reason to avoid smoking.
Go to appointments with any loved one diagnosed with cancer. Having a second pair of ears to listen for information and someone who may be thinking more clearly about questions or concerns is a great idea.
Participating in treatments that help you battle cancer is the best thing that you can do, as opposed to just sitting and waiting for physicians to treat you. Stay as involved as possible with any cancer treatment you are getting. Avoiding discussing your condition won’t help you to get the treatment you need.
If you know someone dealing with cancer, help them find people that they can talk to. The Internet has an abundance of resources, such as support groups, forums and websites, so that you can find the right support system. Doing this provides an extra emotional outlet for the person with cancer.
Be sure you understand how cancer works, what the symptoms are and how to combat it. If you can distinguish which symptoms could be cancer, and which are nothing to worry about, you can address those symptoms that much faster.
If you are assisting a member of your family who has had a cancer diagnosis and you go with them to the doctor, ask your own questions. It is likely that you have questions related to your loved one’s condition. In addition, the better you understand your loved one’s diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan, the better equipped you’ll be to offer him or her the proper help and support.
You may need to stop drinking coffee if you are experiencing an upset stomach from your cancer treatment program. Caffeine can make your stomach issues worse, which is why it is recommended that you do not drink coffee. Also, try to avoid all other sources of caffeine, which is usually present in soft drinks and chocolate as well.
Support System
It is important to be honest with your friends and family if you receive a cancer 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. Communication and honesty are keys to establishing a good support system including the people who matter to you.
Look for ways to add more fun to your life. Being diagnosed with cancer does not mean you have to fundamentally overhaul your life. Continue to do things you love to do, whether it’s reading, watching movies or going to sporting events. It will be well worth the extra planning to make sure that you stay connected with the activities that bring you pleasure in your life.
Of course, cancer is a challenging and difficult disease to deal with. Whether you’re facing your own cancer or accepting that someone you love has cancer, you’re probably going to have fear, anger and grief to overcome. It is a leading cause of death in the United States, therefore, it creates a great bit of fear in patients and their families. However, as mentioned earlier, there is an abundance of helpful information available that can help you manage your cancer, including the advice in this article.