When people hear the word “cancer” mentioned, their reaction is often fearful. However, those who have never heard their physician say, “you have cancer,” cannot even begin to fathom the bleakness and devastating feelings that those few short words can convey. Even if there is hope, being diagnosed with cancer can completely transform someone’s life. In the following article, you’ll find suggestions on how to cope with those changes.
You will have a better shot at beating cancer if you detect it early. Be prepared to make appointments for screening tests, which will let you know if you have cancer before any symptoms appear. For cancers such as those of the breast and testes, make sure that you do monthly self-exams so that you can notice anything out of the ordinary.
You will feel better, look better, and have a better chance of avoiding cancer if you pay attention to your diet and get adequate exercise. Get plenty of veggies and fruits, drink water, and do a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day to ward off cancer and live a better life.
Immediately stop smoking if your doctor tells you that you have cancer. There are some cancer sufferers who do not quit smoking as they are of the mindset that it no longer matters now that they are already ill. That’s wrong, though. Cigarettes are called “cancer sticks” for a reason. The chemicals in the cigarettes significantly reduce the chance that you will recover.
Prepare yourself for all the physical changes that may take place as you receive cancer treatment. Your doctor will be able to tell you what affect treatment and drugs may have. Take care with your appearance during treatment. A wig can help you retain your normal appearance. If you see that your face is pale, use some makeup.
Be aware that the fruits and vegetables you buy may be contaminated. Many are sprayed with some pesticides to protect against fungus, bacteria, and bugs. To prevent consuming the pesticides, look for goods which use fewer pesticides, and make sure to wash the produce in water with a mild soap.
Cancer is still thought of in old-fashioned terms by many people. There are those who may think that cancer is something they can “catch”, or that a cancer diagnosis prevents you from participating in normal activities. Make an effort to establish a frank and open dialogue on the subject.
If you have a loved one who has recently received a diagnosis of cancer, make sure you are there to listen to that person if he or she needs to talk to someone. While it can be emotionally difficult for you, listening to their fears can help to keep them positive and help them heal. Be sensitive about the opinions you provide; not everyone suffers from the same things or sees the outcome in the same manner, but that shouldn’t matter.
There are many new people who will enter your life if you have cancer, as you put together a team to help develop a treatment plan. In addition to doctors, nurses and medical assistants who help attack your physical disease, you’ll need people who provide support and empathy, so that you don’t develop depression or other mental problems along with the cancer. You can’t beat cancer by yourself, so open your heart up and start fighting!
To avoid feelings of dissatisfaction, intentionally form the expectation that not all of your expectations will in actuality be met. Be thankful for the support others are giving you.
It is important that you participate in treatment, rather than believing that it is entirely up to the doctors. Your participation will support your recovery. Avoid taking yourself away from the situation. You’ll be worse for it in the end.
If your cancer medication and treatment is upsetting your stomach, eliminate coffee from your diet. Caffeine is known to worsen this type of side effect, even in small amounts, so eliminate it from your diet. Also, stay away from other caffeine sources, including soda and chocolate.
Just because a family member has cancer, does not mean that you should treat them differently. A person with cancer needs positive energy from their family and friends. They often feel down and bad about things, so good energy is beneficial.
If you have received a diagnosis of cancer, there are many ways to find help. You can change your habits to help yourself, find support from friends, and speak with other cancer patients. The information provided in this article enlightened you on some methods and means that can be used to make your load a little lighter.
