There is nothing more frightening than a diagnosis of cancer. Even the smallest amount of information can go a long way in preventing cancer, consoling others who have it, or dealing with it in your own life. This article can help make living with cancer a little less stressful.
Cancer is very difficult for both the patient and his family. There is always hope. Doctors can treat cancer, and in some cases, even cure it.
Detecting cancer early is important in being able to treat it successfully. Regular screenings and testing should be done so that cancer can be found prior to any symptoms showing. You should perform a self examination of breasts or testes once monthly, to detect any changes.
Blood Flow
In the battle against cancer exercise matters. Regular workouts will keep your blood moving through all areas of your body. Blood flow is very important after treatments. Blood flow allows the medicines administered during treatment to travel through the body.
A cancer diagnosis means you should stop smoking immediately. Some cancer patients mistakenly reason that there is no point in quitting since they’re already sick. Cigarettes can cause further damage to your body because they contain cancer causing agents, which diminish your body’s ability to recover.
Find out what to expect from your body, before you go through your regular cancer treatments. Ask your doctor to brief you about what to expect before treatments start. Consider cosmetic accessories to help you maintain your appearance, despite the cancer. For example, if you’re concerned about losing your hair, you can get some wigs.
See to it that you read all that you can on cancer if you, or a loved one, is experiencing it. Confidence is really critical here.
If you are depressed, your immune system will be weakened, and you may not be able to fight your illness as successfully. They may completely give up the fight.
If you have to get screened for breast cancer, don’t let the fear of discomfort worry you. The pain only lasts for a few brief moments. The results could be catching the cancer early and saving your life and breasts, so don’t let that uncomfortable feeling prevent you from getting screened.
You will develop many new friends while undergoing treatment of your cancer. These new friends will be doctors, nurses, oncologists or chemo specialists. These people are here to help you. You can’t beat cancer by yourself, so open your heart up and start fighting!
By being active in your cancer treatment, instead of just letting doctors care for it, you will be able to combat it more effectively. Do not mentally step back from what is going on around you. You won’t get better this way.
If one of your relatives has cancer, find a support group for him. Check with your local hospitals and clinics, as well as online, for support groups. These groups and websites are very helpful because they give cancer patients a chance to interact, share experiences and vent about common frustrations.
Take the recommended amount of vitamin E daily. Vitamin E can prevent many different types of cancer for both men and women. Plenty of foods contain enough vitamin E for you to get your daily dosage.
Be open and honest with your family and friends about your diagnosis. You will need the help and support of those who care about you now more than ever, so avoid any attempts at sparing their feelings or appearing courageous. Open and honest communication is what will serve all of you best at this time.
Keep in mind that ultra violet radiation can actually penetrate some fabrics and burn your skin. You can look for the proper sun protection clothing in stores, or online.
The simplest way to fight cancer is to never get it in the first place. You can stay away from things like skin cancer by limiting exposure to the sun. Stay out of the sun’s rays as much as you can when going out, or use a nice sunscreen with a high SPF.
Your diet may impact your body’s ability to fight cancer. For example, tomatoes protect men against prostate cancer. This is a scientifically proven fact.
There is no recommended healthy amount of alcohol to consume if you have cancer or are at risk for it. Some cancers are more prevalent in those who drink a lot of alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol specifically puts you at risk for mouth cancer and cancers of the throat and esophagus. It is acceptable to drink alcohol, but only if you do so in moderation.
Make a bowl of guacamole because it is packed with cancer-fighting nutrients! Tomatoes, jalapenos, green peppers and avocados should be cut up. Next, put in a little salt and some lime juice. The next step is to mash everything together evenly. Avocado, which is the main component in this dip, has compounds which may limit cancerous cell growth in the body. That’s nutritious and delicious.
Staying fit is an important way to prevent cancer. People who are overweight have a higher chance of developing many different health conditions, including cancer. Ask your doctor to prescribe you a weight loss plan which is healthy and comprehensive, even referring you to a nutritionist if necessary. If your weight is healthy, make sure you exercise regularly, and do not adopt bad eating habits.
Have someone who can transport you around while undergoing cancer treatments. Not only is cancer itself an exhausting disease, chemo and other treatments can leave you feeling weak. You may not be able to move quickly or drive and even if you can drive, your reaction times may be too slow to do so safely. So, don’t be afraid to sit in the passenger seat and focus on more important things than driving.
Just the idea of cancer can cause people to feel nervous and afraid. Remember these tips for your own support or to help you support an important person in your life who is facing a cancer diagnosis and treatment.