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.
The diagnosis of cancer challenges the patient, but it also takes a toll on the family as well. As there are different ways to treat and perhaps even cure certain kinds of cancers, have regular talks with a doctor.
Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer that can be easily prevented. To protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, wear a hat and apply liberal amounts of sunscreen.
Immediately quit smoking if you discover that you have cancer. Many cancer sufferers make the mistake thinking they don’t have to stop smoking because they’re 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.
Many people still believe old myths about cancer. Some people are under the impression that cancer is infectious, or that a person has to give up working. It is best to speak openly and honestly.
Smokers must be aware that quitting can protect them from colon and lung cancer, as well as emphysema. Any smoke that is inhaled moves carcinogens towards the colon, and tobacco has been known to make the colon polyps bigger. You can minimize the risk to your colon if you quit smoking.
Being an active partner in developing your cancer treatment plan is the most effective way to help your doctors recommend what is right for you. Be an active participant in your treatment. This is not how you get better.
Do not be afraid to change doctors if you are unhappy with the care or manner of your doctor. When you have a question, you want it answered promptly. Address concerns as soon as you have them, or else they could be forgotten and become more serious.
Be sure you seal any decks or play sets that were built before 2005. The wood used back then contained a pesticide made of arsenic, so sealing it can help to contain that chemical and reduce the chance that exposure will cause longer term injury to your child.
Know what the causes of cancer are, and learn how to know when you are at risk. If you know the common symptoms of cancer in advance, then you can identify those symptoms much easier should you ever experience them.
If you go to the doctor to support someone who has cancer, do not be afraid to ask questions. Your loved one will appreciate the second set of ears to listen to answers to their questions as well as to the ones you have.
If your cancer medication and treatment is upsetting your stomach, eliminate coffee from your diet. Caffeine can be a contributing factor to making your stomach upset, so you should keep coffee out of your diet to help with the symptoms. In addition, stay away from any caffeine, which can be found in chocolate and soft drinks.
You can prevent skin cancer by wearing clothes or sunscreen while in the sun. The sun’s ultraviolet rays could be harsh, and may cause melanoma, which could be fatal if it is left untreated. Use a waterproof sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30, especially if you have Type I or Type II skin, which are especially prone to burning.
As you have read, there are many things you can do to reduce the stress of your cancer diagnosis and its treatment. Cancer is as individual as the people who have it, so there is no single answer when it comes to treatment. However, there are individual steps within the treatment process that can be adapted to suit your situation. By just focusing on the present, and using some of the advice provided here, your positive outlook will help you to be successful in your battle with cancer.
