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.
To beat cancer, finding it early is essential. Schedule regular appointments for screenings, so that you can catch cancer cells before you start to have symptoms. Do a self examination once monthly, to check for breast or testicular cancer.
Before starting treatment, you should first learn about what types of changes you can expect to encounter. Your doctor can make you aware of any possible side effects of treatment. You may find that you feel more comfortable wearing makeup during your treatments, or you might also consider wearing a wig.
Many people still believe old myths about cancer. Certain people believe that cancer can be transferred from person to person, while others think that they can no longer work. Be as honest and as up-front as possible.
Don’t be afraid to make yourself heard. A lot of people still have old fashioned beliefs about cancer, and some even believe that cancer can be transmitted from person to person. By thinking about these answers in advance, you will be better prepared when these questions arise. This way, others who are around you will be in a better position to support you during treatment, as their fears will have been allayed.
If you know a person who has had a cancer diagnosis, make the effort to hear them out. Even though it’s not always the easiest thing to do, you have to allow your loved one the opportunity to communicate his or her thoughts, feelings and emotions. Make sure not to give your personal opinions or interrupt; this time is for them.
If you want to catch cancer in its earliest stages, know what symptoms to look for. Early indications can include unexplained fluctuations in your weight, bloody or thin stools and abdominal cramps. Be sure to schedule a checkup with your doctor if you have these symptoms.
If someone you love has cancer, go to their appointments with them. You will be able to ask questions they had not thought of before and support them through this difficult experience.
Sodas and other sugary drinks can increase your chances of getting cancer, so stop drinking them. The high amount of calories and simple carbohydrates can cause weight gain, which in turn can invite cancer to grow and spread in numerous places in the human body.
Help a loved one or friend who has cancer to find a network of support people to share their experiences with. There are many support groups that can be found both online and offline. You may find an individual eager to lend face-to-face support. Doing this provides an extra emotional outlet for the person with cancer.
Whether you have had cancer for a day or a year, it’s never a bad idea to sign up for a support group devoted to cancer. You can talk to fellow sufferers about how they cope with cancer, both mentally and physically. Your family members are usually welcome to come to this group too.
It is important to be frank and honest when discussing your diagnosis. Trying to play brave can actually leave you feeling alone and isolated at the very time when you need a support group. Your condition will be far easier to endure if you do it with the support and comfort of those closest to you.
As you prepare to undergo treatment, you should ask detailed questions that can help you to grasp the magnitude of the physical changes in store for you. By being prepared for what is to come, you will be better able to cope with the changes. For example, if you expect to lose your hair, you’ll be able to get advice about wigs or scalp treatments from others who have already gone through it.
Don’t go out in direct sunlight unprotected during late morning and early afternoon. Go outside before or after those times to enjoy the fresh air without damaging your skin.
It’s easiest to beat cancer if you don’t have it. Don’t stay in the sun for too long to stave off skin cancer. And be sure to use a high SPF sunscreen.
Take time for fun every single day. If you are diagnosed with cancer, you do not have to completely remove all fun activities from your life. Continue to enjoy your passions, such as sports, movies, books, cooking, and so on. Naturally, you might need to be more careful about pacing yourself to avoid overdoing it, but you may be surprised at how much you can still do with some planning.
Get a good amount of sleep, preferably eight hours or more a night. Cancer treatments fight off the disease but may leave you very tired and full of anxiety. Proper rest equates into more energy, and drive to push through the next day, which is why you should always get the recommended amount of sleep each night. If it becomes necessary, keep a schedule where you could rest during the day.
As the above article has shown, lots of methods of decreasing stress and alleviating fears concerning cancer exist. Unfortunately, there isn’t a single method of managing cancer that works for everyone; however, you can apply small methods of easing this process. The tips and hints in this article, along with a day-by-day approach, can help you find the strength to win your battle against cancer.