When people hear the word “cancer” mentioned, their reaction is often fearful. You can never understand fully what it is like to hear that you have cancer unless it has happened to you. No matter what type of cancer you have, it has an immediate effect on your life and changes you in numerous ways. The purpose of this article is to serve as a guide through those changes, with the goal of making them a bit easier to handle.
For both patient and family, cancer can be very distressful. However, there are many options for treatment currently available which can either prolong the patient’s life or even cure the cancer. To find out the best treatment option available, talk with a doctor.
Be prepared for physical changes that could occur from the cancer treatments. Ask your doctor about different side effects. You may find that you feel more comfortable wearing makeup during your treatments, or you might also consider wearing a wig.
Many people still have incorrect information about cancer. 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. Address other people’s concerns as honestly as you can, and don’t be afraid to share your own feelings about what you’re going through.
Always take a stand when you need to. Alot of people are in the dark, they are not aware of the latest information about cancer and actually may think it is a disease that could be transferred from you to them. Think about how you are going to answer these questions ahead of time, and address any concerns immediately. This will aid the overall response you receive from people while you are coping with cancer.
Smokers need to be very aware that quitting cigarettes not only protects against lung cancer and emphysema, but also against colon cancer. Tobacco smoke has cancer-causing agents that get into the colon, and it can also make colon polyps much bigger. These reasons are just more on top of the hundreds of other reasons to stop smoking.
During the treatment process, you should offer to accompany a cancer patient to his or her doctor appointments. If you have a neutral person around, it helps with asking questions and bringing up concerns.
Many people know that wild salmon is both healthy and delicious. Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, along with lower mercury levels compared to other fish, can actually help prevent cancer. Try to eat wild salmon at least twice weekly to keep the cancer producing cells at bay.
Don’t hesitate to speak up for yourself. If you need additional help to get through this difficult period in your life, bring the topic up gently with your loved ones. Let your loved ones know exactly what support you’re asking for, and how they specifically can help. But, you must proceed slowly and carefully. This is a tough period of time. Come from a position of love. Don’t try to manipulate people or make them feel guilty–just state calmly what you need. It’s best not to live or die with regrets, so assert yourself in a gentle and loving manner.
Never be afraid of the fight. Remember what you are fighting for and do not make any concessions to the disease.
Stay away from doctors who you are having trouble communicating with. You’ll probably always be asking questions throughout this whole ordeal so having healthy communication with your doctor is key. Your concerns must be addressed immediately.
By understanding the symptoms associated with cancer, you can help to identify if you are at risk of getting cancer. If you know the common symptoms of cancer in advance, then you can identify those symptoms much easier should you ever experience them.
When a friend or family member has cancer, it can be very helpful to go along to the doctor’s appointments with them. It is wonderful support and you may think of questions they did not. You may have specific questions about how best to care for your loved one, and the doctor is probably the best person to answer them.
Make sure you are getting enough vitamin E on a daily basis. Vitamin E, consumed as recommended, has been proven to prevent cancer. Getting vitamin E doesn’t need to involve a harsh supplement. There are yummy foods that provide all the vitamin E you need.
There are many techniques to help you cope with cancer no matter what your diagnosis, from seeking out support to learning about your own treatment. With any luck, this article can help you in your cancer battle with more knowledge and a stronger will to live.