Whether it is for yourself or someone you love, managing the treatment needed to defeat cancer can be a challenge. Articles such as this one can help keep you informed, and give you ideas on how to enjoy life, even with a difficult condition.
For both patient and family, cancer can be very distressful. A wide variety of treatment types exist, and some cancers can even be cured, which is why it is important to have good medical advice.
Help to prevent cancer cell growth by avoiding sugar. Because cancer cells absolutely thrive on sugar, so cutting it out of your diet is like starving them. By itself, this is not a sufficient treatment to beat cancer, but it can serve as a supplement to other therapies.
Ask questions when you need to or make the effort to share your difficulties. Many people still hold outdated opinions on cancer and may question your ability to do your job or think that they can “catch” something from you. Understand that not everyone is knowledgeable about cancer and answer any questions as honestly as you can. This will help those around you to be less intimidated or fearful as you battle cancer.
It’s especially important for cancer patients to quit smoking. The sooner you quit after receiving your diagnosis, the better your chances for long-term recovery from the disease. Many cancer patients mistakenly think that it doesn’t mater if they quit smoking or not. This however, is not true, as the amount of carcinogens the body receives can be reduced if they stop smoking. A decrease in carcinogens means a better chance of recovery.
If you know someone with cancer, listen to what they have to say. It may be difficult for you, but they need someone to listen while they express their feelings. Let them talk without interrupting or trying to give them advice.
Understand that cancer treatments generally come with unpleasant side effects that you need to address. Your physician will usually warn you about any side effects from the drugs or treatments you are due to receive. Be prepared for the possibility of hair loss by having a wig ready and look around for some make up to handle any complexion problems.
Smoking increases the risk of colon cancer, in addition to that of the lungs and mouth. Tobacco causes colon polyps to grow in size; in addition, inhaling smoke causes carcinogens to enter the body and travel into the colon. This is one of many reasons you should give up smoking for good.
It’s important to find your voice and state your needs, wants and feelings clearly. Sometimes you may choose to answer difficult questions so that others can understand what you’re going through, while other times you may need to set limits on what you will talk about and stick to them. Some people might question whether or not you can continue doing your job, or will fear that your cancer is contagious. Think about these questions prior to seeing people and how you would effectively respond to them and address them properly. It can help how you are treated by others during your treatment.
Always be ready for a battle. Gathering your inner strength and refusing to let the difficulties of dealing with cancer get you down is the positive way to give yourself the best chance for survival.
If someone you care about has recently gotten the diagnosis of cancer, listen to them. Doing this can be hard sometimes, but the cancer victim you know really could use any chance they can to express their emotions. Don’t interrupt, contradict or give your opinion. Just listen while your loved one talks about his cancer diagnosis.
Being a full participant in your treatment program, as opposed to just letting doctors treat you, maximizes your chance of recovery. Don’t exclude yourself from the conversation. Doing this won’t help you make a recovery.
If your loved one suffer from cancer, you should accompany them to all of their appointments. Having a person in the room with a clearer head is great for asking any questions and addressing concerns you might have for the doctor.
You may have heard that drinking alcohol can reduce your risk of developing cancer. Wine only helps with cancer because it has grapes. However, you should keep in mind that excessive drinking of alcohol increases the risk of many types of cancer.
If you or a loved one has just been diagnosed with cancer, make sure that you increase you understanding of the disease by reading any medical literature that you have access to. It’s important to be confident.
If you’re experiencing stomach upset while on cancer treatment and medication, discontinue drinking coffee. Coffee’s caffeine can make these issues worse, so try to avoid drinking it. Abstain from consuming other caffeine-rich foods, like sodas or chocolate.
One of the many causes of cancer are sugar filled drinks, so it’s best to cut sodas, juices, and other such drinks out of your life. Eating too many calories and carbohydrates induces weight gain, which can contribute to the development of cancer.
Make sure that you take the adequate amounts of vitamin E every day. Those who regularly consume the recommended dose of vitamin E are far less likely to get cancer than those who don’t. There are a number of foods packed with Vitamin E that you can incorporate into your diet.
Having cancer means that there are certain things you have to accept now rather than finding out the hard way later. Be prepared for the battle ahead.
It may be wise to participate in a support group, no matter how long you’ve had cancer for. You can converse with others afflicted to learn how you can cope with cancer, both mentally and physically. Family members are often welcome to the group as well.
You are going to have to make a lot of new friends and learn to rely on them. Examples include chemo technicians, oncology nurses, oncologists and anyone else who can relate to your experience and provide support. Graciously allow these people to help you, because you can’t face cancer alone.
Make sure you have asked all your questions before treatment commences, so you are fully aware of what lies ahead both physically and emotionally. By being prepared for what is to come, you will be better able to cope with the changes. For example, many chemo patients lose their hair. If this is going to be an issue for you, you can educate yourself about wigs or other ways of improving your appearance once you begin treatment. Talking with other chemo patients can sometimes help you relieve anxiety and make plans to deal with physical changes.
What’s expected and what really happens are different things. Always appreciate any support you get.
Life should not stop when you are diagnosed with cancer. As much as you are able, maintain your regular daily activities. Illness should not stop you from doing the things you really love. Doing the things you love is a good way to stay motivated and keep a positive attitude.
Do not be afraid and make sure you stand up for yourself. Your life is worth fighting for, so adopt a positive attitude and remind yourself continually that you are going win against the cancer.
There are certain therapies that can assist you in treating your disease and helping you with life afterwards. Massages, aromatherapy, acupuncture and Reiki healing are a few of the options available to you. These activities can provide much needed relaxation and help to reduce stress.
Do not let someone fool you by telling you that alcohol helps prevent and fight against cancer. Wine only helps with cancer because it has grapes. However, you should keep in mind that excessive drinking of alcohol increases the risk of many types of cancer.
Some foods target specific types of cancer. For example, tomatoes are thought to fight against prostate cancer. There are studies that support this as being fact.
Avoid doctors that you cannot communicate openly and honestly with. Questions will arise all the time. An effective doctor will always be available to address any questions or concerns without delay.
Be sure to eat your three meals a day. Cancer treatment may take away your appetite, but it is important that you eat to keep your strength up and allow the cancer medications to work properly. Consume starches if you’re having trouble keeping food down. Eating fruits and vegetables might help too.
Know what the causes of cancer are, and learn how to know when you are at risk. If you know the warning symptoms of cancer, you will stand a better chance of identifying them and seeking treatment early.
If cancer is something that you have already began to cope with, perhaps it’s time to ease things up a bit and bring the entertainment system into your room. If your philosophy up until now has been to forbid televisions in the bedroom, now might be a good time to rethink that. Most likely you are going to spend a lot of time in bed while you’re being treated. This may be a good way to pass the time as you regain your strength.
Cancer support groups are a great thing to join if you have had cancer or were recently diagnosed with it. You’ll have the chance to talk to others who are going through the same things that you are. Family members are usually welcome to attend group meetings.
Avoid risky environments and behaviors. Some activities can make someone get an infection, and it’s these infections that can lead to cancer. Therefore, you should make sure that you practice safe sex and you should avoid ever sharing needles with anyone.
Prior to treatment, ask questions about the physical changes that you can expect. By being prepared for what is to come, you will be better able to cope with the changes. Speak to other patients who have already experienced hair loss if it is likely that this will happen to you. They will be the best source of information regarding wigs and makeup. This way you will not be scrambling for recommendations at the last minute.
Ovarian cancer is usually treated with chemotherapy and surgery. There are varying degrees to which surgery can be applied. Surgery can remove a single ovary, or it can involve a complete hysterectomy with the removal of lymph nodes located nearby. Chemotherapy is one treatment option, one that combines drugs and radiation to kill off cancer cells. Sometimes, this is done prior to surgery if a situation calls for it. However, it is typically performed after surgery.
Don’t be outside in the sunlight from 10 am to 3pm. If you go outside before these hours, you will lessen the chance of skin damage becoming cancer.
Can you believe there is a cancer fighting dip? There is, guacamole! Smash up an avocado, add some green pepper, jalapenos, and tomatoes! Try putting in some salt and a little lime juice. Use a masher or food processor to reduce the ingredients to a smooth paste. The avocados in guacamole have been found to interfere with cancer cell growth. What a delicious, healthy snack!
Battling cancer will always be just that–a battle. Many people are terrified of getting a cancer diagnosis because of the disease’s fatality rate. However, as you previously read, there are several resources available which can help you manage cancer starting with these tips which can help you out a great deal.
Prostate exams can help prevent cancer in men. They should see their doctor once a year for a prostate exam. Prostate cancer often has no external symptoms in the early stages, and so it can only be detected by a doctor.