When introduced into casual conversation, the word “cancer” can carry a terrifying edge. How much more fearful is it to hear that you, yourself, have cancer. Only those who have had this experience fully understand the devastating effect. Regardless of whether the cancaer is treatable, operable or terminal, such a diagnosis is life changing. 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.
There are many theories about your diet and how it can affect cancer. Sugar is what cancer cells use to grow, so eliminating sugar completely can help to starve out your cancer. Although this alone may not cure cancer, it is used with other treatments.
A primary source of cancer is exposure to sunlight, as skin cancer is among the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer. In order to prevent cancer, use plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat if you know you will be in the sun for a long time.
Cancer is a stressful diagnosis for both the patient and his or her family. Because most forms of cancer are curable if caught early enough, it is important that you consult with as many professionals as you can as often as you can.
If you are a smoker and you are diagnosed with cancer, then you need to become tobacco free immediately. Many cancer patients mistakenly think that it doesn’t mater if they quit smoking or not. The carcinogens that are in the cigarettes can greatly decrease the chances of your body making a full recovery.
Not only does eating right and exercising make you look and feel great, it also reduces your risk of cancer. If you want to prevent cancer, you need to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise for at least half an hour a day and drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
As you are treated for cancer, you will undergo many physical changes as a result of the treatment process. Prepare yourself for this. Your physician can give you a good heads up about the side effects that your drugs and treatment might instigate. You may need to buy a wig, if you lose hair or wear makeup, if your complexion becomes very pale, and it makes you uncomfortable.
Exercising is a good way to fight cancer. Your blood will flow more easily if you are active. You want to be sure you have as much blood flow as you can throughout your body, so that when you are treated your blood is flowing good throughout your body.
Many people still have incorrect information about cancer. They may fear that your disease is something that is contagious, or that you can no longer perform your job at work. Make an effort to establish a frank and open dialogue on the subject.
One of the best ways to arm yourself in the fight against cancer is to read as much as you can about the disease. Confidence is quite important under these circumstances.
If you know someone with a diagnosis of cancer, give them the opportunity to talk to you. It can be hard sometimes, but your loved ones need to be able to express what they are feeling. Don’t interrupt or share your opinions. Instead, make the conversation about them.
What you expect, and what happens, can be two different things. Appreciate the support you are receiving.
Do not be scared to feel a bit of discomfort if you have to get your breasts screened for cancer. This is something that only lasts a few minutes. Screening procedures are designed to save your life by catching a problem while it is still manageable. The possibility of experiencing a little discomfort should be no reason to avoid periodic screening for cancer.
Look for a doctor that is open and easily accessible. Having your questions answered as soon as possible is important. Your concerns should be addressed immediately.
Drinking sodas and other sugary drinks increase your chances of getting cancer. Calories and carbs cause you to gain weight, that can in turn help cancer form and spread in your body.
Stop drinking coffee if the cancer medications and treatments you are taking are not agreeing with your stomach. The caffeine in coffee will exacerbate these types of problems, so it is best to stay away from the drink completely. Also, try to avoid all other sources of caffeine, which is usually present in soft drinks and chocolate as well.
After being diagnosed with cancer you’ll have to become open with people you’ve just met. There are many people who you will be around that will be able to help you and empathize with you. These people include chemo specialists, nurses and doctors. This is a journey you cannot make alone, so form the intention of reaching out and accepting these new people into your life.
Perhaps joining a support group could help you stay positive. At a support group, you’ll have the chance to talk to others about the ways they deal with their cancer. Most of these groups also welcome family members and friends of cancer patients.
You should be ready to conquer the war. Don’t forget, this is your life you’re fighting for, and you will be in the best winning position if you refuse to give up and stay strong and ready to face the war.
If a member of your family is a cancer sufferer, it is vital that you try not to treat the person any differently. Cancer patients do not need pity, but they do need positive support to maintain the energy they need to cope.
Support Groups
Discuss your diagnosis of cancer with loved ones frankly and honestly. Trying to play brave can actually leave you feeling alone and isolated at the very time when you need a support group. You and your family can build strong bonds during this time if you allow total honesty and open communication to occur.
If a friend or family member is suffering from cancer, you should help them to find support groups where they can chat with fellow sufferers. There are plenty of virtual support groups, as well as local cancer survivors who can speak with your loved one. This will allow the person who is dealing with cancer a good way to let their emotions out.
Understand any physical changes or side effects that will occur before you begin any treatment. If you know what to expect, it will be easier to deal with. If you know that you will be losing your hair, you should consider speaking with other patients for ideas about handling this major transition.
Do not drink coffee while undergoing cancer treatment if you are experiencing nausea. The caffeine in coffee will exacerbate these types of problems, so it is best to stay away from the drink completely. You should also refrain from consuming caffeine through other foods, including soda and chocolates.
Different types of clothing will protect your skin in varying amounts from the sun’s rays. If you are unable to locate protective apparel from local stores, you should be able to find it from online retailers.
Different types of clothing will protect your skin in varying amounts from the sun’s rays. If you are not able to find any protective clothing in a store around you, you can definitely find something you will like online.
Take time to have fun. A cancer diagnosis does not have to change the way you fundamentally live your life. Do the things you love, from reading your favorite genre of book, to going out to the movies or viewing a sporting event. 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.
Try not to be in the sun very much between 10 am and 3 pm. Get your outdoor play time in before those hours and you will seriously reduce the risk of skin damage that leads to cancer.
Get a good amount of sleep, preferably eight hours or more a night. Your body will probably get exhausted and severely stressed from cancer treatments. If you are getting a good night’s sleep, it gives your body the best chance of healing in a quick manner, while also providing you with much needed energy each day. A daily nap can be beneficial as well.
No matter the stage of cancer you’re in, you can do many things to improve your life, and get help and support from others. The information found here will help lighten your load and give you confidence in your ability to fight against cancer.
Listen to the signals that your body sends you. Rest if you feel fatigued. If your metabolism is not as fired up as you want, change up your diet regimen. Listening to your body can be a very effective way of maintaining the energy you need to fight cancer.