Even the word “cancer” causes many people to shiver in fear. Unless you have experienced how it feels to be diagnosed with cancer, you cannot imagine how devastating and scary it can truly be. No matter whether the cancer is a death sentence or is treatable, a cancer diagnoses means making serious life changes. The information in the following article is meant to help you deal with those changes in a way that makes them more tolerable and less destructive.
Cancer not only turns the patient’s life upside down, but also his family’s. 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.
Eat as little sugar as possible. Sugar contributes to the growth rate of cancer cells. Cancer cells grow faster when they have a supply of glucose, so reducing your intake of sugar could slow down the rate a which the cells multiply. Although this tactic alone will not eliminate cancer, it can help to combat it.
If you get diagnosed with cancer early, you will have better chances of winning your battle. Be diligent with screening tests so that you can detect any problems before symptoms appear. Breast and testes should be self-examined on a monthly basis, so that any changes will be immediately noticed.
Cancer is very difficult for both the patient and his family. There are a number of cancer treatments in existence, so it’s best to talk to a doctor.
You will feel better, look better, and have a better chance of avoiding cancer if you pay attention to your diet and get adequate exercise. Eat lots of vegetables and fruit, drink adequate water and aim for 30 minutes of exercise a day. Not only will it improve your life, it could reduce your risk of cancer.
It is important to exercise when you are fighting cancer. Exercise helps your circulation by getting your blood flowing. When the blood is flowing at its optimum throughout your body, the cancer treatments can travel everywhere they need to.
A cancer diagnosis means you should stop smoking immediately. Many people who have cancer erroneously believe that there is no point in quitting smoking since they are ill already. Smoking will reduce your chances of recovering completely.
Speak up for yourself when necessary. Plenty of people still live under false stereotypes of the “cancer patient”. They may think you are unable to perform your job or may be contagious, take this chance to prove them wrong. Prepare yourself in advance for questions of this nature. Decide how you’ll respond if someone says something ignorant or offensive, and address concerns as they come up. This can help you with your treatment.
Be prepared for physical changes that could occur from the cancer treatments. Either your doctor or nurse can describe the side effects of the drugs and radiation treatment you will receive. If you lose your hair, get a wig and if your skin looks pale, use makeup.
If you do have cancer, be sure to always inform yourself on the subject and always be on the lookout for new information. Confidence is actually very important here.
Voice your thoughts and opinions and stand your ground when required. 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. Prepare yourself in advance for questions of this nature. Decide how you’ll respond if someone says something ignorant or offensive, and address concerns as they come up. Nipping misinformation in the bud from the beginning will improve the ways people respond to you throughout your treatment.
Do not be scared to feel a bit of discomfort if you have to get your breasts screened for cancer. This process only takes a couple of 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.
If a loved one receives a diagnosis of cancer, make yourself available to them. It may be difficult for you, but they need someone to listen while they express their feelings. Try to listen without interjecting your ideas or opinions. Let your loved one have this time to simply release some of the difficult thoughts and sentiments he or she is struggling to deal with at this challenging time.
Wild Salmon
The benefits of a breast cancer examination far outweigh the awkward process. This process only takes a couple of minutes. The end result could be catching cancer in time and saving your breasts and your life, so do not allow the fear of being uncomfortable deter you from getting a screening.
Most people know that fish such as wild salmon are very nutritious. However, were you aware that the omega-3 fat and low mercury in salmon can prevent cancer? Make sure you eat wild salmon frequently, at least two or three times a week, to prevent cancer and kill any cancer cells that are already developing.
Limit your intake of sugary drinks such as soda, or eliminate them altogether if you can. These drinks increase your cancer risk. These drinks are poor nutrition that can not only lead to weight gain, but can interfere with the body’s ability to prevent the growth of cancer in the body.
To avoid feelings of dissatisfaction, intentionally form the expectation that not all of your expectations will in actuality be met. Never take for granted the support you receive from others.
If you are diagnosed with cancer, it is better to understand what you will be going through before you actually experience it. Prepare yourself now in order to win the fight later.
Communicate! If you feel the support from your friends and family is not sufficient, speak with them directly about this subject. They may actually be relieved to have you bring it up, and they might also appreciate knowing from you what kind of support you would like and can use. However, you do need to be cautious. This is an extremely difficult time. You should always rely on love, rather than guilt to ask your friends and family for help. Do not have any regrets!
It is important to remember that your expectations do not always align with the realm of what is feasible. Make the best of the support that you receive.
Actively participating in treatments will help you to better fight against cancer, rather than just sitting there and allowing the doctors to treat you. Do not remove yourself from the situation. This will not help you get better faster, or at all.
If you have a deck or a play set that was constructed before 2005, put a seal on it. The wood used might contain arsenic pesticides that could cause cancer. Seal these structures to prevent exposure to these harmful chemicals.
If you are a caretaker for a loved one with cancer, you may benefit from attending doctor’s visits with your family member so you can ask any questions you might have. If you don’t ask questions, you might not understand the disease or treatment plan well enough to give the cancer patient the support and help he most needs.
Know the symptoms and signs of cancer so you can know when you are at risk. By knowing the risk factors, you will be more able to recognize any symptoms when they occur.
Try not to go outside between 10 am and 3 pm. Get your sun either early in the morning, or late in the afternoon to reduce your exposure to harmful UV rays.
If a member of your family is a cancer sufferer, it is vital that you try not to treat the person any differently. Positive energy is what a cancer patient needs right now, negativity will only lead to self-pity, and possibly even a defeatist attitude.
Avoiding cancer in the first place is preferable to being able to beat it. Using a good sunscreen, and curtailing your hours in direct sunlight, will go a long way to preventing skin cancer.
When you are diagnosed with cancer, take the time to explain things to your friends and family openly and honestly. You should avoid pushing people away by seeming strong. Cancer is a scary diagnosis, and you will need a strong support system while undergoing treatment. Making sure to communicate your concerns will create a bond and provide a benefit to you and those you love.
Pay close attention to your body. When your body tells you to rest, take the time to take a nap. If you are feeling draggy, then give your diet a facelift, and eat more healthily. Pay attention to how you feel, and take good care of yourself.
When going outdoors in the sunshine, it’s advised to cover your skin with sunscreen or clothing to lessen the risk of acquiring skin cancer. The sun’s ultraviolet light can quickly burn unprotected skin, and lead to potentially fatal melanomas. It is suggested to use a waterproof sunscreen SPF30+ if you have light skin which is susceptible to sunburn.
Life continues despite the fact that you are ill. Stick to your regular routine and activities for as much time as your body allows. If you find joy in something, do not let your cancer keep you away from it. You will find pleasure in doing it and find it easier to stay positive for much longer.
Ask questions about what types of physical changes you should expect as your treatment progresses. If you’re prepared for the eventual side effects, you’ll be able to deal with them much more easily. 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.
Certain foods are known combatants of specific cancers, like the documented benefits of tomatoes against prostrate cancer. There is a wealth of research that suggests the cancer fighting properties of certain foods.
Sun exposure between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm is the most dangerous in terms of skin cancer potential. If you must spend a great deal of time outdoors, it should be done outside of those hours. Doing so will decrease your chances of getting skin damage, which also decreases the odds of developing cancer.
Two of the most frequently utilized techniques for treating ovarian cancer are surgical removal and chemotherapy. The surgical options include removal of the fallopian tubes or an ovary (or both ovaries) and can go as far as a full hysterectomy or removal of lymph nodes. Chemotherapy uses radiation to destroy remaining cancer cells. If can be done before surgery, but is most often scheduled for after the surgery.
Preventing cancer is the surest means of defeating it. For example, reduce your odds of developing skin cancer by taking precautions to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. If you must be in the sun for long periods of time, you should cover your body with sunblock.
Enjoy some guacamole, a delicious chip dip that contains nutrients that will help you fight the effects of cancer. The dip contains tomatoes, avocados, green peppers and jalapenos. Toss in a dash of salt and some lime juice. Then mix it all up. This dip’s main ingredient, avocado, contains compounds which are believed to inhibit the growth of cancer cells within the body. It’s tasty and healthy!
Having a healthy lifestyle can help you cope with cancer. Being healthy includes having a balanced diet, exercising, and being well rested. You will need a lot of energy to fight cancer, and adopting a healthier lifestyle could actually make a big difference.
Regardless of the kind of cancer you’re suffering from, you can do many things to assist yourself in this disease, to improve your life, and to receive assistance from others. This article is the beginning of your journey to beat cancer and strengthen your will to survive.
Sleep is something your body needs. When you sleep you allow your body time to recover as well as regenerate from any treatments you are going through. It is recommended that you get a minimum of seven hours sleep during the night and take at least a one our nap during the day.