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.
Exposure to ultra violet radiation from the sun is one of the leading causes of cancer. The most common type of cancer it causes is skin cancer. Applying sunscreen is a must and using protective clothing, like a hat, is very effective for prevention.
Some people are misinformed when it comes to cancer. They may fear that your disease is something that is contagious, or that you can no longer perform your job at work. Adopt an honest attitude.
Colon Cancer
Understand the symptoms of some types of cancer, like colon cancer, if you hope to catch it. Things like bloody stool, unexplained weight loss, cramping and thinning stools can be symptoms of colon cancer. Any indication of symptoms like these should send you straight to the doctor for tests.
You can reduce chances of colon cancer by about 40% if you engage in regular physical activity. This is because people who exercise regularly are usually in much better shape, are able to keep a healthier body weight, and are also able to avoid cancer-increasing diseases like diabetes. Keep trying to stay active.
The decision to stop smoking will greatly reduce your chance of developing emphysema, lung cancer and colon cancer. Tobacco smoke has cancer-causing agents that get into the colon, and it can also make colon polyps much bigger. Just another reason to avoid smoking.
Make certain to study any relevant text you can about the particular cancer you, or someone close to you, has. Knowledge, understanding and confidence are very important when it comes to beating the tragic disease.
Feeling depressed can deteriorate your health and weaken your immune system, which may cause cancer to spread. If a cancer patient becomes depressed, he may give up on trying to defeat cancer and refuse to do anything the doctor suggests to prolong his life or enhance its quality.
Be open and communicate. You may feel that your friends and family members are not being supportive of you during this time. If so, you should approach them with tact and explain your feelings. Gently provide them with an explanation on the reason behind your need for help, and the things they can do to help you. However, it is very important to approach this type of conversation carefully. Remember, your cancer diagnosis isn’t easy for anyone. Your family and friends are struggling to accept your diagnosis too. Make requests from a place of love, though. Don’t have any regrets!
Don’t be fooled that alcohol can help prevent cancer. Wine has only been touted as a preventive measure because it is made with grapes, which have cancer-fighting properties. Ingesting a big amount of alcohol could place you at more risk in developing cancer.
If you’re experiencing stomach upset while on cancer treatment and medication, discontinue drinking coffee. The caffeine in the coffee can make these problems worse, so it’s best to avoid it completely. You should also refrain from consuming caffeine through other foods, including soda and chocolates.
You need to keep your friends and family fully informed of your condition. Remember that these people will want to support you, and that this is a time when you not only deserve, but need that support. Communication and honesty are keys to establishing a good support system including the people who matter to you.
Physical Changes
Prior to undergoing treatment, ask any and all questions you must to fully grasp just what physical changes your body will go through. Being prepared for these physical changes will help you better cope with them. If you will lose your hair due to chemotherapy, discuss options like getting a wig with those who have gone through it before you.
Don’t go out in the sun from 10 am to 3pm. Getting your sunshine and outdoor fun outside of these hours really cuts down on your odds of the skin damage that engenders cancer.
Prevention of cancer is the best treatment. You can best prevent getting skin cancer by avoiding being out in the sun too many hours. If you are going to be in the sun for a long period of time, use a good sunscreen on your entire body.
There are many methods and resources to help ease your stress and allay your fears about dealing with cancer in your life. While there is no instant cure for cancer yet, there are many tips that can help you to deal with the situation. 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.