One of the scariest things to deal with in life is cancer. Knowing how to prevent or deal with cancer can be a little less frightening if you have the information you need. This article has some ideas that can make living with cancer easier.
If a loved one has been given a diagnosis of cancer, spend time with them and simply listen. Doing this can be hard sometimes, but the cancer victim you know really could use any chance they can to express their emotions. 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.
A little bit of exercise every day can dramatically decrease your risk of getting colon cancer. Getting enough exercise allows you to lose weight and, avoid diseases which can increase your risks of getting cancer such as diabetes. Fitness is a very important preventative measure.
If a family or friend has cancer, it is helpful for you to go to their appointments with them. Sometimes, your presence will help your loved one open up about concerns, or they can turn to you for clarification.
Depression can cause your health to lapse; and thus, can allow the cancer to grow. They might even give up on life totally.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you are going to have to learn how to accept some cold, hard facts now, so you don’t have to learn about them the hard way down the road. Prepare yourself now so that you can fight later.
Be open about how you are feeling, both physically and emotionally, and keep the lines of communication open. If you need more assistance from your loved ones and friends, just ask them in a nice way for their help. Have a cordial conversation with them to let them know what they can do to help you and why you need help. Just be careful how you phrase your requests. This is a difficult time. Come from a position of love. Don’t try to manipulate people or make them feel guilty–just state calmly what you need. Live without regret.
You should be ready to conquer the war. Fight your cancer with all of your might, it is a tough battle, but if you stay strong, and positive you will have the best chances of beating it.
If you know someone dealing with cancer, help them find people that they can talk to. Check online for cancer support groups; there may be ones in your local area where face-to-face contact could be arranged. This will allow the person who is dealing with cancer a good way to let their emotions out.
If you have a deck or a play set that was constructed before 2005, put a seal on it. Oftentimes, an arsenic pesticide was applied to the wood used in these older structures. This chemical has the potential to cause cancer, but you can keep your family safe from this danger by using a quality sealant on the wood.
Whenever you are in the sun, you should cover your skin with clothing or sunscreen to make it less likely that you will contract skin cancer. The sun is the leading cause of melanoma, and it can lead to fatalities if untreated. At a very minimum you should wear a sunscreen that is SPF30+, and make sure it is also waterproof.
Chemo Patients
Talk to your doctor about your treatment. Ask him to describe the physical effects of the treatment and address any concerns you have. This will keep you better prepared to handle the changes that occur. 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.
Make time for fun. Just because you have cancer doesn’t mean it has to change your life. Keep participating in the activities that make you happy, whether that means spending some quiet time reading a book, enjoying a movie with a friend, or cheering on your favorite team at a live sporting event. It may require a little more planning to make sure you don’t over exert yourself, but don’t stop experiencing life.
Despite your diagnosis and treatment, life does go on. Try to participate in your typical activities as long as you feel up to them. Falling ill is not a good reason to stop doing something that you enjoy. You will enjoy it, and it will be easier to remain in a positive frame of mind for a longer time.
There are foods that help in the battle with cancer. For example, the lycopene in tomatoes is helpful in warding off prostate cancer. There is a wealth of research that suggests the cancer fighting properties of certain foods.
Alcohol can increase your chances of getting several different types of cancer. Even drinking one beer a day puts you at more risk of getting cancer than drinking none at all. Drinking too much alcohol specifically puts you at risk for mouth cancer and cancers of the throat and esophagus. If you do decide to drink, try to at least do so with moderation.
Say “I love you” as often as to can to any friend or family member with cancer. Your actions can show them love, but don’t forget to tell them, too. Hearing these words can help to reassure a cancer patient that no matter what happens you will be there for them.
Make certain to have three daily meals. Even if you do not feel hungry, medications will work better if you have a full stomach. Stick with starches if you are having problems keeping your food down. Vegetables and fruits can also help.
The word cancer itself can be a tumor of fear in the mind. Remember the tips in this article so you can help to fight cancer yourself or support someone else who has cancer.