The diagnosis of cancer may be met with shock or sadness, but you must focus on your survival and recovery. Read this article to find out more about your treatments options, the kind of support you need and the changes you should make to your daily life.
You can overcome any cancer through early detection. Talk with your doctor and set up regular times for screenings to best eliminate the chance for early cancer growth to get out of hand without treatment. For certain cancers that are more common, such as breast or testicular cancer, you should utilize monthly tests that you can perform on your own to find out if you are at risk.
One form of cancer that is commonly contracted is skin cancer caused by excessive exposure to the sun. Two essential tools to protect yourself from the constant barrage of UV rays are a hat and high-SPF sunscreen.
Quit Smoking
Quit smoking immediately if you have cancer. There are some cancer sufferers who do not quit smoking as they are of the mindset that it no longer matters now that they are already ill. Continuing to smoke still delivers carcinogens to your already weakened body and works against treatments.
Be aware of certain changes that may take place as you undergo cancer therapy. Your doctor will let you know all the effects that medications and treatments may have. 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.
Be aware that fruits and vegetables that you buy at the market can sometimes be contaminated. They often carry chemicals meant to kill insects, fungus, or bacteria. A thorough cleaning should be given to all fruits and vegetables in order to remove as much of the offending poison as possible.
Learn the symptoms for all major types of cancer so that you know when you need to see a doctor. If you go to the doctor when you first experience symptoms, you may be able to get cancer treated before it has progressed very far. This improves your chances for a long and happy life. Losing weight rapidly and unexpectedly, dark feces and cramping are just a few of the symptoms of colon cancer. Be sure to schedule a checkup with your doctor if you have these symptoms.
You can reduce chances of colon cancer by about 40% if you engage in regular physical activity. Those who regularly exercise are usually in better shape and are able to maintain a more healthy body weight than others. Therefore, they can usually avoid diseases that encourage cancer, such as diabetes. Strive always to stay active.
If you have a family member who has been diagnosed with cancer, consider attending their doctor’s appointments with them. Having a second pair of ears to listen for information and someone who may be thinking more clearly about questions or concerns is a great idea.
Sodas and other sugary drinks can increase your chances of getting cancer, so stop drinking them. Because these drinks are high in calories and simple carbs, they can result in an unhealthy weight gain, which is one of the factors that promotes the development and spread of cancer throughout the body.
If you are diagnosed with cancer, it is better to understand what you will be going through before you actually experience it. Plan now to be a fighter later.
One of the best ways to deal with a cancer diagnosis is to join a support group to talk with other people who are going through the same thing. The Internet is a wealth of information for locating support groups, and you may also be able to find someone who is willing to talk to your loved one in person. This helps the cancer sufferer get more emotional outlets.
Seal your playset or deck if it was created prior to 2005. The wood on older decks and playsets were exposed to pesticides that contained arsenic–a toxic chemical that can be fatal to your family. Not only is arsenic poisonous when ingested, but exposure to this chemical can increase your risks of getting certain types of cancer.
Get enough vitamin E every day. It has been proven that vitamin E is very helpful in preventing cancer from occurring in both women and men. You can eat many tasty foods to get enough Vitamin E.
When going out in the sun, make sure the skin is covered, either with sunscreen or clothing. Excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause melanoma, or skin cancer, which is one of the most deadly cancers. Water-resistant sunscreen with a minimum of SPF30 is recommended by experts, especially if you are fairer-skinned or prone to sunburns.
Different types of clothing will protect your skin in varying amounts from the sun’s rays. If you can’t find UV blocking clothing in a local store, buy yourself a wardrobe of it online.
Get at least eight hours of sleep each night. The treatments and medications used to fight cancer can take a major toll on your body, leaving you fatigued and stressed out. Sleeping well can help your body heal, and help you be mentally ready for the following day. You may find it helpful to set a time for a nap, or just for a relaxation period each day.
Hold onto your good health habits if you’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer. To be healthy you need to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get about eight hours of sleep each night. When you keep your body as healthy as possible, it increases your resistance and helps fight against the disease, as well as allowing you to recover more quickly from the treatments.
If your cancer medications are causing diarrhea, then you may have to cut your caffeine intake, or add a food or supplement to counter this side effect. It might help you stay awake, but it contributes to your diarrhea. To lesson the symptom, stay away from caffeine.
No matter what it takes, your ultimate is to win your battle with cancer. Doctors can treat your health, but you might not find the best way to deal with cancer emotionally.