There is no greater challenge than dealing with a diagnosis of cancer for yourself or a loved one. There are various resources, and this article can help you understand the disease better, what it does, and how you may manage it.
Remember that you still need exercise, even when you have cancer. Exercise helps boost the flow of blood throughout the body. Getting your blood pumping will help your treatments to go through your body easier.
Be prepared of the changes your physical body will undergo, while receive your cancer treatments. Discuss the side effects of any drugs or other treatments with your doctor. If you lose your hair, get a wig and if your skin looks pale, use makeup.
If a loved one has been given a diagnosis of cancer, spend time with them and simply listen. You may find it awkward to do at first, but your loved one will benefit greatly from the opportunity to talk, as well as from knowing that you cared enough to take the first step. Make sure not to give your personal opinions or interrupt; this time is for them.
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. Things like bloody stool, unexplained weight loss, cramping and thinning stools can be symptoms of colon cancer. If you show any of these signs, get yourself checked out.
Physical activity can reduce your chances of contracting colon cancer by around 40%. When you regularly work your body, you give it the tools you need to fight off cancer as well as to resist other diseases like diabetes. Try your hardest to keep active.
If you are a smoker, you should know that your habit increases your risk of developing emphysema, lung cancer and colon cancer. Smoking allows carcinogens to be transferred to the colon causing cancer and increasing the size of any colon polyps. These are just a few of the reasons you need to quit smoking.
Be ready to have “friends” when you’ve got cancer, for instance, all of those you have allowed into your life. You will need the help of chemo specialists, oncologists, nurses and perhaps a support group to help you through it. You can’t deal with cancer on your own.
Remember, communication is the key. If you are not getting the help you need, speak with your friends and family in a thoughtful way to explain your needs. Have a talk with them and let them know just how you are feeling and what they can do to help. Be careful, though. This is a difficult time. Go forward always using love as the foundation for support. You should never regret being open with your feelings and communicating with love.
Even in the best circumstances, managing cancer treatment is not easy. The word itself is enough to arouse discomfort and anxiety, as cancer is one of the leading causes of death throughout the nation. As mentioned earlier, a great many resources and forms of support are available to help you cope, including the tips in this article.
