Battling cancer can be the biggest fight of your life. You need to be informed and in control of all the options you have. Don't be afraid to ask questions of your doctors, nurses and other medical caregivers. Research your type of cancer and empower yourself with knowledge. Arming yourself for battle can help you win the war!
If you have been diagnosed with cancer and are a smoker, you need to quit right away. The ingredients in cigarettes have been proven to have very bad side effects on the body and for someone that is battling cancer they can be very detrimental. It is important to quit as soon as possible to have a fighting chance against the cancer.
There are many stigmas with cancer that still exist today. People will often wonder if cancer is contagious, if those with cancer can perform as well as someone without cancer, of if cancer patients will be offended at the very mention of the disease. Try to eliminate these stigmas among your friends and family if they arise.
You should join a support group when you have been diagnosed with cancer. You will be able to meet people who have been through what you are going through. You will be able to learn how they got through their situation and the things they did to cope. It can be very useful and helpful.
Offer to help with the daily chores or activities of someone with cancer. Treatment can be an exhausting process, but by simply making a dinner or doing someone's laundry is a gift that they will appreciate immensely. Don't just make a vague offer to help, give them a specific day and time that you will come over.
It is best if you realize that your body will change physically with cancer. Whether it's the possibility of hair falling out through chemo therapy or extreme weight-loss, you should understand that you are going to undergo a physical change with most types of cancers. Preparing now can save a shock later.
Offer to help with the daily chores or activities of someone with cancer. Treatment can be an exhausting process, but by simply making a dinner or doing someone's laundry is a gift that they will appreciate immensely. Don't just make a vague offer to help, give them a specific day and time that you will come over.
Do not be afraid to get your mammogram. It should never be a painful experience for anyone. Schedule your appointment for the week following your monthly cycle. Your breast tissue is less sensitive at that time. Take some ibuprofen before the appointment to lessen any potential discomfort you may have.
Beating cancer may require a little bit of luck, but you cannot allow yourself to rely on being lucky in order to beat it. In other words, you should never really expect miracles or for some experimental treatment to instantly cure you. Luck may play a role, but you should focus on putting in the effort to defeat cancer.
Take every available opportunity to laugh and have a good time. Someone with cancer still needs to smile and enjoy life; your mood can be infectious, so stay positive and http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/about-breast-cancer try to lighten the atmosphere. However, there will also be times that your friend needs to cry or feel sad, so it is important to also be respectful of that.
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For cancer patients who are not satisfied with their current treatment, know that you can get a second opinion. Sometimes, another oncologist may know of treatment options that can help you. If you are unsure where to go for treatment, you can look online for good cancer treatment centers in your area.
Be sure that you're reviewing doctors and treatment options by yourself and/or with the help of your family instead of taking what the medical professionals say as gospel. Even doctors have different beliefs and ideologies and may put more credence in a treatment option that may not necessarily sound good to you.
Purchase mouthwash. Cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, will often cause you to form painful mouth ulcers. Mouthwash will help prevent these from occurring over time. Invest in a soft toothbrush as well, as regular tooth care can also impact the formation of mouth ulcers. These items will give you the added benefit of having fresh breath each day!
Don't smoke, or stop if you have already started. Smoking is linked to about three out of every ten cancer deaths. It is damaging to your heart, lungs, and skin. Even moderate smoking carries heavy risks. If you choose not to start, or can stop today, you'll be well on your way to a healthier life.
Regular screenings are important for men and women. As women are prone to breast cancer, men are prone to prostate cancer. As with breast cancer, early detection will give the man his best chance at successfully putting it in remission. It is wise therefore to be screened often.
You may feel that you are going to be fine to take yourself to your appointments for treatment but do not hesitate to ask a loved one for help getting there. You will find your loved ones will do just about anything to help you through this difficult time including driving you to your appointments.
Find reliable sources for cancer information. General Internet searches can turn up a mix of reliable and unreliable cancer information, which can be difficult to wade through and figure out what to believe. For accurate, reliable information visit your hospital's resource center or library. Also visit websites of reputable hospitals and government agencies. Issues of cancer journals are also a good source of up-to-date information.
If you are being treated for cancer, be sure to keep all of the follow up appointments with your doctor. Even if you start to feel like you're improving, it is still necessary to continue treatment. Effective cancer treatment often comes in steps, and every step must be completed to see full success.
By using accurate information to assist you in the battle against such a sickness, you can put yourself in a better position to ultimately win. Do not take the great tips you just read for granted. They may just help to save your life or the life of someone you care about.
