Older adults are at higher risk for developing certain types of cancer. Approximately 75% of cancers are diagnosed in people aged 55 and older. As the risk rises, so does the importance of staying healthy and physically fit. Regular doctor visits, normal body weight, a healthy diet, self-exams and cancer screening tests can all help to reduce the risk.
To reduce your risk for various types of cancers, not smoking or using tobacco in any way is one of the best and easiest methods. Smoking has been linked not only to lunch cancer but also to lung, bladder, cervix and kidney cancer. Don't take the risk, and quit now, or don't start!
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Depression will reduce the effectiveness of your immune system, opening up the chance for your cancer to grow or metastasize. They may completely give up the fight.
Find comfort in something tangible and not something idealistic when you are battling cancer. It's a great idea to keep your eye on the prize and to envision full recovery, but it's also important that you cling to tangible results and take things one step at a time. Looking too far ahead may cause you to miss important steps in your recovery.
Your expectations are often different from reality, so you have to be prepared for that. Make the best of the support that you receive.
If you are 50 years or older, it is important that you get a colonoscopy at least once every 5 years. If you are at risk for colon cancer, it should be every two years. A colonoscopy can detect changes in the cells, and if treated early, can save your life.
Know your family history. Once of the causes of skin cancer is genetics. If you have members in your family that have had skin cancer, you may be at more of a risk to get it as well. If you have inherited the traits of the high risk factor, you need to be additionally careful when in the sun.
If you find that your hair is falling out from chemotherapy treatment, do not be ashamed to get a wig. By wearing a wig, not only will you have your hair, but you will be protecting your scalp from dirt and germs. If you cannot afford a wig, certain organizations may provide one for you.
Find some relaxing music and uplifting books. These are going to be quite helpful in finding a great way to relax and get some positive vibes while doing it. You may find quite a few books out there that will help you through this time in your life and music that is very soothing while battling with cancer.
Chemotherapy may cause your mouth to develop ulcers. A good mouthwash and regular brushing will help you to keep this to a minimum. This small step will go a long way http://cancer.about.com/ in preventing the very painful ulcers that will end up making it painful for you to eat, when it may already be difficult to do so.
If you are 50 years or older, it is important that you get a colonoscopy at least once every 5 years. If you are at risk for colon cancer, it should be every two years. A colonoscopy can detect changes in the cells, and if treated early, can save your life.
As soon as you are diagnosed with cancer, you need to contact your insurance company to see what is covered and what isn't. Treatment can be extremely expensive, so you will want to know what is covered and what is not. Once you have this information, you should sit down and discuss it with your doctor. You two can then come up with a treatment plan that will work for you and your budget.
The hope here is simply that you understand what to do when you or someone you love is unfortunate enough to contract cancer. These tips are in no way a cure for the disease, but they do put you you in abetter position to deal with it. Knowledge is a vital weapon in the fight against this serious illness.
