Life always seems to have a way of surprising you, whether it’s in a good way or in a terrifying way. Sadly, each year millions are shocked with the news that they have cancer. You or your loved ones can fight back against this disease with the aid of the helpful advice in this article.
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.
Things To Do When Diagnosed With Cancer
Once you receive your cancer diagnosis, learn everything about your form of the disease and your course of treatment as you can. Write down questions before you visit the doctor and ask him. You can even bring a friend or family member along with you to help ensure that you remember what is being said.
Seeking support from a support group is important when you are battling cancer and getting help. You will be able to learn valuable information from people who have already been in your shoes. They will be able to tell you what they went through and what things really worked for them.
All people who have had cancer should understand that it can always come back bigger, meaner and stronger. You have to deal with this fear now so that you are better prepared if in fact the cancer does return. Do not assume that you will be ready to deal with it the second time just because you dealt with it the first time. Prepare yourself accordingly.
If your cancer treatment includes chemotherapy, consider cutting your hair short. It is quite likely that your hair will fall out as a result of your treatments; get a cute cut and you will not be as shocked by your transformation when your hair begins to come out.
Things You Should Know If You Have Cancer
For some people, when they get a diagnosis of cancer, they become completely hopeless. However, if you are getting more information and learning more about the disease, you don’t have to feel this lack of hope as you will know that there are ways to promote better results from treatment, including a healthier lifestyle. The advice about cancer in this article will give you a great deal of information you could be wondering about.
When you first receive your cancer diagnosis, get as many facts as you can about it. Try to gather as much useful, basic information as you can about the type of cancer you have. What kind of cancer is it? Where is it? Has it spread? How will it be treated?
When being treated for cancer many people feel weak and should not drive a car at that time. There are times when cancer patients have gotten into accidents because they were not feeling well and fell asleep behind the wheel. Someone could get seriously hurt if someone is sleeping while driving.
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.
Do not isolate yourself from friends and family if you are diagnosed with cancer. Sometimes, people will become depressed and close up if they find out they have cancer. The emotional support from others will give you strength and a renewed energy to fight. You may be able to get useful advice from others who have experienced cancer as well.
There are a host of services you can contact in order to receive help with day-to-day tasks as you fight your cancer. You can contact local churches and charities or find some type of local government assistance. You will find people who will help you by cleaning your home and handing other things if you don’t have anyone to lean on.
Things You Should Stop Doing If You Have Cancer
Carcinogens are substances that damage DNA. They are instrumental in starting and aiding in the growth of cancers. Things to stay away from that are carcinogenic are tobacco, asbestos, x-rays, the sun and exhaust fumes. Exposure to these substances causes cells to stop functioning in a normal way.
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.
If you recently found out that you have cancer, be sure to quit smoking and stop drinking alcohol. These habits are bad for a healthy person, but in a cancer patient, it can promote the growth of new cancer cells or spread the existing ones. Talk to your doctor about quitting methods.
Tanning salons have been linked to a wide number of skin cancer cases. They have been said to be just as dangerous to the human body as arsenic and mustard gas. Stop using tanning beds and get your golden glow from a spray booth or a bottle of self tanner.
You must quit smoking. Whether you have been diagnosed with cancer or you haven’t yet been, smoking has to cease. This rule isn’t just for your lungs, it is for all parts of your body. Smoking is very harmful and contains carcinogenic chemicals which are detrimental to your body. Stop smoking!