If you have cancer, you should stop smoking. A lot of cancer victims think that it’s okay to keep smoking since they’re already sick. That’s wrong, though. Cigarettes are called “cancer sticks” for a reason. The chemicals in the cigarettes significantly reduce the chance that you will recover.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer the best advice anyone can offer you is to take it in stride. Whatever you do, don’t freak out or panic. Rather, take a methodical approach, and try to get yourself cured. While the rates of cancer related deaths are still alarmingly high, they get better every year. There is hope.
Do not be afraid to ask for help following your cancer diagnosis. Friends and family members often want to do everything they can to assist you; let them pick up items from the grocery store, take you to appointments or make you dinner. It makes them feel good to do something for you, and it makes your life a little easier.
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?
There are several cancers that are related to tobacco and alcohol use. Among them are cancers of the lungs, liver, mouth and throat. As you can see, there is a significant risk involved when people choose to smoke and drink alcohol to excess. You can decrease your risk of many types of cancer by not smoking, chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol.
Spirituality plays an important role in the fight against cancer. Now, you do not have to believe in any higher power per se, but there is plenty of documented evidence that a person’s belief in something greater than themselves can instill the confidence necessary to fight cancer until it’s defeated.
When battling cancer you need to eat a healthy diet. The healthier you eat the better your body will be able to fight the cancer because it will have the fuel it needs to fight the hard battle and stay strong throughout the process. Vegetables and fruits are always good choices.
It is suggested that young woman get the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine before they begin to become sexually active. The vaccine is said to help prevent cervical cancer. HPV is one of the highest risk factors involved with cervical cancer. Other factors include family history. Getting a pap smear regularly is also a great form of prevention.
To stand a chance of surviving cancer you have to be willing to put up a fight against it. If you give up emotionally, the cancer will have a greater chance of taking over your body and ultimately ceasing your existence here. You have to fight to beat cancer.
Here is a helpful tip for anyone that is suffering from cancer. You should try your best to focus on your goals. Make sure you find time for your most meaningful activities and priorities, while focusing less on frivolous activities. By doing so you can conserve strength and be less stressed.
If the medications for your cancer treatment are making your stomach upset, try to stop drinking coffee. Caffeine can be a contributing factor to making your stomach upset, so you should keep coffee out of your diet to help with the symptoms. Other foods and drinks with caffeine should be eliminated also, such as chocolates and caffeinated soft drinks.
Immediately after your cancer diagnosis, begin investigating insurance options. Look into whether or not your state gives assistance to people suffering from cancer. You may also want to research The Family and Medical Leave Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act; it is important to make sure you are covered during this time.
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.
People who suspect they may have cancer should rush to the doctor right away to get properly diagnosed. The earlier the cancer is caught in the body, the better your odds are of beating this terrible disease and living a normal life. Early stages of cancer can be defeated with therapy and/or surgery.
Spirituality plays an important role in the fight against cancer. Now, you do not have to believe in any higher power per se, but there is plenty of documented evidence that a person’s belief in something greater than themselves can instill the confidence necessary to fight cancer until it’s defeated.
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.
Eating a diet high in grapes can help you to prevent certain types of cancer. The polyphenols and resveratrol contained in grapes can help prevent the damage of cells and also the growth of cancer. You can receive the benefits of grapes by eating them whole or drinking juice, but avoid the concentrated stuff with added sugar.
Some foods can reduce the risk of developing certain cancers. For example, tomatoes can protect against prostate cancer. There is research to support this as a fact.
Understand that with cancer some people are going to be awkward and nervous around you. This isn’t actually a fear of you. They realize that cancer isn’t contagious. They just do not know how to approach the subject. Do not take it personally if people are a bit standoffish at first.
Be cautious of contracting a bacterial infection when you’re receiving chemotherapy. After a week or so into the treatment, you can spike a brutal fever and even become septic (blood poisoning). Be very aware of what’s going on with your body in order to keep your strength and health up.
Try to get some exercise, even just a little bit, if you want to keep cancer away. Recent studies show that men who were able to fit in even thirty minutes of exercise a week decreased their chances of getting prostate cancer. Exercise can be as simple as a walk, or as complex as a day at the gym. Whatever your choice, make exercise a priority.
You’re going to be running back and forth to the bathroom a lot as you fight with your cancer, so move into any bedroom that’s closest to a bathroom. Being in close proximity to a bathroom will help to prevent accidents, and you also have quick and direct access to the shower when you need to freshen up.
Nutrition can play a key role in helping a cancer patient rev up their immune system and stay strong. Experts recommend a healthy diet that is rich in plant-based products, including lots of fruits, veggies, nuts and quality whole grains. Minimize processed foods and refined sugars, and try to limit meat and dairy to just one-third of your total caloric intake.
Drink pomegranate juice on a regular basis. Have at least 16 ounces a day for it to be effective. Pomegranate juice has a great deal of anti-cancer agents including polyphenols, isoflavones and ellagic acid. Several studies have shown a significant decrease in cancer risk and some studies even imply that it can slow cancer down.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, drink as much water as possible, ideally between eight and ten glasses every day. You will be taking quite a bit of medication, and water helps your kidneys handle everything that you are putting into your body. Water will also keep you hydrated.
In order to prevent it is important to not expose yourself to certain household cleaning products. It has been proven that these products contain endocrine disrupting chemicals, which can cause certain cancers, particularly breast cancer. If you have to use these products, try to wear a facial mask when using them.
If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer, it is important that you know the details of your specific case. In order to get an understanding of what you can personally do to help your illness, the details are needed. Ask your doctor where the cancer is located and if it has spread anywhere.
Take advantage of the help and assistance programs available to cancer patients. The American Cancer Society provides the Patient Navigation Program to help you navigate the journey from diagnosis to treatment to recovery. The Patient Navigators and volunteers trained by the American Cancer Society are available at cancer treatment centers and hospitals across the United States.
Limit the amount of red meats, and especially processed meats, in your diet. A healthy diet is linked to reduced risks of cancer. Eating a heavy amount of red, processed meats will increase the fat content of your diet. The processing in particular exposes you to some potentially harmful chemicals and preservatives. All of these things can be high risk factors for cancer.
You don’t have to feel like there is no hope if you have been diagnosed with cancer, or even if a loved one has. Whether you have a need for a health care provider or treatment team that is more comprehensive, or if you decide that you would like to develop healthier habits, start with these cancer tips and learn all you can about the disease.
