Cancer is much in the news. If you haven’t had a run-in with it yourself, you know someone who has. Knowledge of how to prevent it, how to deal with it if you get it, and how to recover is relevant to all of us. Here are some tips that may help you.
Some people diagnosed with cancer choose to opt out of conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation due to the damage they can cause to the body. They turn instead to alternative treatments such as nutrition therapy and vitamin therapy among many others. Some (but not all) of these treatments have been shown to shrink tumors and prolong life. Always check with your doctor before beginning any unconventional therapies.
When battling cancer, it is important for you to share your feelings openly and honestly. No one expects you to be filled with butterflies and roses at all times. Sharing your feelings is a great way for you to get out any anger or sadness you have, and to keep from allowing depression to overtake you at the same time.
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.
Sit down and go over your goals and priorities. A cancer diagnosis provides a good reason to re-evaluate and reflect on your life. Some things that were important may no longer be as important as they were before. Are there activities that you have been thinking of doing or people you haven’t seen that you would like to?
Although it sounds like a pointless tip, one of the best things you can do with cancer is to keep your spirits up. Being in low spirits and not being able to motivate yourself to get healthy is just one way that cancer can spread and dominate your life. There’s always a possibility of getting better, even in dire cases.
If you know someone with a diagnosis of cancer, give them the opportunity to talk to you. It can seem hard to talk about at first, but you will soon understand the importance of being able to express your feelings to another person who actually understands what you are going through. When you are listening, remember that this time exists for them and their health, so avoid interruptions and withhold personal opinions.
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.
Simple carbohydrates can actually increase your risk of getting cancer, but complex carbs, like whole grains, will reduce your risk significantly. The germ, bran and endosperm of the whole grains are very rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals and can help you to prevent cancer in your stomach, colon and other areas of the body.
Try to tone down the amount of time you spend in the sun. People underestimate the amount of risk involved with excessive sun exposure. Spending increased time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer. Make sure to use a high SPF sunscreen, cover unprotected skin and cover your head with a hat.
The dreaded disease is less ominous once you know more about it. Knowledge is a shield. These tips have increased your knowledge and may help you fend off cancer. Or they may help you cope with it if you or a loved one has it.
