There are 4 stages of ovarian cancer. In stage I the cancer is confined to one or both ovaries. In stage II it has spread outside of the ovaries to the uterus or fallopian tubes. In Stage III the cancer has spread outside of the pelvic area but still within the abdomen. Stage IV means the cancer has started to spread throughout the body.
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.
Laughter is a great way to cope with cancer. Many people find it hard to find humor in their life after they have been diagnosed with cancer but if you have humor in your life, you will feel stronger overall. The more you laugh the better chance you have of fighting the cancer.
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.
While battling cancer, try your best to maintain a normal lifestyle. The more normal your lifestyle is, the less chances you have of becoming stressed and facing anxiety. Stress and anxiety can make cancer sufferers lose sight of hope in their troubling time. If any adjustments must be made to maintain a normal life, then consider them.
Remember that the vegetables and fruits you purchase may be contaminated. These foods are often covered with pesticides intended to protect them from bacteria, fungi and insects. Before consuming vegetables and fruits, wash them using water and mild soap in order to remove the pesticides left on it, or try purchasing foods that have fewer pesticide risks.
Think about how you are going to cope with the stress of your cancer diagnosis. Everyone handles things differently, but it is important to have a way to relax after a particularly difficult day. Research relaxation techniques, consider which friends and family members you can talk openly with, and keep a journal.
Anyone over the age of 50 should be receiving at least an annual screening for types of cancer like colon cancer. This is around the time that most people will get colon cancer, so it is very important that you work to catch this in time. Over 90 percent of all people diagnosed with colon cancer are over the age of 50.
Simple moral support can help someone with cancer is indescribable ways. Something like a simple “I love you” said to someone can have a lasting positive effect that helps people to heal and grow. Emotions play a big role in the fight against cancer, and reminding someone of your love for them is good for everyone involved.
Read the literature on this subject, if a loved one or you, has cancer. Learning will give you the confidence you need.
All women over 40 should be receiving at least one mammogram per year in order to catch breast cancer early. Breast cancer wreaks havoc on millions of women, and catching it early is undoubtedly the best way to fight this type of cancer to date. Start annual mammograms after you reach 40.
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.
Know your individual risks for cancer, including your age, gender, race, and family history. These things could give you more information than you think, especially when you begin showing symptoms that otherwise could be misdiagnosed. If you are aware of an increased risk of cancer, you can target your issues appropriately with a health care professional.
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.
Stage I is the best case scenario. The cancer is still confined to the ovaries, making surgery alone a more successful option. When it goes into stage II, a hysterectomy is often necessary to make sure all of the cancer was removed. Stages III and IV are more likely to require chemotherapy.
