Cancer is probably one of the most frightening diseases that people today can face. We do not know all the causes of cancer, but we have learned to pinpoint factors that can lead to or protect from cancer. The following are several tips relating to cancer and how to cut your risk of developing it.
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.
Following a cancer diagnosis, communication is key. Talk with your friends and family members, your doctor and other members of the community. You will not feel as alone if you can express to others how you feel and what you are going through. This will lead to an incredible support system for you.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you should be willing to take help from wherever it may come. Help could come from family and friends, your place of worship, or even the community overall. You can find help out there; be sure to take it. You might not be able to work with cancer and the emotional toll may be too much to handle alone.
Reading cancer-related books, journals, or magazines can be helpful. It’s important to be confident.
A great way for cancer survivors to deal and to know what lies ahead is to network with other survivors. There are plenty of cancer survivors in the world, thankfully, and they meet up at support groups and even on internet forums, so you can always keep in contact with other survivors.
You have to step up to the plate. This is a life-or-death situation, so there’s nothing to lose by giving every last bit of effort to survive.
Individuals with cancer like to know what to expect from their treatments and the disease itself. Help them find information by looking online, visiting the local cancer center and asking questions of medical professionals. The information you gather could be crucial in helping them stay focused and maintain a positive attitude.
If you are concerned about the possibility of being exposed to cancer-causing chemicals, try to stay away from stain and grease eliminating products. These items have flourochemicals, and they are often found in products that help you clean your carpets and couches. They are also prevalent in the greaseproof coatings for fast foods.
For people with moles on their bodies, be sure to always check for any changes, including an increase in size, a color change, or a change in shape. If you notice any of these changes, be sure to see a dermatologist immediately, as this could be a sign of skin cancer.
When you go outside, wear covering clothes and sunscreen to defend yourself against the sun’s UV rays. Ultraviolet rays have a damaging effect on the skin, and if not treated, skin cancer can be deadly. It is recommended that you use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, especially if your skin is fair. Fair skin takes sun damage more easily.
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.
If you are a cancer patient who enjoys getting facials, be sure to tell your aesthetician that you are receiving treatments. Although gentle exfoliant are okay for treating the dry skin that chemotherapy may cause, other ingredients in a facial, such as acidic products and peeling ingredients, may not be safe.
Avoid any cosmetics that have tar in them. Tar can potentially cause skin cancer, if used on a regular basis. In addition to cosmetics, some psoriasis treatments and shampoos may also contain tar. Check your labels carefully!
If you have hiccups from your chemotherapy treatment, talk with your doctor before trying any home remedies. Some of these remedies can actually make your hiccups worse, such as laying upside down and drinking. Your oncologist may want you to try other methods like propping a pillow up before going to sleep.
Do not keep a strong front around everyone. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you do not need to keep a brave front in front of everyone. Get support from your family and close friends and be sure to express to some of them how you are actually feeling.
As mentioned earlier, we do not know every cause of cancer, but we can take what we do know and put it into action. Once you know how to cut your risk of developing cancer, you can make informed choices. So, take what you have learned from these tips and put that knowledge into action. Every choice that you make now can be one that impacts your change of getting cancer.
