Cancer is something that most people are afraid to think about. Until it happens, it is absolutely unfathomable to imagine the impact of the knowledge that you have cancer. Regardless of whether the cancer is benign, treatable or otherwise, major changes are certain to follow. This article can make you feel more at ease with the process of dealing with cancer.
Vitamin C is a natural enemy to cancer. Vitamin C tricks tumors into thinking they are getting sugar, which cancer cells feed on. When cancer uses vitamin C as an energy source, The vitamin begins to destroy cancer cells, thus slowing down their multiplication. In turn, the growth of tumors can be slowed down.
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.
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.
Open up to others with cancer. You may feel that your friends and family, who have never had cancer, may not understand what you are going through. There are many support groups for those who have cancer or have survived cancer. There are also online message boards and forums where people speak candidly.
Women hoping to prevent breast cancer should choose their physicians wisely. Always make sure to visit an expert in mammography. A start-up clinic or a medical professional straight out of school may not be your best option. Find someone with plenty of experience in the field to improve your chances of catching signs of cancer early.
If you are a cancer survivor, make sure that you have information about your previous cancer treatments. Unfortunately, cancer comes back with a vengeance sometimes, so keep your records about what surgeries and what types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy you have undergone. This information will help you better communicate with doctors.
Decrease the amount of red (such as lamb, pork, and beef) and processed meats in your diet. Studies have shown that red meat can increase your chances of getting cancer. If you do buy red meat, make sure that it is lean meat. You don’t have to remove red meat from your diet, just limit it.
The odds are great that your hair is going to fall out when you undergo chemotherapy, so you can initiate this process instead of being a victim to it. Shave your head in advance and you will reclaim the power here. You can make the choice instead of allowing chemo to make it for you.
Having a telephone with you at all times if imperative if you’re currently fighting against cancer, because you never know when you’re going to experience an emergency. Being able to reach out for help is essential. An emergency fall or some other dangerous complication can make your efforts to that point null and void.
Be sure that you’re reviewing doctors and treatment options by yourself and/or with the help of your family instead of taking what the medical professionals say as gospel. Even doctors have different beliefs and ideologies and may put more credence in a treatment option that may not necessarily sound good to you.
Never allow for the possible insurance implications to deter you from seeking better help with your cancer. Money should be the last thing on your mind here, and there are multiple hospitals and treatment centers out there that will give you full care despite your particular insurance situation. Find them.
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.
Limit your alcohol consumption to protect yourself from cancer. Heavy amounts of alcohol can lead to deadly liver and/or stomach cancer. Alcohol can also have a damaging effect on your skin and many other essential organs. Limit your consumption to no more than one glass of beer or wine daily for optimum health benefits.
Regardless of the kind of cancer or its stage, there are a lot of things you may do to make quality of life better for yourself, and get help from other sources. Hopefully, the information in this article lightens your load somewhat and offers you ideas on how to approach your fight against cancer with power, knowledge and a strengthened spirit.