Did you know that about 10 million people die from cancer yearly? Cancer diagnosis and treatment can be very frightening and draining. But, even after this hurdle, you must learn how to live as a cancer survivor.
With modern medicine, millions of cancer survivors continue to learn how to live better. One of the best ways is to take steps to control your health. It’s never too early to start. Whether recently diagnosed, going through treatment, or post-treatment, these 10 tips will help boost your health.
1. Stop smoking
It is very important that you avoid tobacco and also avoid people who are smoking. Stopping smoking and staying clear of secondhand smoke will help you stay healthier and help you avoid getting another type of cancer.
It might seem hard to stop at first but try your level best for the sake of your health. If it becomes quite hard for you, you should seek help from your doctor to help you quit smoking.
2. Limit alcohol
Drinking can also increase your chance of getting other kinds of cancer. Additionally, when alcohol mixes with some medication during treatment can cause adverse side effects.
Hence alcohol is an unhealthy way to deal with stress that emanates from cancer. Always ask your doctor if it is okay to have a glass or two of wine. However, if you don’t drink, don’t start.
3. Connect with family and friends
Family and close friends will be very willing to help during this time. Don’t be afraid to accept help, whether running errands or preparing meals to accompany you to your doctor’s appointment. Having a support system is important when you need it.
It is also important that you encourage your family to accept help. A cancer diagnosis affects the family, adding stress to the primary caregivers. Accepting help from neighbors or other friends will go a long way in avoiding burnout for the caregivers.
4. Eat healthily
It would be best to choose a balanced diet that gives you energy and strength, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean poultry, and fish. Cut back on processed foods, red meat, and high-fat dairy.
While going through treatment, you might need extra protein and calories. However, side effects such as nausea, constipation, and trouble swallowing might make it hard for you to feel the urge to eat. When this arises, it would be best if you talk to your nutritionist or doctor. They will give you the best advice on the best healthy diet changes.
5. Do things you love
It is easier said than done since you might think that everything has changed when you have cancer. However, this is the perfect time to continue doing all your favorite things, such as casino games or honing your knitting skills. Check the list of great casinos to play at https://topcasinoer.net/casino-kampagner/.
You must normalize your life after diagnosis, but keep an open mind to changes.
6. Keep your doctor’s appointment.
Visiting the hospital often might feel like a bad routine. However, it is crucial that you stay in touch with your doctor and not miss any appointments. In doing so, you will know what symptoms to look for and which follow-up screening tests you need.
The appointments are good for you as you can ask questions about how you feel or what to expect. The doctors also monitor your progress and address any points of concern during the routine checkup visits.
7. Keep a healthy weight
You might have come across cancer patients that have lost a lot of weight during treatment. It arises from not eating due to the effect of eating while on treatment. However, other treatments, especially those associated with hormones like breast or prostate, can lead to weight gain.
Your doctor will advise you on the healthy weight goal for you. Work towards this as advised by the doctor or nutritionist.
8. Exercise
Being active every day is great for your physical and mental health. Some days, you will not have the strength to exercise, but try as much as possible to keep moving. Exercise improves your balance and makes your muscles stronger.
Set aside 30 minutes daily to walk, swim or slow run. These activities will get your heart pumping and help build your muscles. However, it’s good to talk to your doctor first to be advised on the best exercises and the routine.
9. Connect with other cancer patients
At times, it might feel as if people who haven’t experienced cancer don’t fully understand how you feel. In such a situation, you must interact and talk to people who have been diagnosed. When you listen to the experiences of other cancer survivors, you get more insights into what to expect during treatment.
There are several cancer support groups that you can join. You can ask around or even find these groups online in your local area. Ask your doctor to guide you to connect to a support group if you have any trouble. In the support groups, you will not only talk about issues, but you can enjoy games and great conversations.
10. Fight stigma
There are old stigmas that are associated with cancer. For example, some friends may wonder if your cancer is contagious, while colleagues may wonder whether you are healthy enough to work. As a result, some people may withdraw from your circle for fear of saying or asking the wrong questions.
It is good that you know how to address these issues or how to behave while in their company. From how you behave, that’s how your friends will treat you. Additionally, it would be best if you reminded them that even though cancer is a very frightening part of life, they should be afraid to interact with you.
Conclusion
Even though cancer diagnosis and treatment can be a frightening part of life, there is still hope that you can live a long life. Millions of people have made it possible to believe this fact. The mentioned tips will help you feel at ease as you enjoy your life even in a very difficult moment.
