- Stay informed about cancer diagnosis and treatment to make informed decisions.
- Switch to a healthier lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress.
- Get enough restful sleep to enable the body’s immune system to fight off illnesses more efficiently.
- Consider treatment programs such as immunotherapy or participating in clinical trials for potentially groundbreaking treatments.
When diagnosed with cancer, the news can be overwhelming, and their emotions can range from fear and shock to anger and sadness. This diagnosis can potentially completely redefine someone’s life in an instant.
According to Cancer Research, over half of people diagnosed with cancer experience depression or anxiety due to their diagnosis. One survey found that as many as 73 percent of cancer survivors reported significant stress levels, while 67 percent reported feeling helplessness or hopelessness.
Fear is another common emotion for those newly diagnosed with cancer. In one study, 57 percent of participants reported feeling scared about their future health or mortality following their diagnosis. Additionally, research has suggested that this fear often increases after treatment ends, even when results show that the cancer has been cured.
However, it is essential to remember that cancer is far from a death sentence, and it can be beaten with the proper care and treatment. While there is no clear way to beat the illness, here are a few steps to consider when attempting to improve your chances of winning against cancer:
Stay Informed
Staying informed about your cancer diagnosis and treatment is essential for successful treatment and improved outcomes. Knowing the details of your condition, treatments available, and the latest news on breakthroughs in research can make a world of difference in how you cope with the diagnosis.
Seeing a doctor regularly will help you stay up-to-date with your situation, provide reassurance that changes are being monitored closely, and provide support from both a medical and emotional standpoint. Your doctor can provide resources regarding therapy options or lifestyle changes that may improve your outcome or quality of life during treatment. In addition, they can offer emotional guidance through difficult times, such as connecting you to a psychologist or counselor if needed.
On top of that, having access to reliable information helps patients feel more empowered about their care. Research has shown that when patients are more informed about their conditions, they are more likely to follow through with treatments and take control of their own health decisions. Access to accurate information allows individuals to ask informed questions, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.
Switch to a Healthier Lifestyle
Cancer can be a life-changing diagnosis, and those newly diagnosed needs to understand that their health should remain the top priority. While cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy can be beneficial in eliminating cancer cells from the body, staying healthy is just as important. Poor lifestyle choices and habits can make treating cancer more complex and may even lead to a poorer prognosis.
Here are a few ways to help you achieve optimal health:
Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating nutrient-rich food such as fresh vegetables and fruits can help boost energy levels and aid the body in fighting off infections or other illnesses while undergoing treatment. Additionally, having regular meals throughout the day helps maintain blood sugar levels which helps reduce fatigue associated with cancer treatments.
Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity helps keep energy levels up while improving well-being during treatment. Low-impact exercises such as yoga or walking are ideal for those battling cancer because they can build strength without putting too much strain on the body. Exercise has also been linked with improved moods among those dealing with depression or anxiety associated with their diagnosis.
Reduce Stress Levels
Research has shown that individuals who experience high-stress levels are at an increased risk of developing certain cancers or having difficulty recovering from them once diagnosed. Taking part in relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises can help reduce anxiety related to treatments or other aspects of life affected by the diagnosis. Engaging with supportive friends or family members who can serve as emotional anchors during difficult times may also be beneficial.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough restful sleep is essential for anyone with cancer since it enables the body’s immune system to fight off viruses or illnesses more efficiently than when one is exhausted from lack of sleep. Going to bed consistently each night helps regulate hormones associated with restfulness which may result in better quality sleep over time. Additionally, choosing activities before bedtime that promote relaxation — such as reading a book — will help wind down faster than watching television until late at night.
Try the Treatment Programs
Once an individual is diagnosed with cancer, the most crucial step is seeking treatment. While cancer can be a scary diagnosis, there are many treatment programs available that can help improve outcomes and quality of life during treatment. Researching and discussing all available options with your doctor is vital to devise a plan of action tailored to your specific situation.
Immunotherapy programs for cancer treatment are a great option for those looking for alternative therapies. This form of treatment uses the body’s immune system to fight off cancer cells by stimulating the production of T-cells that can attack tumors in the body. Studies have found that immunotherapy can significantly increase survival rates among certain cancers, such as lung and bladder, and reduce relapse rates among breast cancer patients.
Clinical trials should also be considered when researching treatments. These provide invaluable opportunities to individuals seeking access to new treatments or medications before they are available. Not only do these allow participants to receive potentially groundbreaking therapies at no cost, but they also provide invaluable information for future patients by allowing researchers to monitor side effects, determine effectiveness, and assess the safety of medications or therapies not publicly available.
Final Thoughts
Beating cancer is challenging yet achievable for those diagnosed with this life-altering illness. By staying informed, switching to a healthier lifestyle, and utilizing treatments such as immunotherapy or clinical trials, individuals can increase their chances of beating cancer and surpassing the odds against them.