How to Cope With Cancer

Cancer is a battle and patients must fight to survive. And yes, the ‘fight’ is never fair. So, what does a patient do to survive this disease? 

Unfortunately, there are so many uncertainties relating to this disease. Plus, there is no set plan for surviving cancer. Some people put up a spirited fight against cancer, yet they don’t make it. Fortunately, there are some steps that one can undertake to improve your chances and place you a step ahead of your ‘opponent’. 

These are the ways that you can fight back with the hope of surviving cancer. 

• Act on Your Cancer Risks 

Yes, there are so many causes of cancer, overall, most cancers are multifactorial. What does this mean? It means that different factors work together to either decrease or increase your cancer risks. 

For instance, cancer may result from viruses, genetic mutations, or environmental carcinogens. Knowing your potential cancer risks helps you to prevent rather than cure the disease. 

For instance, has one or two members of your family suffered from cancer? Then enquire about these types of cancers they’ve suffered. At times, cancer runs in the family and members can develop different cancer types. Learning about your family genetic blueprint with cancer helps you seek early diagnosis and treatment. 

But that’s not all, check the conditions that increase your cancer risks. For instance, diabetes increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. And inflammatory bowel raises your risk for colon cancer. 

• Early Detection is Key 

Early cancer diagnosis and treatment increase the chances for remission and long-term survival. 

Early diagnosis includes regular medical checkups and taking note of warning signs that your body gives. Therefore, take time and read about the early signs and symptoms of cancer whether common or uncommon. Once you notice any of these signs, talk to your doctor for a diagnosis. 

But what happens if your doctor gives you a wrong diagnosis or delays the diagnosis? You can sue them in court for negligence and seek a second opinion on the diagnosis from a different doctor. For the negligence case to succeed, engage competent, knowledgeable, and experienced cancer malpractice attorneys. That’s the only way to tilt the case in your favor.

• Seek Specialized Treatment 

It may seem obvious to most people, but not to everyone. For instance, there are millions of cancer patients being treated by internists, surgeons, family doctors, and other healthcare professionals. While nothing is wrong with this, seek an audience with an oncologist. 

Oncologists are experts in matters relating to cancer. They’re aware of current clinical trials and treatment options that are beneficial to you. Remember, there are different types of oncologists specializing in treating different types of cancer. If you have radiation therapy, then visit a radiation oncologist, a gynecological oncologist is a right specialist to see for gynecological cancer treatment. For instance, the survival rate for ovarian cancer patients tends to be higher when the surgery is done by a gynecologist oncologist rather than a general gynecologist. 

• Learn Everything Possible About Cancer 

Don’t fall into the common stereotypes about cancer treatment. Instead, take time to educate yourself about your cancer. With this, you get empowerment and control over your treatment which improves your overall well-being. 

Yes, learning about cancer may seem overwhelming to people without a medical degree. But it is possible. Ask a lot of questions and source good cancer information online. 

The amount of support for cancer patients is outstanding. One can get free emotional support, educational materials, financial support, and assistance with insurance issues online. 

• Seek Support from Friends and Relatives 

Social support from the people close to you is vital in improving your odds. According to studies, strong social bonds improve the survival rate for a wide variety of conditions. Allowing your friends and relatives to help you is a vital step, but more helpful if you interact with people battling the same diagnosis. There’s something special when talking to someone facing similar challenges as you. 

Conclusion 

Getting a positive cancer diagnosis is heart-wrenching. However, it’s not a death sentence. With early detection, the right medication, and a supportive social network, you can overcome the cancer battle. Remember, the chances of cancer survival are high when the right diagnosis is done and timely treatment is applied.