Many patients, upon diagnosis, tend to lose the will to fight on. Just like any other illness, you should muster courage and the will to soldier through this to emerge victoriously. The treatments are vigorous and push your body to its limits. Keeping faith in the treatment routine and having a positive attitude is a significant step towards beating cancer. One of the most common phrases that you will hear from your oncologists is that cancer is a battle that requires you to put on your boxing gloves in readiness for the fight.
It may seem like a steep mountain to climb, but with the right attitude and steps, your chances of survival are improved.
Early diagnosis
This has been proven the best course of action when fighting cancer. Regular checkups will allow you to identify cancer cells in your system at an early age. This increases your chances of survival tenfold. It is easy for doctors to destroy the cancerous cell or send them into remission during the early stages. Keep an eye out for symptoms on your body, and seek a professional opinion, do not second guess the symptoms. Better to be in the know than late detection.
Researching on cancer
Researching cancer helps you to make informed lifestyle changes in a bid to avert cancer. Knowing what to do to prevent the development of cancer is a way of taking action against cancer. Cancer is caused by many factors ranging from lifestyle and environmental factors to genetic mutations. Research on your genetic makeup and possible cancer types you may develop and work on increasing your chances of survival. Focus on improving your health standards.
Seek professional help
Upon diagnosis, you should research qualified professionals who deal with your specific cancer to get the best treatment. We tend to rely on our doctors and physicians when we are diagnosed. It is prudent to seek an oncologist specialized in your specific cancer. Several oncologists are dealing with various types of cancer. The American society of clinical oncology and hematology websites give you a chance to interact with different oncologists specializing in the different cancer types, lung, blood, skin, prostate, etc.
Select your medical facility and oncologist
Deciding to see an oncologist is just a step in getting professional help. The next task is to identify the specific medical centre and the oncologist dealing with your cancer type. The cancer treatments are progressive and vary from one oncologist to another. Tailor your choice around a centre where you are comfortable going and a centre that offers several treatment options. The National Cancer Institute encourages diagnosed patients to sign up for clinical trial treatment. These trials provide a ray of hope, and you may stand a chance to beat cancer.
Getting other diagnostic results
Getting a second opinion will help you to confirm the presence of cancer, especially from an oncologist. The second opinion gets you to interact with a specialized professional and knowledgeable doctor who can analyze and give in-depth information on your condition.
Commit to your treatment routine
Take your treatment sessions seriously, availing yourself of all the appointments without fail. Develop a mental fortitude to help you stick to your treatment plan and medicine. The effects of the treatment may have harmful side effects but do not lose faith, speak to your doctor on how to counter the treatment effects. It does not help if you only take medication. A good diet & exercise go a long way to help you gain a footing in this battle.
Seek out support groups
Talk to your friends and relatives as well as other cancer patients to get a support group. Cancer survivors can help give you hope to overcome the battle. Talking to someone helps calm your mind as well as give you the strength to soldier on. Do not be afraid to let those close to you hold your hands during this journey, as these emotional bonds have positive energy in fighting cancer.