What to do when you are diagnosed with cancer?

"Cancer" may be one of the most frightening words in the medical world. A person's life changes suddenly after the diagnosis. Before treatment starts, a patient has to go through many emotional and mental challenges. Sometimes after a cancer diagnosis, the patient goes into a depressing phase, which is not a good sign for the patient and his family. In the journey of cancer, not only does a person struggle, but it involves all the people around him.

Also Read: Enhance Strength & Mobility in Your Journey

Once cancer is diagnosed, a person should follow some essential steps which help in fast recovery.

• The first and the most crucial step after cancer diagnosis is that a person should never try to go through the whole process alone. He can share all his problems and feelings with anyone close to him.
• After a cancer diagnosis, try to get as much knowledge as you can about this disease.
• What type of cancer do you have?
• It is in which part of your body?
• Has it spread?
• Can your cancer be treated?
• What is the chance that it can be cured?
• After cancer diagnosis, What other tests or procedures do you need?
• What are the options available for treatment?
• How will the treatment benefit you?
• What are the after-effects of the treatment?
• When should you call the doctor?
• What can you do to prevent your cancer from recurring?
• How likely are your children or other family members to get cancer?
• Start getting organized, prepare a diary to make a record of your treatments, appointments with the doctor and descriptions of test reports.
• Always Consider a second opinion. In cancer treatment, different doctors have different theories and approaches. Go with that option, and you feel more confident about your treatment plan.
• To make a decision, you will need to understand your cancer treatment options, which could include:
• Surgery (an operation to remove cancer)
• Chemotherapy (using anticancer medication)
• Radiation therapy (using high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells in the body)
• Immunotherapy (using the products of the immune system as medicine)
• Get all the information related to the side effects, duration etc., about the treatment.

Prepare yourself for possible physical changes:

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Ask your doctor whether you can continue your routine and how treatment will impact your daily activities. Possibly You have to spend time in the hospital, or you have to visit frequently for medical appointments.

Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle:

Choose a healthy routine consisting of a variety of healthy foods which help you feel good from the inside and get adequate rest to help you manage the stress and fatigue of cancer treatment. These changes can improve your energy level.

Exercise and try to indulge in different activities which make you happy. Research says that regular physical exercise during treatment helps you to manage better and live longer.

Also, try to maintain your everyday lifestyle, but be open to making necessary changes when required. some small planning can bring a significant difference in life. When the future is uncertain, planning and organizing may suddenly seem overwhelming.

Try to talk to cancer survivors:

The cancer survivors' stories give a ray of hope to all the patients suffering the same situation. It is always helpful to talk to people who have been in your situation before. The cancer survivors can share their experiences and give you insight into what you can expect during treatment.

You can connect with cancer survivors through cancer support groups. Consult your doctor about cancer support groups in your locality or contact your local Cancer Society. There are many online message boards which bring cancer survivors together. Start with the Cancer Society and connect with the Cancer Survivors Network.

Financial Self-Care:

Cancer is a disease that affects a person not only physically and mentally but also financially. Insurance can help you in the treatment immensely. If you have insurance, read your plan carefully and talk to your insurance provider about your cancer diagnosis. If you don't have insurance, try to enrol in it at the earliest.

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Reference:

1. Hamilton W. Cancer diagnosis in primary care. Br J Gen Pract. 2010 Feb;60(571):121-8. doi: 10.3399/bjgp10X483175. PMID: 20132704; PMCID: PMC2814263.
2. Wilkinson AN. Cancer diagnosis in primary care: Six steps to reducing the diagnostic interval. Can Fam Physician. 2021 Apr;67(4):265-268. doi: 10.46747/cfp.6704265. PMID: 33853914; PMCID: PMC8324147.