We all dread getting the same call from our general practitioner. Learning that we have cancer is nothing less than a nightmare. However, millions of people are struggling with this fatal disease worldwide. According to the WHO, cancer is the leading cause of global deaths. More than 10 million people died in 2020 because of cancer.

Fortunately, between thirty to fifty percent of cancers are treatable through early evidence-based prevention strategies. With an early diagnosis, there is a better chance of survival, and the patient might not need expensive treatment. So, getting diagnosed is the first step towards coping with this devastating disease.

Unfortunately, cancer misdiagnosis is on the rise. According to a study by the BMJ Quality and Safety Journal, approximately 28% of cancer cases involve misdiagnosis. While delays are inevitable, a delayed cancer diagnosis can become a matter of life and death.

There are 200 types of cancers, and most have symptoms similar to other diseases. But several carcinogens may also cause rare types of cancer. One such disease is mesothelioma. Doctors find it difficult to diagnose the disease because it is rare and has a latency period between 25 to 50 years.

The symptoms also make things challenging. You might be asking yourself, what are the symptoms of mesothelioma? They include fever and fatigue. So, patients often ignore the problem until the situation worsens.

So, the first thing to do is to have an honest and open discussion with your doctor. Not only will it help diagnose the disease, but it will also help you come to terms with it. After you get the correct diagnosis, it is time to come to terms with it and develop a proper coping mechanism.

A cancer diagnosis can have a debilitating effect on a patient’s mental, physical, and emotional state. It changes how a person feels and lives. Here are seven suggestions for coping with cancer.

1. Know all the facts

Try to get relevant information about your diagnosis from your GP. Ask them about the kind of cancer you’re dealing with and how much it has spread. You can also ask them how far it has spread and the prognosis.

These questions will help you make well-informed decisions about your treatment plan and future. Consider bringing a family member to your visits to help you.

2. Keep in touch with everyone

People try to keep a stiff upper lip during such a medical crisis. However, this strategy might be harmful to your mental well-being. You might feel isolated or feel like no one understands what you’re going through.

Expressing your concerns and emotions can help you get better emotional support. Therefore, stay in touch with people instead of shutting yourself out. Talk to them to build a robust support system. Cancer support groups and talking to others going through a similar condition can also help you come to terms with the situation.

3. Plan for any physical changes

Cancer is a life-altering disease. It changes how you look and feel about your body and everything around you. Patients already struggling with their body image find it challenging to accept their appearance. The reaction of others to these changes can also affect the self-esteem of a patient.

As a cancer patient, you should consult your doctor about any such concerns and interventions that might help. For example, cancer patients can opt for adaptive devices or reconstructive surgery to address a physical deformity due to the treatment.

4. Focus on your nutrition

Cancer can reduce energy levels and make you tired, especially after chemotherapy. A healthy lifestyle supports your health and limits common side effects.

Nutrition is fundamental for cancer care, as your body requires enough food and fuel to fight and repair itself. But every cancer patient has different nutritional needs according to the side effects of their treatment and the type of cancer.

Some types of foods can also trigger food-related problems. So, contact a certified cancer nutritionist for a detailed nutrition plan. Since cancer also weakens the immune system, it is necessary to follow food safety practices.

5. Exercise regularly

Previously, doctors would recommend cancer patients take things easy and limit their physical activity. However, recent research implies that physical activity is beneficial for cancer treatment progression and prognosis. It can also help with the common side effects of cancer treatment.

The American Cancer Society suggests that cancer patients try to exercise for at least 150 minutes per week. But, there is no one size fits all fitness regimen for cancer patients because every patient is unique. It would be best if you talked to your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

6. Plan your finances

Cancer treatment costs an average of $150,000. Most people cannot keep up with these numbers and end up under heaps of debt if their insurance plan does not provide enough coverage. The high costs can also take a toll on other professional and personal aspects of life, amounting to a pot-boiler of problems. Therefore it is vital to plan for your medical expenses with adequate help.

Fortunately, you can ask your healthcare team to walk you through financial insurance and assistance plans. They can answer your questions about how much your insurance will pay and any out-of-pocket costs. Also, talk to your employer or reach out to charitable organizations if the price is a burden.

7. Develop your coping mechanism

Just as each cancer treatment plan is different, so is the coping strategy. Every person has their way of dealing with their challenges.  While some people turn to spirituality, others try to invest in their hobbies. It is vital to remain open to anything and try new coping strategies.

Conclusion

Cancer does not have to mean the end of the road for you. Sometimes patients outlive the time doctors say they have left. With the correct attitude and some support, you can cope with this devastating disease. However, dealing with cancer is not a linear process. Everyone has their strategy to come to terms with it. It is necessary to do whatever works for you.

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