Fighting cancer is quite possibly one of the most difficult health issues a person will come across. While there are standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, these cause side effects that can make the cancer patient feel even worse. However, there are ways to prevent not only the side effects, but put yourself at lower risk for getting cancer in the first place.
Fighting Cancer
The number one risk factor for cancer has been shown to be smoking cigarettes. If you smoke – quit now. Studies show that quitting can greatly reduce your risk of cancer. Another way for women to fight cancer is to do monthly breast exams and have a mammogram annually, as well as an annual pap smear. And, of course, having an annual physical, including a prostate exam for men, is most important.
There are also many foods that can help in fighting cancer: folate rich foods such as orange juice and leafy greens, Vitamin D-rich foods such as milk, cod, shrimp, and Chinook salmon. Eggs are another good source; tea, which contains flavanoids; cruciferous vegetables, such as those in the cabbage family (not everyone’s favorite, but helpful nonetheless); and ginger, which has lately been shown to work directly on cancer cells. There has also been recent proof that men who eat a pomegranate a day significantly reduce their risk of prostate cancer, the number one cancer in men behind lung cancer.
In the event that the above foods are not helpful enough in fighting cancer, there are many herbs and other natural remedies that may help. It is important, however, that you consult with your health care provider before taking any of these herbs, or before trying to treat yourself, as you can wind up doing more harm than good.
Fatigue is another issue in fighting cancer. The best way to combat fatigue during cancer treatment is to first discover the underlying cause (chemotherapy, radiation, etc), then work your day around it. Schedule rest periods, plan ahead, delegate tasks when you need to, and make sure you pace yourself. Speak to a nutritionist about your diet and adding supplements. And don’t forget exercise – it may seem counterproductive to fatigue, but getting small doses of exercise, like a short walk every day, can help immensely in warding off fatigue.
Fighting Cancer – The Conclusion
This battle involves all of your resources, but the best way to fight it is to try to prevent it in the first place using the above tips. It is also imperative that you find and utilize a support group for the type of cancer that you are fighting. Your physician will be able to refer you to the correct support group, as well as a therapist to whom you can voice your concerns. Many people suffering from cancer feel helpless, as well as hopeless, and have concerns that they are not comfortable discussing. Support groups and therapists are there for just such a reason. It may seem impossible at the beginning, but fighting cancer can and has been done.
