Cancer is a disease that can affect any part of a person’s body. When people have cancer, their healthy tissue is destroyed by rapid abnormal cell growth. Symptoms can include fatigue, coughing, bleeding, bruising, nausea, and headaches. Smoking, exposure to sunlight or radiation, dietary choices, and viruses can all cause cancer, but this disease affects people of all ages and behaviors. Individuals can also be genetically predisposed to develop cancer.
In the United States, approximately 1.8 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Cancer treatments can be painful, expensive, and stressful. If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, this guide can help you cope with your condition and navigate the treatment process.
Addressing Emotional Needs
Cancer is a disease that claims almost 600,000 lives each year in the U.S. alone. It’s normal to struggle with depression or anxiety if you learn you or a loved one has cancer. Addressing your mental health needs can be a crucial part of an effective treatment plan. Suppose you have a teen who’s coping with cancer or suffering from depression or grief due to a family member’s cancer diagnosis. In that case, you can consider turning to residential treatment facilities for support. Teen treatment centers specialize in working with adolescents grappling with severe issues. A team of experienced mental health experts customizes a treatment plan to address your teen’s specific needs and help them address depression, manage their anxiety, and process their grief.
You may also want to pursue individual and family counseling. Seeing a therapist or counselor can help you come to terms with the disease, the treatment process, and the impact this diagnosis has had on your life.
Taking Supplements
Many natural supplements are associated with cancer prevention or treatment. Many cancer patients suffer from infections because some cancer treatments destroy the white blood cells that naturally fight infections in their body. Many people with cancer also suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Taking vitamin D supplements may reduce the risk of developing cancer. Garlic also boosts the immune system, which makes it a useful supplement to take during cancer treatments. Green tea, mushroom extracts, and antioxidants may also help strengthen your immune system.
If you’ve overcome cancer or have a family history of certain types of cancer, you may opt to take prostate cancer supplements. These supplements are multivitamins composed of vitamins E and B6 and minerals such as zinc and selenium. Other ingredients include rice, bovine gelatin, and green tea leaf extract. These supplements are formulated to promote prostate health.
Securing Practical Support
Cancer treatment can affect your ability to perform routine tasks, such as driving yourself to appointments or cleaning your home. Turn to nonprofit organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, to receive assistance with some of these tasks. It’s possible to receive free transportation to appointments.
You may also need to rely on family members to help with household duties during your treatment. Communicate your needs clearly to prevent misunderstandings and ensure daily living tasks are addressed.
Getting Financial Help
Cancer treatment can be expensive, and you may need to take time off work due to the side effects. Individuals with insurance are still responsible for copays and the cost of prescriptions. Several nonprofit organizations, including CancerCare and the American Cancer Society, offer financial assistance to help cancer patients cover personal costs. You may also qualify for assistance through pharmaceutical patient assistance programs, which help provide affordable medication to cancer patients.
You may also qualify for some government benefit programs. If you lose your job due to your condition, you may be eligible for Medicare or qualify to receive food stamps. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also provides financial assistance for cancer patients.
Although cancer is a physical illness, learning you have cancer can affect all aspects of your life. Addressing your emotional needs can help you come to terms with your diagnosis and address mental health issues, your diagnosis, and treatment produce. Taking health supplements, addressing your practical needs, and seeking financial assistance can also help you cope with your diagnosis.
