Cancer Symptoms And What To Do
What are some of the symptoms of cancer?
Early detection and diagnosis of cancer is the primary goal of cancer screening. Cancers that have not spread to adjacent tissue or distant organs can be effectively treated in most cases. Cancer characteristics are dependent on the location and type of cancer.
The warning signs listed below are the most common symptoms noted by cancer patients. Please Note: All of these symptoms may have causes other than cancer and should be diagnosed by a physician or health-care professional:
- Change in bowel or bladder habits
- Thickening or lump in breast
- Nagging cough or hoarseness
- A sore that doesn’t heal
- Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
- Persistent, low-grade fever
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Obvious change in a wart or mole
- Pallor
- Unusual tiredness
- Excessive bruising
- Appetite and weight loss
- Unusual and persistent headaches accompanied by visual or behavioral changes
- Nagging pain in the bones or elsewhere that has no apparent cause
What should I do if diagnosed with cancer?
The person diagnosed with cancer and his or her family face important and difficult decisions. Feelings of fear and isolation are normal, but there are many sources of medical, psychological, and financial aid available.
A newly diagnosed cancer patient should be accompanied by one or two close family members or friends during discussions about the disease and treatment. Even though all important decisions ultimately must be made by the patient, the advice and comfort of friends and family provides invaluable emotional support. And during this understandably emotional time, an extra set of ears can be very helpful in making sure the cancer patient understands his or her diagnosis and treatment options.
There are several things a cancer patient and his or her family can do. Some suggestions:
- Optimism and fortitude are very important. Several years ago, Norman Cousins wrote the book Laughter is the Best Medicine outlining his journey through successful cancer treatment. Another excellent book for those undergoing cancer treatment is It’s Not about the Bike by Lance Armstrong, six-time winner of the Tour de France.
- Learn to communicate with people about what is going on in your life. Many studies show that patients who cope best with the stress of cancer are ones who assume responsibility for seeking treatment, ask questions, and participate in the decision-making process. Many people refuse to discuss the disease and its prognosis in order to keep from worrying or burdening others. In reality, silence erects a wall between patients and their families, and candid discussions about the possibility of death can decrease the tension between patients, friends, and families.
- Join a support group and seek help. Many studies demonstrate that cancer patients belonging to support groups contend with the disease better than patients who are isolated. Discussing fears, as well as sharing information about coping strategies, treatments, doctors, hospitals, and other medical resources, enormously benefit cancer patients and their families. Call the American Cancer Society for more information on groups and services in your area. Or go online for information; the American Cancer Society’s website is a good place to start learning about a particular type of cancer and also provides information about local programs.
- Prayer and meditation may also help some people cope with the problems that occur during any illness, especially cancer. Regardless of race, color, or creed, a strong sense of spirituality always helps.
With the advances made in both research and science, nearly half of all cancer patients can expect to be alive and free of any sign of the disease five years after diagnosis. Anxiety and fear cause some people with cancer to delay seeking a diagnosis until the disease has reached an advanced, less treatable stage. And while cancer treatment is feared, recent advances in surgical, radiological, and chemotherapeutic therapies, and improvements in pharmacology which can prevent nausea and pain, have greatly lessened the uncomfortable side effects of cancer treatment.
The bottom line is that cancer must be detected early in order to obtain the highest probability of a cure. However, even persistent cancer (often a chronic disease) can be effectively treated for many years.
The best advice we can give you is this: Change bad habits and live healthfully. Quit smoking. Eat foods that help build your body’s defenses against cancer. Remove chlorine or chloramine, contaminants from water before drinking or cooking. Take vitamin and mineral supplements. And most importantly, see your physician for regular testing and health screenings.
January 08 2009 05:14 pm | cancer