I am terrified of cancer
One of my relatives recently passed away from lung cancer, and I got to know that it was mostly undetectable for both him and the doctors. He didn't even smoke or intake tobacco.
This has terrified me lately, regarding the horrors of cancer and I constantly worry about seeing my family go through the same. I feel too worried to engage in everyday activties.
While I know professional mental health help would be best in this scenario, what are the other ways by which I can stay strong and against these thoughts?
@gregariousLake4824
While cancer is a very scary thing to have, know that many cancers nowadays are completely treatable and have better prognosis with the advent of advanced medical technology and research! While the chance of developing one can be very random there is a lot of things you can hold yourself to better your chances like living a healthy lifestyle of good diet and exercise/also getting regular check-ups with your doctors and in general being proactive about your health.
@sunnyWriting4806 Thanks a lot for your response! Everything you said makes sense and I will keep these all in mind, except one thing which I wish to ask more about -- that you said how most cancers are treatable now. That doesn't seem to be true though. There's a lot of research going on cancer, but we are far from finding a cure, it seems. May I ask why do you feel we have a cure for it?
@gregariousLake4824
ah my apologies, what I meant by treatment is that there is most of the times something that the doctor will recommend the person that has cancer to go through whether it be chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, etc. some cancers even have very good prognosis due to their very good response to certain treatments! But you’re right there Is no one cure for cancer as every single cancer is unique and challenging in its own right. But for cancers especially when caught early there is always a plan to help it go into remission with combination of medical therapies! The survival rates of cancers have drastically increased over the past years and more favorable prognosis have been more common. While as back then getting cancer was a death sentence, seeing remission cases nowadays is a lot more common!
That's quite hopeful! I hope we go further in finding a cure for this
@gregariousLake4824
Cancer is terrifying. When a family member or friend suddenly gets diagnosed, with no warning signs and no behaviors that could lead to cancer, they did everything right and are still stick. That is terrifying. I am afraid as well. It is okay to feel afraid and your fears are valid. It is true that cancer can happen to anyone. It is also true that there is research being done everyday on prevention and cures for cancer. It is also true that not everyone will get it is not a guarantee. When I have experienced anxiety over something that may or may not happen, I like to list truths to myself. Things that are true at the moment. E.g I am healthy. I am strong. (kind of like affirmations) I focus on what I know to be true in the moment, not what may come. It seems to ground me. I have also found that something cold helps calm down my nervous system. If I am experiencing intense emotions of any kind I get an ice pack and hold it on my chest, it calms my nervous system while I ground myself with what is true in the moment.
@neverendingRainbow489 Thanks a lot for your reply. You are right. Grounding. One needs to learn to live in the present and stop worrying about the future. I will keep this in mind. Also, sometimes video-games make me enjoy the present (I mean lol, but it's true) more than anything. I was thinking deeply, and then I realized that we should all cherish everything that made us happy throughout our life. The wonderful parties we attented, the warmth we felt while spending time around with our family, the fun we had with our friends, the joy we felt exploring a hobby, ***, the joy we feel while exploring our favorite video games, and feel grateful for them, and remind ourselves that they are the sign that we are living a fulfilling life, and that that's what all matters
@gregariousLake4824
If video games help you be in the present that is a great thing to do!
@gregariousLake4824 I have lost both my parents to cancer. My dad 15 years ago from many years of battling and my mom just a few months ago which was undetected and spread rapidly. So, I think I got both ends when it comes to being within close proximity without going through it myself.
With that said, things will get better. Knowledge is powerful. Take the experience to heart and know your risks. If possible, try and do a genetic test to see if you are at higher risks for certain cancers. Try and maintain a healthy lifestyle you can afford.
Maybe it's just me, but I read from your post you're in conflict with your own mortality. I went though a similar phase with my dad's struggle with cancer at during my teen years. I didn't necessarily had people/friends who I could confide in, so I did some journaling and what is considered "art therapy" just to reset my brain and have an outlet. Drawings and paintings aren't judgemental.
Best of luck to you!
@donelle34 Thanks a lot for this comment! Very insightful and full of perspective. Also, I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I am glad you are so strong that you have gone through something like that and still stay strong! I have bern feeling thst we should believe in quality over quantity-- that nobody knows how long will life last. Hence, make the best out of every moment!
@gregariousLake4824 I understand those hurtful day you go through. It's hard to believe not everyone live this earth forever if I was in your feet. Losing closed ones is not easy to let go and moved out.
Hey there,
I too, have experienced this anxiety. Cancer is prominent in my family, and let's be honest no one wants to see anyone they love and care about go through that.
To your point......we can't fear the things we cannot change, right? He never smoked, yet was diagnosed with lung cancer. We can be doing all the right things, yet be faced with the hardest of challenges, and it isn't fair by any means, but what sucks most, is that sometimes we can't prepare for those things to happen.
You have to take life day by day, because the constant anxiety will change you. It will ruin your health, and your cherished relationships, and I wouldn't want anyone to experience that.
Chin up my stranger friend. You got this😊😊
I'm terrified of cancer too. Someone in my family just got diagnosed with cancer. It's terrifying seeing someone you love go through this and it's also terrifying wondering if you'll develop it yourself. I don't have any advice, but just thought I'd share this.
@gregariousLake4824 You could come to our Group Support Rooms here at 7cups.
In those rooms members support other members.
Some, come looking for support.
Here is the link, just in case you ever want to join: 7cups.com/connect/Chatrooms.php
I hope this helps, you somewhat.
