Coping and Living With Cancer
Cancer is a diagnosis which affects many individuals each year, but it is no longer regarded as strictly terminal. More Americans with cancer are surviving due to improved technological advances. While this is a positive turn of events, the increased survival rate leaves many more individuals to cope with the toll cancer takes on the body and mind.
Emotional
Depression, anxiety, helplessness, hopelessness, fear of disease recurrence, impaired body image, and loss of motivation are just some of the mental health changes which may result from cancer.
While these mental health struggles may be devastating, they are part of the disease course. Individuals should tap into their support systems and seek the necessary services to decrease the impact these mental health symptoms have on their function.
Physical
Taking care of yourself physically is imperative, both when being treated for cancer and beyond. Good self-care makes you feel better physically and will give your mood a much-needed boost.
Exercise
Not only can physical activity lower the risk of developing cancer, it can also assist in the treatment of cancer. Physical activity of any kind—walking, biking, hiking, yoga, weight lifting, swimming, and more—can assist with balancing hormone levels, lowering the risk of obesity, and improving the immune system.
Diet
There is no strong evidence directly supporting the idea that a balanced diet prevents cancer. Despite this, a healthy diet with adequate vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants does lower the risk of obesity and improves the function of the immune system.
Rehabilitation Services
Rehabilitation such as occupational, physical, and speech therapies can assist an individual with regaining strength and functional health status, which is often indicated for an individual with cancer.
Social
Support groups can be in-person, through online chat rooms or webinars, or telephone support groups, as to provide more resources to those who may have barriers to transportation or social skills.
Social clubs and group classes may also be a part of your local gym, which encourages physical activity along with the aspect of companionship and social interaction with individuals who have shared goals.
For Caregivers
Those who partake in caregiving for someone with cancer should also be mindful of their mental health and role fulfillment. This is important for self-preservation along with the caregiver’s ability to continue assisting their loved one.
Source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/coping-with-cancer-4686366
What are your thoughts on this article?
#CA #Psychology #Health
@calmDew1576 It's a bit odd, if anything losing weight from cancer or treatments is more common than gaining so I don't know why the risk of obesity was brought up twice. As someone who is immunocompromised I think some of the suggestions particularly as pictured are a little strange during a pandemic. Solid tumours and some of the cancer treatments are big risk factors. Social supports are definitely good things to connect to but some care is needed with in person interactions.
@AffyAvo Hi! You're absolutely right. In the artile, it is mentioned that despite preventing cancer (corretlation, not causation), healthy living can also have other health benefits such as preventing the risk of obesity and any other health problems related to that. So even if people are not worried about cancer or do not believe that a healthy diet will prevent it, it is generally good to maintain a healthy lifestyle for various reasons. Thank you for reading!
@calmDew1576 I find that odd too. Someone seeking out information on how to cope and live with something isn't going to get a lot of help with how to prevent that thing and depending on where they are at may be upset about being told how to prevent it.