Cancer is a life threatening disease. It is one disease that most of us fear and dread. The treatment can run for years with no fruitful result. It is an expensive treatment and zaps you out of your finances. The painful process can kill your energy and keep you bedridden. There are so many different types of cancer that affect various parts of your body. Doctors believe that earlier you diagnose there are better chances of complete cure. Some cancers like breast, mouth, skin, rectum and prostate can be identified through self examination. This will help you identify before the symptoms aggravate.
Diagnosis and treatments for cancer depend on symptoms and its severity. Symptoms for each cancer will vary based on the stage the cancer is in. Most cancers develop a tumour or a growth in the body as an initial symptom. A few cancers will cause high fever, headache, body pain and fatigue. A thorough physical examination will be required once you identify such symptoms. The doctors will check the complete medical history to identify if there are any definitive causes for the symptoms. A lab test of blood, stool and urine can detect if there are any abnormalities that indicates cancer. When cancer is suspected, doctors suggest further examinations. To examine a tumour more closely, there are image tests such as x-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and fibre optic examinations that can help doctors identify cancer.
Biopsy is one another way to confirm cancer. It requires tissue samples of a suspected tumour to study for cancer. If the diagnosis is positive, there are other tests that need to be done to identify the specifications of cancer. This is to identify the type and stage of cancer. It will also give information about the spread of cancer to other body parts. Once all this is done you need to start treatment immediately with a cancer specialist.
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Cancer treatment is determined based on the type of cancer and in which stage it is. At the initial stage, doctors will try to remove the tumour through surgery. To slow the growth of tumour, doctors will recommend radiation therapy or chemotherapy based on the severity. Immunotherapy and Hormone therapy are other treatments for certain types of cancer. Cancer treatment can cause a lot of side effects based on the immunity of the person. The patient requires a lot of supportive care during the course of treatment.
Any type of cancer treatment should be followed by supportive therapy. This will help patients to get relieved from pain, gain positive outlook, and maintain good health. Such psychological and emotional support is required for both patients and the family. Hospice care provides supportive treatment for patients who are nearing the end of their lives. It will provide relief from pain and other irrevocable symptoms. There are numerous herbal medicines and treatment for cancer. There is no solid evidence but certain concoctions are said to relieve pain and fatigue caused by cancer.
Homeopathy, acupuncture and acupressure are complementary medicines that can be taken along with mainstream treatment. It helps reduce symptoms of cancer and also reduces the side effects of all the treatment. You really can’t replace any of this as the replacement of conventional treatment may prove dangerous. Cancer patients should be active and must follow a daily routine of exercise. This will help them fight stress, fatigue, anxiety and muscle tension. Under good guidance, a patient can involve in walking and swimming. Certain mind and body therapies can be followed to improve quality of life for patients. Behaviour therapy, hypnotherapy and biofeedback can help patients relieve painful symptoms and after effects of treatment.
Healthy food rich in nutrition plays an important role in the fight against cancer. Studies show that cancer is more common in people who have diets based on meat products. High doses of Vitamin E can cause prostate cancer in men. Ginger tea, peppermint tea and valerian root can help control stress, anxiety and fatigue. No particular food is proved to slow, cure or reverse cancer. Good care should be taken after every therapy session. Radiation therapy can make your skin very sensitive. Be gentle and do not scrub your skin or wear tight clothing. Also, do not expose your skin to sunlight. Aloe vera ointment, vitamin E lotions and creams can be soothing and gentle to the skin.
Rather than three heavy meals, have light meals throughout the day. Have food at room temperature to avoid nausea. During therapies, your immunity is very low, so try keeping away from sick people. In addition to medicines, practice yoga and medicines. This can relax your mind and body. Get plenty of rest combined with light exercises. Keep yourself occupied with positive thoughts and express your emotions. Have like minded company and join a cancer community.