World Cancer Day 2013: When you discover that you have cancer

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, Last Updated: Feb 4, 2013 at 12:00 PM

February 4 is World Cancer Day

Being diagnosed with cancer can be traumatic but what you have to realise is that it’s not the end of the world. Cancer like all other diseases is very treatable. The theme of World Cancer Day this year is dispelling the myths and misconceptions about cancer and the biggest one is that cancer is a death sentence.  Dr Ashwin Mallya tells what to do when you’re diagnosed with cancer.

Relax: That is the first step. Take a deep breath and tell yourself that it’s not the end of the road. With early diagnosis, treatment and regular follow-ups many patients end up living a near normal life. Just take a look at Yuvi; he is back in the Indian cricket team!

Confide: You don’t have to do it alone. Tell your near and dear ones about your ailment, especially your partner or whoever you’re close. Their strength and support will help you get through this.

Trust your doctor: A lot of people tend to lose faith in their treatment options and opt for other methods. Your doctor will give you the maximum insight into your disease and the treatment options available. However, if you’re in doubt you can always go for a second opinion.

Be regular: Many people tend to stop their treatment regimens after a while. You should be very particular about your check-ups, follow-ups and investigations to get the maximum benefits. Also avoid self-diagnosing and self-medication and don’t start taking medicinal advice from everyone.

Stay positive: Good nutrition (follow your doctor’s recommendations), exercise (within tolerable limits) and a positive frame of mind will make you stronger, in order to tolerate the medications which at times may be of strong nature.

Don’t get fooled by soothsayers: If you are considering indigenous systems of medicine or alternative therapies do mention this to your treating oncologist. Don’t be fooled by soothsayers and astrologers regarding ‘guarantees’ about their treatment.

Don’t stop living: Many people tend to go into a shell once they discover they’ve cancer.  Do not cut yourself from your social circle. Genuine friends will always be there for you. Suffering from cancer does not make you a social outcast.

Meditate:  It’s vital to maintain peace of mind. You need to do things that will keep you from being stressed out. Why not try some meditation and other relaxation techniques?

Join support groups: Most Oncology set ups have support groups or at least a network of patients and their families who have suffered the disease, gone through treatment and in most cases survived the ordeal. Small tips and anecdotes can lighten the burden that you may be feeling.

And finally, Believe: Know that you will beat the disease. Read up as many survival stories and books with information about coping with the disease. You will be surprised to find how many, many people have beaten the disease.

 Always remember cancer is not a death sentence. There are lots of people who have been diagnosed with cancer that have gotten over this ailment and lived a normal enriching life. 

Also read: War on Cancer


First Published: Feb 4, 2013 at 9:20 AM

Post Comment

    Bruna March 8, 2012 at 10:03 am

    alteration between a sorttwurthy spiritual father and government: hmm this is a hard one .lol one is a childish wishful belief that does not care for u from earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods, disease, child rapists, murderers .. and the additional is real, and really does provide protection to many of the cases plotted above ..grow up .

    Reply
    Sehrish March 7, 2012 at 1:26 am

    well she was a real democratic, not the fake hricoyptes pretending to be libertarians on the conservative republican side. a democratic by definition has to be an atheist. with an all powerful god the importance of liberty has no importance. ayn rand was an atheist and also a radical democratic. even if some of her way of life is a bit far fetched, her core thoughts are noble and idealistic. her thoughts in this area selfishness is very appealing only when a man deserves his wealth and reputation.

    Reply
    Varsha March 6, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    Great post! I?m just starting out in ctoumnimy management/marketing media and trying to learn how to do it well resources like this article are incredibly helpful. As our company is based in the US, it?s all a bit new to us. The example above is something that I worry about as well, how to show your own genuine enthusiasm and share the fact that your product is useful in that case

    Reply