Cancer is an ailment caused by the unusual growth of body cells to spread to other body parts. It starts developing when the body mechanism stops working usually. Old cells do not die; instead, they flourish out of control, forming new and abnormal cells. It is the world’s second killer disease.
The ailment is in different categories that attack other parts of the human body. The body parts include breasts, bladders, colon, kidneys, lungs, mouth, and skin. Patients go through a lot of pain battling the disease.
Stages of Cancer
- Stage 0 indicates no ailment, only abnormal cells with the potential to graduate from the disease.
- Stage I means that the disease is minor and concentrated in one area. It is also known as the early cancer stage.
- Stage II and III mean that the disease is more extensive and has grown into nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
- Stage IV means that the ailment has escalated to other body parts. It is the most advanced stage and very rare for a patient to survive.
Patients survive when the ailment is detected early. It is advisable for early screening to diagnose the patient, and quick action toward cancer treatment is taken. The main reason why any organization advocates for early diagnosis is because the ailment suppresses the body in different stages.
Treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, stem cell transplant, etc. There are different self-care tips that survivors can induce their bodies to avoid recurring diseases once they get a clean bill of the health record.
Tips for Staying Healthy for Cancer Survivors
1. Attain and keep up a healthy weight
Patients should avoid gaining weight. If you are overweight or obese, a nutritionist gives you a safer way of losing weight. Weight gain is associated with women who survived breast cancer. Several studies were done and shown that fat cells in the body may affect the process that controls cancer cell growth.
Higher amounts of fat produce estrogen, which can lead to recurring breast cancer. The patient can manage weight by eating more fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Survivors should also avoid foods and beverages with high sugar content such as soda and juice.
2. Survivors should be active physically
Tested and proven studies show that being active physically by doing exercises such as jogging, taking morning walks, lifting weights, and so on improves health. They strengthen the body’s muscles, burn unwanted calories and fats, and reduce fatigue and depression. Survivors should exercise regularly to stay healthy.
3. It would be best to eat a healthy diet with many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
A healthy diet is inclusive of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fruits contain vitamins that keep the body healthy and provide antibodies that prevent one from getting diseases.
4. Regular cancer screening and hospital follow-ups by survivors
The survivors should follow up on their health status by going back to cancer centers for screening. The screening is vital to ascertain that the disease is not recurring. Survivors can also get other types of cancer; hence, screening makes one know to get informed early.
5. Oncologists should be creating a survivorship care plan
Your health caregiver should mobilize your patients and keep a record of their treatments. Following up on recommendations is also vital. As a patient, you should know your oncologist for easier appointment booking.
6. Taking care of your emotions
As a survivor, it is wise to spend more time with your family members and do things that make you happy. If you are battling depression, seek the services of mental health professional. In conclusion, taking care of your health is the most incredible wealth; hence it should be a priority.
