Cancer Survival Tips

Surviving cancer is the fact that you continue to live after being diagnosed and treated with the disease. Survival can lead to remission for some years or complete healing. The chance of surviving cancer differs depending on the type of cancer, your lifestyle (diet, environment, etc.), and most importantly, the time you were diagnosed (earlier you are diagnosed; more chance you have to be healed or survived for a long time). Therefore, you have an important role to play in your recovery after your treatment. nnHearing you have cancer, you can panic; it is normal since you are a human being. However, you need to increase your morale, take courage, do not be intimidated by the statistics published on radio, TV, or on the Internet as if you have X years left to live. You are unique, and your destiny does not depend on what medical science says.nnThere is hope for cancer victims. According to a study conducted in France by the “Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer” (National League Against Cancer) and the “Réseau français des Registres du Cancer” (French Network of Cancer Registries), one out of two cancer patients will survive for at least 5 years after initial diagnosis. The study was conducted among 205,000 cancer victims aged over 15 years, and diagnosed during 1989-1997. Over 40 different types of cancer were studied. nnCancer survival ratennThe survival rate differs from type of cancer. A five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is 85%, 80% for prostate cancer, 56% for colorectal cancer, and less than 15% for lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S killing about 158,900 people each year. About 171,600 Americans diagnosed with lung cancer every year, over 92% of them die in less than three years; 60% die within a year. Your chance of surviving lung cancer for a long period is slim. The wise decision is to stop or not smoke. nnIncrease your cancer survival chancennIf you are a cancer survivor, you need not only medical care but also support from your family and friends. Cancer and its treatment can cause emotional problems, neurological disorders, sexual dysfunction, infertility problems, and esthetic changes; you cannot cope with cancer alone, you need support. Here are some tips that can help you in your struggle with cancer:nn• Ask your friends and family members to speak less of the disease; tell them that you appreciate their attention but you do not feel like talking about cancer now.n• When you feel depressed, do not be afraid to turn to someone who understands you. If you cannot find anyone contact a support network; you will surely find a little comfort.n• Do everything you can to have fun and laugh; that decreases stress and depression, and boost your immune system.n• If you look is negatively affected by the disease or its treatment, try to avoid places where there are people who underestimate you; if you are constantly under estimated, you could feel a low self-esteem.n• If you want to talk or express your feeling, find someone you enjoy her/his company and enjoys yours. The fact you explain to others what you feel will help them to understand you better. However, do not over expect; more you expect from others, less satisfied you will be. n• Some people, despite their promises, could desert you; it may be a family member, fiancé, or spouse. No matter what, be confident, someone else will come into your life. God will make a way for you in your darkest time. nnAs I mentioned, the duration of survival differs depending on the type of cancer and your participation in fighting the disease. Although cancer survival statistics are sometimes accurate, your lifestyle (diet, environment, attitude toward the disease, etc.) play a major role in your healing. In addition, thanks to progress of medical science, now cancer victims can live years with the disease. To learn more about survival rate of each type of cancer, and how to increase your chance of being healed, visit survivalcancer.com, click on the link in the resource box below.