Advice to help cancer patients manage DIAGNOSIS STRESS

Vuyile Madwantsi

NOBODY is immune to cancer. Our mothers, fathers, children, friends and famous people are all impacted by it. It takes tremendous effort to endure the gruelling process of drugs and treatments.

However, early diagnosis has significantly improved cancer survival rates, with a significant rise in number of survivors.

Sharing candidly about their real-life experiences with their audience is among the most influential things celebrities can do. Transparency about their experiences, from being diagnosed with cancer to recovering from it, and their bravery in telling the world about it can help others.

Although they are all different, survivors’ stories provide comfort to those who going through a similar situation, by inspiring or simply connecting with them

One celebrity making a difference is veteran radio host Mark Pilgrim, who shared his stage 4 cancer diagnosis in February last year and in June revealed it had spread to his femur, the base of his spine and lymph nodes. Since then he has been in and out of hospital. Lung cancer is among the more common cancers worldwide. It is the most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women, according to the World Cancer Research Fund.

MARK Pilgrim. | INSTAGRAM

Cookbook author Fatima Sydow was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma in 2020 after it was found in her left foot. She is currently in remission.

Mayo Clinic describes soft tissue sarcoma cancer as a rare type of cancer that begins in the tissues that connect, support, and surround other body structures, such as muscle, tendons, fat, lymph and blood vessels, and nerves. Although these tumours can grow anywhere in the body, they tend to occur most frequently in the arms, legs, chest, and abdomen. Surgery is the most frequent form of treatment, though radiation and chemotherapy may

SOUTH Africans are more likely than ever to get cancer. A recent study shows the country’s cancer rates are likely to double by 2030, with a surge in breast, cervical, prostate, lung, haematological and paediatric cancers. | ANNA also be advised.

This year’s global theme for World Cancer Day is “Uniting our voices and taking action”.

This emphasises that fighting cancer requires collaboration. Together, we can take action, join the tribe of those who are treating our loved ones, and support them as they go through their therapy.

Quality oncology care can be combined with community care to support patients on their cancer journey so they can look forward to life’s happier moments.

Life Healthcare says there is a lot that families and communities can do to achieve improved outcomes when it comes to cancer diagnosis.

Life Healthcare’s caregivers and doctors share a few effective ways to alleviate the stress of diagnosis:

Treat them like a person, not a patient

The person you care about is still the same friend or relative they have always been, but they are dealing with a difficult, maybe life-altering condition. Keep this in mind, and while taking into account their particular requirements linked to their cancer journey, treat them the same way you always have.

Run some errands on their behalf

One of the main adverse effects of therapy is low energy. For someone with this condition, carrying out tasks that we generally take for granted can be quite taxing. Picking up the groceries, driving the kids to school, or even just washing the dishes can be a tremendous help.

Preparing meals

Cook or just place an order. When you have cancer, cooking might also be difficult. Reduce the anxiety of your loved one. Plan dinner, otherwise assist with meal preparation, make enough dinners for a week, and stock the fridge or freezer!

Entertain

When we’re not feeling well, good entertainment can cheer us up and help us forget about our problems. Put together a list of enjoyable possibilities using your initiative to keep your loved one happy.

Sit in on consults

Offer to go with your friend or relative to their cancer doctors’ appointments. The medical team’s findings can be quite helpful if you keep a record of them for future discussion of conditions like brain fog.

Provide a care package

Cancer therapies can be demanding even though they are effective.

A box of comforting products such as lotions, balms, and mineral water can make your buddy feel better and serve as a reminder that they are appreciated as they regain their strength in between trips to the cancer centre.