defeat cancer

Every year, around 500.000 people in Germany fall ill with Cancer – around 1,7 million people in Germany are currently living with cancer. The 5-year survival rates are considered a measure of the survival chances of cancer patients.

The 5-year survival rates are considered a measure of the survival chances of cancer patients.

The decisive factor here is the type of tumor, i.e. the chances of survival for malignant tumors of the lung, liver and pancreas, for example, are less than 20 percent. In the case of malignant melanoma of the skin, testicular cancer and Prostate cancer However, the chance of survival is over 90 percent.

After the first shock

After the initial shock of a cancer diagnosis and the questions and decisions regarding therapy, everyday issues also take on a new meaning – such as employment, mobility, holidays, sexuality, care or relaxation.

Cancer patients have to fight against the tumor and at the same time against the symptoms that have arisen as a result of the disease. In addition, there are stresses and discomforts caused by the treatment and therapy. This often significantly limits the quality of life - and the psyche and self-esteem of those affected also change.

Dealing effectively with the actual symptoms is an essential prerequisite for “coming to terms” with the changes in one’s life.

Chronic fatigue

The most common symptom of cancer is chronic fatigue.
There are several strategies to address the complaints:

• The “normal” daily activities should be planned and carried out during the times when one is usually at his or her greatest performance
• Pace and breaks should be consistently adjusted and taken when you are exhausted
• daily moderate exercise
• learn and apply new relaxation techniques
• Stress reduce as and when possible
• Start the day with a good breakfast and replenish your energy reserves every three to four hours
• eat as little fat and sugar-rich foods as possible
• Avoid alcohol and sedatives if possible

weight loss

Cancer often causes those affected to lose weight and become even weaker. Often the Doctor find out why you lose weight.

Sometimes it helps to simply change your eating habits. A first step is to eat high-calorie drinks and foods in smaller meals throughout the day. Meals should be high in protein and contain a lot of complex carbohydrates and whole grain products. If your appetite persists, your doctor can prescribe an appetite-stimulating medication.

If these measures are unsuccessful, you should consciously focus on the joy and pleasure of eating and no longer just think about your body weight.

signs of infection

Cancer and some necessary cancer treatments increase the individual risk of infection. Depending on your physical condition, there are measures or medications to prevent or treat infections. In addition, it is advisable that you:

• get plenty of rest and eat a healthy and balanced diet
• wash raw fruit and vegetables thoroughly – and possibly only eat them in cooked form

Pain

The tumor itself, when it presses on bones, nerves or organs in advanced stages, and the cancer treatments themselves often cause pain. Appropriate treatments can often reduce or even eliminate this pain. In addition, there are effective painkillers prescribed by the doctor.

Many complaints - many ways to deal with them

Numerous complaints and complications can occur during the course of cancer, which add to the burden. Nausea during chemotherapy and constipation caused by certain painkillers are the most common of these. family doctor or an oncologist can advise you and help you deal with it. They will find out what provides relief and helps you "cope" with the stress.

Dealing with fear

Fear is a normal reaction to the Diagnosis Cancer. Cancer is perceived as a threat and people react to threatening situations with fear. Fear becomes a “constant companion” for most cancer patients

Upcoming medical examinations or waiting for the results are often perceived as particularly stressful. Added to this is the question of how the family will support the patient and what impact the disease will have on the future. The fear of a relapse can affect cancer patients - even with a good prognosis - for the rest of their lives, especially the fear of having to die.

Important advice for those affected:
Accept fear - fear is not an enemy, but a necessary, normal emotional reaction. Making fear concrete - fear of what - helps to deal with it more easily.

Fear is also often caused by a lack of or insufficient information. Talking to the treating doctors, sharing fears and worries, and even getting a "second opinion" often leads to greater acceptance.

External support

Spouses, friends and other trusted people can be a great help to cancer patients. Formulating your own needs and addressing expectations specifically helps both sides. Others often have no idea what cancer sufferers expect or need. Additional contacts on the hospital ward, at the doctor's, in a self-help group, in an internet forum and much more help to minimize uncertainty.

Relaxation exercises such as autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation, meditative dancing and visualization exercises can help a lot to reduce inner tension and anxiety. Engaging with religious or philosophical content can also provide support and orientation.

People can only find inner balance if they perceive and accept all their feelings. They are part of life. No one can think positively all the time. But if fear and despair seem almost impossible to control, you should seek professional help.