Cancer Survivors Day: Wellness Strategies for Thriving

Cancer Survivors Day: Thrive with hope and health with these wellness strategies

From timely diagnosis, early detection of the disease to effective treatment, surviving cancer has become a reality today.

Of all the worries that might come to one’s mind, there are some that are common to many of us. The fear of a beloved one getting diagnosed of cancer is one such maddening worry. It is a scary thought to even think, much scarier to live through in reality. In the year 2020 alone, cancer accounted for 10 million deaths worldwide. While latest advancements in cancer treatments have helped bring down the death rate in several countries, the fight against cancer is a long and tedious one.

Amidst such a scenario, there blooms hope every time a human being beats cancer. From timely diagnosis, early detection of the disease to effective treatment, surviving cancer has become a reality today. In fact, Cancer Survivor’s Day is celebrated on June 2nd to hail the victory and resilience of cancer survivors. It is also a day that applauds the hard work of the care givers of cancer patients.

Together, lets explore ways to not just survive but thrive while dealing with cancer.

Celebrate your win, it’s a big one

There are no two ways to this—beating cancer after years of treatments and medical procedures is one of the biggest achievements in a cancer patient’s life. It is also an extraordinary feat for the caregiver or family of a cancer survivor. It is therefore essential to celebrate the win.

Have a party or a small get together to celebrate the joy you feel physically, mentally and psychologically. Eat your favourite food, invite your dearest friends and be merry to your heart’s content to celebrate the remission. Let the joyous event be a cherished life-long memory of your resilience and an inspiration to your friends and family.

Cancer awareness to the rescue

Cancer is an illness that has experts worldwide researching on it. While there is a lot to understand about cancer, many studies are already out there. So, it is very important to be as knowledgeable about the disease as possible, whether a person is a caregiver or has been diagnosed of it. Knowing about the disease helps to battle with it, armed with resources.

For instance, when one has cancer awareness, they can weigh their treatment options, choose centres or hospitals on the basis of reviews and location, know about possible side effects and outcomes of each treatment. It is particularly helpful for caregivers and family members who take up a major part of the responsibilities when a dear one is diagnosed. Do remember that it is always better to be prepared than be blindsided by new instructions or suggestions.

Be an emotional support

Studies have found that people who receive emotional support during their cancer journey do better overall. Emotional support and strength derived from family members go a long way in making the treatment bearable for many cancer patients. Fighting cancer might be the hardest thing anyone might do. But when they have the support of their dear ones, the lonely battle becomes team work.

A few things are crucial in getting this support, like telling your caregiver about your needs clearly. When you communicate exactly how you feel, resources are easier to tap into. Also, emotional support can sometimes mean talking to someone other than family—online help, forums and communities where you can express without the fear of judgement are as important as having your family beside you.

Share your story, your win

When a cancer survivor speaks at a forum, explaining how he or she beat the disease, it is more powerful than words on a hospital brochure. On Cancer Survivors Day, it is important that people who are currently fighting with cancer know that there is hope, that one can beat the illness in a number of ways. Right from diagnosing it on time, going through treatment and consuming a nutrient-rich diet—when explained and elaborated on by a cancer survivor, can do wonders for the spirit of those fighting it.

Further, it has been seen that a cancer survivor can often share insight that no one else can; such valuable advice and knowledge can turn out to be very useful for patients who are dealing with it in real time. While others may extend support, the inspiring words of a cancer survivor who went through what you are going through is of immeasurable value.

Prevention, prevention, prevention

Whether you are a cancer survivor or trying to keep away most ailments from your life, leading a healthy lifestyle is extremely beneficial. A nutritious meal replete with foods that are rich in anti-oxidants or protective molecules, like broccoli, apples, almonds, carrots, berries and kale among others, reduces cancer risk—all vegetables and fruits that contain phytochemicals and have colourful outer appearance.

Complimentary to the healthy, disease-preventive food, is a fitness regimen, one that includes a full body work out like yoga or Tai Chi. Along with that, a practise that takes care of one’s mental and emotional anchoring like mindfulness or meditation is just as essential.

These healthy habits go a long way in reducing the risk or onset of several diseases, including cancer. While the exact cause of cancer is still undergoing research, one can do their best to live a fulfilling life and spread cancer awareness for others to take strength from.

FAQs

When is Cancer Survivors Day celebrated and why?

Cancer Survivors Day is celebrated on June 2nd annually to hail the victory and resilience of cancer survivors. It is also a day that applauds the hard work of the care givers of cancer patients.

How can a cancer survivor help those undergoing treatment for cancer?

Cancer survivors can share their cancer journey with those who are dealing with it in real time. They can speak at forums and seminars, discussing the various facets of cancer treatment and options they experienced.

How is prevention a part of cancer awareness?

Healthy habits go a long way in reducing the risk or onset of several diseases, including cancer. Eating foods rich in anti-oxidants, staying away from pollution, exercising regularly and taking care of one’s mental health, all help in prevention of many illnesses.

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