.jpg "Skin Cancer")
Cancer is more than just a
health problem. It is a total lifestyle changer. Cancer brings along an
emotional roller-coaster where anxiety and stress coupled with uncertainty of
what the future may bring. Skin cancer is a special case since it is the most visible
of all cancers. It is affecting the largest organ in the body. In a 1988
Canadian study, fatigue and anxiety were reported by cancer patients calling a
toll-free number. This is reinforced by a study that was published in 2002 by
the journal of American Society of Clinical Oncology. Helping a skin cancer
patient cope with anxiety can help ease the situation. Here are some tips on
how to help against anxiety.
Help acknowledge the feelings
It is important that you are
able to relay to the cancer patient that the anxious feeling is normal.
Acknowledging the feelings can lead to better acceptance of the situation which
can help an individual become more responsive to treatments. There are also
worries about the side effects of the treatments and chemotherapy. Most often,
cancer patients would feel alone and hopeless if they will survive the ordeal.
Some patients would have anxieties about work and finances. Help them
understand that the chance of survival would depend on how well the patient
responds and cooperate with the treatment. In a study,
it was found out that pessimism is an indicator of emotional morbidity.
Help them consider anti-anxiety medication
Some patients may refuse
counselling for their anxiety. In this case ask them to ask their doctor for
the use of medication. Distress and insomnia would be dominant as a patient
goes through the rigors of coping with cancer. Medicines, according to the US
National Cancer Institute may be combined with other therapies. The NCI said
that antidepressants are useful for cancer patients that are having anxiety
disorders. The NCI has a clinical trial that can help find medical solutions to the anxiety
problems among cancer patients.
Help them understand that anxiety control is important
A study made by Stanford
University is quite an eye-opener. In the study mice that had cancer impacted
how they looked at their medical condition. Laboratory rats that were too
anxious developed a more serious and invasive type of skin cancer. This means
that cancer patients need to understand that controlling anxiety improves the
risk. Friends like you can help deal with the feelings that a patient has. Help
them feel that they are not alone and helpless. Cancer centers can also help
manage the anxiety and deal with the feelings using different approaches,
treatments and therapies. They are able to explain in depth the cause for the
worry and how people around the patient can contribute for further help and
support.
Help them improve sleep
Anxiety makes it difficult to
sleep. The lack of sleep makes the anxiety worse. This is the reason why people
with cancer should get enough sleep to counter anxiety disorders. The use of
some meditation and relaxation techniques can help. Some herbs could also help
such as chamomile. But, before engaging in any chemical solution to the anxiety
problem it is best to clear it with a doctor first. There is a chance that some
of the chemicals may have a contra-indication with the medication being used to
treat the cancer.
Help them understand what is happening
The fear and negative thought
causes the heart rate as well as the blood pressure to increase. The release of
cortisol and adrenaline will bring in more energy. This is a natural response
of the body. The problem is that anxiety can become a vicious cycle that may
end up not getting any control over it. This may lead to complicated situations
that may make the cancer worse.
Help them cope and adjust
Long-term coping mechanisms and
adjustment should be the goal of the friends of cancer patients.
There are plenty of coping mechanisms available. There is no band-aid solution
to the problem. The idiosyncrasies of cancer patients will make it tricky to
find the right anxiety coping mechanism right away. It is harder for the
patient to locate the right one without your help.
Anxiety in cancer
is real. It is not uncommon for people with cancer to suffer both with the
physical pains and the mental turmoil. Cancer patients are likely to suffer
from anxiety disorders. This is why adjusting to the emotional problems is part
of coping with skin cancer.
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