What Are the Best Practices for Coping with Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer, the second most common cancer worldwide, is prevalent in India too. It has remained the leading cause of cancer deaths during the last few years. A lung cancer diagnosis at the right time can lead to lung cancer prevention.

For lung cancer patients, a timely diagnosis of Lung cancer and a good management plan makes the half-battle won. If you’ve been diagnosed with Lung cancer and know what to expect, you can make a good plan to deal with it; it will help make the stressful time more manageable.

It is also true that living with cancer can be challenging. So, Lung cancer prevention would be better than its cure.  People lose hope and willpower, and it makes the problem harder. Reports have shown that people following a good management plan with hope and confidence in themselves can deal with the situation much more efficiently than others.

Here are 9 coping strategies for lung cancer diagnosis

1. Intelligent gathering of facts about Lung Cancer

Fearing the name Lung Cancer would not help. One should get as much basic, helpful information as possible. This information will help you to make decisions about your treatment and care.

The Internet should not be your primary source of information. One should talk to their healthcare provider for authentic information about their problems and queries.

Don’t panic; pen down all your questions and concerns and bring them when you see your healthcare provider.

One can also ask the healthcare provider about the treatment plan and process. Understanding the disease will also help your healthcare provider in their decision-making and treatment process.

2. Facilitate communication

Two-way communication with your loved ones, healthcare providers, and others would always be beneficial. Keeping your feelings at heart will never let you escape the situation. Communication is the way to help you deal with the problem effectively. Never hesitate to share your feelings, emotions, and concerns. A word with your caretaker or healthcare provider will help them deal with your problem effectively. If you all are supportive, you can support each other.

3. Envisage physical changes

We all know that every problem comes with changes. So, here also, we must accept that lung cancer problems will also come with physical and mental changes. Accepting the situation helps you deal with the problem effectively.

It would be better to talk to your healthcare provider and ask what may change. Like, medicines may make you weak and lose your hair.

One can also consider joining a Lung Cancer support group. The members of these groups can provide tips that have worked for them and others.

The treatment might also affect your daily life. You might require a break from your daily routine. You may also need to stay in the hospital or have many medical appointments. Consulting your healthcare provider would help you manage and deal with your problem effectively. You can also ask your provider whether you can continue your usual routine.

Suppose you require treatment that will make it hard to perform your daily duties, so knowing it beforehand can help you make arrangements. This will also make you plan your finances in advance.

4. Maintaining a healthy life

We all know that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a must for all. It can help in lung cancer prevention. Here we are talking about fit and non-cancerous patients too. But, specifically for a lung cancer patient, a healthy diet can help to cope with Lung cancer symptoms.

Choosing a healthy diet, taking enough rest, physical activity, etc., are a few tips everyone should work on. These tips will help you manage stress and fatigue. Try to spare time for exercise daily. If you can, please have a consistent daily routine.

Exercise and daily physical activities relax your mind and make you enjoy.

5. Maintain your lifestyle

Despite the ups and downs of the disease, one should try to maintain their lifestyle. Also, be open to changing it as per need. It’s easy and normal to forget things during stressful times. The future with Lung cancer can be uncertain; sudden changes, organizing, and planning may prove stressful.

6. Review your goals and priorities

Defining goals and priorities is an essential part of the life of a Lung Cancer patient. Prioritize the most important activities to you and can provide meaning to your life.

Just like any cancer, Lung Cancer also affects your relationships. Prioritizing your likings and preferences will help lower the anxiety and fear that cancer can cause.

7. Ally with other Lung Cancer patients

Some people might find it challenging to understand your feelings. Talking to people who are going through your situation will surely help. Other Lung cancer survivors can share their experiences and the ways that have helped them to cope with the problem. They can also help you with what to expect during treatment.

Apart from family and friends, there are many Cancer Groups with members who are survivors and going through the same situation. Talking to people, who have cancer, will give you a ray of hope. Connecting with other Lung cancer survivors through these support groups has benefitted many patients.

You can also ask your healthcare provider to share the details of the support groups in your area.

8. Combat the stigmatisation

In our society, most diseases have one or more stigmas attached to them. There are still some stigmas attached to cancer in our community. A large number of these stigmas have no medical basis. Like, Lung cancer is contagious, so people may avoid you. Your co-workers may doubt you’re healthy and are not doing the job. Many people might ask you weird questions and concerns.

You have to deal with them courageously. It now becomes your duty to educate them that cancer shouldn’t make them afraid to be around you.

9. Create your path to deal with cancer

If you choose or create your path, you have sentiments attached to it, motivating you to move ahead. Each person’s Lung cancer treatment differs, so the ways would also be.

• Practice your preferred ways to relax
• Share your feelings honestly
• Pen down your feelings. It will help you to organize your thoughts
• Choose your “Me-time”

Lung cancer diagnosis on time will help to become a mighty Lung Cancer warrior and a source of inspiration to others.