Cancer is a diagnostic difficult to digest, but it’s no longer a death sentence due to scientific research and advanced medical practices. In fact, if caught early, the chances of survival and complete recovery are high (of course, the situation can be influenced by particular factors, specific to each individual case).
Still, if you are in this situation, it’s important to know your options. After all, even when your chances of recovery look good, you still have to go through a difficult period, during which you may not be able to work or even care for your own needs. Moreover, such a diagnostic has a profound mental and physical impact on your wellbeing.
Luckily, there is a country-wide support system available for American cancer patients who seek help, professional guidance, and assistance. Therefore, today we’ll take a look at support options for cancer patients, from four different points of view:
- Financial Support
- Physical Support
- Mental Support
- Emotional Support
Financial Support
Medical bills, treatments, and chemo sessions can add up to the cost of daily living. Additionally, if you can’t work while sick (which is completely normal considering the circumstances), your income will diminish. This can add to the overall stress caused by the disease and prolong the recovery period.
Luckily, there are numerous non-profit organizations that can offer financial aid in times of need. To find them, do a simple Google search in your area, and look for acceptance conditions (some focus only on low-income families, while others have different acceptance criteria).
Additionally, you may be entitled to various financial compensations if you got sick because of environmental conditions. For instance, the dust and fumes caused by the 9/11 events in New York are the cause of many skin, breast, prostate, and other types of cancers. Therefore, if you think this to be the cause of your current cancer diagnosis, it’s best to talk to a law firm like 9/11 Lawyers – they can guide you through the process of receiving financial compensation.
Physical Support
Cancer treatment and various doctor visits can (and usually will) put a strain on your health. Among other symptoms, you will start feeling weak, your appetite will decrease, and your morale will plummet. Now, these are all normal consequences of a cancer battle, but it’s best to take preventive measures to help improve the quality of life as much as possible.
For this, look for cancer support organizations close to your location that perform sports activities with people going through this diagnosis. Physical activity and communication with other people going through the same hurdles will keep your body in shape and may help with the loss of appetite and morale drop.
Moreover, physical activity helps reduce inflammation within the body, which proved helpful in keeping other diseases at bay.
Mental & Emotional Support
We should take care of our mental and emotional health on a daily basis, but this becomes imperative when such a powerful diagnosis hits. The cancer diagnosis impacts the patient and the people around them, so it comes with huge emotional baggage.
The best way to go through this without deep emotional and mental scars it’s with the help and assistance of professionals. However, not everyone can afford or feels comfortable in therapy. Therefore, the best method to cope with this situation is to talk with other people who understand your circumstances and can empathize with you.
For this, look for a support group that fits your needs. Nowadays, you can find groups for cancer patients in general or for people who suffer from a specific type of cancer. Moreover, there are both online and in-person groups, so anyone can find a gathering that makes them feel comfortable and safe.
Quick tip: It’s best to encourage your loved ones and relatives to join a support group designed for families and/or caregivers of cancer patients.
These groups offer emotional support and allow people to create meaningful connections which help in dealing with this disease.
Wrap Up
In summary, whether you are a cancer patient or you provide support and care for a loved one suffering from cancer, there are various support options available. These will make the battle a bit easier and will walk you through the process, bringing light and warmth into your life.
