Key Things to Manage Stress Throughout Cancer Treatment

Cancer can cause some of the most serious stress a person has ever experienced. According to research, cancer is responsible for 27% of all deaths in Australia. This threat of death in unto itself is a major factor in the life of a person who has cancer.

Chronic stress reduces the effectiveness of the immune system. Compromising the effectiveness of the immune system can lead to other medical issues. A person who experiences a tremendous level of stress or stress over the long term is more likely to develop serious medical issues.

There is no definitive evidence showing a causal connection between cancer and stress but a person who experiences a high level of stress or stress over the long term is more likely to develop serious medical issues. Stress-induced behaviour like smoking, overeating and other bad habits caused by stress are proven ways to get cancer.

A reputed institution says that 1 out 2 Australians with cancer are experiencing economic stress because of the cost of treatment. The costs associated with cancer treatment can be enormous even when a person has health insurance, let alone if they don’t. Take advantage of the opportunity if the hospital or treatment facility you are at has a financial counsellor or similar position.

Also ask your physician or hospital for a list of all organizations that offer financial help for practical things like transportation, food, childcare and financial assistance for medications and care. You can also look at receiving cancer treatment in Singapore, or other nearby countries may be more cost-effective.

You must acknowledge the need for support from others and that other people are going to be impacted by your cancer diagnosis. Cancer Council Australia has several tips with how to tell others of your diagnosis.

1. Control when the news comes out
2. Choose a time and place when things are quiet
3. Be ready to ask friends and family for help
4. People are going to want to ask you questions, so you need to be prepared for them
5. Create boundaries because you don’t need to tell everyone everything

A practical way to deal with stress is to exercise and use integrative therapies. It’s recommended that you do exercises like walking in the woods, swimming, or yoga for about 30 minutes a day. Combining these types of exercises with massage therapy, art therapy, music therapy or acupuncture will help you reduce your stress.

Another way to manage your stress is to prioritize your tasks and avoid scheduling conflicts. Doing this helps simplify your life. You should make a list of things and prioritize things based upon how important they are to you. When you schedule things based upon your priorities to make sure you don’t have a scheduling conflict because the people who got hurt because of this conflict may push back some of their stress on you.

It also is a good idea for you to get counselling. You are in the fight of your life, and anyone in your situation needs help. Counselling will help you deal with your inner feelings, and at the same time, you can work out ways to express yourself.

The last thing but a good one is using relaxation techniques because you may not be in a situation where other stress relievers can be used to deal with immediate stress. Examples of these are taking a deep breath, muscle relaxation and meditation.