#FightAgainstCancer: How To Stay Positive With Cancer

Finding out that you or a family member has been afflicted with any form of cancer can be both emotionally and physically detrimental for everyone involved. It is only natural for anyone to feel negative about the entire situation in addition to experiencing a significant amount of confusion while searching for a cancer specialist in Delhi NCR or other regions. However, after a certain period of grief, one must find the strength to find a positive attitude.

How can cancer patients keep their spirits up?

It is extremely important that as a patient fighting cancer and looking to visit a cancer specialist in Delhi NCR, you should work towards keeping your spirits up. This can be done by:

Joining support groups: 

An essential aspect of fighting against cancer and working with a cancer doctor requires one to realise that they are not alone in their pain. One can do so by joining support groups whose members will have similar experiences as them and probably even similar diagnoses. This can drastically help in accepting their situation and diagnosis. 

Professional emotional help: 

In case you prefer one-on-one support sessions, consider opting for a trained therapist. Hospitals that are known to provide a cancer specialist in Delhi NCR may also provide counselling sessions. These sessions can prove extremely beneficial as they can help to process the feelings that you may have towards the diagnosis and your future in general. 

Take up hobbies: 

Another way to improve your attitude during this time can involve taking up hobbies or carrying out activities that spark joy. This can also help to occupy your mind to prevent the feelings of negativity from completely overpowering your mental state. 

Cognitive reframing: 

Cognitive reframing refers to the process of changing the way one looks at a particular situation. In this case, it would mean that you can search for the positives during treatment. For example, if during a visit to a cancer specialist in Delhi NCR, you find out that you have an 80% chance of complete remission, then you can reframe your mind to focus on the 80% rather than the 20%. Several cancer doctors have stated that cognitive reframing can single-handedly improve one’s spirits during treatment.

How to support a cancer patient emotionally? 

As a close relative or friend of a person suffering from cancer, providing them with emotional support can greatly benefit them. Your main aim is to try and make their life a little bit better for the time being. This is especially important before as well as after a visit to their cancer doctor. 

To do so, you can consider giving them emotional support through the following ways: 

Make yourself available: 

This means that you will have to keep yourself emotionally as well as physically available to fulfil at least some of their needs, if not all. A good way to do so is to ask them what they would like at that point in time. This can involve asking them about how they feel or more practical needs or even about their cancer doctor. By simply asking you will know exactly what to do that will make them feel a little better. 

Listen instead of advise: 

One should also refrain from dispensing advice to a person that is suffering from cancer, especially with regards to their emotional state, as it can do more harm than good. In case your loved one is opening up about their struggles, and you are unable to offer practical help, you should offer your sympathy rather than a potential solution. 

Support decisions: 

This is an especially important aspect when it comes to emotionally supporting a patient. There may come a time when they will have to make a decision offered by their cancer doctor regarding their treatment. At this juncture, all you can do is support the decision they make.

What should be our attitude towards a cancer patient?

When interacting with a cancer patient, our attitude should be able to offer: 

• Hope: Most cancer doctors state that loved ones or friends should always have a hopeful attitude while talking to patients. By doing so, they will be able to instill hope and foster a more positive environment for the patient.
• Empathy instead of pity: Cancer patients require their family and friends to empathize with them rather than pity them. This means that you should refrain from being overprotective and allow them to tell you when they need help rather than you choosing of your own accord. 

From the above points, it becomes clear that whether you are a relative of a patient or a patient yourself, dealing with a cancer diagnosis can result in a delicate emotional situation. However, cancer doctors state that it can also be a time for personal growth, which will drastically help one fight the disease. 

If you or your family member have been diagnosed with any form of cancer, consider getting in touch with Dr Manish Singhal, a cancer specialist in Delhi NCR. Determine your next course of action in fighting against cancer after a consultation today.