Tuesday, February 07, 2012

LIVING WITH CANCER

  • +What Support and Resources are available?

    A number of emotions can be experienced during any part of the process of diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care. Whilst living with cancer is different for each person it is important to remember that you are not the only one experiencing these feelings. The Cancer Society of New Zealand offers information and support services to people with cancer and their families around the country. The Cancer Literature on the Web has websites of women’s support groups from around the world.

  • +Family and Friends

    The doctors at the Women’s Cancer Centre encourage you to bring family members or a friend with you to your appointments. They know that cancer does not affect the individual person but family members and people close to you. It is important to be open about your cancer with those close to you. This will enable them to understand your situation and be supportive. By trying to keep your illness a secret, you increase your stress level and deprive yourself of the support of your family and friends. You may alienate those close to you when they discover you have kept your diagnosis from them.

  • +Keeping Fit and Healthy

    There is no particular diet or exercise routine that will stop you developing a gynaecological cancer, but a healthy diet and exercise routine can help reduce your chances. Studies have shown that there is a relationship between obesity and some gynaecological cancers such as cancers of the ovary, fallopian tubes and uterus. Studies have also shown that smoking increases your risk of developing cancer and pre-cancer of the cervix and vulva as well as recurrence of the cancer. To learn more about Keeping Fit and Healthy please see recommended cancer literature on the web: Keeping Fit and Healthy.

  • +Silver Ribbon Foundation

    You may have had support from friends or family members with you from the time of your first initial consultation. Sometimes it can be helpful to be able to join a group and talk to people who have gone through similar experiences to yourself. Likewise family members and people close to you can also find it beneficial to talk to people in similar situations to themselves. Full details of this group can be accessed at the Silver Ribbon Foundation.

  • +The Cancer Society of New Zealand

    The Cancer Society of New Zealand offers information and support services to people with cancer and their families around the country. This service offered by the Cancer Society is provided by liaison nurses and information oncology nurses. Additional support services provided by the Cancer Society include counseling, volunteer services and support groups. Full details of these groups and services can be accessed at the Cancer Society of NZ website.