10 Coping Strategies To Ease The Cancer Journey

With cancer research and treatments making great strides today and survival rates showing promising growth, cancer is no longer looked upon with dread as it once was. Cancer patients want to continue with their lives, moulding their thoughts, behaviour and lifestyle habits to adapt to the changes within the physical body.

Increasingly, those facing a cancer diagnosis turn to plenty of life-affirming strategies to help cope with the disease.

As Pink Caravan, a pan-UAE breast cancer awareness initiative launched under the aegis of Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) progresses well into its 10^th year, UAE resident Maria Vizcaya, a cancer survivor, offers 10 healthy ways of coping with the diagnosis and preparing for the journey ahead.

Maria, originally from the Philippines, was diagnosed with stage 2 cancer at the age of 40, during PCR in 2018 and received both emotional and financial support from Pink Caravan during her road to recovery. “The unstinting moral support provided by Pink Caravan was a main source of comfort during one of the most difficult periods of my life,” says Maria. “My experience has taught me that having kind, encouraging, loving people around you is an integral element in the entire cancer journey.”

However, just as each person’s cancer treatment is individualised, so is the coping strategy, she adds.

Ask questions; explore best treatment plans: Research your treatment options, analyse benefits versus risks, take a second, third or fourth opinion, and partner with your doctor to make best decisions about your treatment. Do not be afraid to ask questions or seek clarifications.
Stay positive: Staying positive is vital in the cancer journey. Personally, I was able to overcome all the physical pain and discomforts, and mental and emotional trauma by constantly focusing on the bright side of life and believing that good things would happen at the right time. Surrounding yourself with positive people who bring in positive energy will lighten your load.
Find emotional support: When you are on an emotional rollercoaster, you need to have a support group of family and friends or caregivers to share your deepest fears and concerns. Sometimes just the knowledge that you are not alone, that someone is there for you is more than enough. Remember that accepting help is not a sign of weakness.
Be physically active: It is important to be physically active during the period of treatment because it improves cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, body physique, self-esteem and happiness, and keeps fatigue, anxiety and depression away. Staying physically active improves the quality of life greatly.
Regular check-ups: Do not skip your appointments with the doctor. Regular check-ups, proper medication and timely treatment could mean the difference between recovery and a long-drawn battle.
Be honest about your fears: Don’t hold back; be open about your feelings. It helps to unburden by reaching out to others, especially fellow patients. Nobody understands you quite like another cancer patient or survivor. It is only by sharing your thoughts and fears that you can strengthen each other and lighten the situation.
Maintain healthy diet: Filling up on healthy foods that is high in antioxidants or those that contain health-promoting compounds will help our bodies recover faster from treatments, reduce certain side effects and help ease the road to recovery.
Quit unhealthy habits: It is never too late to reverse your unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, physical inactivity, and so on. A healthier and happier life requires lifestyle changes.
Limit exposure to radiation and pollution: During treatment, reduce exposure to environmental pollution and radiation to prevent infections and improve your recovery.
Find joy; be hopeful: Keep your faith in God and don’t let cancer take away your spirit of giving and of joy. Even on difficult days, find things to do that ignite hope. Find joy even in the little things, or better still, do something good for yourself or for others.

As with any disease, early diagnosis of the disease coupled with treatment are the best ways to combat the disease. “Pink Caravan Ride (PCR) is a great opportunity for residents across the UAE to gain access to quality screening services. I urge everyone to make your health your priority and get a breast cancer screening done today!” advises Maria.

PCR’s fixed clinics are now present across the seven emirates at the following locations from until March 6 daily from 4pm to 10pm.