Lifestyle changes can prevent Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer  - Part 3

Author: Dr. Edward F.Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN

Lifestyle changes can be helpful in a variety of important ways:

• Strengthening your body so that you can withstand some of the rigors of any type of treatment program.

• Improving the functioning of your immune system to aid in the fight against cancer.

• Improving your emotional outlook, so you can enjoy life to the fullest, even during treatment for cervical cancer.

• Making healthful choices that will help you avoid other medical problems that could complicate your health.

• Cervical cancer

General Guidelines

• Stop smoking

• Reduce the chance of infection

• Follow the correct diet

• Perform a reasonable level of exercise

• Rest when tired

• Seek support

• Cervical cancer

• Nicotine dependence

Stop Smoking

Smoking is a known risk factor for many cancers. Smoking exposes your entire body-not just your lungs-to many cancer-causing chemicals. The toxins created when you smoke are absorbed by your lungs and carried throughout the body by the bloodstream. In fact, tobacco by-products have been found in the cervical mucus of women who smoke.

Although you may have already been diagnosed with cancer, it’s not too late to stop smoking. When you quit smoking, you reduce your risk of its many associated medical complications, which should improve your chances of withstanding the physical stresses of cancer and treatment. It is now known that smoking during the radiation therapy  portion of your cervical cancer treatment will not only make the treatment less effective, it will also increase side effects to the contents of the pelvis. Also, since the immune system of smokers is generally less effective than non-smokers, by quitting you may be adding your immune system’s ability to join in the battle against cancer.

Ask your doctor about programs to help you stop smoking, such as group support, hypnosis, and alternative nicotine delivery systems.

Reduce the Chance of Infection
To decrease your risk of infection, avoid exposure to bacteria and viruses:

• Try to avoid crowds, especially during cold and flu season.

• Take natural supplemention designed to boost the immune system. 

• Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Hand washing is the most effective method of decreasing the chance of catching colds and flu. You may wish to carry hand sanitizer with you for occasions when washing is not convenient.

• Cold

• flu

Follow the Correct Diet
Eating a healthful diet may help you avoid other medical conditions linked to poor nutrition. Because cancer itself and some cancer treatment  may have a dulling effect on your appetite, it’s important that you make the most of the calories you do take in. Strongly consider consulting a natural medicine nutritional consultant to help you learn more about the best kinds of foods for you to eat, and how to eat other, less healthful foods in moderation. Avoid making drastic changes in your diet based on the latest fad diet.

Perform a Reasonable Level of Exercise
If you have not been exercising regularly, check with your doctor to determine a safe exercise program under your current circumstances. Exercise has many benefits that may help you withstand the physical and emotional stresses of cancer and cancer treatment:

• Promoting overall fitness.

• Boosting your energy level.

• Improving your immune system functioning .

• Bolstering your spirits and improving your emotional outlook.

You may consider consulting a personal trainer to help you set exercise goals, and to safely follow through on initiating an exercise program. While incorporating exercise, be sure to balance rest and activities to prevent becoming too tired.

Rest When Tired

The treatments for cancer can add to the fatigue you already feel from fighting cancer. In fact, fatigue is the most frequently experienced symptom of cancer and cancer treatments. The fatigue you feel can range from "just feeling tired" to complete and utter exhaustion. Wherever in this range you fall, you may find your fatigue quite distressing and affecting your quality of life.

• fatigue

It is important to allow your body time to rest. This will help your body have the strength to heal itself. Studies have shown a relationship  between fatigue and an increased morbidity of cancer and cancer treatments as a result of fatigue's adverse effect on appetite, diminished quality of life, and loss of hope.

• fatigue

To help you avoid getting overtired, try not to do too much. Prioritize the things you need to do, and focus on the most important ones. Also, allow others to help you with daily chores, shopping, and preparing meals. Plan times throughout the day when you can rest.

Seek Support

The diagnosis of cancer is a life-defining event that is difficult to handle for anyone. Facing the uncertainty of a serious disease, feeling anxious about how you will feel during treatment, and worrying about the impact of both the diagnosis and treatment on your plans and your family and friends, can take a devastating toll that no one should have to tackle on their own. Give yourself permission to call on any helpful resources, including the following:

• Family

• Friends

• Religious community

• Empathetic support groups for people with your type of cancer

• Professional support (social workers, psychologists, and/or psychiatrists who are trained to help support cancer patients and their families)

People who allow themselves to seek help while they are recovering from cancer can often maintain better emotional equilibrium, which will help them face the challenges of cancer and its treatment.

Cancer can be beaten no matter if it is cervical cancer or what. Just take the necessary steps to fight it and your body will respond in kind.

• Cervical cancer

Additions Lifestyle Suggestions:

Lymphatic Drainage Techniques - Good for keeping the lymph system moving. Skin-brushing, deep breathing and/or mini trampoline are excellent for the lymph system.

Fatigue - Essential oils of rose, geranium or jasmine are helpful.

Pain Relief - Essential oils of black pepper, rosemary and ginger can help relieve pain.

Chiropractic - Recommended 1 time per week.  Keeping the spine aligned helps the whole body system to work more efficiently.  Choose a chiropractor who has experience in working with cancer patients.

Stress & Depression - Stress is a carcinogen.  Reducing stress has an inhibiting effect on tumor growth and will improve your quality of life while doing your treatment.  Yoga, Pilates, meditation, good music, good books, deep breathing, etc. are recommended.

• Depression

Avoid Radiation - As much as possible avoid radiation or electrical magnetic frequencies.  Do not use and stand near microwave ovens.  Limit x-rays to those that are absolutely necessary for your health.

Daily Sun - Dosage should be between 15 - 20 minutes daily before 10:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. The sun helps with natural Vitamin D production.