As part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, we are sharing this excellent article from Olivia Wood which is packed with useful information about one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in the UK.
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month: How to Deal with Diagnosis
April is bowel cancer awareness month, a great opportunity to raise awareness of bowel cancer and fundraise to support cancer research and help people who have been diagnosed with the disease.
Bowel Cancer UK states that someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer every 15 minutes in the UK, which equates to almost 43,000 people each year. Cancer Research statistics show that bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK and approximately 53% of people diagnosed survive for 10 years or more.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bowel cancer, then it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There is fantastic treatment and resources available to support people with the disease.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best ways to deal with a bowel cancer diagnosis and maximise your quality of life.
Ways to cope with a bowel cancer diagnosis
Learn about your condition
When you are told that you have cancer, it's normal to feel as if your life is out of control. Learning about your condition can help you take back control and many people find it helpful to learn as much as they can about the disease.
Ask your doctor questions and don't be afraid to say if you don't understand something. You can also find lots of useful information online by visiting websites like Cancer Research UK and the NHS.
Talk about your diagnosis
Talking about cancer can seem scary and overwhelming. You may find it difficult to broach the subject but talking to someone will help you process your feelings and feel more positive about your diagnosis. Your loved ones will offer valuable support and they can also help you make important decisions about your treatment.
Find ways to deal with stress
It is normal to experience stress and anxiety after a cancer diagnosis and during treatment. You may notice that you don’t feel like eating, find it difficult to concentrate, or experience sleep problems. It is important that you speak to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these feelings.
There are lots of things you can do to relax and relieve stress and anxiety. For instance, exercise pumps endorphins around your body which can instantly lift your mood and help you feel more positive. According to Harvard Health, even a simple 20-minute walk can clear your mind and reduce stress.
Consider palliative care
If bowel cancer cannot be cured, you may want to consider arranging palliative care to make sure you are as comfortable as possible. Palliative care provides physical, emotional, and spiritual care to people diagnosed with terminal illnesses and their families. A palliative care team can improve your quality of life by ensuring that you have all of the specialist support that you need.
Support available for those diagnosed
There is fantastic support available for people diagnosed with bowel cancer. Here is some of the best support to consider if you are diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Visit a support group
You might find it beneficial to join a support group where you can talk openly about your cancer diagnosis with people who are going through a similar experience. Cancer support groups offer a safe and supportive environment where you can share as little or as much as you like. Click here to find cancer support groups in your local area.
Join an online community
If you don’t want to attend in-person sessions, then you can join an online community where you can access an online support network 24 hours a day. Cancer forums have lots of valuable advice and tips to help you cope with your diagnosis. You can also connect with people who share a similar experience and support each other through cancer.
Attend talk therapy
Talk therapy can help you deal with your emotions after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. You should always speak to your GP if you are struggling with your diagnosis and feeling anxious or depressed. Your GP should be able to refer you to a specialist for counselling sessions or another treatment such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Summary
Thousands of people in the UK are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year. Being told that you have cancer is devastating for you and your loved ones, but it’s important to try and stay positive. There is fantastic support out there for people with the disease and cancer treatment is advancing year on year.
Bowel cancer awareness month is a great opportunity to raise awareness, encourage early diagnosis, and raise money to support those affected by the disease.
