by Life Credit Company | Feb 29, 2016 | Quality of Life & Emotional Support
Thinking ahead is one of the best prevention methods to combatting cancer. That’s the advice according to William Nelson, director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University. Nelson recently took part in a Quora Q&A session where he answered cancer-related questions from the public. Nelson’s session was full of information to help cancer patients and their caregivers understand the disease, as well as to give people, especially young adults, the tools to reduce their risk of cancer. Unhealthy Practices to Avoid While summertime tanning may be a favorite pastime for many young people, Nelson emphasized the danger of such practices. Overexposure to the sun or — even worse — to tanning beds can put people at much higher risk for skin cancer. In fact, Nelson said, tanning-bed users are nearly 60 percent more likely to develop skin cancer than people who have never used such equipment. So, limit your sun exposure and, when you will be out in the rays, make sure to lather up the sunblock! Another avoidable unhealthy habit is tobacco use. People who smoke are about 25 times more likely than non-smokers to develop lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer deaths for Americans. The best way to reduce that statistic is to not become a tobacco user, even a casual one. Or, if you are, to take steps to quit immediately. Embracing Healthy Habits In addition to staying away from some harmful behaviors, Nelson suggested a few positive habits young people can develop that will also help reduce their risk for cancer. Weight control was among the most important....
by Life Credit Company | Feb 8, 2016 | Quality of Life & Emotional Support
Online help for cancer patients exists in many forums: medical guides, resource lists, community forums and — in keeping with a wider trend — dating. As society has increasingly grown to rely on the internet, and with the emergence of social media, online dating has rapidly risen in popularity. The social pressures of bars, clubs and blind dates disappear when singles are able to make connections first through the web before diving into a relationship. One of the common benefits online daters reference is that they can avoid the often-awkward small talk that comes with first encounters and instead focus on finding potential partners who share their backgrounds, interests or experiences. That’s particularly relevant for people who have unique experiences like those facing cancer. A diagnosis shouldn’t mean an end to the dating game, an opinion championed by Cancer Dating Service. The site connects cancer patients for both romance and friendship, noting the benefits of forging a relationship with someone who’s experienced similar struggles. “Other people like you are out there waiting for you, ready and willing to give you support and love,” the site urges. “You do not have to pretend in front of them that everything is okay when it is not just to make them feel comfortable. It is already hard for you the way it is.” Users can join for free to create a profile, browse users’ profiles and send “flirts” to others. Premium membership allows for more profile options and user interactions. The process of making new connections, and maybe even love interests, can be both exciting and a self-confidence booster, which especially holds...
by Life Credit Company | Jan 15, 2016 | Quality of Life & Emotional Support
In today’s digital age, many of us head to the ’Net for information, education and entertainment. And when we encounter a problem, the Web can be an important and valuable tool. That’s an idea that holds true for people facing illnesses: Online help for cancer patients abounds, with websites offering everything from medical advice and information to social support networks. Online help for cancer patients Many of the leading national cancer organizations offer patients comprehensive information on their websites.\ For instance, The National Cancer Institute provides a wealth of medical material, from tips on prevention and screening to summaries of the different types of cancers that exist to guides on the practical and emotional steps one needs to take after a diagnosis. While the topics covered are complex, most of the site’s pages are written for a non-medical audience, so the information is understandable for the general public. The American Cancer Society website also educates in a clear, concise way. It organizes its pages according to a few leading types of cancer — such as breast, lung, prostate and skin — offering information about signs and symptoms, questions to ask a physician, videos from patients and survivors and even interactive quizzes. The site functions as a step-by-step guide to help cancer patients navigate their diagnosis. The volume of online help for cancer patients can be a bit overwhelming, but Cancer Index condenses and compiles all of those resources in one central location. The website outlines different types of cancer, with links to sites featuring research, stats and resources on each. There’s a lot of information out there, and...
by Life Credit Company | Jan 10, 2016 | Quality of Life & Emotional Support
After a cancer diagnosis, a patient may be wracked by worries — if he or she can beat the disease, what impact treatment will have on the family or even how to prepare for the worst. On top of all of that emotional stress, another practical worry may make the situation even more trying: money. Financial concerns plague all Americans, but can be especially worrisome for cancer patients. Bills for treatments and medications, co-pays for office visits and even expenses such as wigs and specialized diet foods can make a scary situation all the worse. Thankfully, an important resource for cancer patients exists in Breast Cancer Freebies. The website was created by Bethany Kandel, a breast-cancer survivor who herself struggled with the financial strain caused by a cancer diagnosis. Kandel, a former reporter for USA Today and the New York Daily News, writes on the site that she fortunately benefited from several cost-saving opportunities after her diagnosis, such as a free wig from the American Cancer Society. To pay it forward, Kandel decided to use her journalistic background to scour the Internet for the best deals and freebies for others facing a cancer diagnosis. She compiled her findings on the website, creating a comprehensive clearinghouse and resource for cancer patients. The offers are wide-ranging, including everything from products to services to scholarships. Among the items, the site includes information on accessories like wigs and other head gear, such as handcrafted scarves; medical-related products like prosthetics and compression sleeves for arm-swelling; and cancer-specific publications that can be delivered to your home free of charge. Services highlighted include makeovers, yoga and...
by Life Credit Company | Jan 5, 2016 | Quality of Life & Emotional Support
You may have even more motivation to put down that candy bar, other than your New Year resolution. A new study recently found a link between sugar consumption and cancer risk. According to researchers at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, diets rich in sucrose and fructose — present in many commonly eaten foods — can cause tumor growth. The report is making waves, most importantly because it is groundbreaking research that can be used to help cancer patients. What Does the Study Say? This was the first study of its kind that directly evaluated sugar-intake levels on cancer growth. The researchers used mice to test their hypothesis, separating them into four groups, each which received a different diet over six months. Of the mice that had the highest amount of sugar consumption in their diet, between 50-58 percent had developed mammary tumors after a half-year, compared to 30 percent of the mice whose diet was richer in non-sugars. According to the study, which was published Jan. 4 in Cancer Research, excess sugar appears to fuel growth of the enzyme 12-LOX and fatty acid 12-HETE in cancer cells. Additionally, when too much sugar is ingested, the liver processes it to fat, and fat buildup in the body can also elevate someone’s risk for cancer. The researchers found sugar to be especially linked to breast and lung cancers. How Does this Study Help Cancer Patients? Now that this preliminary data is available, many are wondering how it can be used for cancer prevention, and also to help cancer patients. First, researchers say the study is further proof that overloading on sugar can...
by Life Credit Company | Dec 1, 2015 | Quality of Life & Emotional Support
There are few greater challenges for couples coping with a recent cancer diagnosis than learning how to share the fear in a way that draws them closer, not apart. At Life Credit, our hearts go out to all of our families and individuals facing this difficult time together. Promising to love one another in both sickness and in health is easy during the wedding vows. When cancer strikes and reality sets in, it can be difficult for couples to cope with the diagnosis. Cancer doesn’t just affect a person’s health; it can also devastate their home, relationships, career, and financial status. Here are some tips for couples coping with cancer. Emotional Support There is no handbook for supporting a partner with cancer. Each case is unique, and every cancer patient needs something different from their partner. But one of the best ways to be there for them is to simply listen. It is perfectly natural for both parties to feel scared, shocked, and a loss of control. Don’t be afraid to display your feelings to your partner, but be patient with them as they navigate their own emotions. Practice active listening. This means concentrating on fully comprehending what your spouse is saying rather than thinking about your reply. Never assume what your partner is feeling or thinking or what they will say next. If a statement is unclear, ask them to reiterate it. Join a Support Group There are tons of support groups out there for cancer. Research local ones in your area and consider joining a group with your spouse. If they feel uncomfortable doing so, you may reach...
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