Hello med-hive community, whenever I think about cancer or malignancy as we often call it in the medical world, I am often moved to pain, we all probably have lost someone to this class of disease be it the blood cancers or the tissue across different systems, we can well attest that we tried to do all that is within our power. I m also always happy to hear the survival stories when I do get the chance, either through the early detection and prompt action, trial medications or even the hand of God.
Cancer is a devastating illness that affects millions of people around the world. It keeps its place as the second leading cause of death (source). But the real harm I think is felt in the fact that the disease not only affects the person who is diagnosed with it, but also their loved ones who are left to support them through their journey. In this blog post, we will discuss what breast cancer is, the risk factors, and how to support someone who may be at risk or has been diagnosed with the disease.
In response to the weekly prompt from The Med-hive Community as stated here, I would like to close in more on breast cancer as I write in response to it.
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the breast. The disease can affect women, as well as men, although it is more common in women. There are several types of breast cancer, but the most common type is ductal carcinoma, which starts in the cells that line the milk ducts. Other types of breast cancer include lobular carcinoma, which starts in the milk-producing glands, and inflammatory breast cancer, which affects the skin and tissues of the breast.
There are several risk factors that can increase a person's likelihood of developing breast cancer. Some of the most common risk factors include age, gender, family history, and lifestyle. Women who are over the age of 50 are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, as are women who have a family history of the disease. Women who have a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer are two to three times more likely to develop the disease.
Lifestyle factors can also increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Women who have a sedentary lifestyle, those who are overweight or obese, and women who drink alcohol regularly are all at a higher risk of developing the disease. Women who have taken hormonal therapy for a long period of time and women who have never given birth are also at a higher risk.
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The best way to support someone who is at risk of developing breast cancer or who has been diagnosed with the disease is to be there for them. Although this can often be difficult to understand, we may not know the depth of thought they could have falling into. This means listening to them, being a shoulder to cry on, and helping them with practical tasks if they need it. Like cooking, washing, driving them. You can also support them by educating yourself about the disease and the treatments available. This will help you to understand what they are going through and be better equipped to help them. Literally putting yourself in their shoe is what I have seen work the most, this may mean a lot for the carer or the relative, that's why it really stresses the whole family and it could be quite expensive.
Another way to support someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer is to offer to accompany them to appointments with their doctor or to treatment sessions. This can help to take some of the stress off of them and make the experience less overwhelming. You can also offer to do errands for them, such as grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions.
It is also important to be mindful of the person's emotions and to offer them emotional support. Cancer can be a very stressful and emotional experience, and it is important to be there for the person to offer them comfort and support. You can do this by simply being there for them and listening to them, or by offering words of encouragement.
If you are close to someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, it is also important to be mindful of their physical needs. They may need help with household chores, cooking, or other tasks that they are unable to do due to their illness. Offer to help them with these tasks, or even just take some of the load off of them by doing things for them.
Yes, I know quite some friends who may have indulged in practices unsafe and that could result to cancer, he doesn't eat much often and could wait till afternoon before attempting breakfast, he has had several bouts of peptic ulcer disease and that has landed him in the hospital, what he probably has had me say sometimes in that this can also result in gastric malignancy if he recurrently has these issues.
Sure I could first help ensure he is eating by taking him out for some good shopping and making some food, with my funny cooking skills hehehe,
I could also ensure he finishes his drugs having seen the Doctor and properly treat ulcer.
I will help him avoid the intake of acidic and carbonated drinks, which the public should be aware of its harms and dangers.
I will also ensure he doesnt take alcohol or smoke at all, this are surely gonna casue the ulcer to recur whichis what we dont want.
Yes He needs physical support, although he still appears healthy and hearty, it doesnt mean there may not be any need for my physical presence. When he sees me present, he is more interested in his health and would rather do the needful. Here I have noticed that I might also even avoid those things I want him to avoid, yeah, because birds of the same feathers flop together, so I would need to sanctify myself too.
I encouraged him to discipline himself to avoiding those things he shouldnt do
the needful as well, becasue , I may not be always there to babysit him, and I would wanna trust him not to have crossed our line.
In conclusion, supporting people in health challenges such as cancer requires a lot of patience and consistency from the care givers. It is important to know how to support and not just think you are helping while you are actually spoiling the whole thing and making them more scared. I good knowledge of the disease is often required and more so, just being around for them can be a lot more helpful than whatever you may have to preach to them. Lets kill the stigma, lets also kill the fear, thats how we are on our way to killing cancer.
I am Jaydr, a medical Doctor practicing Nigeria, I have a passion for public health awareness, promotion, content creation, music, crypto and eternity.
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