If you’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer, you have had to deal with shock and even grief, Now it’s time to become a fighter. Here are some tips to help you deal with your illness and continue to enjoy life.

When it comes to cancer, the sun is your enemy. Too much sun exposure makes one especially prone to melanoma. To protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, wear a hat and apply liberal amounts of sunscreen.

Carcinogens are substances that damage DNA. They are instrumental in starting and aiding in the growth of cancers. Things to stay away from that are carcinogenic are tobacco, asbestos, x-rays, the sun and exhaust fumes. Exposure to these substances causes cells to stop functioning in a normal way.

You should surround yourself with loved ones when you are fighting cancer. They will be able to give you encouragement when you need it or just be there to support you through the tough times. It is important to know that you are loved and that you would be missed if you did not fight.

Always wash fruits and vegetables because they may contain traces of pesticides or harmful bacteria. Big agriculture depends on the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides to consistently produce crops. To prevent consuming the pesticides, look for goods which use fewer pesticides, and make sure to wash the produce in water with a mild soap.

When someone close to you has cancer, it is important to let them know you are available. It will not always be easy, but your family member or friend needs the chance to talk about their feelings. Try to listen without interjecting your ideas or opinions. Let your loved one have this time to simply release some of the difficult thoughts and sentiments he or she is struggling to deal with at this challenging time.

If you are taking care of someone with cancer, it is important to address your own feelings and fears. By working through your own needs, you will be a better support to the person you love, and you will be able to listen to them more effectively. If you need to, seek out another person who can be your sounding board when things get difficult.

There is always a chance that a mammogram won’t be able to spot any tumor, so a manual breast inspection is in order if you want thorough results. A skilled mammogram technician should also be skilled at giving a manual exam and also skilled in showing you how to give yourself a breast exam.

All people who have had cancer should understand that it can always come back bigger, meaner and stronger. You have to deal with this fear now so that you are better prepared if in fact the cancer does return. Do not assume that you will be ready to deal with it the second time just because you dealt with it the first time. Prepare yourself accordingly.

More than anything, the biggest key you’ve learned throughout these tips is that you have to want to get better. Even if it’s only implied and not directly addressed, the motivation and will to succeed is what will propel you past this enemy. Along with the right information, you can be a winning fighter in any scenario.