How An Online Cancer Magazine Can Help Both Patients And Their Families

By Sally Delacruz


When somebody is diagnosed with a dread disease it is not just the patient that is affected. Everyone around the newly diagnosed patient is affected in some manner. Patients need time to come to terms with the disease and most people experience all the classical phases of shock, anger, denial, depression and, eventually, acceptance. Experts agree that knowledge is one of the best weapons. Patients and their families should therefore learn as much as they can about the disease, for example by subscribing to an online cancer magazine.

It is important to stay abreast of research advances and alternative treatment options. This can only be done by making an effort to study the disease in question and to learn as much as possible. In this way patients can interact with their doctors intelligently and they can make informed decisions. It is also vital to understand that being diagnosed with a dread disease is no longer a death sentence.

Most diagnosed patients experience a host of emotions. Some even develop depression and many feel as if there is no hope. By studying not only the disease itself, but also the many emotional by products of being diagnosed patients and their families can learn how to cope with the issue. Nobody will benefit from an attitude of despair and helplessness.

Families are often at a loss about the best way in which to provide support for a diagnosed patient. Internet based publications can help patients to contact others that suffer from the same disease. In this way the support network of the patient can be enlarged. Of course, being able to access advice and encouragement from somebody with the same disease can be extremely comforting.

Internet publications can also help patients to change and to adopt a healthier lifestyle that will help them to fight the disease with increased chances. They can provide valuable advice on exercise and diet. In many cases they even offer programs that can help patients to get rid of harmful habits such as smoking and drinking. Some sites allow members to ask questions from a variety of experts.

There are an astonishing number of sites aiming to provide information and support to cancer patients. Nobody can subscribe to a large number of sites in a meaningful manner. It is therefore necessary to search for a site that bases its information on credible sources and that communicate with its members on a regular basis. It may be helpful to join a few sites and to narrow them down over time.

Patients should beware of sites that scorn traditional treatment options or that promises miracle cures. It is an unfortunate fact that there are many unscrupulous sites that prey on the fear of patients. Many patients are so desperate that they will try almost anything, however outlandish it may seem. This can actually be dangerous and it is strongly recommended that no patient ever tries alternative treatment unless they have discussed the matter with their doctors.

Patients diagnosed with a dread disease do not need to think that they have been given a death sentence. Modern medicine has ensured that there are new treatment options. Most patients can still lead full lives and expect to survive for a long time.




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