Don't Let Cancer Take Control
By Dr. Andre Kallab
Medical Director of Medical Oncology, MCG Health System

Augusta, Ga. -- No matter how it is phrased, a diagnosis of cancer is often devastating for families. Initial emotions may include shock, disbelief and a feeling of being overwhelmed by complex medical information.

Communication and education are key factors in making the transition for families as easy as possible. Knowing what to expect and establishing a plan to deal with each issue can be helpful. This ensures that patients undergoing treatment receive family support. It also keeps patients on track as they complete treatment and followup.

MCG Health System recognizes April as Cancer Control Month by offering the following tips on managing cancer, day by day:

• Good nutrition is vital before, during and after treatment. A healthy diet is necessary for a person's body to function at its best. High-calorie, high-protein foods are suggested to help build up strength, particularly for cancer patients going through treatment. Milk, cheese, eggs, peanut butter, hearty soup, sandwiches and shakes are some suggestions. Some treatments can cause nausea or loss of appetite, so stock up on your favorite foods, ones you know you can eat even when you are sick. Avoid high-fiber foods that may cause diarrhea.
  
• Cancer treatments can affect your physical appearance. However, it's important that patients stick to normal grooming routines, even if they're confined to bed, since looking attractive boosts confidence and helps people feel better about themselves. Adequate rest and exercise, as well as altering clothes to fit during periods of weight loss, are other suggestions. One possible concern is hair loss. This does not occur in all patients, but if it does, it will begin during the first two weeks of treatment and be at its worst at one to two months of treatment. Invest in a good-quality wig before treatment so that it's ready when you need it. Also purchase bright, attractive scarves and caps.
  
• Become informed. It's true that knowledge is power. Tools like the Internet can help patients arm themselves with information on the latest treatments, clinical trials and more. Check out the American Cancer Society website, www.cancer.org, or the MCG Cancer Center site.
  
• Support is an integral part of treatment and goes a long way toward maintaining a positive attitude. Be prepared to listen if a patient wants to share. Include the person in social occasions. Offer to bring meals, babysit or run errands. Talk about regular subjects, not just cancer. Be patient and compassionate, and try to keep relationships as normal as possible.

MCG Health System is composed of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care.