Coping Methods For Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

Nonmelanoma skin cancer mainly starts within the skin’s cells. Unlike the case of malignant or cancerous growth, nonmelanoma skin cancer begins in round cells i.e. basal cells found in the epidermis i.e. top layer of one’s skin. Doctors refer it as basal cell carcinoma and it consists of about 75% to 80% of the total skin cancer. Also, nonmelanoma skin cancer starts within the skin’s squamous cells i.e. flat cells found in the epidermis’ outer areas. Doctors refer it as squamous cell carcinoma and it constitutes about 20% of the total skin cancer. Both of these cancers grow at a slow rate and are present at an initial stage.⁽¹⁾

Coping methods are essential before and after the treatment. You have to learn different things to cope with your physical, social, emotional and financial effects both before and after your cancer treatment procedures. These include the following-

Depending on the specific type of treatment for Nonmelanoma skin cancer, you may often experience a few of the common physical side effects. As skin cancers may take place in the exposed areas of your skin, the scars caused by the treatment may affect a person’s look and his/her self-esteem. Besides, changes in your physical health depend mainly on different factors, such as the extent of your cancer, the dosage and length of your treatment and your physical health. You have to discuss with the healthcare team regularly about your health. Especially, you should never forget intimating about any of your new side effects or sudden changes in the side effects.

Early consultation may help you to get fast relief or at least manage the side effects and thereby, prevent your health to become worse. In some cases, patients continue to experience physical side effects even their treatment completes. Doctors refer them as long-term side effects and they continue for months and years after the treatment as late effects. Treatment of long-term and late side effects is an essential part associated with survivorship care.

You may experience many social and emotional effects after your Nonmelanoma skin cancer treatment. These include dealing with anger, anxiety, sadness and managing stress levels. A few people often face difficulty in expressing their feelings towards their loved ones. In this situation, we recommend you discuss with an oncology counselor, social worker or a clergy member to come up with effective ways to cope up with your side effects.

Nonmelanoma skin cancer treatment may often result in spending a big amount of money, which results in excessive stress as well as anxiety among both cancer patients and family members. Excluding the treatment-related costs, many people may bear unplanned expenses associated with their care. In this situation, many healthcare professionals encourage patients and their family members to discuss their financial concerns in detail to overcome financial problems easily.

Friends and family members have prime roles in providing proper care to Nonmelanoma skin cancer patients. Because of this, we call them as caregivers, as they provide practical, physical and emotional support to patients even when they stay at a distance. Caregivers fulfill large numbers of responsibilities daily or according to requirements. These include-

• Discussion with healthcare professionals
• Providing the necessary support and encouragement
• Medications and other ways to manage symptoms as well as side effects
• Coordination of medical appointments
• Assistance in the intake of proper meals
• Assistance with various household chores
• Dealing with the aspects of billing and insurance⁽³⁾

Nonmelanoma skin cancer initially starts with a discolored patch or lump on the skin and it continues to persist even after a few weeks. Later on, it progresses at a slow rate over a few months or years. In most of the cases, cancerous lumps are firm and appear in red color. Moreover, in some cases, it turns into a severe form of ulcers while cancerous patches appear as scaly and flat.⁽²⁾

With the aforementioned coping methods, a patient will expect to lead his/her normal life after overcoming nonmelanoma skin cancer.

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Also Read:

• How Does Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Affect The Body & What Triggers It?
• Can Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Go Away On Its Own & What Are It’s Natural Remedies?
• Is Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer A Progressive Disease & Alternative Treatments For It?
• What Happens To Untreated Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer & When To Go To The Doctor?
• What Is The Difference Between Melanoma & Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer?
• What Is The Best Treatment For Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer?
• What Leads To Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer & Can It Be Cured?