Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is a difficult experience. You'll likely go through an array of emotions ranging from anxiety to overwhelm, then fear to grief. Although it may come as a shock, try to stay positive and proactive. To help you cope with a diagnosis, consider some of the following tips. 

4 Ways to Help You Cope With a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

1. Understand Your Diagnosis

Hearing the news of a diagnosis can make the world stand still. During the initial consultation with your doctor, you may not receive all of the information necessary to fully understand your breast cancer diagnosis. However, in order to persevere, it's important to fully understand all of the details. Talk to your doctor and other sources to get as much information as you can. This will help you better understand the severity, aggressiveness, and intensity of your diagnosis. 

2. Turn to Friends and Family for Support

While it's important to ask your doctor for resources for support, don't hesitate to turn to your friends and family for additional help. They should be your primary support system during this time. Don't be afraid to tell them what's going on. The sooner you open up to your loved ones, the better you'll be able to cope. It may elicit a lot of emotion from everyone, but that's important during hard times like a cancer diagnosis. 

3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, many people turn to unhealthy behaviors as they believe that their fate has been sealed. This is not conducive to remission in any type of cancer. Instead, try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can do this by prioritizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Additionally, you should try and get an adequate amount of exercise. All of these behaviors support a healthy immune system, which can help your body fight cancerous cells. 

4. Try to Maintain Some Normalcy 

Finally, although it may be difficult, try to keep some normalcy in your life. A cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence, so there's no reason to stop living. Keep spending time with your loved ones, engaging in hobbies that you're passionate about, and finding ways to appreciate the small things in life. Even maintaining a small degree of optimism can go a long way, so try to keep your head up.

Whether you've just received a breast cancer diagnosis or are looking to schedule a screening, the professionals at Paula Korn ANP can help. This women's health clinic has been delivering personalized and compassionate care to women in Anchorage, AK for over 25 years. Their team of certified nurse practitioners takes the time to listen to their patients and create customized treatment plans. In addition to breast cancer, they offer services to help diagnose, treat, and support women experiencing menopause, endometriosis, infertility, and pregnancy. You can visit them online to learn more about their services, or call (907) 277-2597 to schedule an exam today.