Curtis Swanson, COO at ClearCyte, on Handling a Cancer Diagnosis

A cancer diagnosis is never easy to absorb, and unfortunately, many people will have to deal with one at some point in their lives. In 2016, there was an estimated 1,685,210 new cancer cases recorded.

If you find yourself in this position, one basic question remains once the situation has been boiled down: what’s next? Here are a few tips for handling a cancer diagnosis.

Take some time
As mentioned earlier, a cancer diagnosis is news that is almost always a heavy and hard-to-handle — at least initially. As a result, it is very important to take time to cope with your diagnosis and with the road ahead of you. Such grim news will force you to reevaluate your life’s priorities, as the diagnosis and everything it entails will instantly become your top priority above all else. However, you will be better off on this path if you take some time to mentally prepare yourself for the treatment and/or management process. This time can be emotional and may find you wavering between shock, sadness, and denial, but it is necessary for you to ultimately come to terms with the scenario at play.

Get organized
Once you have mentally accepted the fact that you have cancer, the next step is to evaluate what can be done about it. If your cancer is treatable, it is important that you consult your doctor about proper treatment options. Once you have this knowledge, get yourself organized in terms of a weekly treatment schedule and the ways in which you will handle such a routine. The process will likely feel strange and uncomfortable at first, but you will be able to focus less on stress and more on recovery once you have found a desirable rhythm.

Know the limitations
Every cancer case is a little bit different depending on the type of cancer in question, the degree to which that cancer has already spread, and your prior physical condition. Some cancers may hinder your ability to perform typical parts of your daily routine such as exercise, work, and social interaction. While it may be hard to accept these limitations at first, it is important that you embrace them during your cancer battle. Your life and wellbeing should remain your top priority. To make the process easier, focus on the things you are still able to do, or perhaps pick up a different hobby or activity to keep yourself grounded in normalcy. When all else fails, lean on loved ones and friends for guidance in this area — just make sure their suggestions are adhering to the specific limitations associated with your condition.

About the author

Curtis Swanson is the COO of ClearCyte Diagnostics, a cancer screening company in Bellevue, Washington dedicated to the international marketing of medical screening to a wide range of markets. Additionally, he has experience in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, accounting GAAP & FASB, and business operational management. Throughout his career, Curtis has proven himself as a leader, innovator, and developer.

Learn more about Curtis Swanson here.