Individuals who have experienced the effects of cancer, whether firsthand or through caring for a loved one understand the emotional, physical, and financial challenges it brings. While doctors and researchers are at the front line of assisting cancer patients with treatments, medications and finding better ways to tackle the disease, those beyond the medical community can also contribute to the battle against cancer. In this article by Kickin’ Cancer, we explore three ways you can start helping those dealing with cancer.
Work as a Volunteer
Whether it be hospitals, private clinics, social support groups, or non-profit organizations, all of them depend on volunteers to provide the highest level of care to their patients. Here are the numerous types of volunteering you can consider:
- Operate a Cancer Support Helpline: Cancer helpline agents are trained to cater to the needs of callers, which can include learning about the types of cancer, the contact information of treatment centers, help with finding dispensaries, steps to make insurance claims, and more. Callers can include patients or family members who require prompt support for their queries.
- Become a Support Group Volunteer: Cancer support groups play an integral role in providing emotional support to patients and family members. As a volunteer, you can help register members, promote meeting invitations online, and handle phone queries.
- Practice Cancer Prevention Outreach: While volunteering at a non-profit organization, you can undertake the responsibility of spreading awareness regarding cancer prevention, screening, treatments, and financial assistance. You can do this by conducting seminars in schools, offices, local places of worship, or online.
Learn Alternative Treatments
As reported by Healthline, chemotherapy can cause individuals to experience a range of symptoms such as nausea, pain, vomiting, fatigue, stress, anxiety, and more. To help patients manage these symptoms, alternative treatments can be used. Alternative treatments do not serve as a cure for cancer, rather they are focused on helping patients experience a better standard of living. Here are common alternative treatments to consider:
- Aromatherapy: This involves the use of natural plant extracts and fragrant oils to promote better health and well-being. A licensed practitioner may apply essential oils to your skin before a massage or heat the oils to release their scent in the air. Aromatherapy reduces stress, nausea and helps individuals experience happier moods.
- Acupuncture: During an acupuncture session, the practitioner inserts tiny needles at strategic points across the body. As reported by the NIH, acupuncture can help in the alleviation of pain and stress in cancer patients and survivors. For individuals suffering from chronic pain, acupuncture may help in its management.
- Massage: Massages are well known for their effectiveness in reducing pain, relieving muscle tension, and promoting mindfulness. Additionally, regularly having massages can help keep stress and anxiety in check.
If any of these treatments piques your interest, consider enrolling in classes and becoming certified. Post-certification you can start providing these services to those dealing with cancer and help improve their quality of life.
Start a Non-Profit Organization
By choosing to start a non-profit organization, not only will you make a direct positive impact on the community but, provide greater resources for those dealing with cancer to manage their emotional, financial, or medical needs.
Your first step will be to decide what your nonprofit’s mission will be, which could include providing aid for treatments, undertaking advocacy efforts, spreading awareness, or any other area where you feel greater support is needed.
Next, focus your attention on incorporating a non-profit as it’ll make you eligible to receive government grants and provide protection from business-related liabilities. Additionally, you’ll need to appoint a competent board of directors who will then create the organization’s bylaws and oversee all-important business functions.
To help your NPO gain credibility, try to receive endorsements from major organizations such as the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institutes. Endorsements will help to secure more funding which can be used to assist a larger number of individuals and improve the quality of services.
Whether you choose to volunteer, become an alternative medicine practitioner or start a non-profit, every contribution you make will have a notable impact on the lives of those dealing with cancer.
Kickin’ Cancer supports families both emotionally and financially that are currently in the fight with cancer. Contact us today for more info! [email protected]