These eight “ways” can help you look after your health and well-being as a survivor. Your doctor can help guide you. And wherever you are in your cancer experience – just diagnosed, in treatment, or done with treatment – even small healthy changes can lead to big benefits.
Cancer is hard. No two ways about it. Diagnosis and treatment can be frightening and exhausting, and even after you’ve made it past those hurdles, you need to adjust to life as you move beyond cancer.
You’re not alone. There are more people in the United States living with a cancer diagnosis than ever before, and many lead active, meaningful and health-filled lives.
These eight “ways” can help you look after your health and well-being as a survivor. Your doctor can help guide you. And wherever you are in your cancer experience – just diagnosed, in treatment, or done with treatment – even small healthy changes can lead to big benefits.
Download the 8IGHTWAYS® to Stay Healthy Beyond Cancer PDF in English
If you ever feel that you might need help, reach out to a health professional. Treatments, like talk therapy and medication, can help you feel better.
You’ve heard it before. But, if you smoke, the single best thing you can do as a survivor is stop. It’ll lower your risk of developing a second cancer as well as heart disease, stroke and other serious diseases that can also impact survivors. Yes, it’s hard. But you can do it. And if you don’t smoke, be sure to stay smoke-free and try to avoid secondhand smoke.
For many reasons, it can be hard for everyone to fit physical activity into their days. But its benefits for cancer survivors are really worth the effort – even for those in the middle of treatment. Regular activity improves overall health, boosts energy and mobility and helps with anxiety, depression and cancer-related symptoms. Plus, it may lower the risk of recurrence and improve survival after cancer.
Start by moving a little more than you normally would. Even small amounts can have big benefits. Do what you can. And slowly build up over time. A good long-term goal is 30 minutes or more of daily activity (like walking), plus strength activities (like stretching and using resistance bands) two or more times per week.
With the stress, treatment side effects and changes to routines that a cancer diagnosis can bring, weight can be a tough issue for many survivors. Plus, body shape can naturally change after cancer. But trying to keep weight in check is one of the best things you can do to improve your overall health and quality of life.
It may be surprising to hear, but the healthiest diet for survivors is the same as it is for everyone else. And it’s really pretty simple. Try to focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and healthy fats, like olive and canola oil. And limit red meat, processed meat and
full-fat dairy.
The more we know about alcohol, the more we know that not drinking is the healthiest choice overall. Alcohol can have many risks, including an increased chance of another cancer, even at low levels.
There is real power in staying connected with friends, family and other cancer survivors. Keeping up and building on a support network can significantly improve quality of life, and possibly even prognosis. Yet, cancer can feel isolating for many survivors even in today’s
social media world. So, if you need help connecting or re-connecting, reach out to a health professional or your oncology team.
As a survivor, it’s important to go to your regular post-treatment check-ups with your primary care doctor and oncology team. These visits are not only key to your health as a survivor but also great places to share any concerns or questions you have about your health. Team up with your providers to manage your health needs. In addition to any follow up tests specific to your cancer, it’s also important to keep getting recommended screening tests for other cancers and other disease risk factors.
Also key is keeping up with your medications – whether they’re for your cancer or other health issues. If you’re having trouble, talk to your provider. Together, you can make a plan to get back on track.