A diagnosis of cancer is not good news. But, in many cases, it creates a teachable moment for patients. After many people are diagnosed with cancer, they start thinking about improving their health. Any doctor will tell you that certain lifestyle changes can improve people’s chances of survival. These changes can also improve the patient’s well-being and ability to cope with the disease. Better health can also reduce the likelihood of cancer returning.
Living with cancer
How people live can have significant effects on their health and wellness. This also applies to individuals who have cancer. People should try to live a healthy lifestyle. This means making positive behavior changes as part of an ongoing, life process. Here are some lifestyle changes that are highly recommended after a cancer diagnosis.
Eat well
What a person should eat may vary depending on the type of cancer and stage. It also varies with the form of treatment the patient is receiving. Diet may have to be adjusted throughout cancer treatment based on how the patient is feeling. Guidelines during, as well as after, treatment depend on several factors. No single diet or foods have been proven to cure or prevent cancer. But a healthy diet can help the patient manage the side effects of cancer and recover quicker.
It can also improve the patient’s health and lower the future risk of cancer. Patients are usually required to include an assortment of vegetables in each meal. It is also ideal to eat plenty of fruits, foods high in fiber and to avoid processed meats and high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. Drinking alcohol in moderation is also important.
Exercise regularly
Getting more active after being diagnosed with cancer is immensely important. People should exercise not only during but also after cancer treatment. This can help reduce fatigue, loss of strength and weight gain. Exercise also improves the patient’s quality of life, flexibility and mental outlook. However, it is important for a patient to talk with the doctor before starting to work out. In addition, a person should try to avoid lying down or sitting for long periods.
Get enough sleep
Patients should try to sleep for seven to eight hours every night. This can help improve the patient’s health, coping ability, attention, mood and memory. A person should set a bedtime and try as much as possible to stick to it. Stimulants like caffeine, sugar and alcohol should be avoided. People are also often advised to avoid screen time before bed. This encompasses the time spent on backlit tablets, TV and smartphones.
Takeaway
Some of the lifestyle changes that people need to make after a diagnosis of cancer are mostly recommended steps for good health. It is vital for a person with cancer to eat well, exercise regularly and get enough sleep. Each of these factors supports each other and sticking to all of them leads to the most success. Contact your doctor to get more insight into the changes that you should make after a cancer diagnosis.
Get more information here: https://lindenbergcancer.com or call Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center at (856) 475-0876
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