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Life after cancer
Staying healthy, both physically and emotionally, can be more of a challenge for survivors...especially if their lifestyle behaviors before cancer were not so healthy.

How was a person living before they knew they had cancer? Maybe they drank too much alcohol, smoked, ate more than necessary, or didn't exercise very often. Maybe they kept their feelings bottled up, or maybe they put themselves in stressful situations too long.

Now is not the time for survivors to feel guilty about their lives before cancer. They can start making changes today that can have positive effects for the rest of their lives. Not only will they feel better, but they will also be healthier. Positive thinking, an active life, and a fighting spirit help most people cope with cancer.

It may not always be possible for survivors to do things they did in the past, but there are usually ways to make each day count. Below are some lifestyle changes that cancer survivors should consider during and after treatment:

Diet and Nutrition: Eating right can be a challenge for anyone, but it can get even tougher during and after cancer treatment. For instance, treatment often may change your sense of taste, and nausea can also be a problem. One of the best things a survivor can do is to put healthy eating habits into place. Encourage them to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day, to choose whole grain foods instead of white flour and sugars, and to try and limit meats that are high in fat.

They should also cut back on processed meats like hot dogs, bologna, and bacon, and limit alcohol consumption to one or two drinks a day at the most. If they need help quitting smoking, encourage them to call the Society’s Quitline.

Exercise: Exercise can improve cancer survivors’ physical and emotional health by:

• Improving cardiovascular (heart and circulation) fitness.
• Strengthening muscles
• Reducing fatigue
• Lowering anxiety and depression
• Making people feel generally happier
• Helping people feel better about themselves.

ACS recommends that adults take part in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, above usual activities, on five or more days of the week.

Emotional Health: Almost everyone who has been through cancer can benefit from getting some type of support. What’s best for an individual depends on their situation and personality. Some people feel safe in peer-support groups or education groups, while others would rather talk in an informal setting, such as church. Encourage the survivors in your life to get involved in the many programs and activities available through ACS.

With their experience, survivors can fight back and help others, while fulfilling their own lives. They can become a support to someone newly diagnosed in Reach to Recovery, or drive patients to and from treatment through Road to Recovery. They can also fight back by participating With the ACS Cancer Action Network, or in a local Relay For Life event where survivors are celebrated and honored. To learn more about the many volunteer opportunities, call your American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

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