Surviving a cancer diagnosis is no small feat. It requires lot of courage and determination to make it through to the remission phase. However, surviving cancer doesn’t mean the patient is fully in the clear just yet. Cancer is known to come back if the person doesn’t maintain a healthy lifestyle from then on. Here are the six most common ways that cancer survivors stay healthy and live a long life.
1. Losing Weight And Maintaining Their Slim Figure
Excess weight can cause all kinds of health problems. It also makes it more likely for cancer to reappear in a survivor. Once you reach a healthy weight, it is vital to maintain it at all costs. It is easy to let yourself go and revert to your old weight after you hit your target. Keep doing what you were doing to lose the weight in the first place to keep your slim figure.
2. Stay Physically Active
Although chemotherapy treatments are quite exhausting, it is important to get physical activity during your treatment periods consistently. It is safe to perform exercises that don’t push your body too hard. Once the cancer is in remission, you can increase your workout regimen to stay as healthy as possible.
3. Add On Fruits, Vegetables And Whole Grains
Many cancer survivors naturally adopt a healthy diet in their attempt to maintain a healthy weight. The best diet for reducing cancer susceptibility is one filled with fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.
Poultry and fish are also great choices to spice things up. You want to avoid eating too many fried foods, processed foods, and dairy products. These foods add to your risk of getting cancer again.
4. Always Go In For The Recommended Screenings
Cancer survivors tend to stop going to their cancer checkups after a while. This is a dangerous move that can lead to an advanced stage of cancer forming. If you get checked often, your medical team can catch early signs of cancer returning.
This will make it way easier to deal with anything that may come up. Survivors can also get other types of cancer than their initial diagnosis. The smartest thing you can do is spend the few hours it takes to get a checkup every couple of months.
5. Draft A Survivorship Care Plan
It is understandable if you want to leave the hospital as quickly as possible after your treatments. However, you must take the time to set up a survivorship plan with your medical team.
A good plan contains records of all your previous treatments and follow-ups you’ve had. With this information in tow, oncologists can better understand how to handle any medical emergencies if they ever occur. Having this information handy is a great way to extend your life expectancy after a bout with cancer.
6. Stay On Top Of Your Mental Health
Stress and other negative emotions can take a toll on your body over time. Managing your mental health is a vital part of securing your physical wellbeing. A great way to bolster your mental state is to spend time with family and friends. Spiritual practices are another great outlet for clearing your mind.
Meditating, breathing exercises, and engrossing yourself in nature are great ways to connect to your spiritual centre. If you need any additional assistance, most cancer survivor groups have dedicated mental health professionals. Talking to one of these counsellors is an excellent way to get a better handle on your post-cancer life.
