Over 45% of cancer deaths have been linked to “modifiable risk factors.” While there’s a lack of research and evidence-based guidelines for people who’ve already been diagnosed with cancer, many guidelines for cancer prevention can be optimized for cancer care.
In our latest endeavor to provide cancer support for patients, we’ll discuss lifestyle changes you can make to improve your prognosis.
1. Sleep Well
Sleep disorders are common among cancer patients. You’re likely to lose sleep due to a tumor, treatment, or just the general stress from your life-changing diagnosis. Even so, try your best to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every day.
Sleep deprivation affect our emotional responses, leading to all the negative feelings we don’t want to be feeling when fighting a terminal illness.
Predictability is the key to stimulating sleep. Go to bed at the same time every night, even on the weekends. Keep the stress and anxiety at bay and beat this illness with a positive mindset.
2. Embrace Social Support
Studies have found a strong association between social support and cancer progression. Social support can greatly influence psychological adjustment after receiving cancer treatment, leading to a better quality of life amid chemo- and radiotherapy.
Instead of taking on this illness alone, build a strong support system by:
- Being vocal about your thoughts and emotions.
- Not shying away from help.
- Joining a cancer support group online.
- Trading advice with other cancer patients.
3. Eat Healthily
There’s no special evidence-based cancer diet that can miraculously cure cancer. The best a balanced diet can do is support cancer recovery, help you manage the side effects of treatment, and reduce your odds of relapsing.
Before we had chemotherapeutic drugs, we had ingredients like herbs and spices. Make sure these ingredients are part of your main course, but also check with your doctor before taking up any special greens.
Furthermore, take up a fiber-rich diet because several studies have discussed its protective effects against colon, breast, ovarian, gastrointestinal, and endometrial cancer.
Avoid processed meats, alcohol, or anything else that may not be good for you, even if you don’t have cancer. Improve your overall diet to improve your odds of survival.
4. Avoid Cancer-Causing Toxins
There are several cancer-causing substances in the air. Cancer is the product of genetic changes that change cellular function, producing cancerous cells. Although many of these mutations occur during cell division, others occur due to damage from environmental toxins.
Avoid active or passive smoking, ultraviolet rays, asbestos, chemicals in cleaning fluid, formaldehyde, styrene, and other cancer-causing substances.
Find Cancer Information for Health Professionals & Patients
Watch healthcare professionals on TV talk about all the aspects of cancer, from prevention to treatment to recovery and beyond. Listen to uplifting personal stories recounted by survivors, caretakers, and loved ones on The Doctor Connect.
Explore the cancer and mindset connection via success strategy by Dr. Liudmila Schafer, a gastrointestinal oncologist, medical trainer, and expert with plenty to share about the terminal illness.
Turn in your questions and have them answered by professional doctors on TV.