Thriving as a Cancer Survivor: Embracing Health and Well-Being

Discover essential lifestyle tips for long-term well-being as a cancer survivor. From healthy habits to emotional management, learn how to thrive after cancer treatment.

Highlights:

Exercise, maintain a balanced diet, manage weight, rest well, reduce stress, and avoid tobacco/alcohol to enhance overall well-being
Address conflicting emotions, recurrence anxiety, and the fear of cancer returning with support and coping strategies
Understand and manage potential long-term side effects of cancer treatment, such as those from chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and targeted therapy

One in every two men and one in every three women in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, and more than 18 million cancer survivors are still alive today, according to the American Cancer Society () . Cancer is the world's second-largest cause of death. However, because of advancements in cancer detection, therapy, and prevention, survival rates for many types of cancer are improving. Many cancer treatments, however, have a cost in the form of side effects and lasting alterations. Here are some things to think about as a cancer survivor.

Chronic Fatigue in Cancer Survivors can be Fought With a Healthy Diet
Chronic fatigue post cancer decreases life quality; recent study says that a healthy diet can help

‘As a cancer survivor, prioritize your long-term health and well-being. Learn how to embrace healthy habits, manage emotions, and cope with potential side effects for a fulfilling life beyond cancer. #CancerSurvivor #WellBeing ’

Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle for Long-Term Well-Being as a Cancer Survivor

Beyond your initial recovery, you can take action to promote your long-term health and enjoy your years as a cancer survivor. Cancer survivors should follow the same healthy living advice as everyone else () :

Exercise
Consume a well-balanced diet
Keep a healthy weight
Get plenty of rest
Reduce your stress
Avoid tobacco
Limit your alcohol consumption

These healthy lifestyle habits can boost your sense of well-being, improve your quality of life, and make the transition to survivorship easier.

Adult Cancer Survivors Have an Increased Risk of Bone Fractures
Adult cancer survivors who received their cancer diagnosis within the previous five years had the highest risk of fracture.

Emotional Management After Cancer Treatment

As a cancer survivor, you may feel conflicted about finishing your treatment plan. Though you, your friends, and your family are all ready to return to a more regular life, leaving the protective cocoon of healthcare experts who supported you throughout treatment can be frightening.

Cancer survivors frequently have recurrence anxiety. Even if they spend years without showing any signs of sickness, cancer survivors say the fear of a recurrence haunts them. You may be concerned that every ache or pain is a sign that your cancer is returning.

Colon Cancer Survivors Benefit More from Physical Activity
Colon cancer patients have a lower risk of recurrence and mortality when they engage in regular physical activity.

Late Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

As more patients live longer following cancer treatment, more information about the late side effects of cancer treatment is becoming available. These are cancer therapy side effects that become apparent after your treatment has ended.

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy are all examples of late consequences of cancer treatment.

Cancer survivors may face long-term side effects from cancer treatment. Not everyone who receives cancer therapy experiences all of the late symptoms, and some people may not have any late effects at all. It is unclear if late effects can be avoided or why some persons experience late effects while others do not.

Why Romantic Relationships are Good for Breast Cancer Survivors?
Romantic relationships reduce stress, lower inflammation and improve overall health of breast cancer survivors.

Life After Cancer

A cancer diagnosis can drastically alter your life. It's vital to remember that everyone copes differently with the emotional and physical changes brought on by the illness.

References:

Cancer Facts & Figures 2023 - (https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/all-cancer-facts-figures/2023-cancer-facts-figures.html)
The well-being of long-term cancer survivors - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29668209/)

Source-Medindia