Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Cancer presents significant challenges. The process of diagnosis and treatment can be both frightening and exhausting, and once you overcome those obstacles, adjusting to life after cancer is necessary. You’re not facing this alone. More people are living with a cancer diagnosis. Many also maintain active, meaningful, and healthy lives.
These strategies can support your health and well-being as a survivor. Your doctor can offer guidance. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or have completed treatment, even small healthy changes can yield substantial benefits.
Coping With Depression
Experiencing some level of depression and anxiety is common among individuals dealing with cancer daily. However, prolonged emotional distress that interferes with daily activities may indicate depression or severe anxiety that requires medical attention. These issues can lead to significant distress, making it difficult to enjoy life and adhere to a treatment schedule. Even if you are clinically depressed or anxious, there are positives:
- Depression is often treatable, and treatment is typically effective.
- Enhancing your physical symptoms and taking proactive steps can likely improve your mood.
Anxiety and depression can be addressed through various methods. Visit mesotheliomahope.com for free mesothelioma resources about specialists, top treatments, and financial assistance if you’re struggling to manage these issues.
Stay Active Physically
Fitting physical activity into daily life can be challenging for everyone for various reasons. However, the benefits for cancer survivors are substantial, even for those undergoing treatment. Regular exercise enhances overall health, boosts energy and mobility, and alleviates anxiety, depression, and symptoms related to cancer. It may also reduce the risk of recurrence and increase survival rates after cancer.
Begin by gradually increasing your activity level beyond what you’re used to. Even small amounts can yield significant benefits. Do what you can and gradually increase over time. A solid long-term goal is to engage in at least 30 minutes of activity daily, such as walking, along with strength exercises like stretching and resistance bands, at least twice a week.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Cancer can significantly affect your weight. During treatment, you may lose weight. This is due to a lack of appetite or unpleasant side effects. Treatments for hormone-related cancers may cause weight gain. Changes in your routine might also lead to weight increase.
Consult your doctor about your target healthy weight. Achieve this goal through a combination of balanced nutrition, exercise, and healthy habits, like avoiding excessive TV time. Your medical team may offer additional suggestions to help maintain your ideal weight.
Engage with Loved Ones
Having a support system to rely on is crucial when needed. Embrace help, whether it’s for running errands, assisting at home, providing rides to the doctor, or preparing meals. Bringing someone to your appointments can also ensure you receive all necessary information.
Have someone to discuss your feelings with. Besides family and friends, consider joining a support group. Connecting with others experiencing similar situations makes you feel less isolated and more connected to a community. Your doctor can assist you in finding an online or in-person group.
Religion
For some individuals, religion serves as a source of strength. Facing cancer may lead some to discover new faith, while others find that their existing faith becomes stronger or offers new strength. If you are religious, a rabbi, minister, or another faith leader, along with trained pastoral counselors, can assist in identifying your spiritual needs and providing support. Certain clergy members are specially trained to support cancer patients and their families.
Endnote
Keep in regular contact with your healthcare team, attend all your checkups, and be aware of the symptoms to monitor and the follow-up screening tests you may require. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about your health or what to anticipate.