Avoid risky behaviours

After your cancer treatment, you may have concerns about what you eat, your stress levels and other elements that could increase your risk of your cancer recurring. You may want to consider the following issues:

Follow-up care

When you meet with your doctor about your follow-up care, it is important to discuss developing a wellness plan that includes ways you can take care of your physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. Your doctor may suggest other members of the healthcare team for you to talk with, such as a social worker or a nurse. It may also be beneficial to engage with other cancer survivors through a reputable support group.

Avoid these risky behaviours

Smoking
Quit smoking. Research shows that smoking can increase your chances of getting cancer at the same site or another site.

Drinking alcohol
Cut down on how much alcohol you drink. Research shows that drinking alcohol increases your chances of getting certain types of cancers.

Eating an unhealthy diet
Eat to nourish your body. Healthy food choices and physical activity may help reduce the risk of cancer or recurrence.

Talk with your doctor or a nutritionist to find out about any special dietary needs that you may have. The American Cancer Society and the American Institute for Cancer Research have developed these diet and fitness guidelines that may help reduce the risk of cancer:

• Eat a plant-based diet and have at least 5 to 9 servings of fruit and vegetables daily.
• Try to include beans in your diet and eat whole grains regularly.
• Choose foods low in fat and low in salt.
• Limit your intake of processed meats.
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

For more tips on nutrition and healthy eating, go to www.aicr.org, or www.cancer.org and search for “Survivors.”

Leading an inactive lifestyle
Exercise and stay active. Several recent research reports suggest that staying active after cancer can help lower the risk of recurrence and extend longevity.

Moderate exercise (walking, cycling and swimming) for about 30 minutes every day – or almost every day – can:

• Reduce anxiety and depression
• Improve mood and boost self-esteem

It is important to start an exercise programme slowly and increase activity over time - work with a specialist, such as a physical therapist if needed.

If you need to stay in bed during your recovery, even small activities like stretching or moving your arms or legs can help you stay flexible, relieve muscle tension and help you feel better. Some people may need to take special care in exercising.

Discuss your plans with your doctor before you begin any exercise programme.

Being exposed to the sun

• Avoid midday sun when the sun's rays are strongest.
• Stay in the shade as much as possible. Wear sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat.
• Cover exposed areas. Wear tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible.
• Use generous amounts of sunscreen when you are outdoors, and reapply it often.
• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. These are just as damaging as natural sunlight.

Getting infections
Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections. Talk to your doctor about flu vaccinations and any other vaccinations that may be of value to you.

Another effective cancer prevention tactic is to avoid risky behaviours that can lead to infections that, in turn, might increase the risk of cancer. For example:

• Practice safe sex. Limit your sexual partners and use a condom when you have sex. The more sexual partners you have in your lifetime, the more likely you are to contract a sexually transmitted infection — such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or HPV (human papillomavirus). People who have HIV or AIDS have a higher risk of cancer of the anus, liver and lung. HPV is most often associated with cervical cancer, but it might also increase the risk of cancer of the anus, penis, throat, vulva and vagina.
• Don't share needles. Sharing needles with an infected drug user can lead to HIV, as well as hepatitis B and hepatitis C — which can increase the risk of liver cancer.

Resources

• www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/life-after-treatment.pdf
• www.aicr.org
• www.cancer.org
• www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/cancer-prevention/art-20044816