After a cancer diagnosis, many survivors may want to make changes, such as eating better, exercising more, and finding better ways to manage stress. Although practicing healthy habits is important for everyone, it is especially important for cancer survivors because they can be at an increased risk for other health problems as a result of cancer treatment. Some of these health concerns include the following:

• Obesity or being overweight
  
  
• Heart problems, such as congestive heart failure
  
  
• Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) and fractures
  
  
• High blood pressure
  
  
• Diabetes

Some survivors may discover that these conditions may affect their health more than the primary cancer.

Nutrition

Changing eating habits is one of the first things people think of when trying to live healthier. A study from the 2005 ASCO Annual Meeting reported that eating less fat lowered the risk of breast cancer coming back. Although this is only one study that links nutritional habits to the return of cancer, nutritious eating can lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. Many experts recommend eating plant-based foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and grains) and foods low in fat. Another suggestion is to achieve an ideal body weight. The Harvard School of Public Health recommends eating smaller portions, eating less sugar and more whole grains, and limiting the amount of calories from fat. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offers additional suggestions on how to Aim for a Healthy Weight. A dietitian can help people change their eating habits and provide personalized recommendations. Find a dietitian at www.eatright.org, or consult the doctor for more information.

Secondly, although nutritional supplements are popular among some survivors, there is no clear evidence yet that any nutritional supplement can reduce the risk of cancer returning. Read Facts About Dietary Supplements for more information.

Exercise

Exercise is an important part of healthy living. Exercise can help survivors control fatigue, lose or maintain weight, improve cardiovascular fitness, manage stress, and improve mood and self-esteem. A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association of nearly 3,000 women with breast cancer reported that women who walked at an average pace for at least one hour each week lowered their risk of the breast cancer returning and dying. In addition, a study presented at the 2005 ASCO Annual Meeting reported that survivors of colorectal cancer who walked briskly for one hour, six times a week, lowered their risk of the cancer returning and death.

Finding motivation to begin exercising can be difficult. For example, side effects, such as fatigue or sleeping problems, can interfere with people's positive lifestyle changes. Some people may even want to consult a certified health and fitness professional at the American College of Sports Medicine.

Some tips to help people start exercising are listed below:

• Remember that any exercise helps. People who have been inactive for a long time may want to start with 10 minutes of walking a day, for example.
  
  
• Combine exercise with other activities, such as watching television.
  
  
• Find an exercise partner or group. Exercising with other people not only keeps a person motivated, it also provides some friendly support.
  
  
• For those suffering from fatigue, try to exercise when fatigue is lowest.
  
  
• Combine exercise with everyday activities, such as walking to the store, taking the stairs, or by parking farther away from the entrance.

Remember to talk with the doctor before beginning a new exercise program.

Other healthy lifestyle tips

Besides changing eating habits and exercising, the following suggestions can help people live a healthier life:

Continue to interact with the health-care team. A person's doctor and other health-care professionals can recommend and schedule follow-up care appointments, answer questions about medications, and refer a person to other specialists and support resources.

Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Quitting smoking, even after a cancer diagnosis, can improve a person's recovery and his or her overall health. Learn more about Resources to Help You Quit Smoking.

Manage stress. Feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression can slow a person's recovery and bring about new physical problems, such as sleeplessness, headaches, and stomach problems. Journaling, joining a support group, and practicing relaxation techniques are some techniques one may find helpful. Read the Cancer.Net Feature: Finding Comfort Through Journaling.

Make time for fun. Get together with friends, watch a movie, walk the dog, or play with your kids. Laughter can reduce anxiety and improve a person’s mood. Learn more about Cancer.Net Feature: Coping With Cancer Through Humor.

Additional resources

Lance Armstrong Foundation: Healthy Behaviors

More Information

JCO Cancer Advances: Many Cancer Survivors Initiate Lifestyle Changes to Benefit Their Health

2004 Meet the Expert: Cancer Survivorship—Increasing Survival, Improving Lives

Chat Transcript: Nutrition and Cancer (August 19, 2005)

Physical Activity and Cancer

Coping With Cancer-Related Fatigue

Last Updated: August 22, 2005