A cancer patient goes through various emotional challenges during common cancer treatments and after. Most procedures used to treat cancer are invasive and result in awful side-effects. A lot of times, the treatment methods used, such as radiation, can lead to the development of new diseases. Even if treatment is completed, cancer patients aren’t able to find peace of mind and are constantly worried about how their life will be post-treatment.
There is a notable behavioral pattern in most cancer patients. They become very anxious and worried about the possibility of cancer recurrence. Though this thought is common amongst patients, at times it could be quite intense, resulting in constant anxiety and depression.
It is very important to have a positive attitude towards life post the cancer treatment as most patients deal with a lot of stress and self-doubt. It is seen that in the follow-up sessions after the treatment, the cancer care team advises the patient about staying positive in life, how to feel better about themselves, and how to overcome anxiety, stress, etc. Positivity techniques and the knowledge to avoid blaming oneself for the circumstances are considered as one of the most important techniques of coping and overcoming the trauma caused by common cancer treatments.
The life of a cancer survivor is no different from a person who wishes to lead a healthy life. Hence, some common practices advised by the doctors post-cancer treatments are listed below. These techniques help the survivor to have an improved body mechanism.
1. Including fitness in the lifestyle
Physical inactivity causes diseases while regular exercise keeps one fit and healthy and also helps in speedy recovery. For cancer survivors, regular exercise may help improve the immune system, keep them active by overcoming fatigue, help to reduce and overcome pain, and enable one to have better sleep.
2. Intake of healthy food
Eating healthy keeps one fit and fine. It is recommended to include lots of fruits and green vegetables in the diet of a cancer survivor. Individuals must make sure to give their body the required nutrients and vitamins. It is important to resist the urge to have unhealthy and fast foods for a better lifestyle and immune system.
3. Healthy weight maintenance
A cancer survivor experiences a lot of weight gain or loss during common cancer treatments. Hence, it is important to identify one’s ideal weight as per their body type after discussing it with the doctor and ways to achieve the same.
4. Proper rest to reduce stress
As the body goes through a lot of physical changes during the treatment, it is more likely to develop issues with sleep. However, getting enough sleep and proper rest is the most vital part of one’s treatment as this helps in rejuvenating and refreshing the body and mind.
Since it is difficult to cope with cancer, a survivor might find it difficult to lead a normal life after the completion of common cancer treatments. However, despite all the struggles, it is very important to stay positive and to focus on the bright side of life.