Surviving Cancer (cont.)
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Complementary and alternative medicine includes many different healing
approaches that people use to prevent illness, reduce stress, prevent or reduce
side effects and symptoms, or control or cure disease. An approach is generally
called complementary when it is used in addition to treatments prescribed by a
doctor. An approach is often called alternative when it is used instead of
treatments prescribed by a doctor. Research has shown that more than half of all
people with cancer use one or more of these approaches.
Some common approaches include: visualization or relaxation; acupressure and
massage; homeopathy; vitamins or herbal products; special diets; psychotherapy;
spiritual practices; and acupuncture.
Even though you have finished your cancer treatment, if you are thinking
about using these methods, discuss this decision with your doctor or nurse. Some
complementary and alternative therapies may interfere or be harmful when used
with treatments normally prescribed by a doctor.
Developing a Wellness Plan
Eating Well After Cancer Treatment Exercise After Cancer Treatment
After cancer treatment, many survivors want to find ways to reduce the chances
of their cancer coming back. Some worry that the way they eat, the stress in
their lives, or their exposure to chemicals may put them at risk. Cancer
survivors also find that this is a time when they take a good look at how they
take care of themselves and their health. This is an important start to living a
healthy life after cancer.
When you meet with your doctor about follow-up care, you should ask about
developing a wellness plan that includes ways you can take care of your
physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. You may not be used to talking
with your doctor as a partner in planning for your health, so it may be hard for
you at first, but it is very important that you do it. The more you do it, the
easier it will become.
Research is just beginning to show what people can do to lower their risk of
getting certain cancers. But we don't yet know why cancer comes back in some
people and not others.
Making changes in the way you eat, exercise, and live your life may not
prevent your cancer from coming back. However, making these changes can help you
feel better and may also lower your chances of developing other health problems.
Changes you may want to think about:
- Quitting smoking. Research shows that smoking can increase the chances of
developing cancer at the same site or another site. For more, please read
the Smoking and Quitting
Smoking article.
- Cutting down on how much alcohol you drink. Research shows that drinking
alcohol can increase your chances of developing certain cancers.
- Eating well and exercising.
Eating Well After Cancer Treatment
- Eat a variety of healthful foods, with an emphasis on foods from plant
sources.
- Eat five or more servings of vegetables and fruits each day.
- Choose whole grains--rather than processed (refined) grains and
sugars.
- Limit eating red meats, especially high fat or processed meats.
- Choose foods that help you maintain a healthy weight.
- Adopt a physically active lifestyle.
- Maintain a healthy weight throughout the rest of your life.
- Limit drinking alcohol, if you drink at all.
Source: American Cancer Society Recommendations for Nutrition
and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention, 2002
Exercise After Cancer Treatment
Few studies have been done to find out whether physical activity affects
survival after cancer treatment. More research is needed to answer this
question, but studies have shown that moderate exercise (walking, biking,
swimming) for about 30 minutes every--or almost every--day can:
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Improve mood
- Boost self-esteem
- Reduce symptoms of fatigue, nausea, pain, and diarrhea
During recovery, it is important to start an exercise program slowly and
increase activity over time, working with your doctor or a specialist (such as a
physical therapist) if needed. If you need to stay in bed during your recovery,
even small activities--like moving your arms or legs around--can help you stay
flexible, relieve muscle tension, and help you feel better. Some survivors may
need to take special care in exercising. Talk with your doctor before you begin
any exercise program.
For additional information, please visit the Cancer
Center.
Last Editorial Review: 6/3/2004
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) -
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