What’s in your personal cancer care toolbox?
Physical activity is key
By Wes Lewis, University Cancer & Blood Center
Let’s face it: a cancer diagnosis is daunting. It does not begin and end in the room with the doctor, hearing the words that you never wanted to hear. At University Cancer & Blood Center, we understand that cancer does not just affect you when you come in for an appointment; it affects everything in your life. Having some new ways to care for yourself under your cancer care tool belt can be extremely empowering as you start this new journey – and ideal for your overall health.
With that in mind, it is important to note that there are things you can do to keep a watchful eye on your overall health while you go through treatment (Note: It is very important to consult your personal physician before making any lifestyle changes, especially related to diet, exercise, etc.). Multiple studies have shown that cancer patients benefit from continued, regular exercise throughout treatment and after. This doesn’t necessarily mean you will feel like lifting weights, jogging a mile, or using the elliptical machine all the time, though… and that’s okay!
Simple changes can make a huge difference in how you feel. Adjust your daily schedule to fit some physical activity in whenever you feel best. That could mean walking your pet in the early morning or taking a walk in your neighborhood after eating a healthy lunch, or even doing yoga in the evenings. Set goals for yourself, starting with ten minutes of exercise daily, and cautiously work your way up to the 30 minutes of daily aerobic exercise that is recommended. You can even break it up into smaller segments to give yourself time to rest if that’s what your body is telling you to do (for instance, if half an hour is excessive, then exercise three times a day, ten minutes each time). Exercising regularly during treatment has been shown to reduce fatigue by as much as 40 to 50 percent. If you enjoy fishing, hiking, cycling, swimming, or traveling, it can be very beneficial to your health to continue special hobbies (after discussing them with your doctor) even after your diagnosis, as many of these will also help ensure that you remain active. Make sure you’re getting eight hours of rest at night and drinking eight to ten glasses of water (unless told otherwise by your doctor), as these practices will help with energy maintenance throughout the day.
It is crucial to find balance on your journey. This balance can be easier to navigate when you know what resources to utilize. Fighting cancer can be exhausting, so prioritizing rest and relaxation are key to caring for yourself along the way. Seek out the advice of others who are going through similar experiences as you. Talk to survivors to see how they remained active and healthy during their diagnosis. Your family, friends, and caregivers will be there when you need them, so never be afraid to reach out for help on those harder days. Many people who are actively undergoing treatment during and after cancer, do not know the wealth of resources available to them. At UCBC, we have in-house counseling programs for dietary changes, sexual health questions, and mindfulness, and we utilize services such as music therapy, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling to further meet the needs of our patients. We’re dedicated to treating the entire person through this holistic approach and providing the individualized support you need to maintain healthy lifestyle choices throughout your cancer journey.
Yes, cancer be daunting… but your response can be powerful! At University Cancer & Blood Center we take pride in our collaborative care approach, taking into account all aspects of a patient’s life when considering treatment. Make sure your own personal response is just as collaborative, by making directed choices to stay healthy and active.
We believe you can thrive during your journey with cancer, and we’re here to support you each step of the way.
