You don’t need a special reason to live a healthy lifestyle, but certain health conditions might push you to make changes for better health. Cancer is a prime example of such a condition. It forces you to alter many aspects of your life, from your daily routine to your overall activities.
As someone dealing with cancer, either as a patient or a family member, you often wonder how to improve cancer care. Besides medication and proper medical treatment, making some lifestyle changes can help prevent the condition from getting worse.
Making big changes can be tough, so it’s a good idea to start small. Here are six ways to improve cancer care or even prevent cancer through lifestyle changes:
1. **Healthy Diet**: One of the most essential changes is adopting a nutritious diet. Focus on eating more vegetables and fruits instead of meat or junk food. These foods help energize you and boost your immunity, reducing how often you get sick. Opt for lighter foods with fewer calories and less sugar to keep your body active and maintain a healthy weight. High-fiber foods like dry fruits, beans, nuts, and sunflower seeds can be great snack replacements and boost your stamina.
2. **Alcohol Intake**: Limit your alcohol consumption as much as possible. Alcohol is linked to various types of cancer, such as breast, lung, and kidney cancer. Studies have shown that higher vegetable intake can improve survival rates for some cancers due to their protein content.
3. **Exercise**: Physical activity should be a part of your daily routine, whether you’re preventing cancer or caring for someone with it. After consulting your doctor, incorporate safe exercises. Aerobic activities like swimming, cycling, and jogging are excellent choices as they build muscle energy and strengthen your heart. Avoid sitting for long periods; take breaks to stand and move around. Engage in family activities to stay active.
4. **Quit Smoking**: Smoking, whether tobacco or any other nicotine product, significantly increases your risk of cancer. It’s a leading cause of cancers such as lung, mouth, throat, and kidney cancer. Even secondhand smoke can be harmful. Try to quit smoking and consult your doctor for products or strategies to help you stop, even if you’ve smoked for many years.
5. **Mental Health**: Dealing with cancer can impact your mental health. It’s crucial to take care of your mind as much as your body. Seek emotional support, just as you would seek medical treatment. Consider joining a support group or working with a therapist. You might experience mental health issues like depression or anxiety due to cancer or its treatment. If you’re a caregiver, taking breaks to manage stress is equally important.
6. **Sun Exposure**: The sun has both positive and negative effects on health. It can trigger some of the worst kinds of cancer, so be cautious when spending time in the sun. Avoid midday or afternoon sun when it’s strongest, and wear clothes that reflect UV light. Always use sunscreen, even if you’re going out for only a short time. Avoid sunlamps and tanning as they can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.
Lastly, living proactively means avoiding risky behaviors and practicing safe habits. Don’t share needles, razors, or towels. Practice safe sex to avoid sexually transmitted infections that could worsen your condition. Be mindful of your activities and avoid unnecessary risks like fast car racing or overworking yourself.
Improving cancer care involves many of the steps listed above, but consulting a doctor is essential for personalized guidance.