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Early detection and curative therapies have led to a tremendous increase in the number of cancer survivors and improved management and lifestyle habits over the last decade. Despite the increase in survival rates, a lot of survivors still live in fear of recurrence or an emergence of another form of comorbidity.
In addition to the development of second primary malignancies and risks of cancer recurrence, survivors have higher mortality due to non-cancer related causes, especially cardio-respiratory diseases.
Survivorship care encompasses both physical and psychological issues. Careful attention to all dimensions of care is crucial in ensuring that cancer survivors receive comprehensive survivorship care. Healthy lifestyle factors comprising healthy diet, regular exercise and smoking cessation have the potential to drastically reduce morbidity and mortality of cancer survivors. Research has also shown that successful weight management may prevent progressive or recurrent diseases.
Survivors can build up strength post-treatment by eating diet filled with vegetables, unprocessed low-fat foods, as well as fruits. Plant-based foods and lean proteins are recommended by experts. Eating healthily can reduce their risks of diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and heart diseases.
Regular exercise is a very important part of survivorship, and being physically active post-treatment helps;
- Decrease fatigue and reduce stress
- Maintain healthy weight
- Improve endurance and boost muscle strength
- Improve heart health
Care providers can assist their patients by endorsing existing health guidelines and encouraging their patients to take active roles in pursuing general preventive health strategies.
- Adedamola Arogundade, Client Service Executive at Redcare HMO.
