A Wellness Plan After Cancer

“You have to be in control, your body talks to you – and you’ve got to use the doctor as a consultant. You’ve got to find out what is wrong, because it is your life.”

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.

Eating Well After Cancer Treatment

1.	Eat a variety of healthy foods, with an emphasis on foods from plant sources. Eat 5 or more servings of vegetables and fruits daily. 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.
2.	Maintain a healthy weight.
3.	Limit drinking alcohol. Research shows that drinking alcohol can increase your chances of developing certain cancers.

Exercise After Cancer Treatment
Some studies have been done to find out if physical activity affects survival after cancer treatment. More research is needed to answer this question but studies have shown that moderate exercise (brisk walking, swimming, cycling) 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 diarrhoea

It is important to start an exercise programme slowly and increase activity over time. Some survivors may need to take special care in exercising. Talk with your doctor before beginning any exercise programme.

Research into the causes of human cancer has made significant progress in the past decade. At the same time, the World Health Organization estimates that it is possible to prevent at least one-third of new cases each year through better application of existing knowledge¹, including reducing tobacco use and modifying harmful lifestyles. Understanding the patterns of cancer also contributes to planning for resources to help cancer patients and to provide screening and treatment that will reduce the burden of this disease throughout the world.