The start of a new year brings excitement and the promise of a fresh start, with many making resolutions to inspire positive change. However, a common mistake that some of us make is setting unrealistic or multiple goals, which often leads us to give up as the year progresses.
To help you and your family embrace a happy and healthy 2025, here are some practical and achievable tips from the doctors and healthcare staff at the National Cancer Centre Singapore!
Be your own best friend
"Sometimes cancer patients think that they shouldn't exercise and should conserve their energy when going through treatment. But I recommend that my patients exercise daily to help them feel better and enjoy a better quality of life when their condition improves."
Exercise doesn't have to be extremely strenuous and can mimic daily activities. For example, a patient who struggles to stand after sitting could do repetitions of rising from a seated position to a standing one. Fitter patients may want to try climbing stairs and build up capacity over time.
Lung cancer patients are also welcome to join our exercise interest group #lungcancerwillnotkeepmedown and can e-mail [email protected] for details."
Practice affirmations to boost self-esteem and mood
"I always remind my patients to be kind to themselves, stay positive, and celebrate small wins. A practice that can help is the practice of positive daily affirmations. For example, in the morning you can stand in front of a mirror and say uplifting affirmations to yourself such as: "I am strong," "I am proud of myself," and "I will get through my treatment," which can boost self-esteem and mood.
Cancer treatment is tough and many patients feel like they are a burden to their loved ones. This can sometimes make them reluctant to ask for help or dwell on negative thoughts. That is why I emphasise the importance of self-compassion - do not push yourself too hard, focus on the positive things in your life and take pride in every small step forward."
Make a resolution and try to fulfil it!
ConsultantDivision of Medical OncologyNational Cancer Centre Singapore
"Despite the challenges, we can still strive to live our best possible lives. So this new year, make a resolution and try to fulfil it! This could be something significant, like "I want to travel to a specific country" or a smaller aspiration such as "I would like to learn how to cook a particular dish for my family".
Your cancer diagnosis or treatment doesn't have to hold you back from what truly matters to you. While this is a challenging journey, it often brings clarity on what is really important in one's life.
If something feels like it's holding you back - whether physical, mental or emotional, share it with your medical team, family and friends. Together, we can identify and address those challenges and make adjustments so that you can live the life that you envision for yourself."
Seek support to cope better
"Do not hesitate to ask for help and be clear about your needs, whether practical or emotional, so your family and friends know how best to support you. Having cancer can sometimes result in feeling low, feeling overwhelmed, struggling to adjust to treatment, coping with physical and emotional changes.
If you do not have a support network or if you and your family need more support, talk to your oncologist for a referral to a medical social worker. We can arrange counselling and group support to help you and your caregivers cope throughout your cancer journey. Seeking support and sharing your experiences can help you feel less isolated and build resilience, making your care journey more manageable."
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