Every year, new cancer cases increase by more than 18 million. But the silver lining is that roughly 56% of cancer diagnosed population survives. Researchers try to find new ways of treating cancers but little gets done for cancer survivors. Fighting cancer is an achievement worthy of sincere applause. And, with applause come important details cancer survivors should be aware of. For a cancer survivor, you have been through very tough times. You were on therapies and medications and checkups for years and we are all glad it is over now. You struggled a lot and you have been presented with the best gift ever- life. So you are eager to enjoy life but precaution is still needed. Following a healthy lifestyle comes first in the line and we will gladly guide you through it!
Exercising
Your body worked harder than the machines and the doctors. It does need rest but being lethargic is different and harmful. Immediately after you have recovered, the radiation you were exposed to might has made your bones weak, same goes with medications. Do not go for tough exercises; keep it light and simple, like a daily walk. But after some time, it is recommended to include mild forms of physical activity. Always keep your exercise routine under check from your doctor.
Regular checkups
Yes, we totally understand, you cannot stand any more checkups, but this is crucial. You could, unfortunately, relapse or may face side effects, which we do not want. Keep visiting your doctor for whole body checkups or cancer screenings. Stay informed: it is the best precaution.
Balanced diet
We have all studied the importance of a balanced diet in our science classes, and this is the time to make use of that knowledge. Avoid intake of foods high on carbohydrates or sugar, and keep a sufficient amount of protein in your diet. If necessary, consult a dietician who could guide you with the right amounts of vitamins and minerals your body needs. Avoid canned/processed food or food that makes use of artificial dyes.
Let us go back to good habits
It might be possible that you slip back to the worse and the reason might be some of your bad habits you are unable to quit. You might have recovered from a cancer type, but that may leave you vulnerable to another one. That makes all safety measures important. Smoking, avoiding consumption of toxic liquids, intake of lethal substances, and various others are some examples.
Rehabilitation
Suffering from serious long-term illnesses usually makes rehabilitation necessary. While recovering, our focus shifts from the skills and abilities we possess that help us get through in life generally. As a result, we tend to ‘forget’ or lose them. Rehabilitation helps us get back to being able to lead a self-sufficient life. Involve in vocational training and learn occupational skills after recovering.
Therapy
Mental health often gets sidelined after someone recovers from a serious physical illness. What needs to be understood though, is that sometimes taking mental health for granted has serious repercussions. You could be reliving the tough moments you lived through back then. Check with a therapist and make sure you can handle your mental health well. Include your family too if possible; to help everyone know what they need to keep in mind.
Choose your next occupation carefully
The underlying cause for some cancer types is occupations. If you had a similar one, you need to resist the temptation to go back to the same occupation again. Occupations that involve exposure to wood dust, UV radiations, mineral oils, etc., can cause cancer. Consult with your doctor and career counselor before choosing the right occupation.
Vaccinations
Why do I need a vaccine after I am diagnosed with and recovered from cancer? As much as vaccinations are important before contracting an illness, they are just as important afterward. For instance, if you are a breast cancer survivor, chances are high that you contract cancer in the other one too. That is why you need to be vaccinated. Furthermore, there is no harm in getting vaccines that will prevent you from falling into the same situation again.
You had it tough, but it is over now and we are proud of you!
You were brave enough to fight off such a deadly illness. Do not take the pains to fight rehabilitation. Just go with them. It only does good to you without doing any harm, doesn’t it? Do make sure your cancer care team takes proper care against any possible infections since your immunity is weak after treatment. Rehabilitation is slow but you can always find ways to enjoy life. Think about it the other way: it is giving you an opportunity to have some quality ‘me time’. Enjoy life now that you have had your part in the struggle!
