Lifestyle guidelines for cancer survivors to promote continued health

Ask any cancer survivor what they fear most and the overwhelming response is a reoccurrence of their disease. Yet, frequently healthcare professionals spend little time speaking to survivors about lifestyle modification, and guidelines to follow that can promote continued overall health. The list below is derived from a set of evidence-based recommendations.

Maintaining the following lifestyle can help minimize the risk of cancer.

1. Get regular exercise
2. Eat a healthy diet
3. Don’t smoke
4. Maintain a healthy weight
5. Consume alcohol in moderation
6. Use sun protection, including sunscreens and protective clothing
7. Stay connected with family and friends
   

As a cancer survivor, you also should:

1. Get regular check-ups from your healthcare professional
2. Engage in rehabilitation to optimize your recovery from treatment

The Canadian Cancer Society provides a long list of references on cancer re-occurrence and ways of reducing risk. http://www.cancer.ca/en/prevention-and-screening/reduce-cancer-risk/helpful-tools/?region=on Physiotherapists can help reduce the anxiety around reoccurrence by educating their patients on these important lifestyle guidelines.

Many Lifemark clinics offer compassionate cancer care. To find a location near you, please visit www.lifemark.ca/locations