Living a healthy lifestyle is an imperative part of your care and treatment. Perhaps you already followed a healthy lifestyle before your treatment, but you now want to be more focused on optimizing your health. There are things you can do to help your body recover and help improve your sense of well-being lowering your risk of getting other illnesses.

Skin care

Taking extra care of your skin is essential during radiotherapy as the rays can cause damage to the area that is being treated. Before your treatment starts, the staff in the radiotherapy department will give you advice on how to look after your skin.

Usually you’ll be asked to avoid using any deodorants, soaps, perfumes and lotions on the area being treated other than those advised by the radiographers. This is because some products may agitate the area.

If you shave in the area that’s being treated, you may be asked not to shave during your treatment or to use an electric razor instead. Also keep in mind the products that you use in your bath, such as bath salts or foam bath as well as chemicals in the swimming pool or cleaning products.

Eating well

It’s important to have a nutritious and well balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, even if your appetite and interest in food have been reduced. Keep the food pyramid in mind when preparing meals and avoid foods that contain hormones or chemicals. (food pyramid pic here)

Smoking

Smoking can delay your recovery and puts you at greater risk of developing a second cancer. Giving up smoking can be difficult but there are lots of support methods available.

Regular physical activity

Exercise is an important part of your recovery and general well-being. It can help you to feel better in yourself and help to build up your energy levels in promoting the growth of healthy cells. Keeping active can also reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Talk to your cancer oncologist before you start exercising and discuss what kind of exercise you wish to engage in.

After Treatment has Ended

Cancer is life changing, so getting back to normal may will take some time. Try not to expect too much immediately. You may have new challenges to cope with, such as the physical effects caused by your cancer or its treatment. It takes time to adjust so be patient with your body and allow it the time it needs to recover.

To begin with, you will have a follow-up appointment to check your progress and to discuss any problems or concerns you may have. Chat to your doctor or nurse about anything that you may be concerned about and avoid Dr Google!

You may find you can easily go back to the routine you had before cancer treatment. However, some people have lasting effects following cancer treatment. In this case, you may find it takes some time to adjust to a new routine. Find positive aspects or changes in your life to keep motivated.

It’s important to remember that support is available to help you with any physical or emotional problems you have.