What Can You Do To Feel Better During Cancer Treatment?

Cancer treatment is a process with many steps before, during and after visiting the radiotherapy centre, and specialist cancer doctors and nurses will take a holistic, conscientious approach during the entire duration of the journey.

Every cancer diagnosis and treatment is different, which means that there will be aspects of one person’s cancer journey that will be different from someone else’s. This means different types of treatment and different challenges before, during and after.

As both physical and mental health can have an effect on treatment according to at least one study, a key part of treatment is remaining positive, active and motivated with help from yourcare team and support network.

Whilst every cancer journey is unique, here are some examples of small, simple steps you can take to help reduce mental and physical stress whilst undergoing cancer treatment.

Seek Help Through Your Support Network

You never have to face cancer alone, and there are so many people in your life, in your care team, or who are or have been in a similar position to you who will help you with anything you need.

A problem shared is also halved, and soon after a diagnosis, a helpful step is to identify who you want to be part of your social network and what you might need whilst going through treatment.

Friends, family, coworkers and loved ones will be there for you to go to your regular appointments, help with errands during days when cancer fatigue means you have less energythan you would otherwise and be a sympathetic ear.

Your care team will also be there for you to provide advice and information regarding aspects of the treatment and taking care of yourself throughout your cancer journey.

Finally, there are support groups that are often available in your local community which can bring you closer to people who are being treated for cancer as well, which can provide an opportunity to discuss aspects of treatment and make new friends in the process.

Similarly, a professional therapist or counsellor can also help by providing a safe, judgement-free place to process everything, as well as provide a toolkit of techniques to help you manage the more difficult parts of treatment.

Eat A Nutrient-Dense Diet

A balanced diet is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, but it is especially important during cancer treatment, where maintaining energy levels and boosting strength is exceptionally important.

As every cancer treatment is unique, so too are everyone’s dietary needs during treatment. You will be offered a nutritionist who can devise a personalised nutrition plan that suits your needs best based on the overall treatment plan, the expected effects of treatment and any personal dietary needs.

In general, any recommended diet for a healthy lifestyle that could reduce the risk of health complications is generally going to be beneficial when going through cancer treatment, and many doctors will use the basic principles of the Mediterranean diet as a template for advice.

Focusing on eating less processed meat, more lean protein, more fruits and vegetables as well as healthy fats such as nuts, seeds and olive oil can provide some benefits. Nutrient-rich smoothies and soups can be helpful as they are often easier to digest.

As with any dietary change, ask your cancer team if you have any questions or would like any further recommendations.

Stay Active

Exercising is not only possible during most types of cancer treatments but it can provide significant mental and physical benefits.

Any extra exercise you do will provide significant benefits according to research compiled by Cancer Research UK, including improving your mood, giving you more energy and helping you stay mobile.

Everyone has different fitness goals and needs, so focus on what you can do and listen to your body. There are different types of exercise to suit every person, and a physiotherapist will often be a part of your cancer team to help you find a routine that works for you and that you can maintain.

Give Yourself Time And Space

In a particularly hectic world, the time we take to stop, breathe and relax is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle for both psychological and physiological reasons.

Deep breathing, meditation and yoga help slow the heart rate, control breathing and help people to feel more at ease, something that can be essential during particularly stressful situations.

Mindfulness practices, such as breathing exercises, meditation and journaling can help people during cancer treatment by providing a way to reduce or relieve stress gradually over time.