What Are The Best Ways To Boost Recovery After Cancer Care?

Every single part of cancer care is an essential part of ensuring the best possible outcomes for recovery, which starts as soon as possible when cancer is suspected and does not always end after the final visit to our internationally renowned radiotherapy centre.

There are no two identical cancer care journeys; even two people with the same treatment plan and course of radiotherapy may not necessarily have an identical road to recovery because their health and individual circumstances can sometimes be very different.

This is particularly true when travelling internationally for cancer care, and because of this, we prioritise the complete patient experience from assisting in preparation for their arrival to helping with extended stays, ensuring your support network can be there and putting you in the best possible place for recovery.

The most important factor in recovery is following the treatment plan, attending every radiotherapy session and following the advice of your care team between sessions, but once you reach the end of a particular course of treatment.

The after-effects of radiotherapy will start to go away gradually as your healthy cells recover from the effects of therapy. Whilst your cancer team and doctors will provide tailored health and advice, here are some of the best ways to boost your recovery and support the healing process.

Go At Your Own Pace

The end of cancer treatment is a period of upheaval and transition, and whilst the goal for many people is to get back to normal, it is important to listen to your body and mind, and go at their pace.

Radiotherapy continues to work to destroy cancer cells for weeks or even months after your final appointment, so it is essential to be gentle to yourself and move towards your new normal gradually.

Never feel guilty if you need to rest or take breaks and do not feel like you need to rush back to work or return to anything you do not feel quite ready for. You will get there but it may take more time than you may expect.

Exercise When You Are Ready And Able

During the prehabilitation stage leading up to your first radiotherapy sessions, as well as during and after your course of treatment, we recommend getting active when you feel like you can, and a physiotherapist will often be available as part of a multidisciplinary care team.

Once you get going, exercise can be very beneficial to your energy levels, physical health, mood and wellbeing. It can also boost your circulation, which itself helps with your recovery considerably.

This does not have to be an intensive, regimented workout, although some people can find that helpful. Gentle stretches, walks in the park and light aerobics can all help with the healing process and can be built upon to have a massive effect on your overall health.

If you have any questions about when and how to exercise post-treatment, do not hesitate to contact your cancer care team, as they will be able to answer any questions you may have and provide advice on how to listen to your body and avoid overtraining when you are still healing.

Focus On Hydration

One of the first pieces of advice you will receive from your radiotherapist is to keep hydrated, and that will continue to be true long after treatment.

There are various reasons for dehydration during cancer treatment, but keeping a bottle of water to hand to drink whenever you need it can help a lot with reducing fatigue, dizziness and nausea.

You may be recommended electrolyte powders, drinks and tablets, which can help restore the minerals that are typically lost through sickness, nausea and sweating.

Similarly, try to reduce and minimise alcohol and caffeine intake, as both can potentially cause or exacerbate dehydration.

Eat A Nutritious Diet

Nutrition is a key part of recovery, and this is especially true when it comes to recovering from intensive treatment.

Eating a balanced diet or one advised by your dietitian will help keep your energy levels high, provide you with adequate nutrition to ensure that your body can recover more quickly and help to improve your mood and mental health.

Find the right meal plan to suit you; if you are struggling to get your appetite back, start with smaller meals eaten more frequently.

Take Care Of Your Skin

You will receive advice early into your treatment regarding ways to take care of your skin during radiotherapy, and you should keep following them for at least a few weeks following your cancer treatment, as any changes to your skin will peak then.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with your cancer care team or cancer support services, as they will be more than happy to help you as you navigate the road to recovery.