Managing Your Health During Cancer Treatment

It might seem like a lot of additional stress to think about managing your general health while going through cancer treatment – seemingly, one of the most stressful situations a cancer patient will ever experience, but the benefits of focusing on your overall health during this time could ease the experience of treatment.

There is a lot of crossover between our physical and mental health. Working on one generally improves the condition of the other. That holds true during cancer treatment as well. Spending some time and attention on managing those things that contribute to health, even during the stress and discomfort of treatment, could minimize its negative effects.

Here are a few things to focus on that will improve your overall health:

Protect yourself from infections.

·      Wash your hands throughout the day

·      Be up to date on your vaccines

·      Bathe daily to help eliminate germs and bacteria from your home

·      Brush your teeth several times daily

·      Protect yourself from cuts when gardening, doing dishes, doing chores

·      Wash your produce thoroughly before eating

Cancer treatments tend to lessen the body’s natural immune defenses, making cancer patients more vulnerable to the harmful effects of viruses and bacteria. By working to minimize the risk and exposure to infections, you are protecting your health.

Sustain a regular exercise or activity level as much as possible.

·      Improves blood circulation

·      Decreases fatigue

·      Improves sleep

·      Strengthens the immune system

·      Increases appetite

·      Can lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety

The benefits of exercise are obvious, though exercise can feel overwhelming during cancer treatment. For those who exercise regularly, keeping pace with old habits may be too hard and feel like a loss. For those who have not exercised regularly, just the idea of starting an exercise program during treatment may feel impossible. Because activity of most any type holds so many health benefits, committing to a basic routine of walking, light aerobics, weight training, or anything that keeps your body moving for 15-20 minutes daily would be a benefit.

Pay attention to your mental health and relationships.

·      Identify and use your support systems of friends and family

·      Use written records, reminders, and calendars to cope with “chemo brain”

·      Communicate your needs clearly

·      Seek the help of a therapist or another trusted professional, if needed

·      Get out in nature for sun and fresh air

·      Consider joining a cancer support group

The connection between our physical and mental health cannot be overstated. Time and attention paid to working on your physical health will, in turn, improve mental health and vice versa. And working on those relationships we sustain and may have taken for granted prior to cancer can, in turn, improve physical health and well-being.

Srilata Gundala, MD, is the owner and founder of Hope & Healing Care Services in Hinsdale, Illinois and sees the connection between patients’ physical and mental health and well-being in her clinical practice, “When my patients are able to utilize the resources available to them, be it the gym or nutrition advice, using a local walking path or participating in a support group at The Wellness House,  those benefits make a positive impact on their cancer treatment. Taking care of one’s self during treatment minimizes isolation and improves health outcomes. I encourage all my patients to try the best they can.”

Learn more about the resources The Wellness House provides to help you maintain your health during treatment HERE.

Written By: Sheila Quirke, MSW

Reviewed By: Srilata Gundala, MD