Cancer

New guidelines can help ensure your cancer doesn ’ t return

The American Cancer Society ( ACS ), for the first time , has now issued a set of formal Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines for cancer survivors . The guidelines , backed by years of research , advise how to improve survival and help prevent recurrence or the development of a second primary cancer

Compelling new evidence suggests that cancer survivors can play an active role in preventing recurrence and improving their own long-term survival . Until now , much of the health advice dispensed by doctors followed conventional wisdom but wasn ’ t supported by evidence-based data . The American Cancer Society ( ACS ), for the first time , has now issued a set of formal Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines for cancer survivors . The guidelines , backed by years of research , advise how to improve survival and help prevent recurrence or the development of a second primary cancer . The ACS ’ s recommendations include :

1 . Eat a healthy diet and fill your plate with a variety of whole grains and colourful fruits and vegetables Studies have associated a high intake of vegetables , fruits and whole grains with a decreased rate of cancer recurrence . They also suggest that a wide variety of healthy foods confer more benefit than a few specific foods . Aim for two to three cups of vegetables and one to two cups of fruit daily .

2 . Limit red meat and added sugar Colon cancer survivors who maintained a high intake of red meat and sugar showed a decreased rate of overall survival from cancer and other conditions , according to one study . Although studies haven ’ t tied a high intake of sugar to cancer recurrence , the ACS recommends staying away from it as foods high in added sugar tend to have little dietary value and contribute to unwanted weight gain .

3 . Avoid dietary supplements when possible No study has shown that supplements help protect against future cancers or improve long-term survival , while some suggest that dietary supplements may do more harm than good .

Unless your doctor specifically recommends a supplement due to a deficiency , try to get your nutrients from food sources instead .

4 . Be physically active Studies of people with breast , colorectal , prostate and ovarian cancers consistently point to an association between regular exercise and decreased risk of cancer recurrence and improved overall survival . Cancer survivors who are active benefit from improved heart and lung function , muscle strength , balance , mood , energy , self-esteem and quality of life .

Each week get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity ( brisk walking , light gardening , water aerobics ) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity ( jogging , heavy gardening like hoeing or digging , fast swimming ). Devote at least two exercise sessions to strength training . Begin activity as soon as possible after diagnosis or treatment .

If you have limited mobility , try to avoid long periods of inactivity . At the least , try to move around in three 10-minute increments each day . You don ’ t need to join a gym to be active ; simple power-walking with a friend will do .

5 . Achieve and maintain a healthy weight Obesity is a major risk factor for many cancers . If you ’ re overweight or obese , it ’ s essential that you lose weight . Mounting evidence shows that excessive weight gain is a good indicator of cancer recurrence or a poor overall survival outlook .

On the other hand , some cancers or treatments may cause too much weight loss , resulting in the risk of malnutrition or other complications . Work closely with your dietitian to ensure you ’ re getting essential nutrients . Don ’ t give up physical activity as you need strong muscles and the cardiopulmonary benefits of exercise , but also avoid vigorous workouts that burn lots of calories .

6 . Your health focus shouldn ’ t be on cancer alone Cancer survivors are at an increased risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease , diabetes or osteoporosis – in fact , almost half of all cancer survivors die from another condition .

Following the ACS guidelines can help keep other types of cancers and diseases at bay . Encourage your family members to follow these guidelines too . People whose family members have cancer run a higher risk of developing the disease .

You ’ re setting a good example for future generations by promoting a healthy lifestyle that improves your ongoing survival , while also reducing your loved ones ’ risk of getting cancer one day .

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