7. How to Stay Healthy
Patients undergoing treatment can shore up their physical (and emotional) reserves by eating well, exercising and cutting stress (which impairs the immune system). The American Institute for Cancer Research, which funds studies on the role of food and exercise in cancer prevention and treatment, recommends a diet that’s at least two-thirds vegetables, fruit, whole grains and beans. Below is a roundup of research related to staying healthy:
- A study of 22,000 healthy Greeks showed their “Mediterranean diet,” rich in vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, fruit and fish, reduced their risk of dying from cancer by at least 25 percent. Other studies have found that nutrients in dark, leafy greens may inhibit the growth of tumor cells in breast, skin, lung and stomach cancers and that green tea may thwart cancer development in colon, liver, breast and prostate cells. (A leading theory: flavonoids in tea and carotenoids in leafy greens, which act as antioxidants, may protect against cancer by rooting out free radicals.)
- A pair of 2006 studies showed that regular exercise reduced by up to 61 percent the odds of death in colorectal cancer patients. The findings held even in patients who did not start exercising until after diagnosis.
- A 2005 study showed that 92 percent of nearly 3,000 women with breast cancer who walked or did other exercise three to five hours weekly were still alive 10 years after their diagnosis, compared with 86 percent of those who exercised less than an hour a week.
- A 30-year review of the scientific literature, published in 2004, suggested that cancer patients who feel helpless or who suppress negative emotions may be at greater risk of having their cancer spread than those who play a role in their healing.
8. Looking Ahead: Start a Family?
Does a cancer diagnosis spell the end of your dreams to have a family? In a word—no. Note to readers: check your options before undertaking treatments that may cause infertility. In the event that you cannot become pregnant, there is always surrogacy and adoption. Despite what you’ve heard, it is possible to adopt if you’ve had cancer. The key: pick an agency and country that are open to working with cancer survivors.
For more, check out:
- www.fertilehope.org: This site provides unvarnished facts about fertility risks associated with cancer treatment as well as fertility-preservation and parenthood alternatives before, during and after treatment. It outlines the success rates, costs and time requirements for a variety of fertility procedures and also addresses other possibilities, including egg and sperm donation, surrogacy and adoption.
- www.pregnantwithcancer.org: This Web site links newly pregnant cancer patients with others with a similar cancer who have already been there, done that.
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5 Comments
Add CommentI had nasal cancer in 1993. I survived. Two of my medical practitioner friends did not, one died at the young age of 35, the other at 61.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisNine days of chemotherapy followed by seven weeks of radiotherapy reduced me to skeleton. My teeth became brittle and I had little saliva. The palate and tongue cracked, and it was almost impossible to chew any food.
Cancer is still one of the most dreadful killers. While there have been great improvements in the cure of the disease, the success rate leaves much to be desired (especially those in the near terminal cases). Just pray that the day when better drug and treatment will be available to everyone is not far away.
This article on Living with Cancer is well documented. It is a must-read for all. My sincere thanks to SciAm. (Tan Boon Tee)
Hi My name is Callie Broussard-Wheeler, I found Kris Carr when she had just begun and I had just overcome bone cancer and was working on Lung and Lymph Node Cancer her approach to her film, her life experience supercharged me to change everything about my diet, to become a living foods specialist, and to move daily. My attitude was impowered and today I can work for other cancer survicors thru Basicmissions.com to help them thru thier journey. I can truely say if you have cancer and have not taken the time to read this book see the cd and then read the book recommendation list.. you should. Your life will begin to heal and you will take back a little of the control that cancer takes from you. Kris is a fresh mind and brillant soul tackling a problem with grace and she is giving all of us the information to live a better life. So jump into the cancer crowd and take control back. Come to her site and she what is is like to get answers to small and large question and see your spirit sour as you realize that although cancer can be one of the most isolating diseases because of the sheer magnitude of change it does to your life that you are not alone anymore and you are a Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor. I give her the props for saving my life and how can you do better than that. Callie
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisMeditation puts the body and mind system in a state of deep rest helping cope up with the disease and side effects of medication.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisFree guided meditation can be tried at:
http://www.clicktomeditate.com
To get relief from stress you can do following guided meditation:
http://www.clicktomeditate.com/slow_down_and_relax.html
I am a cancer survivor and feel great. Let me suggest the "Cancer Fighter" a wonderful salad that has all natural ingredients proven to be helpful. See: http://www.bootheglobalperspectives.com or if you just want to see the video, see:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV3C68ozzAM It is free. Our gift to you. The best thing you can do is eat right, the next best thing is be focused and at peace.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThank you for this information. My father was just diagnosed with cancer and it is definitely unknown territory. This information is definitely helpful. We found a <a href="http://www.patientadvocategroup.com">patient advocate</a> and now are going from there.
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