Cancer survivors will benefit from maintaining or adopting a healthier lifestyle after their cancer treatment. This could include achieving a healthy body weight, eating a healthy diet, being physically active, protecting yourself from the sun, stopping smoking or cutting down on alcohol.
Research suggests that a healthy lifestyle (in combination with conventional treatment) can stop or slow the development of many cancers. Research also shows that some people who have had cancer may be at an increased risk of other health problems, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes.
While more research needs to be done in this area, the lifestyle changes recommended for cancer prevention may also help reduce the risk of the cancer coming back or a new cancer developing. Such lifestyle changes can also help prevent other health problems. Make sure you see your GP for regular lifestyle health checks. Find out more at cutyourcancerrisk.org.au. You might also be interested in our healthy living programs.
Learn more about how to:
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Be physically active
- Quit smoking
- Use sun protection
- Limit or avoid alcohol
More resources
Dr Haryana Dhillon, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence-based Decision-making, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, NSW; Polly Baldwin, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Jessica Barbon, Dietitian, Southern Adelaide Health Network, SA; Dr Anna Burger, Liaison Psychiatrist and Senior Staff Specialist, Psycho-oncology Clinic, Canberra Region Cancer Centre, ACT; Elizabeth Dillon, Social Worker, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Prof Paul Glare, Chair in Pain Medicineand Director, Pain Management Research Institute, University of Sydney, NSW; Nico le Kinnane, Nurse Coordinator, Gynaecology Services, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Amanda Piper, Manager, Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Kyle Smith, Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, WA; Aaron Tan, Consumer; Dr Kate Webber, Medical Oncologist and Research Director, National Centre for Cancer Survivorship, NSW. We also thank the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who have worked on previous editions of this title.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
Need to talk?
Support services
Life after cancer treatment
Programs and support for people who have finished treatment
Cancer Council Online Community
A community forum – a safe place to share stories, get tips and connect with people who understand
ENRICH – a free healthy lifestyle program
A face-to-face exercise and nutrition program for cancer survivors
Cancer information
Exercise and Cancer
Research shows that exercise has many benefits both during and after cancer treatment. Watch exercise videos now.
Staying healthy after treatment
Lifestyle changes that can help keep you in good health
View our publications
Guides and fact sheets for people with cancer, their families and friends
