Looking after yourself

It’s important to look after your wellbeing after cancer treatment. For some people, this may mean making big lifestyle changes and embracing new health practices. For other people, it may be a small increase in exercise or a healthier diet. Coming up with a plan for how to look after yourself can help restore a sense of control.

Learn more about:

• Overview
• Ways to reduce your risk of recurrence
• Quit smoking
• Be Sunsmart
• Be a healthy body weight
• Be physically active and sit less
• Drink less alcohol
• Eat well

Overview

Research suggests that a healthy lifestyle (in combination with conventional treatment) can stop or slow the development of many cancers. This section discusses ways to adapt your lifestyle to help reduce the risk of cancer coming back or a new cancer developing.

Some people who have had cancer may be at an increased risk of other health problems, such as heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke or type 2 diabetes. The lifestyle changes recommended for cancer prevention can also help reduce your risk of developing other health problems.

Ways to reduce risk of recurrence

	Quit smoking If you smoke, quit; and avoid second-hand smoke. There is no safe level of tobacco use.
	Be SunSmart Protect yourself from the sun (slip, slop, slap, seek, slide).
	Be a healthy body weight Keep your weight within the healthy range and avoid weight gain as an adult.
	Be physically active and sit less Aim for 150 minutes (2½ hours) of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes (1¼ hours) of vigorous exercise each week and 2–3 strength-training (resistance exercise) sessions each week.
	Limit alcohol Drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day.
	Eat well Aim for 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables or legumes a day. Eat a variety of wholegrain, wholemeal and high-fibre foods. Limit red meat and avoid processed meat.

I was completely overwhelmed by all the lifestyle advice I received from doctors once treatment was over. I decided to focus on one change at a time. I started by doing 100 steps in the backyard until I gradually built up to a 30-minute walk five days a week and strength training on two days. It took me almost six months to get there, but it was really satisfying to feel in control of my wellbeing.

Beth

Video: What role does exercise play in my cancer recovery?

Watch this webinar to learn more about the role exercise plays in cancer recovery and share how you can start and adjust exercise after treatment.