WuXi Commod Content Team Editor
At one time, cancer was considered a “terminal illness” by many, and cancer meant death.
Today, with advances in medical technology, improved cancer treatment options, the use of targeted and immunotherapies, and early screening, the death rate from many types of cancer has increased significantly decreased, and patients lived longer. In the United States, the overall 5-year relative survival rate for cancer patients has reached 68%.
Meanwhile, scientists have discovered that in addition to treatment, many modifiable factors can affect the survival and health of cancer patients.
Recently, the American Cancer Society (ACS) published the third issue in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, known as the “magical journal”. edition of the Nutrition and Physical Activity Guideline for Cancer Survivors (hereinafter referred to as the Guideline), what to do with cancer patients through modifiable diet and physical activity factors, reducing the risk of death, and extending lifespan provides recommendations.
Screenshot source: CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians
Guidelines state that after cancer, survival and health depend on many factors, including the type of cancer, its stage, treatment, and personal health. There is also growing evidence that improving diet, physical activity and related factors can help cancer patients live longer, reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, complications, and reduce treatment-related side effects, and improve overall health Status.
Guidelines recommend that the following recommendations should be followed after cancer diagnosis, during and after treatment to help prolong survival and improve overall health.
Watch your diet and nutrition
Guidelines recommend that all patients undergo professional nutritional evaluation and counseling as soon as possible after a cancer diagnosis. The purpose of this is to prevent or treat nutritional deficiencies, maintain muscle mass, and manage side effects of treatment that can affect nutrition and diet, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, thereby preventing these Nutrient deficiencies and loss of muscle mass due to side effects.
During treatment, a cancer patient’s nutritional needs are strongly related to the type of cancer, treatment modality, and treatment side effects. At this time, in order to ensure adequate and comprehensive nutrition, the following should be done:
Don’t be afraid to eat new foods, some foods you’ve never eaten or liked before may taste more delicious and nutritious during treatment;
Choose as many plant-based foods as possible, and avoid some animal-based foods;
Eat more fruits and vegetables every day, plant-based foods such as colorful vegetables and fruits contain many natural, health-promoting substances;
Limit or minimize pickled or smoked foods;
Limit or avoid red and processed meat.
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During treatment, patients may experience some eating problems, such as loss of appetite; problems chewing, swallowing, or digesting; feeling tired after treatment. If these problems occur, will affect the absorption and utilization of nutrients and cause harm to treatment and health. At this time, you should consult a medical professional or a nutrition specialist in a timely manner and take measures to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
After treatment, cancer survivors follow a healthy eating pattern, such as a Mediterranean, Desho, or vegetarian diet. Overall, healthy eating patterns are characterized by:
Eat more nutrient-dense foods to help achieve and maintain a healthy weight (body mass index [BMI] between 18.5 kg/m2-24.9 kg/m2 time);
Eat a variety of vegetables, including dark green, red and orange vegetables, fiber-rich legumes, and more;
Eat more fruit, especially whole fruit of various colors, not juice;
Moreeat whole grains and limit or reduce refined grains;
Less red and processed meat;
Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages;
Try to avoid ultra-processed foods.
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Sit Less, Move More
Guidelines recommend that all patients undergo professional physical activity assessment and counseling as soon as possible after a cancer diagnosis. The purpose of this is to prepare for treatment, improve treatment tolerance, and manage cancer-related symptoms, as well as treatment-related side effects.
Several studies have found that many cancer patients can engage in appropriate physical activity before, during, and after cancer treatment, which Helps improve anxiety, depressive symptoms, fatigue, physical function, lymphedema, and health-related quality of life, bone health, sleep, and more.
Studies have also found that being physically active after a cancer diagnosis can improve survival for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers.
While most cancer patients can engage in physical activity during and after treatment,because of the effects of cancer itself and treatment on the body, guidelines recommend professional Evaluate to ensure safe and moderate physical activity and prevent harm from inappropriate activity.
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When physical activity is safe to do, the guidelines recommend the following:
Move more, sit less, 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity per week (speaking, but not singing) Physical activity such as brisk walking, yoga, leisurely cycling, etc.;
Or 75 to 150 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity (can’t speak, or feel out of breath) physical activity such as running, Swimming, playing tennis, etc.;
or a combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity;
Also, strengthen strength training or resistance exercise at least 2 days a week, such as weights, exercise bands, push-ups, squats, etc.
It is important to note that cancer patients should also take precautions when they are physically active during and after treatment, including:
Gradually increasing the frequency and duration of physical activity, even just a few minutes a day can have beneficial effects on health and survival;
Extend as long as possible, don’t force yourself to be physically active in the first place, especially if you’re very tired, start with 10 minutes a day Begin with light physical activity, and gradually increase;
When engaging in physical activity, choose a flat surface to prevent falls;
If you feel dizzy or feel unsteady on your feet, stop physical activity immediatelyactivity;
When physical activity outdoors, choose a safe and well-lit area, dress appropriately for the temperature, and apply sunscreen< /strong>;
When immunity is low and risk of infection is high, avoid physical activity in gyms and crowded places;
While swimming, for patients undergoing radiation therapy, consult medical staff before swimming; those with ulcers should not swim; leave swimming pool Rinse well afterwards to reduce the risk of skin irritation;
Physical activity, preferably with friends or family, or with a cell phone, is an emergency response.
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Maintain a healthy weight
The guidelines state that many people know that they are overweight (25 kg/m2≤BMI≤29.9 kg/m2)or obese (BMI≥30 kg/m2) effect on cancer risk. However, little is known about the impact of weight on the health and survival of cancer patients. Studies have shown that obese women have a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence and death.
Guidelines recommend diet and physical activity to maintain a healthy weight, avoid being overweight or obese, and maintain or gain muscle mass during and after cancer treatment .
Cancer treatment side effects can cause changes in taste and smell, loss of appetite or digestive disturbances, which can lead to weight loss, muscle mass loss, and nutritional deficiencies, Patients with gastrointestinal cancers, in particular, are at greatest risk of weight loss. At this time, should ensure adequate calorie intake to prevent malnutrition; increase protein intake to improve muscle mass; engage in appropriate physical activity to promote appetite.
In addition, after treatment should also prevent weight gain and avoid the occurrence of overweight or obesity to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence or second primary cancer and improve survival Rate.
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Avoid alcohol
Although the effects of alcohol consumption on most cancer patients are unknown, studies of people with head and neck and liver cancers suggest that those who drink alcohol have a higher risk of death and live longer,
Guidelines note. Short.
Guidelines recommend that it is best for patients not to drink alcohol during cancer treatment, especially during chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the head and neck.
If you do drink alcohol during and after treatment, limit alcohol consumption to no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. Of course, no drinking is the best option.
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The guideline concludes by highlighting that following the four recommendations above, in addition to helping cancer patients reduce the risk of death and improve survival, can also help reduce the risk of other chronic diseases , such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, which will further improve overall health and quality of life, and prolong life.