What healthy habits should breast cancer survivors practice after chemotherapy (or other treatments)?

In addition to recovering from surgery, chemo- or radiotherapy, breast cancer survivors will need a lifestyle plan that maximises their potential for health.

Generally, it is important to address both mental and physical health in all cancer survivors.

Counselling and support from family and friends will be particularly crucial at all stages as one comes to terms with diagnosis and treatment.

In this post, we share three habits that will particularly help you cope after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Addressing Mental Health Importance

Some women may need treatment for depression while undergoing treatment and after.

There should be no shame in this because cancer is a huge life-changing event that needs a great deal of resilience to bear.

So, women should be encouraged to speak to their doctors about feeling low or anxious.

If there are patient groups available with similar experiences, they can be useful.

In other words, we recommend that survivors create a support network to share and draw strength from one another.

Emphasis on Maintaining Social Activity

Keeping hobbies, volunteering and maintaining some social activity helps a lot of women.

It is important to look at relationships with loved ones and maintain close friends if possible.

There is a feeling of isolation that comes with one’s diagnosis.

You may feel no one else understands.

But, while it is true that they may not have the same experience, their support is important on a day-to-day basis.

In addition to social relationships, keep an eye on other possible stresses.

Examples are finance and work, which could also impact one’s mental health.

Physical Health After Surviving Breast Cancer

In terms of physical health, a healthy lifestyle is essential.

Regular exercise has considerable benefits after full recovery from treatment – swimming, walking, aerobics, etc.

Eating in moderation, avoiding smoking and alcohol should be encouraged.

We must add to this – regular monitoring.

This must be a routine that you agreed with your specialist and follow, including – mammograms, scans, breast examinations, etc.

We also advise women to report any new health problems that may arise quickly, so they can be treated/addressed as soon as possible.

Summing Up

Paying attention to the mental and physical state helps the survivor in a number of ways.

Healthy habits are an important step to support a person’s recovery after treatment ends and beyond this.

Particularly for a relatively young person with otherwise good health, the immune system, the heart and other vital organs can recover and become stronger.

Continuing research is being made into new treatments or cures for breast cancer.

Treatments today are able to provide survival over several years and months maintained with regular monitoring.

More Reading

• Life Expectancy of a Breast Cancer Survivor post-Chemo
• Cancer Awareness – Addressing Breast Cancer Misconceptions
• Beyond Pink Ribbons – Taking Action Against Breast Cancer
• ​​Infogram Tips on Improving Your Fertility
• Chances of Breast Cancer Coming Back After Chemotherapy
• Shop Healthcare

Edited by AskAwayHealth Team

Disclaimer

All AskAwayHealth articles are written by practising  Medical Practitioners on a wide range of healthcare conditions to provide evidence-based guidance and to help promote quality healthcare. 

The advice in our material is not meant to replace the management of your specific condition by a qualified healthcare practitioner.
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