As number of cancer survivors grows, doctors recommend several commonsense steps

More than 18 million Americans are cancer survivors, and that number is expected to grow to 22 million over the next decade.

“Part of this growth we’re seeing in the number of survivors is because we have an aging population and more people are being diagnosed,” said Dr. Lindsay Peterson, director of the START Strong Survivorship Clinic at Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis. “But part is also because people are living longer after a cancer diagnosis.”

For the growing number of survivors, several steps can help improve health and well-being over the years. It’s almost never too early in the cancer journey to get started with them.

“Talking with patients about healthy behaviors — like nutrition and physical activity and weight management — at the very beginning of a cancer diagnosis not only can help them get through their treatments easier, improving their quality of life and minimizing side effects, it can also instill those healthy habits and behaviors from the very beginning,” Peterson said. “And some of those behaviors have been shown to actually improve cancer prognosis and outcomes down the road.”

These steps can benefit not only cancer survivors but anyone interested in living a healthy lifestyle.

• Don’t smoke. Even people with advanced cancer benefit from quitting. Visit smokefree.gov for help.
• Be physically active and eat a healthy diet. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and limit red meat, processed meat and alcohol. Try to get some physical activity every day, even if it’s a small amount. When ready, try to build up to around 30 minutes a day.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Weight can be a complex issue for survivors, for many reasons. Staying at a healthy weight, though, can have important benefits. Your doctor or clinic can help with resources.
• Get screening tests and regular checkups. It’s important to keep up with post-treatment care with your primary care doctor and oncology team. These visits are not only key to your health as a survivor but also great places to check in about your overall health.

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Looking after mental well-being is also key. Cancer can be isolating for many survivors, so it can be valuable for both survivors and their family and friends to make efforts to stay connected.

“Once someone finishes treatment, everyone may now think they’re fine,” Peterson said. “So, all of the support they were getting, emotional or otherwise, goes away. And the reality is, once people are done with their cancer treatment, that’s actually when I think they need the most emotional support.”

Friends and family can help uplift survivors by staying engaged and asking them what types of help they may need. Survivors, for their part, can help by more actively letting people know the types of help and support they may be looking for.

–Lee Hartman | Metro Voice