Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2022: Tips to manage lung cancer without affecting day-to-day life

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during and after treatment for lung cancer can improve the patient's quality of life. This Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2022, here are tips by doctors on how to manage lung cancer without affecting day-to-day life

According to health experts, a healthy diet, regular exercise and stress-relieving activities can assist individuals in coping with the negative effects of cancer treatment and the disease itself. In reality, different cancer treatments work better when the patient changes their diet, gets more exercise and stops bad habits like smoking.

If you are battling cancer, a healthy lifestyle can help you maintain your fitness levels throughout and after treatment. Research shows that eating well, being active and doing other healthy activities can improve your quality of life while you are in therapy.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Pradeep Shrivastava, Production Head of Krishna's Herbal and Ayurveda, shared, "Taking charge of your health by forming healthy habits enables you to better manage your therapy and any potential side effects. Accepting responsibility for one's health is synonymous with taking charge of one's health."

For some individuals with lung cancer, treatment may be able to eradicate or remove cancer and treatment completion can be both stressful and exciting as you may be relieved to have completed treatment but you find it difficult not to worry about cancer growing or returning. This is very common for cancer survivors while for others, lung cancer may never completely disappear and some individuals may receive chemotherapy, radiation therapy or other therapies regularly to control their cancer for as long as possible where learning to live with persistent cancer can be challenging and stressful.

Methods for maintaining a healthy lifestyle during and after treatment

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during and after treatment for lung cancer can improve the patient's quality of life. The discovery that a person has lung cancer may prompt a change in how certain individuals view and manage their health while others find it challenging to adopt new healthy habits and routines. Lean on those who are there for you, particularly those who are treating your cancer, so they can help you develop healthy behaviors.

• Quit smoking: Even if you already know you have lung cancer, quitting smoking will help keep your blood pressure and heart rate in the healthy zone.
• Eat nutritiously: Priority number one should be placed on the maintenance of a healthy diet for lung cancer patients. "Consuming the right foods will help you feel better, maintain your strength and fight off infection. Conversely, if cancer medications make you nauseous, consuming sufficient amounts may be difficult. Make some dietary adjustments," advised Dr Prateek Bhardwaj, Chief Operating Officer of Vesta Elder Care.
• Rather than eating three large meals every three or four hours, consume multiple small meals every three or four hours. Consume tiny portions of high-calorie foods such as nuts, cheese, and peanut butter. Consume iron-rich foods, such as lean red meat, brown rice, whole wheat bread, molasses, and peanut butter. Before beginning a vitamin regimen, consult your primary care physician.
• Stay active: Regular exercise can aid in decreasing fatigue, enhancing mood, and maintaining a healthy body weight. Even small amounts of exercise are good for your health, like a steady walk or some light stretching.
• Have a support system: In addition to physical health, it is crucial to maintain your mental and emotional health. You may benefit from speaking with a counselor or other people who are battling cancer and can relate to your emotions.
• Manage your care: It is imperative that you or a caregiver advocate for your cancer treatment. It is essential to have an advocate in your corner. This means keeping an open line of communication with the people who are helping you with your cancer, setting up your appointments and paying close attention to your symptoms and side effects.