6 tips on staying healthy for cancer survivors
Recommended by the American Cancer Society
Maintain a healthy weight
Try to avoid weight gain during & after cancer treatment, whether you are at a healthy weight or overweight
If overweight or obese, speak with your health care provider about safely losing weight after your recover from treatment
2. Maintain an active lifestyle
Exercise is generally safe & recommended both during & after cancer treatment
Physical activity after diagnosis is linked to living longer and reducing risk of the cancer returning among people living with breast, colorectal, prostate, and ovarian cancer - among other forms of the disease
3. Eat a healthy diet
The most health benefits are associated with a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish… while a LOW intake of refined grains, red meat, processed meat, desserts, high-fat dairy products, and fried foods
Discuss with your health care provider before taking any supplements or engaging in a new diet
Many cancer institutions offer services provided by certified dietitians & nutritionists to survivors
4. Get recommended cancer screenings
It is recommended to attend all follow-up visits with your oncology care team to ensure no new changes in your health status
Unless told otherwise by your health care provider, follow the same testing schedule for your age and gender as the general population
5. Create a survivorship care plan
Ask your cancer care team to give you a thorough record of the treatments you received and and follow-up they recommend
Understand which provider - oncologist, primary care doctor, or other specialist - should be in charge of cancer-related and other medical care
6. Take care of your emotional health
Spend time with family & friends, doing the things you enjoy
Focus on your spiritual side, whether that means participating in organized religion, connecting with nature, meditating, creating art, or whatever speaks to you
Join a support group in your local area or online (such as Cancer Survivors Network) or speak to a mental health care professional
Local South Florida Community Resources
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (SCCC) is South Florida’s only NCI-designated cancer center, offering multidisciplinary teams of credentialed physicians and clinicians to ensure that treatment and support is as integrated and effective as possible. SCCC has a multitude of patient resources from Adolescents & Young Adults (ages 15-39) to classes and events, exercise oncology, support groups, and survivorship care, among others.
Learn more: Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is a 501(c)(3) organization, and a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
Learn more: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Cancer Alliance of Health & Hope, Inc. is a Palm Beach County not-for-profit organization which eases the burden of qualified local cancer patients by paying a portion of their non-medical bills, supplementing basic needs, and providing support and information resources. Financial assistance is provided via Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope’s Direct Patient Assistance Fund, which distributes short-term aid to cancer patients in Palm Beach County for basic life necessities, such as rent, utilities, food, transportation, pet care, and insurance.
Learn more: Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope, Inc.
La Liga Contra Cancer was founded in Florida in 1975, and modeled after a similar organization that began in 1925 in Havana, Cuba. The League accepts patients – children and adults – without distinction of race, creed or nationality. The League serves patients who lack the financial means to cover the costs of their treatment. Patients must have established legal residence in Florida. The organization receives special rates from local laboratories and hospitals, and they pay the bills.
Learn more: La Liga Contra El Cancer
Gilda’s Club South Florida offers professionally-led support and networking groups, healthy lifestyle groups, educational workshops and lectures, social activities, and resources to anyone impacted by cancer. Gilda's Club also offers bi-weekly peer-based support groups facilitated by licensed mental health professionals for those with a cancer diagnosis and caregivers at off-site locations at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Deerfield Beach, Holy Cross Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Weston and the David Posnack JCC in Davie. GCSF also offers a program for children impacted by cancer ages 2 to 17.
Learn more: Gilda’s Club South Florida