Diagnosis: Cancer

Cycle of Hope

Equip Yourself

Cancer Treatment

Treatment Team

Questions to Ask
Healthy Lifestyles


Sometimes it is difficult to think of eating right and exercising when you are not feeling well, but both activities appear to help cancer survivors before, during and after treatment.

A nutritious diet helps you maintain your weight and increase your energy level. According to American Cancer Society guidelines, you should eat five or more servings of fruit and vegetables each day; eat foods from other plant sources, such as breads, cereals, grain products, rice, pasta or beans several times a day; limit the amount of high-fat foods you eat, particularly from animal sources; and limit the amount of alcohol you drink.1

More and more studies show that physical exercise can help cancer patients.2 According to one researcher, staying active can help people with cancer retain quality of life and slow the loss of strength and endurance that often occurs with cancer. Moderate activity, such as brisk walking, can improve immune functions that could fight cancer and can reduce fatigue, depression and anxiety.3 Not everyone can maintain the same level of exercise that existed before illness, yet most people should be able to engage in some form of movement. Stretching and moving certain parts of the body counts. Exercising with a family member or buddy is an excellent way to spend time together.

Living with cancer is hard work at times and requires considerable emotional and physical resources. Unfortunately there are no guarantees of cure or remission regardless of how well you take care of yourself, follow your treatment regimen or maintain a positive attitude. But if you take control of the management of your illness, you will know you are making the best effort to heal.