When sick with cancer, patients often feel anxious and wonder how to take care of themselves. Living with cancer is not overly complicated or much different from before. However, understanding, intention, care, and not worrying are crucial for effective treatment outcomes and living happily.
6 ways to self-care for cancer patients
1) Eat fresh, clean food
Avoid raw and fermented foods. Sugar is permissible, but keep it in moderation. It’s advisable to eat good quality proteins such as egg whites, chicken, fish, or opt for tofu. Seafood is also an option.
2) Maintain a healthy weight
Do not let your weight drop, especially during chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as it can decrease the effectiveness of your treatment. Maintaining a proper weight is very important.
3) Avoid constipation
Constipation can prevent cancer patients from eating, resulting in weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and bloating, significantly affecting treatment efficiency. To prevent constipation, consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water. If self-care does not alleviate constipation, laxatives may be used.
4) Exercise or work as much as possible
Many cancer patients think they need to rest all the time. However, studies have shown that cancer patients who work or remain active during treatment fare better than those who do not. It helps relax muscles, reduce joint stiffness, and strengthen both body and mind, unless specific chemotherapy treatments necessitate long periods of rest.
5) Get adequate and proper rest
This doesn’t mean sleeping all day but following a biological clock. Everyone’s sleep needs are different, but it’s best to sleep before 11 pm and aim for 8-9 hours. Upon waking, you should not feel tired or experience fatigue throughout the day.
6) Take good care of your mental health
Besides positive thinking and actions, avoiding stress is critical. Stress can cause cancer to spread; stress hormones can make cancer grow faster, become more resistant to treatment, and spread more. Since stress does not contribute to improvement, cancer patients should keep their mindset relaxed and happy every day, something you need to do for yourself.
