Lung Cancer: 5 Tips To Maintain Healthy Lifestyle During And After Treatment

Healthy living can improve your quality of life during and after lung cancer treatment.

Research suggests good nutrition, exercise and other healthy behaviours may improve your quality of life during treatment. ( Image Source :Canva )

By Dr Vinodh Kumar S

If you are fighting cancer, a healthy lifestyle can help you stay well during and after treatment. Research suggests that good nutrition, exercise and other healthy behaviours may improve your quality of life during treatment. Healthy living can improve your quality of life during and after lung cancer treatment. For some people, finding out they have lung cancer motivates them to focus on their health. For others, it’s hard to commit to new, healthy habits. Lean on your support system, including your cancer care team, to help you develop a healthy lifestyle.

Here are top five healthy habits that can help support your wellness during and after treatment:

1. Stop Smoking

Even if you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, there are immediate rewards when you quit smoking. These include normal blood pressure and heart rate levels. There will be lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and high blood pressure, and an improved function of your lungs and respiratory system.

2. Eat Well

Good nutrition is important for lung cancer patients. Eating the right kinds of foods can help you feel better, stay strong and fight infection.

3. Remain Active

Physical activity can help reduce fatigue, improve mood and maintain a healthy weight. Even short bouts of activity such as gentle walking or light stretching will give you benefits.

4. Enlist Support

Beyond your physical health, it’s essential to address your mental health and emotional needs. You may want to talk with a counselor or other cancer patients who understand what you’re going through. Read more about support for lung cancer treatment.

5. Manage Your Care

Whether it’s you or a caregiver who’s championing your cancer care, it’s important to have someone who is advocating for your needs. This includes communicating with your cancer care team, coordinating appointments, and keeping track of symptoms and side effects.

The author is MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), Consultant Physician and Diabetologist, Connect & Heal.

(Please consult your doctor or a healthcare expert before making any changes to your diet, medicine, exercise, lifestyle, or health protocol.)