Healthy Habits Improve Quality of Life for Cancer Survivors
When I speak on healthy lifestyle habits, it’s not uncommon to hear comments such as “it’s too late for me,” from cancer survivors. It’s not! Some lifestyle habits can improve survival, for example smoking cessation for those with lung cancer, but healthy habits can also improve quality of life for cancer survivors.
An American Cancer Society study looking at over 9000 cancer survivors revealed that the intake of fruits and vegetables (at least 5 servings per day), physical activity, and avoiding smoking all contributed to better quality of life for those with cancer. The results were cumulative; the more healthy habits the better, with exercise leading the pack in ability to improve quality of life.
The reality, however, is disheartening. Of cancer survivors:
They concluded that making an effort to emphasize healthy habits for cancer survivors is a worthy goal. If you are looking for suggestions for getting your “5-A-Day,” check back on Lung Cancer “Foodie Friday.” Each week we will feature a different recipe that can ease the symptoms of cancer treatment, or pack an extra punch for those trying to prevent cancer.
Source:
Cancer survivors’ compliance with lifestyle behavior recommendations and their relationship with health-related quality of life: Results from the American Cancer Society’s Studies of Cancer Survivors (SCS-II). Blanchard, C., Courneya, K., and Stein, K. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2008. May 1;26(13):2198-204.
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