Cancer survivors: Tips for taking care of yourself

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Jun 2, 2017 | Melissa Bear | @mbear | Comments (2)

As a cancer survivor, you can take care of your emotional well-being as well as your long-term health. Find out what you can do.

Managing your emotions after treatment

When you began your cancer treatment, you couldn't wait for the day you'd finish. But now that you've completed your treatment, you aren't sure if you're ready for life after treatment as a cancer survivor.

With your treatment completed, you'll likely see your cancer care team less often. Though you, your friends and your family are all eager to return to a more normal life, it can be scary to leave the protective cocoon of health care providers and nurses who supported you through treatment.

Everything you're feeling right now is normal for cancer survivors. Recovering from cancer treatment isn't just about your body. It's also about healing your mind.

Take time to acknowledge the fear, grief and loneliness you're feeling now. Then, take steps to understand why you feel these emotions and what you can do about them.

Learn more about fear of recurrence, stress, depression and anxiety and more.

Care for your body after treatment

After your cancer treatment, as a cancer survivor you're eager to return to good health. But, beyond your initial recovery, there are ways to improve your long-term health, so that you can enjoy the years ahead as a cancer survivor.

The recommendations for cancer survivors are no different from the recommendations for anyone who wants to improve his or her health: Exercise, eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, avoid tobacco, and limit alcohol consumption.

But, for cancer survivors, these strategies have added benefits. These simple steps can improve your quality of life, smoothing your transition into survivorship. Here's what you can do to take care of yourself after cancer treatment.

Learn more about simple steps to improve your sense of well-being and your quality of life.

Share these tips with cancer survivors.

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