Cancer Education
More than 150,000 people with cancer come to a Mayo Clinic site annually. Patients benefit from the knowledge and extensive experience of Mayo Clinic specialists and integrated approach to treating each individual. Reliable, up-to-date education is central to a patient’s cancer care plan.
Mayo Clinic provides information and resources to support patients during diagnosis, treatment and life after treatment. Knowledge empowers people to be active partners in their health care.
One of the classes offered at the Stephen and Barbara Slaggie Cancer Education Center, located in Rochester, Minnesota, is Moving Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment. (Moving Forward Video )The ideal participant is one who is nearing the end of cancer treatment or is post-treatment and transitioning into the next phase of survivorship. Key topics covered in class are available below for you to review at a time that is convenient. You are invited to stop by the center for additional class offerings, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, Gonda Building, lobby level. All classes are free and do not require a provider referral. We look forward to seeing you!
The foods you choose can make a difference in your health and survivorship. Eating right may help you regain your strength, rebuild tissue and feel well. Eating right starts with selecting a variety of foods every day because no one food contains all the nutrients you need. Here are some ways to eat a healthy and varied diet: focus on plant-based foods; aim for color with fruits and vegetables; emphasize whole grains and legumes; go easy on fat, salt, sugar, alcohol, and smoked and pickled foods; select low-fat dairy products and small portions of meat, fish and poultry; and maintain hydration with water consumption.
Dr. Shin podcast on Diet and Cancer (Coming soon!)
We have classes on nutrition - where you can find more in depth information.
Good sleep habits or "sleep hygiene" can help you establish and maintain healthy sleep patterns.
If you have a lot on your mind before bed, whether it be worries or to do's, it may be helpful to write them down so you can release the thoughts. Keep a pen and paper on your nightstand for this purpose. Another technique to quiet a busy mind is to practice gratitude. Think of 3 to 5 things you are grateful allowing for positive thoughts which may be more conducive to sleep.
Emerging evidence in several cancer types is revealing regular to moderate exercise may play a role in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. Exercise will need to be tailored to your medical condition and energy level. Ask your provider for guidelines that would be safe for you. Exercise of any level is a powerful tool that can help you take control of your physical and mental health. Maintaining exercise programs can be difficult for anyone. Three steps have helped many people stick with changing exercise habits:
Adam Schultz podcast on Physical Activity and Cancer (coming soon!)
We have a class called Physical Activity and Cancer - where you can find more information.
Cancer Treatment and Exercise article
Your cancer experience affects the way you feel, think and act. Just as you need to care for your body after treatment, you also need to care for your emotions. Shock, guilt, anger, fear, sadness and depression can all be a part of the roller coaster ride of emotions you may feel.
One of the most common feelings reported by survivors is the fear their cancer will return and that can interfere with different aspects of life. If you are finding this to be true here are some tips for coping with fear:
Living with Uncertainty: The Fear of Cancer Recurrence by American Cancer Society
You may encounter some difficult comments or situations - it is not about you, but more a reflection of what is going on inside the other person. Family and friends may expect too much from you physically or emotionally. They want to believe you are cured, trying to erase memories of treatment, and want to see your old self. They may want to pretend that cancer never happened - more so out of love (not disrespect). You are beginning to define your new normal once cancer treatment has ended. Other people in your life may be on a different timeline or a different path than you are when it comes to defining this new normal.
Other people's anxiety and fear may override their thinking and judgement before they speak and seemingly insensitive comments may be made. It is OK for you to say when something isn't helpful or that you don't want to talk about it right now.
Accept help! Allowing others to help gives them purpose without expectation of anything in return. Would you want to be kind to someone in your situation? It is humbling to accept help. Allow yourself to receive kindness. It feels good to give. You can tell yourself you are helping them to feel good. What would be helpful? Make a list as if you had a personal assistant. For example, I need you to:
Pretend you are rich and famous and have an army of people to take care of your tasks. This will help you brainstorm. The next time someone offers help, you have a list of ideas at the ready. You may even give them a choice. "I have a couple of things that would be helpful. Which one fits best into your schedule?"
Assess your own energy and priorities when you are asked to do something. There is a formula to help a person say "no." It is called the positive, negative, positive "sandwich." An example, "Thank you for calling, I like helping with the girl scout cookie sale. I can't help this year, but call me next year." Have you ever heard saying no is like exercising a muscle? It feels weak at first, but gets stronger with repetition, time and practice.
Watch this video: Boost Social Support
Love, affection and intimacy each play a role in healthy relationships. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy can all cause some sexual side effects. Remember to give your body time to heal after surgery and treatment. Sexual dysfunction is most common with cancers of the reproductive system, endocrine system and breast, as well as with cancer of organs located near the reproductive system such as prostate, bladder, and colorectal.
Sexual desires may also be altered due to fear, anxiety, financial pressure and body image. You may discover that intimacy takes on a new meaning and character. Hugging, touching, holding, and cuddling may become more important, while sexual intercourse may become less important. Be open and communicate with your partner. Be honest with your feelings, concerns and needs. If you are open with how you are felling, you can work together to address what is best for you as a couple.
Talk with your health care provider regarding what to expect and formulate a plan to address your concerns.
Some side effects from treatment such as fatigue, memory changes and nerve damage may linger after cancer treatment. Other late effects of treatment may occur months to years after treatment is completed. Early intervention is important. Talk to your oncology health care team about what potential late effects you may experience based on the type of cancer and the treatment you have had and what you can do to prevent, reduce or prepare for them. This list is provided not to frighten you, but rather to let you know there is help if any of these issues arise. See your health care provider if you experience any of the below side effects so a treatment plan specific to you can be developed.
Additional resources of interest:
Mayo Clinic Radio--Cardio-oncology Rehabilitation with Adam Schulz, MS, Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Long-Term Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Survivorship: During and After Treatment
When you are nearing completion of your cancer treatment, ask your oncology health care team about a Survivorship Care Plan. This may include a summary of your treatment therapies, possible long-term effects, lifestyle recommendations and follow-up care related to your cancer diagnosis.
Discuss with your health care provider if follow-up will be done at the health care center your treatment was completed at or if can be done closer to home. Your primary health care provider usually cares for your regular and preventive medical care. Sometimes an oncologist is necessary for follow-up care related to cancer and other times it may be appropriate for your local doctor or nurse practitioner.
Be an active participant in your follow-up care. Be informed about what to expect down the road and when you need follow-up care, tests and appointments.
When you get to the end of treatment it is an opportunity to take stock of life. You have likely been consumed by appointments, tests and treatments. It may be the first time you can really process all you have been through. While in active treatment you often only look a couple of steps ahead and try to have enough reserve to do the next thing that is required, yet now you may find yourself in a position to look further ahead in larger spans of time. As one patient summed up so very well, "It feels like there is no clear way to proceed. Do I live carelessly or carefully? Do I go for the adventure or the usual? Do I travel the world or stay close to home?" Patients can have a rush of emotions at this juncture. There is some comfort in knowing this is common. Allow yourself some time to "feel all the feels." You are healing physically and emotionally and that takes time. When I talk to patients who feel as if they are in a quandary, I ask this question, "What brings you joy?" The response is typically a pregnant pause accompanied by a thoughtful gaze. It can be something very small such as sitting in their favorite chair with some coffee and sunshine; watching birds at the feeder; or a conversation with a dear friend. Joy is a good place to start. You are encouraged to carve a little time in your day where the focus is joy. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate your new normal. Bridging the gap between life before cancer and life after cancer takes time. The video "Moving Forward" has many relatable points shared by other cancer patients. As you watch it, find the pieces that resonate with you and build from there.
Did you find this helpful? Here are links to other classes: