Forget drastic change: small improvements keep cancer survivors strong

Cancer survivors could reduce the chance of a recurrence and become physically and emotionally stronger from even small improvements in diet and exercise.

Associate Professor Erica James, from the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Newcastle, said new research showed cancer survivors who were more active and had a healthy diet suffered less fatigue, less insomnia and reported an improved quality of life.

Assoc Prof James discussed 'Staying strong after cancer –exercise and nutrition for survivors' at a free public lecture in Perth as part of Cancer Council WA's Cancer Update series.

Cancer survivors are a rapidly growing group in the community with many cancers now registering five year survival rates over 80 per cent. It's estimated that there are around 75,000 cancer survivors in WA.

Assoc Prof James said cancer survivors should focus less on drastic changes to their life such as introducing high intensity exercise and more on small improvements to their diet and activity levels.

Regular but low to moderate amounts of exercise, such as walking for 20 minutes a day, three days a week, could generate significant benefits and have a big impact on countering factors such as depression and anxiety.

"The best way to regain a sense of control over your life at the end of treatment is to consider the positive lifestyle changes you could make to improve your quality of life and prospects for survival."

Assoc Prof James said it was also safe to exercise during cancer treatment and being more active could help with fatigue, which was a commonly reported side effect of treatment.

Limiting alcohol intake, limiting red and processed meat and eating more fruit and vegetables were the key components of a healthy diet.

Maintaining a healthy weight was important to prevent a recurrence of cancer.

Assoc Prof James also emphasised the importance of the support of carers or partners of those going through cancer.

"Lifestyle changes are not easy to make so I would encourage cancer survivors and their carers to set goals together about how to make small, positive changes in their lives.

"With more cancer survivors than ever before, it's important to ensure that they have a good quality of life after they have finished their treatment," said Assoc Prof James.

(Source: Cancer Council Western Australia)