Cancer Survivor Tips

For many cancer survivors, the New Year brings with it a sense of hope and renewal. However, the New Year can bring on feelings of dread or fear for some. It can take a while to heal even after a cancer cure, both mentally and physically. The truth is, you still have to take care of your health even after you’re cancer-free.

Here are some helpful tips to take care of your mental and physical health this New Year from the team here at New York Cancer and Blood Specialists.

Never Skip a Recommended Cancer Screening

To ensure cancer doesn’t come back, it’s vital to attend every recommended cancer screening by your care team. Even if you feel like skipping an appointment, do not do so — reschedule your original appointment if you must. Although you may be free of one form of cancer, it’s important to continue monitoring closely should another form arise.

Join a Support Group

Before, during, and after your battle with cancer can be emotional for you and your loved ones (and rightfully so). And although hearing that you’re overcome cancer should be a reason to celebrate, many cancer survivors can’t help but feel the lingering mental and physical ailments.

Keep Track of Doctor’s Visits

It’s essential to keep in touch with your doctors, even after fully recovering. They are here to ensure you are still in good health and prospering! Keeping that in mind, be sure you’re accurately keeping track of important health appointment dates. Your doctor should check for signs of recurrence every six months or so, even if it’s been five years since treatment.

Stay Active

An important tip is to remember to exercise and maintain a healthy weight. Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence by 50%. Research also shows that by maintaining a healthy weight for your sex and height, you can decrease the risk of recurrence by 30%. So, try to make it one of your New Year’s resolutions to keep active and continue to live a healthy life!