Beginning to recover from colon and rectal cancer
Many people survive colon and rectal cancer. However, the treatment can be very hard on the body and it may be some time before you are feeling fit and well again.
Some people want to make changes to their lifestyle after cancer. Living a healthy lifestyle can help your body recover more quickly and return to normal, and may help
to prevent the cancer from returning. It will also help to reduce the risk of other illnesses, such as heart disease and strokes.
You might choose to make just a few changes or completely change the way you live. If you are considering making some major changes to your lifestyle, it can be a good idea to discuss your plans with your doctor or specialist nurse.
Being involved in your healthcare means taking your medications when directed, always going for follow-up appointments and being aware of symptoms of a possible recurrence of the cancer.
Lifestyle – positive choices, helping yourself
Some people experience treatment side effects that gradually improve over time, while others may have ongoing side effects.
You may have a range of other effects such as trouble sleeping, or feeling weaker and more tired than usual, rather than specific treatment side effects. You may have lost or gained some weight or have stiff muscles or joints.
Living a healthy lifestyle can help you recover but may sometimes appear to be a lot of hard work. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle is about making small, achievable changes to the way you live that will improve your health and well-being. Your healthy lifestyle will be individual to you, and what is right for you may not be right for someone else.
A healthy lifestyle can include having a well-balanced diet, getting some exercise, reducing stress, and being involved in your healthcare. You will need to take any side effects of treatment into consideration when planning changes to your diet and exercise. Don‘t try to do too much too soon.
Diet
Awell-balanced diet should include:
You should also try to reduce your intake of:
Before making major changes to your diet it‘s a good idea to discuss your plans with your specialist or with a dietitian at the hospital.
Stop smoking
Stopping smoking has many health benefits and reduces your risk of other diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
Exercise
Exercise doesn‘t have to be particularly strenuous. You can start gently and build up the amount of physical activity you do. Whatever your age or physical health there will be some kind of exercise you could try, such as walking, hiking, cycling or swimming. Activities like gardening, dancing and playing sport are also good to try.
Managing stress
There are lots of ways to reduce the stress in your life. You could make time to do things that you enjoy, or that make you laugh. Some people find it relaxing to meditate or pray, or to start a new pastime or an evening class. You may find it helpful to write a journal or online blog.
Living with and after colon and rectal cancer
Cancer can affect many areas of your life such as your finances, work, your emotions and relationships. Find information and advice about what the effects might be, how to deal with them and how we can help.
Financial support
Find practical advice on the possible financial impact of a cancer diagnosis, including what benefits you might be entitled to.
Practical issues
Information on dealing with day-to-day problems, including work, travel, and travel insurance.
Emotional effects
Information on the emotions you might experience as a result of your cancer diagnosis, ways that you might manage them and other sources of support.
Relationships and communication
Advice on how to talk to other people, talking to children, relationships and sexuality.
How we can help
Find out about the ways in which JASCAP can offer you information and support.
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