Post-Cancer Care: Foolproof Measures For Survivors to Stay Healthy After Treatment

Cancer survivors tend to face physical and emotional challenges during treatment to improve their quality of life. A cancer survivor must adopt healthy lifestyle practices even after completing the course of treatment. Various side effects of cancer treatment can persist even after the treatment is finished. Maintaining an optimistic approach towards life after a cancer diagnosis and treatment is crucial. Survivors should make efforts to return to everyday life while adjusting to the effects of the disease and its treatment. The doctor will continue to monitor you even after the treatment to ensure recovery and prevent a relapse. Dr Tejal Gorasia Breast and Gynec Onco surgeon, Onco Life Cancer Centre, Chiplun spoke to India.com and shared some of the measures that cancer survivors must take post-treatment.

Tips To Stay Hale and Hearty Post- Cancer Treatment

1. Go for regular checkups and follow-ups: It is possible that the cancer can relapse even after the treatment. So, stay in touch with your doctor by going for check-ups and follow-ups. Try to avoid self-medication by taking over-the-counter medication for any symptoms without the doctor’s knowledge. The follow-up care plan will consist of regular physical examinations and/or medical tests to know your health status.
2. Refrain from tobacco use: It is a no-brainer that tobacco consumption raises one’s risk of cancer and may cause relapse. Even second-hand smoking is a strict no-no for a cancer survivor. It is better to quit smoking if you are committed to staying healthy post-treatment.
3. Maintain a personal health record: It will be a task for you to remember every detail, right from the diagnosis to treatment. It is a good idea to note down important points about the treatment, side effects, medications, rehabilitation, and follow-up care. The information tracked by you can also be useful for the doctor to access and understand your condition in a better way. The doctor will be able to guide you in managing side effects, altering the medication dosage if required, or recommending certain tests in case of unusual symptoms spotted by him/her. Be proactive when it comes to your health.