by Monica Zangwill, MD, MPH
By adopting certain lifestyle habits, you can help speed your recovery from prostate cancer.
Radiation therapy and hormonal therapy can add to the fatigue you already feel from fighting cancer. It is important to allow your body to rest. This will help your body have the strength to heal itself.
Smoking exposes your body to many cancer-causing chemicals. Some data shows that smoking makes your tumor less responsive to the effects of radiation. If you smoke, quit.
Good nutrition is essential for health and well-being. To aid in your recovery, make sure you are getting all the nutrients that your body needs for healing. Try to increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and high-fiber foods.
Once you have been given the okay by your doctor, participate in an exercise program. For example, walking every day can help you to feel better, even when you are receiving treatment. Exercise may increase the amount of energy that you have during the day.
If you feel extreme fatigue or severe pain, talk with your doctor. It is important to know your limits when you are recovering from cancer.
References
Detailed guide: prostate cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: . Accessed October 9, 2008.
Prostate cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: . Accessed October 9, 2008.
1/15/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : Griffith K, Wenzel J, Shang J, Thompson C, Stewart K, Mock V. Impact of a walking intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness, self-reported physical function, and pain in patients undergoing treatment for solid tumors. Cancer. 2009;115(20):4874-4884.
Last reviewed September 2012 by Igor Puzanov, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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