As an oncologist with years of experience, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of cancer on individuals and their loved ones. Cancer is a complex disease that not only affects physical health but also takes a toll on emotional and mental well-being. In the pursuit of combating cancer, it is imperative that we emphasize the significance of wellness. Integrating wellness into cancer care not only enhances the overall quality of life but also complements medical treatments, leading to better outcomes and empowering patients on their journey toward recovery. 

In this blog, we will explore the profound importance of wellness in the context of cancer care.

Holistic Approach to Care:

The concept of wellness encompasses more than just physical health. It encompasses a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. In cancer care, this holistic approach becomes even more vital. By addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of patients, we create an environment that fosters healing and resilience. 

At 4CancerWellness, a holistic approach is at the foundation of our company. We call it our 4Cornerstones: Activity, Nutrition, Mindset, & Support. 

Physical Well-being:

Maintaining physical health during cancer treatment can be challenging due to the side effects of treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. However, incorporating strategies to promote physical well-being is crucial. Regular exercise, tailored to an individual’s capabilities, can help reduce treatment-related side effects, improve energy levels, and boost overall endurance. A balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients, supports the body’s healing process and helps combat treatment-related weight loss or gain. Adequate rest and sleep are essential for the body to recover and regenerate.

To emphasize, maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition and activity is crucial for cancer patients. Significant weight loss can have a significant impact on treatment effectiveness, treatment tolerance, and quality of life.  Obesity is a risk factor for cancer recurrence and/or a risk for developing other types of cancer. By working with healthcare professionals, patients can receive guidance on achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, promoting better treatment outcomes, and reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.

Nutritional Wellness:

Proper nutrition plays a pivotal role in supporting the body’s ability to heal and recover during treatment. Cancer treatments can sometimes cause appetite loss, taste changes, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing, making it challenging for patients to meet their nutritional needs. However, by working closely with an oncology dietitian, patients can receive personalized dietary recommendations to help manage treatment side effects and maintain optimal nutrition.

A balanced plant-focused diet rich in nutrients, including lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats – and avoiding processed foods and sugars – provides the necessary fuel for the body’s immune system, aiding in its ability to fight against cancer and minimize treatment-related complications. In some cases, specific dietary modifications may be recommended to address specific treatment side effects, such as incorporating high-fiber foods to manage constipation or consuming a softer diet to improve nutritional intake when experiencing a sore throat.

Emotional and Mental Well-being:

The emotional and mental well-being of cancer patients often gets overlooked, but it plays a fundamental role in their overall wellness. Cancer diagnosis and treatment can trigger a range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, depression, and uncertainty. It is essential to provide a supportive environment that addresses these emotional challenges. Incorporating counseling, support groups, and psychotherapy can help patients navigate their emotional journey, cope with stress, and build resilience.

Spiritual and Mind-Body Connection:

Nurturing the spiritual aspect of wellness can have a profound impact on patients’ coping mechanisms and overall well-being. Engaging in activities such as meditation, mindfulness, or connecting with one’s faith can provide solace, inner strength, and a sense of purpose. The mind-body connection should not be underestimated. Techniques like yoga, tai chi, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress, improve relaxation, and enhance overall mental and physical well-being.

Quality of Life and Survivorship:

Cancer care should aim not only to treat the disease but also to optimize patients’ quality of life during and after treatment. Integrating wellness strategies throughout the cancer care continuum contributes to enhancing the overall patient experience. Promoting wellness not only helps patients manage treatment-related side effects but also empowers them to actively participate in their care, fostering a sense of control and hope. Additionally, addressing survivorship concerns by promoting ongoing wellness practices supports patients in their transition from active treatment to a new chapter of life.

Collaboration with a Multidisciplinary Team:

The incorporation of wellness strategies in cancer care requires a collaborative effort. Oncologists, nurses, psychologists, dietitians, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals work together to provide comprehensive patient support. By integrating wellness into cancer care, we create a team-based approach that addresses the diverse needs of each patient.

Wellness should be an integral component of cancer care, as it profoundly impacts patients’ physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By adopting a holistic approach to cancer treatment, we can improve outcomes, enhance quality of life, and empower patients on their journey toward recovery. Through the integration of physical health, emotional support, and spiritual connection, we can truly provide comprehensive care to individuals fighting cancer. Let us recognize the importance of wellness and work together to make it an essential part of cancer care across the globe!

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As an oncologist, I have seen many patients who are looking for ways to support their cancer treatment with the use of supplements. While some supplements may provide benefits, it’s crucial to understand that not all supplements are created equal, and some may even interfere with your cancer treatment. In this article, I will discuss the importance of appropriate cancer supplements and provide some resources to help you make informed decisions.

Firstly, it’s essential to understand that supplements are not a substitute for cancer treatment. While some supplements may provide benefits, they cannot replace standard cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. It’s also important to be aware that newer treatments carry a lot less toxicity by targeting cancer rather than the individual or focus on the immune system, relying on an individual to kill the cancer instead of drugs.  Regardless, it’s important to discuss any supplements you are taking or considering with your healthcare provider before incorporating them into your treatment plan.

Secondly, it’s crucial to understand that not all supplements are safe for cancer patients. Some supplements may interact with cancer treatments and cause adverse effects. For example, some supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of chemotherapy, while others may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Again, please discuss any supplements you are taking or considering with your healthcare provider.

Thirdly, it’s essential to choose supplements that are backed by research and have been shown to provide benefits for cancer patients. Some supplements may provide benefits such as reducing inflammation, supporting immune function, and improving quality of life. However, it’s important to choose supplements that have been studied in clinical trials and have been shown to be safe and effective.

Here are some resources to help you make informed decisions about cancer supplements:

1) The National Cancer Institute‘s Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM) provides information and resources about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for cancer patients, including information about supplements.

2) The American Cancer Society provides information about CAM and cancer, including information about supplements and how they may interact with cancer treatment.

3) The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s About Herbs database provides evidence-based information about herbs, botanicals, and supplements commonly used by cancer patients.

4) The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) provides information about CAM and cancer, including information about supplements and how they may interact with cancer treatment.

5) The Cancer Treatment Centers of America provides information about supplements commonly used by cancer patients, including potential benefits, risks, and interactions with cancer treatment.

6) The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) offers information about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for cancer patients, including information about supplements.

7) The National Institute of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements provides information about dietary supplements, including potential benefits, risks, and interactions with cancer treatment.

8) The Society for Integrative Oncology offers resources and information about integrative oncology, including the use of supplements and other complementary therapies.

9) The Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians offers information about naturopathic medicine and cancer, including information about supplements commonly used by cancer patients.

10) The Integrative Medicine Program at the University of Michigan offers information about integrative medicine and cancer, including information about supplements and other complementary therapies.

 

It’s important to note that these concerns are not exhaustive, and each patient may have unique questions and needs. Therefore, it’s essential to have open and honest communication with healthcare professionals to address specific concerns and develop a personalized care plan.

By consulting reliable resources and discussing any supplements you are taking or considering with your healthcare provider, you can make informed decisions about how to support your cancer treatment and improve your quality of life. Remember that supplements are not a substitute for cancer treatment, and it’s essential to work with your healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and circumstances.

– Dr. John Haluschak, Oncologist & 4CancerWellness Founder

The National Cancer Institute released an article concerning this regard. They say, “exercise has many biological effects on the body, some of which have been proposed to explain associations with specific cancers. These include:

• Lowering the levels of sex hormones, such as estrogen, and growth factors that have been associated with cancer development and progression
• Preventing high blood levels of insulin, which has been linked to cancer development and progression
• Reducing inflammation
• Improving immune system function
• Altering the metabolism of bile acids, decreasing exposure of the gastrointestinal tract to these suspected carcinogens
• Reducing the time it takes for food to travel through the digestive system, which decreases gastrointestinal tract exposure to possible carcinogens
• Helping to prevent obesity, which is a risk factor for many cancers”

Is Physical Activity Beneficial to Cancer Patients/Survivors?

Yes. In a report titled, Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors, KL Campbell et al. explains, “that exercise training and testing are generally safe for cancer survivors and that every survivor should maintain some level of physical activity.” In addition, the report also mentions:

• Strong evidence that moderate-intensity aerobic training and/or resistance exercise during and after cancer treatment can reduce anxiety, depressive symptoms, and fatigue and improve health-related quality of life and physical function.
• Strong evidence that exercise training is safe in persons who have or might develop breast-cancer-related lymphedema.
• Some evidence that exercise is beneficial for bone health and sleep quality.
• And, findings have raised the possibility that physical activity may have beneficial effects on survival for patients with breast, colorectal, and/or prostate cancer.

In another article published by the American Cancer Society, titled Physical Activity and the Person with Cancer, the opening two paragraphs state,

“Research shows that for most people exercise is safe and helpful before, during, and after cancer treatment. It can help improve your quality of life as well as the energy you have to do the things you like. Physical activity may also help you cope with side effects of treatment and possibly decrease your risk of new cancers in the future.

Too much time spent resting or sitting can cause loss of body function, muscle weakness, and reduced range of motion. Many cancer care teams are urging their patients to be as physically active as possible before, during and after cancer treatment.”

The American Cancer Society’s Physical Activity Recommendations for Cancer Survivors

1. Avoid inactivity, as best as possible, and return to normal daily activities as soon as possible after diagnosis and treatment(s).
2. Regularly participate in physical activity
3. Start slowly, build up the amount of physical activity progressively over time.
4. The weekly goal for physical activity to build up to is 150 minutes of moderate activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.
5. To achieve this, exercise several times a week, for at least 10 minutes at a time.
6. Include two days of resistance training per week.
7. Also, do stretching exercises at least two days per week.

Again, too much time spent resting or sitting can cause loss of body function, muscle weakness, and reduced range of motion. It is understandable, especially for cancer patients going through treatment, oftentimes one may not feel like exercising. But, most would be amazed at how much better 10 minutes of simple exercise can make one feel, no matter the situation.

Want support with activity throughout your cancer journey??

Join the 4CancerWellness FREE Community for more help & resources! (CLICK HERE)

 

By Blake Schunk

Citations

• Physical Activity and Cancer Fact Sheet
• Campbell KL, Winters-Stone KM, Wiskemann J, et al. Exercise guidelines for cancer survivors: Consensus statement from International Multidisciplinary Roundtable. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2019; 51(11):2375-2390. [PubMed Abstract]
• Physical Activity and the Person with Cancer – American Cancer Society

Family and friends can be wonderful support when we go through struggles. Breast cancer is no exception. Many Breast Cancer Survivors benefit from the gentle care of those around us. Yet to receive quality breast cancer support, most survivors need more.

4 Types of Cancer Support You Should Seek…

1) Support from Your Medical Team

It’s wonderful when a cancer patient feels a connection with their oncologists.  For when this does not occur, seek out someone else in the office to connect with – A nurse? Physician assistant? Office Administrator? This additional connection is also helpful since these other medical team members are typically easier to reach than the doctor when you have a question.

2) Support from Someone Who’s Been There

A person with a similar diagnosis Although all cancer patients have very different experiences, it can be comforting to speak with someone who has been in the same place you now stand.  Here are some suggestions of organizations to contact to get connected.

3) Support from a Faith Perspective

Facing serious illnesses often draws patients to consider reaching out to faith leaders or organizations.  Reasons cancer patients seek spiritual support includes:

• To reconnect with a comfort from their youth.
• To ask questions the diagnosis or prognosis has raised.
• To find local assistance or referrals.
• To continue an existing supportive connection.

Here is a list of places to find a faith organization near you

Interfaith Prayers:

• Health Ministries Network

Find a Christian Church:

• Church Finder
• Church.org

Find a Muslim Mosque:

• Database of Masjids, Mosques and Islamic Centers in the U.S.

Find a Jewish Synagogue:

• shiva.com

Find a Hindu Temple:

• shaivam.org

These are faith-based organizations focused on cancer

Christian:

• Cancer Companions
  • Find a Christian Cancer Bible Study Group Meeting
  • Cancer Prayer Partners (weekly phone call for prayer and connection)
  • Share your prayer request
  • Free Christian Cancer Toolbox (customized cancer devotionals and cancer prayers for you)
  • Download Free Cancer Devotional Booklet
• endurance.org – Christian Information Website
• Christian Parents of Kids with Cancer – Facebook group
• Christian Assistance – Love in the Name of Christ
• Christian backpack gift – Phil’s Friends
• Prayer for Cancer Patients
• Stronghold Ministry – Christian cancer hotline and gift basket
• The Lydia Project
  
• Find a Christian Counselor

Muslim:

• Find a Muslim Counselor
  • The Khalil Center
  • Institute for Muslim Mental Health
  • Muslim Family Services
• Canadian Muslim Cancer support
• Australian Muslim Cancer Support

Jewish:

• Find a Jewish therapist
• Sharsheret: The Jewish Breast and Ovarian cancer Community
• Chai Lifeline: Jewish Children Health Support Network
• Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics
• Find a Jewish Hospital
• Jewish cancer inspirational articles

Hindu:

• Indian Women Breast Cancer Foundation

4) Support from a Group of Cancer Survivors

Support groups have the ability to form a bond and connection with other people facing a cancer diagnosis in a very significant way. Not only can you discover tips and ideas for coping with cancer you may find a safe place to share and hear about the impact of cancer.

Here are some organizations to help you locate a group for your needs

• American Childhood Cancer Organization
• American Pain Society
• Cancer + Careers
• Cancer Companions – Christian
• Cancer Support Community
• Christian Parents of Kids with Cancer
• FORCE – Facing Hereditary Cancer
• International Myeloma Foundation
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• Go2 Foundation for Lung Cancer
• Malecare
• National Lymphedema Network
• Operation Lift Off – Teens/Child
• PINKK – Breast Cancer
• Reach to Recovery – Breast Cancer
• Sarcoma Alliance
• Pan Foundation – Patient Access Network
• SHARE Cancer Support – Women
• Prostate Cancer Network
• Bladder Cancer Network
• Kidney Cancer Association
• My Life Line – Cancer Support Community
• National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
• Next Step – Teen/Young Adult
• First Descents – Young Adult
• Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance
• Pregnant with Cancer Network
• Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation
• Thyroid Cancer Association
• Young Survival Coalition

Between the fatigue, chaos and frustration, cancer can bring plenty of reasons to NOT seek out these additional means of support.  But do it anyway.  This support is a wonderful way to manage the fatigue, chaos and frustration of cancer.

Join the 4CancerWellness FREE Community for more support resources! (CLICK HERE)

 

By Karen Tripp MS LMFT