Managing the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment with a Better Diet

The side effects of cancer are wide-ranging and can vary depending on the patient, treatment, and prognosis. While certain medications and holistic remedies can ease some symptoms, a special diet for cancer patients is another way that many choose to alleviate the discomfort. Below are a few common side effects, along with recommendations that should be included in a diet for cancer patients experiencing those symptoms. Nausea This is one of the most commonly reported side effects of both chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Smaller meals eaten slowly can provide some relief, as can plenty of liquids, especially clear beverages. If you’re putting together a diet for cancer patients with nausea, it should focus on low-fat, bland foods. The following foods have all been shown to help reduce nausea: Cold cereal Crackers Baked chicken Mouth tenderness Many cancer patients experience mouth sores and general tenderness that can make eating comfortably a challenge. However, keeping up energy and stamina to help the body fight off the disease is incredibly important, so patients must continue to take in nourishing foods. For patients with painful mouth side effects, experts recommend cool, soft foods, such as: Applesauce Soup Pudding Constipation Any diet for cancer patients should take into account the effect of the cancer and the treatment on the digestive system. Many patients report constipation, especially after chemo or when using certain medications. To reduce that risk, they should incorporate plenty of high-fiber foods: Beans Fresh fruits and vegetables Chickpeas Vomiting Cancer patients may develop a hypersensitive reaction to smells, which can prompt nausea and vomiting, which are also sometimes caused by certain treatments....

Exercising After Cancer Treatment

Common side effects of cancer treatments, such as fatigue, nausea, and dizziness, can sideline patients from their daily activities, such as childcare, work, and household responsibilities. However, one aspect of daily life that isn’t often addressed but is certainly disrupted by cancer treatment is exercise. Whether the patient is an avid runner or simply enjoys a walk through the neighborhood with the dog, activity level significantly decreases during cancer treatments, which can have both physical and mental impacts on the patient. Low-Impact Exercise During Chemotherapy Exercise during chemotherapy and other treatments is possible, but it’s important that patients consult with their physicians before undertaking any exercise regimens. Exercise has been shown to reduce fatigue, but patients should be conscious of the side effects they’ve experienced from their treatments and cautious not to overexert themselves. The best exercise for cancer patients during chemo and other therapies is low-impact, such as short walks—whether they’re around the healthcare facility, in the house or just across the street. Patients should set and celebrate small goals and take their time, remembering that they may eventually return to the same level of exercise they had achieved prior to their diagnosis, but that will take time. Start with a Walk – Exercise After Cancer Treatment Getting back to exercise after cancer treatment is also an incremental process. Again, patients should first consult with their doctors to come up with the most appropriate exercise plan, as it should take into account side effects of medications, past treatments and ongoing risks. Walking is one of the best places to start—a 15-minute walk has been shown to improve energy...

How to Support Employees with Cancer

While it’s common for family, friends and loved ones to step up and lend a helping hand when a person is battling cancer, there’s another area where assistance may be just as vital, but perhaps less available: at the office. Workplace support for employees with cancer can come in many forms — from policies and procedures that make easing back into the job a bit easier, to informal help from co-workers eager to make the daily grind a little less difficult. Both employers and employees can take steps to make sure workplace support for employees with cancer is available and being put to use. For the Employer A new guide from the National Business Group on Health and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network outlines steps employers can take to offer workplace support for employees with cancer. Key among them are providing short-term disability for cancer treatment, along with disability case managers to walk patients through the ins and outs. The guide also suggests employers put in place an Employee Assistance Program and return-to-work strategies that involve case managers, HR leaders, and the worker’s supervisor to ensure a smooth and sensitive transition. For the Employee It’s also important to be proactive about seeking workplace support for employees with cancer. Cancer.net points out that there are three steps involved in a successful return to work: preparation, adjusting physically and adjusting mentally. Cancer patients should understand the parameters of policies like FMLA and short-term disability for cancer treatments and ensure they’re taking maximum advantage of leave and other benefits available to them. When a doctor approves, contact the company and request a...

How to Support a Senior With Cancer

Cancer does not discriminate: It affects people around the world, from all backgrounds and at all stages of their life; however, those who are at an advanced age may feel the effects of cancer even more than others, for a number of reasons. Elderly cancer patients may be grappling with other expected conditions that naturally come with aging, but which may make fighting off the disease a bit more challenging. Those who are already impacted by mobility issues or memory challenges can be especially affected by the toll of cancer. Seniors often have smaller circles of support than younger patients as well, meaning fewer hands on deck and less day-to-day, practical support. Finances are also a consideration; many seniors have already retired or are unable to work and are on fixed incomes. Cancer can present a significant financial burden to even middle-aged, working adults so it’s to be expected that the condition will disproportionately impact elderly patients. Cancer financial help is one avenue for assistance that loved ones of a senior patient can pursue. Programs like Life Credit’s Living Benefit Loans can connect seniors with the life insurance that they’ve likely paid into for decades, allowing them to use those funds to put up their best fight possible against the disease so they can truly enjoy their golden years. Many healthcare facilities also offer financial consultants, and cancer nonprofits—at both the national and local levels—provide financial resources for patients in need, which caregivers for elderly patients should explore as another means of cancer financial help. Apart from finances, supporting a senior with cancer can involve altering one’s daily schedule...

Top Five Ways You Can Support a Cancer Patient

Cancer patients need support across a variety of spectrums—medical, financial and emotional, among others. Loved ones who have a family member or friend battling cancer may often feel at a loss of how to meet all those needs, but there are some simple ways to make the fight against cancer a little easier. 1. Organize a community benefit: Cancer patients, even those who are insured, are often in need of financial assistance to help pay medical bills and other expenses. If you’re unsure how to plan a benefit, many restaurants, country clubs or other venues often employ event specialists and other planners who can assist with all the details, such as invitations, organizing raffles and ordering food and other supplies. 2. Partner with a local or national cancer organization: Another way for those considering how to hold a fundraiser for cancer patients is to seek a partnership with a cancer agency. Such organizations can offer insight and resources for organizing unique events to benefit individual patients, such as walk-a-thons, parties or donation drives. 3. Connect the patient with needed resources: Sometimes a cancer patient may not have the time or energy to invest in finding information that could help them in their journey. Explore programs that could meet the individual needs of your loved one, such as Life Credit’s Living Benefit Loans, which allow patients to borrow against their own life insurance. 4. Consider overlooked tasks: Treating cancer is an around-the-clock chore, which means daily chores may fall by the wayside. Help out the patient in your life by cooking meals, transporting kids to and from activities or even...

Things You Can Do to Relieve the Burdens of Stress Caused by Cancer

When a patient is given a diagnosis of cancer, the fears may immediately start piling on—about one’s health, future, family, finances, and much more. Despite state-of-the-art treatment and a good prognosis, worries and anxiety will surely continue to affect the quality of life of cancer patients. Even after a patient has gone into remission, he or she may still grapple with the residual stressors of the disease. That’s why help for cancer patients in the early stages of their journey is key. Building stress-reducing techniques into one’s daily habits encourages people to make healthy decisions day in and day out, leading to improved mental health and even physical health. Loved ones can provide help for cancer patients by encouraging them to adopt some stress-reduction habits, such as: Exercise: Physical activity is widely acknowledged to be one of the best ways to reduce stress. Some may question if it can actually provide help for cancer patients, who may not be able to have the same level of physical activity they once did. However, even minimal amounts of exercise have proven beneficial to mental wellbeing. A daily walk around the block or through a treatment center or a dip in a pool at a local gym can provide essential help for cancer patients. Healthy Eating: Stocking up on fruits and veggies is a great way to improve outlook and mood, in addition to fueling physical health. The nutrients in a healthy diet have been shown to provide help for cancer patients who are looking to reduce stress and stay centered. Exploring one’s culinary skills is also a fun and engaging way...