Lifestyle Changes to Manage Prostate Cancer
By adopting certain lifestyle habits, you can help speed your recovery from prostate cancer.
Rest When Tired
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.
Do Not Smoke
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
.
Eat a Balanced Diet
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
.
Exercise
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.
When to Contact Your Doctor
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:
http://www.cancer.org/
.
Accessed October 9, 2008.
Prostate cancer. National Cancer Institute
website. Available at:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/prostate
.
Accessed October 9, 2008.
1/15/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
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.