Being diagnosed with cancer brings about many emotions, and everyone copes with and manages their emotions uniquely.
“For cancer survivors, information is power,” says Modupe O. (Seyi) White, D.N.P., who helps run Carilion’s Breast Cancer Survivorship Clinic. “There are always things you can do—exercise, choosing a healthier diet and reducing the anxiety that increases the risk of a cancer coming back. All of this and close monitoring are key to survivorship.”
According to Seyi, there are four pillars of cancer survivorship—mindfulness, physical activity, nutrition and art for healing—that provide healthy, positive outlets and can help promote a sense of empowerment and peace when faced with the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness involves being fully present in the current moment, without judgment. It includes practices such as:
- Meditation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) techniques
Mindfulness benefits for cancer survivors include:
- Enhanced resilience
- Reduced stress, anxiety and depression
- Better overall quality of life
Physical Activity
For cancer survivors, physical activity is important both for improving quality of life and for helping to prevent cancer from coming back. Some activities Seyi recommends include:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Yoga
- Strength training
What’s most important is that it’s something you enjoy and that matches your individual fitness level.
The benefits of physical activity for cancer survivors include:
- Better physical fitness, strength and flexibility
- Reduced cancer-related fatigue
- Improved mood
- Higher self-esteem
- Better overall well-being
- Reduced risk of other chronic conditions
Nutrition
Nutrition supports overall health, immune function and disease prevention. A balanced and nutritious diet is rich in:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Healthy fats
Seyi recommends working with a registered dietitian or nutritionist who can guide and support you in making healthy choices.
The right nutrition can help cancer survivors:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage treatment side effects
- Reduce inflammation
- Promote healing and recovery
Art for Healing
For cancer survivors, art and creative expression provide therapeutic benefits and an outlet for:
- Processing emotions
- Communicating experiences
- Reducing stress
- Increasing self-awareness and self-expression
- Promoting healing and resilience
- Connecting with others
- Finding meaning
You can try:
- Writing
- Painting
- Drawing
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Any type of artistic expression you enjoy!
Next Steps
After cancer treatment, adapting to life can take some time. Seek support from loved ones, support groups or counselors. Stay informed about your health to help manage fears about your cancer coming back. And don’t hesitate to talk with your health care team about any challenges you may face. “Wherever my patients are on their journey with cancer, from that devastating moment when they get their diagnosis throughout the course of their life, I will meet them there,” says Seyi.
Carilion Clinic and Blue Ridge Cancer Care (BRCC) host quarterly Cancer Connection Socials where people affected by cancer can learn more about the pillars of cancer survivorship while making friendships and supporting one another through the challenges that follow active treatment. All survivors and people receiving active treatment are welcome. Learn more about upcoming Cancer Connection Socials.
