How to deal with life challenges
Our tips to enhance quality of life
Keep a positive attitude and stay active
Sometimes it is hard to remain optimistic, but a strong mind is a major factor in retaining your motivation and zest for life. Don’t carry your worries around with you all on your own, talk to friends and family members about your feelings and fears. They are a great source of support.
Exercise is key: Get moving
Being in optimal physical condition is also important. If possible try to get regular exercise by walking, cycling or even some light training every day. Exercise strengthens the muscles, improves your emotional mood and helps to ensure that your digestion remains regular.
Make use of the experience and knowledge of the medical specialists and nutritional advisers.
A trust-based relationship with the treating physicians is the most important requirement for successful therapy.
Avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking or alcohol
Alcohol and tobacco consumption are associated with an increased risk of cancer. Whilst being diagnosed with cancer is a very stressful event, you should still try to break your old habits. Smoking cessation is a certainly a vital goal for all cancer patients and alcohol should be used in moderation. There are some cases during cancer treatment in which alcohol clearly should be avoided. For example, alcohol – even in very small amounts – can irritate mouth sores caused by some cancer treatments, and can even make them worse. Alcohol can also interact with some drugs used during cancer treatment, which might increase the risk of harmful side effects. It is important to talk with your doctor about this if you are being treated for Cancer.
Practice good oral hygiene to remove any bad tastes or odour
Neglected mouth hygiene may contribute to changes in taste. For patients undergoing chemotherapy it is harder to taste sweet and easier to taste bitter. Regular and careful brushing your teeth can help!
