Cancer Prevention: Friends, Family and Survivorship
Cancer Prevention and Recurrence
Make steps towards a healthier lifestyle to reduce occurrence or recurrence of cancer.
Not all cancers can be prevented but making changes to your eating and drinking habits, level of activity and body weight can all help.
The World Cancer Research Fund has developed cancer prevention recommendations using the scientific evidence from around the world. Here you will find information on the science behind the recommendations, practical advice for eating and cooking and ways to include the recommendations in to your lifestyle.
In Scotland you may be interested in visiting the Scottish Cancer Prevention Network site where you can link to social media, blogs and forums.
You may also be interested in reading more about the European Code Against Cancer. The 12 recommendations from the International Agency for Research on Cancer can be found here.
Making lifestyle changes
Choosing the right time to make lifestyle changes is important.
It is ok to have a long-term goal but to begin with, aim small. Start from where you are at and introduce changes gradually. Give yourself time to establish a routine with one change before adding in another. Most importantly make sure your goals are achievable and individual to you.
Some resources that may support you to make changes include;
Are you still receiving treatment?
If you are currently receiving active treatment, you may have alternative needs and so it would be best to reconsider this information later.
Cancer Survivorship
After you have recovered from your cancer surgery or cancer treatment, if you are able to, you should follow the World Cancer Research Fund cancer prevention recommendations.
There may be additional things for you to consider if you have had certain types of cancer surgery or treatment. Some of these are included in the section below.
I have had surgery to my digestive tract
If you have had surgery to your digestive tract i.e. your stomach, you will likely require a long-term supplementation of vitamin B12. This will be recommended by your healthcare team.
Breast Cancer treatment and Bone Health
Breast cancer treatment can increase the risk of you developing osteoporosis.
Check out the British Dietetic Association resources on Calcium and Vitamin D to check that you are getting enough of these and visit Breast Cancer Now for more information or Osteoporosis and Breast Cancer treatments to find out how you can maintain your bone health.
I have had bowel surgery and/or I have a stoma
You may have received advice from your healthcare team to limit your fibre intake or to avoid certain fruits or vegetables. The information here does not replace any specific advice you have had from your own healthcare team.