Looking After Your Wellbeing

A healthy diet, being strong, fit and having good mental health are all crucial for getting the most out of your treatment, living well both during and after cancer.
Holistic cancer care should encompass all aspects of your physical and emotional wellbeing – not just your primary cancer treatment. A healthy diet, being strong, fit and having good mental health are all crucial for getting the most out of your treatment, living well both during and after cancer.

Keeping active

Keeping physically active with regular exercise during and after cancer treatment can not only boost your physical wellbeing but help to improve your mental health and quality of life, as well. Exercise may also help to reduce the burden of side effects from your treatment.

Experts recommend being active on most days of the week – everyday if you can manage it! But you should be mindful of how your body is feeling and the recommendations of your treating specialist and healthcare team.

A Ramsay Health Plus exercise physiologist or physiotherapist can help you by establishing an exercise program that suits your body and your needs.

 


Eating well

Sometimes cancer treatment can change your appetite and your relationship with food. But it’s important to maintain a nutritionally balanced diet to help give you energy during and after your treatment.

Eat fresh vegetables, fruits and nuts. Choose lean meats and fish. And aim to drink 6 to 8 cups of water each day to keep hydrated.

A Ramsay Health Plus dietitian can help you to establish an eating plan and overcome any food-based challenges you may be experiencing.

 


Seeking psychological support

Everyone deals with a cancer diagnosis differently. It’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions – from anger and fear, to stress and depression. If the emotions you are experiencing are having a negative impact on your daily life, it can help to speak with your healthcare team, Cancer Care Navigator or GP. They may refer you to a psychologist.

Just like your doctors and nurses take care of your physical needs, a psychologist can help to take care of your emotional and mental health needs during and after your cancer treatment.