TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Eat well

Healthy food is important for everyone, but it is particularly important when you are not feeling your best. Eating well can help you cope with treatment and manage side effects.

If you are having trouble eating, or eating well, a dietitian can advise you about the best food for your needs.

Stay active

Moving your body regularly can help, both physically and emotionally. The type of exercise you do will depend on your level of fitness and your doctor’s advice. Don’t push yourself too hard, but don’t use your illness as an excuse either. There are many wearable devices and apps that you can use to track your daily activity level.

Stay in touch

Maintaining contact with friends and family is important; not only for the help and support they can provide you, but also for the opportunities it offers to expand your life beyond cancer.

Be informed

Some complementary or alternative therapies can have very positive effects on your life, but others can actually be harmful. Always speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any non-prescription therapies such as herbal preparations, and ask if other therapies are likely to help or hinder your treatment.

Be kind to yourself

Your diagnosis and treatment means that there will be changes in your life, and it may take you some time to adjust to them. Don’t put pressure on yourself to understand everything at once, or cope with every challenge alone.

Accept help

Family, friends, your GP, nurse, social worker or psychologist may all be able to offer support and help, even in areas you had not considered.

• Practical support such as help at home or transport to appointments
• Financial support to help pay for medicines or general costs
• Emotional support to help you deal with every day ups and downs