By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Anyone who has received a clean bill of health after cancer treatments wants to maintain their good health. Although nothing can guarantee cancer won’t come back, people in remission can certainly increase their chances of good health by taking a few steps.
“Survivorship is a key part of cancer care,” said Arnold Baskies, chairman of the Global Health Advisory Council and past chairman of the board of directors, American Cancer Society, Inc. “The Commission on Cancer has recommended that all hospitals and providers provide a survivorship plan to patients. The American Cancer Society also recommends it. It includes information on the treatment rendered and what should be done in terms of follow-up and surveillance.”
Since 14 million people in the US have survived cancer—and Baskies estimates it will likely swell to 20 million in the next five to 10 years—developing survivorship plans will only increase in importance.
“The specific recommendations are relative to the type of cancer and treatment rendered,” Baskies said. “A specific survivorship care plan should be personalized.”
For example, a colon cancer survivor may have scheduled colonoscopy and blood tests or for lung surgery, CT scans and other tests. General recommendations typically include healthful diet, exercise, stress management and smoking cessation.
Baskies noted that any time survivors change providers outside their health system, “they need to take with them the information of what treatment they had and what needs to be done going forward.”
Following all the provider’s protocols and follow-up treatments is vital for continued good health. Some cancer patients receive radiation as part of their treatment. This may result in burns from the treatment. Caring for these injuries properly is important for timely healing once the radiation regimen is complete.
Hyperbaric therapy promotes healing of radiation therapy wounds.
“Fifty percent of patients with cancer receive radiation therapy,” said Olivia VanSanford, program director at The Center for Wound Healing at Oswego Health. “It’s a wonderful therapy for treating cancer, but unfortunately, it can have a long-lasting effect many patients aren’t aware of.”
From a few months to up to 20 years after receiving radiation, patients can present with symptoms including pain, wounds that struggle to heal, and blood in their urine.
Katie O’Reilly, certified hyperbaric tech and licensed practical nurse at the center, administers treatments for radiation wounds using the hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
“The patient will lie inside it and receive 100% oxygen at a greater atmospheric pressure,” O’Reilly explained. “It shrinks the oxygen molecules you’re breathing in so it floods your body with the oxygen you need to heal your tissue. Normally, that wouldn’t be possible, as only 21% of the air you’re breathing is oxygen.”
Patients do not need a doctor’s referral for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Sessions last two hours. Patients typically receive 80 to 120 two-hour treatments, Monday through Friday, depending upon their injury.
Diet contributes to supporting good health for cancer survivors.
“Post treatment, extra protein is usually needed to heal tissues and help fight infection, and rebuild muscle mass,” said Erin Palma, registered dietitian with Kelly’s Choice in Skaneateles. “Rather than red meat, the bulk of protein should come from fish, poultry, eggs, low-fat dairy products, nuts and nut butters, dried beans, peas and lentils, and soy foods.”
She added that some treatments like radiation “may indicate limiting citrus and spicy foods, whereas chemotherapy you limit raw and undercooked items. Seeking out the services of a dietitian can help determine the best plan of support for you.”
In general, she advises cancer survivors to limit red meat consumption, as it can increase the risk for colon cancer and possibly other kinds of cancer in the future.
“The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends eating no more than 18 ounces of cooked red meat a week, but less is better,” Palma said.