Guest post by Mike Linn. Opinions are those of the author.

Being diagnosed with cancer is a shock, and it wouldn’t make sense for anyone to anticipate their first bout with this awful disease.

Hell, I’m on my third treatment due to a recurrence just a year after remission, and I still found myself mildly surprised.

However, once you’ve been diagnosed or have seen someone go through the damage that cancer incurs, it makes sense to treat your body a little differently.

Luckily, we created a quick, pragmatic guide to preparing your body for cancer: before, during, and after your diagnosis.

Why Should I Take Care of My Body if I Already Have Cancer?

I hear this sentiment all the time: “I already have cancer/treatment is literal poison/I’m already in bad shape, why should I work my body?”

There is certainly merit to this line of thought; after all, cancer patients have been dealt a tough hand no matter how severe the diagnosis, and prioritizing comfort should be a huge portion of a cancer patient’s life.

But I also have lived through several intensive treatments and remission periods, along with talking to hundreds (if not thousands) of patients about their respective experiences. One of the most common ideas (backed up by clinical data) is that diet, exercise, and an overall healthy lifestyle can give you a better chance of survival and happiness both short and long-term.

This doesn’t mean we have to act like we’re training for the Olympics; balance is paramount in all facets of life. But it’s important to understand how healthy living can help.

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How a Healthy Diet and Exercise Can Help Cancer Patients

While everyone’s definition of proper diet and exercise is different, the benefits of doing something close enough to a medical definition of these things can greatly increase your survival odds during cancer treatment.

Implementing a healthy diet and light-to-moderate exercise as a patient can:

  • reduce tiredness and some treatment side effects
  • reduce anxiety and depression
  • improve your mood and quality of life
  • strengthen your muscles, joints, and bones
  • look after your heart and reduce the risk of other health problems

Additionally, I’ve found that these defined benefits have created valuable barriers to the downside of cancer treatment. Dealing with joint pain and fatigue from immunotherapy (for example) has been a consistent issue, but having strong muscles, bones, and joints has made it easier for me to push through and mitigate these symptoms.

This isn’t to say that we as patients should always be focused on ‘toughing it out’ or prioritizing exercise, but I believe it is a very healthy foundation to build in our lives as we recover.

What is a Healthy Diet for Cancer Patients?

As we mentioned before, a healthy diet will mean different things to different people. After all, our goals, routines, and genetics will dictate various eating styles.

However, if we are operating under the pretense that cancer treatment and recovery are among the primary goals for all patients, a healthy diet for a cancer patient should include:

  • Proper hydration
  • Plenty of fruits and vegetables
  • Limiting processed sugar
  • Limiting red meat and deli meats
  • Proper caloric intake
  • Eating healthy fats
  • Electrolyte intake

Many oncology centers or hospitals give patients access to nutritionists or dieticians. Be sure to ask your doctor if these resources are available, as the best diet is one specifically tailored to your individual needs.

Workouts for Cancer Patients

A cancer diagnosis and treatment typically means your body will be undergoing some changes. These may be due to surgery, treatment toxicity, stress, or the disease itself.

While it is important (if not critical) to move your body during this time, it is also important to understand your limitations and plan workouts accordingly. I recommend creating workout routines for various levels of energy, motivation, and physical well-being. 

In fact, we have gone ahead and outlined some here!

Please ask your doctor about the intensity and viability of any workout if you have concerns. It is important to focus on physical fitness, but only if it helps your body.

Ultimately, cancer doesn’t change the fact that each of our bodies is unique and will benefit from a specific set of inputs. Make sure to try different things, listen to your body, and find a diet and exercise plan that you enjoy and believe is helpful.

Cancer is a difficult experience, but with better resources and patient guidelines, we can improve our individual and collective outcomes.

Dr. Blayney adds:  

I agree with Mike that exercise can help in many parts of cancer and its treatment.  When I recommended exercise to patients, I could see that many were put off by this recommendation, as they thought it would only add to their fatigue or sense of loss.  I would always add “It doesn’t have to be NFL training camp type exercise.  Start walking a few minutes each day.  Walking 30 minutes daily or 140 minutes per week is enough”

As Mike mentions, the meaning of a healthy diet is controversial.  There is some evidence that a so-called “Mediterranean diet” can be helpful.  This includes fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and use of olive oil in cooking.

Also, when well meaning friends recommend supplements, diets or other treatments, I suggest thanking them for their concern, and acknowledging their friendship and concern:  “Thank you for your concern and love. My doctor recommends exercise.  Can you help me with this commitment by meeting me for a walk each week?”  I found that this suggestion made all parties feel better.

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About the author: Mike Linn is a writer, athlete, business owner, and now a cancer patient advocate. He was first diagnosed with stage 3c metastatic melanoma at the age of 30 and had a stage 4 recurrence in 2023 at 35. In a better effort to understand the mental health side of being a cancer patient, he began posting content to social media and support groups and has yet to stop talking about his cancer experience both personally and professionally. Mike also loves candy and is determined to dispel the notion that sugar specifically feeds cancer, or he is at least hopeful that research will prove this.

Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only.  This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.