Back to Life

Simple lifestyle changes can help people survive and even thrive after cancer.

One out of every 25 Americans is a cancer survivor, according to the American Cancer Society.

Because so many people want to know how to exercise and eat after their diagnosis, the organization has come up with new guidelines for survivors.

In general, people should get physically active as soon as they can after their diagnosis or treatment. Studies have found that staying active can lower the risk that the disease will return and improve the chances of survival in people with many kinds of cancer. However, since some complications Ð like immune problems or balance issues - may not mix well with certain types of exercise, talk to your doctor first.

People who are overweight or obese going into their bout of cancer may enjoy a better quality of life and better mobility if they lose weight. The guidelines recommend that survivors eat a diet that's heavy in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. This has been linked to better survival in women with breast cancer.

However, the authors urge survivors to use caution with nutritional supplements. In general, these don't appear to improve survival, and they may even be harmful.

I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV, with the news that doctors are reading; health news that matters to you.