This informative, six-part series is appropriate for primary care and oncology healthcare providers working with cancer survivors during treatment, immediately after treatment, or during long-term survivorship.
Compendium of the Entire Nutrition, Physical Activity, Body Weight, and Cancer Survivorship Series
This six-part series provides healthcare teams with information about nutrition, physical activity, and body weight for cancer survivors. It also identifies helpful resources for cancer survivors.
This program meets the Survivorship Program Standard 4.8 requirements from the Commission on Cancer (CoC), American College of Surgeons. As part of CoC standard 4.8, the survivorship program team determines a list of services and programs that address the needs of cancer survivors, which may include seminars for survivors, and which is included in this toolkit.
Influence of Diet, Activity, and Body Weight on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship
For cancer survivors, the evidence suggests that lifestyle factors, such as body weight, physical activity, diet, and alcohol intake, may affect the risk for recurrence and overall survival following diagnosis.
Nutrition for Cancer Survivors
Eating nutritious foods can help cancer survivors to manage their energy levels, feel better, and stay stronger. Nutritional screening, assessment, and counseling should begin as soon as possible after a diagnosis.
Physical Activity for Cancer Survivors
Research strongly suggests that exercise during treatment is safe, feasible, fatigue-reducing, and can improve multiple aspects of quality of life. Studies have shown that exercise during treatment improves multiple post-treatment effects on bone health, muscle strength, and other quality of life measures.
Body Weight and Lifestyle Changes
After treatment, it is important for survivors who have excess weight to make behavioral changes. A positive approach such as adding healthy foods instead of subtracting unhealthy foods can help to increase motivation for lifestyle changes.
Food Insecurity Among Cancer Survivors
The Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are factors that affect the overall health of people, whether they are cancer survivors or not. Food insecurity is an SDOH factor that can be particularly important to cancer survivors.
Special Topics of Interest to Cancer Survivors
This guide discusses the scientific support for several topics of interest to cancer survivors, including dietary supplements, special diets, intermittent fasting, cannabis, stress, sleep, and emotional and mental health.