A cancer diagnosis is shocking news to recieve. No matter what disease you're facing, fighting with confidence is important. The process of undergoing cancer treatment can be draining and leave patients feeling unwell, exhausted, and less confident about themselves than ever before. However, it is possible and very beneficial to battle cancer with your head held high, shoulders upright, and to feel strong and beautiful while doing so.

The Power of Positivity

A patient's mindset is the first place to start for improving quality of life when battling cancer. While fear is a naturally occurring emotion, especially when facing a rare disease like mesothelioma, staying positive and refusing to focus on negative thoughts is monumental in maintaining emotional health. A cancer diagnosis can offer a patient an opportunity to improve his spiritual health, to evaluate his direction in life, and to decide to make improvements in health and anywhere else change is needed in order to continue on a better path.

As cancer survivor and Good Morning America host Robin Roberts said, you need to contemplate if this is supposed to be a "reset" for your life. What can you do differently, in a positive way than what you did before your diagnosis? The key is to keep a positive focus and to concentrate on aspects that are healthy and bring true happiness and well-being.

Exercise

The time following a cancer diagnosis is also a great opportunity to decide to eat healthy and exercise. While some patients may experience unpleasant symptoms of treatment and may feel more tired than usual, starting small and slowly incorporating healthier food each day is all it takes. The same is true of exercise. The road to better fitness can start with taking a five to ten minute walk each day and gradually increasing activity level as fitness level increases.

Exercise has also been shown to improve mood, fight depression, and can help a patient build confidence. Exercise can even help decrease or alleviate fatigue and other side effects people with cancer may experience as they undergo treatment. It is important for patients to consult their doctor before beginning a new fitness plan.

Look Good & Feel Good

Along with working to improve on the inside, cancer patients may also pamper themselves and build confidence by enhancing their outer appearance. Learning to perfect makeup skills helped breast cancer survivor and R.N. Michelle Hartog to feel more confident on days when she felt tired or unwell. Makeup can add a healthy glow to the skin while enhancing the patient's natural beauty. Those who are struggling with hair loss may wish to wear wigs. When choosing a wig that looks more natural, it is best to see a hair specialist and to match the color to the patient's eyebrows.

Dressing well and dressing to disguise your cancer was also a confidence booster for Michelle. She said "I felt good most of the time, and wanted to look the way I felt." Wearing favorite colors or brighter hues to compliment the skin may also elevate a patient's mood.

Treat & Pamper Yourself

Many spa treatments are healthy for the body and also create an improved sense of well-being. Massages are excellent for overall health, and massage therapy can help a patient relax and ease anxiety. A massage may also benefit those who struggle with sleeping at night. Aromatherapy is believed to enhance a person's sense of well-being and can be added to a massage session to help increase relaxation. Many spa treatments can also be inexpensively done at home using all natural materials.

Manicures and pedicures help smooth the skin on the hands and feet, and adding color to a manicure or pedicure can be aesthetically pleasing and provide an instant mood boost. Caregiver to his wife and founder of Coping University, Dave Balch said "During all of the ups and downs, we made a point of never missing her manicures. Now matter how poorly she was feeling, she could always look at her nails and feel good about it."

Recent breast cancer survivor and Chief Hug Officer at My Personal Breast Cancer Journey, Sandy Bobal-Zuniga used meditation and relaxation techniques to help her get through her battle with cancer. "Be selfish at this time in your life. Accept that your priority is to get through the treatments and emerge on the other side with a deeper passion and gratitude for life.”

Fortunately, many patients find that improving their quality of life after receiving a cancer diagnosis does not necessarily require a large financial investment and starts with simple lifestyle changes. While having cancer can be devastating, with positive thinking, behavioral modifications, and a little self-pampering, patients can enhance their inner strength and outer beauty and battle cancer with confidence.

1. Rest Up

   Before you can make any changes this year, you need to get some rest. Good sleep is a necessity for thinking clearly, being productive and, most importantly, healing so take advantage of any chances to catch up on your sleep!

2. Learn From the Past

   Take some time to reflect upon the last year and think about your experiences. What do you want to repeat this year? Also, what do you want to do less of? If your last year was spent being depressed, make goals focused on your happiness, like reconnecting with old friends or starting a new, fun hobby, to help make this year’s goal be the happiest you can be.

3. Make Long-Term Changes

   Shot-term goals are great, but it is also important to make long-term changes. If your short-term goal is to lose weight, take the next step and make a long-term goal of eating healthier and exercising regularly.

4. Think Holistically

   Reaching your maximum potential this year depends on looking at the entire picture. Examine every area of your life including your career, spirituality, physical activity, personal relationships and even your hobbies. Creating goals around every area will help you be the best you!

5. Write It All Down

   Short-term, long-term, personal, or career-related – write your goals down somewhere! It may be on your fridge to look at every day or in a journal just for your eyes; either way, solidify your goals on paper.

6. Envision 2013

   Spend time thinking about what you want this year to be. Creating a roadmap in your head, or even on paper, about where you want to go this year and what you want to accomplish helps to make your goals more powerful. Envisioning this roadmap in detail allows you to start heading in the right direction for 2013.

There are many more ways to bring positive change to your life in 2013. If you have any great tips or want to share you resolutions, tell our community!

It is essential for cancer patients to maintain a strong immune system. Cancer treatments can be destructive to the body and can leave the body even more susceptible to diseases, infections, and germs. One of the best ways to supplement your immune system during cancer treatment is to eat a well-balanced diet rich in immune-boosting superfoods.

1. Ellagic Acid

There are a variety of fruits that contain important nutrients for cancer patients. A balanced diet should include at least five servings of fruits and vegetables. This includes antioxidant rich fruits like oranges, blueberries, and mangoes. Cancer fighting red fruits and berries such as grapes, raspberries and strawberries contain a phytochemical called ellagic acid. Ellagic acid has been shown to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells and also aids in cell death of cancer cells. One way to help you get your daily intake of fruit, despite having a decreased appetite or nausea from cancer treatments, is to make smoothies. The coolness of a smoothie can feel good on your mouth, and the smell is not overwhelming.

2. Garlic

Garlic, the vegetable used to enhance food flavors, has the ability to build up the immune system. Studies have shown that garlic stimulates enzymes that stop the growth of cancers such as certain forms of breast, digestive tract, and lung cancer. Garlic contains allyl sulfur compounds, which are compounds that play a major role in the natural death of cancer cells. If garlic is making your nausea worse, you may want to consider garlic supplements.

3. Broccoli

Another important vegetable to boost the immune system is broccoli. Studies show that cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and cauliflower are rich in phytonutrients and may have anti-cancer properties. Cruciferous vegetables are outstanding sources of vitamins, A, K, and C, and they contain compounds that work together to produce a powerful immunity-boosting agent. Some cancer patients find that they are able to tolerate cooked vegetables as opposed to raw vegetables. Try out different vegetables both cooked and raw and see what works best for you!

4. Dairy

Dairy is also important in a well-balanced diet. Yogurt boosts your immunity by making B vitamins and vitamin K. Probiotic cultures are an important part of the digestive system. They increase the amount of friendly bacteria in your digestive tract, which is good for digestion and immunity.

5. Grains

Lastly, grains such as oats and barley are a key component in keeping your immune system working well. Oats and barley contain beta-glucan, which is a type of fiber that studies have shown is stronger than Echinacea. This helps to speed up the healing process, and bolster immunity. In addition, foods such as oatmeal are nutritious and easy on the digestive system. Consider adding whole grain barley to a soup or stew for a delicious, high fiber meal.

Eating a well-balanced diet is important for everyone but becomes more important when going through cancer treatment. These five superfoods are just a few healthy options that could help boost your immune system and help fight disease.

Stress plays a significant role in today’s society. People are stressed about everything from work to their personal to-do lists, and stress does not discriminate. Those afflicted by cancer are part of the stressed population, and need to find ways to reduce their stress as much as possible.

Cancer can be exacerbated by high stress situations. In general, it has been proven that when the body is in high stress situations, the body has a greater propensity to develop a common cold or severe heart disease. The same is true of cancer – stress can worsen its symptoms and side effects. Stress reduction is recommended to improve immune function, mood, longevity, and productivity.

How Stress Affects the Body

During a period of high stress, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels begin to rise. Adrenalin is also released by adrenal glands. When the chemicals are released, the heart rate increases, blood pressure increases, and the immune system weakens. Chronic stress may allow cancer to spread because the immune system cannot naturally fight the free radicals in the body. Chronic stress may also lead to heart disease and stomach ulcers, which can exacerbate the side effects of cancer, and cancer treatment.

Stress can also affect the amount of nutrients a body absorbs. If the body cannot absorb iron or other essential vitamins, it cannot fight cancer-causing agents. Stress can also affect the amount of food a person consumes. It may cause a person to overeat or eat less than normal.

When under significant stress, people may become depressed or develop anxiety, phobias, or experience panic attacks. Emotional stress can also make it difficult to focus, make you irritable and impatient with others. Cancer can also be exacerbated by emotional and psychological stress.

5 Steps for Stress Management

Stress reduction is important for everyone and especially necessary to reduce the effects of cancer and cancer treatment. Here are five ways to help with stress management:

1. Meditate: Relax your mind and learn to approach life with honesty and compassion rather than from an overly critical and judgmental point of view. Meditation can aid in healing by releasing stress, tension and distraction. People should commit 15 minutes to meditation per day.

2. Exercise: Yoga, walking and swimming are all stress reducing exercises that increase the production of endorphins. Endorphins improve a person’s mood and can reduce the symptoms related to anxiety and depression. Exercise can also increase self-confidence.

3. Eat Healthy Whole Foods: Eating green, leafy vegetables is recommended for treating stress. Chronic stress can deplete the body of essential B vitamins. B vitamins are essential for good health, along with magnesium and calcium. Caffeine and sugar should also be avoided because both can lead to stress and depression.

4. Get Adequate Sleep: Sleep is essential to stress reduction. Lack of sleep can cause decreased motivation and energy and therefore decreased productivity.

5. Learn to Think Differently: People must learn to reduce worrying and promote a stress-free lifestyle.

Here is a glimpse into their stories--

Leonie from Dancing Paper Cranes was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and blogs about her day to day experiences and emotions with cancer. Heather Von St. James, a mesothelioma SURVIVOR has beaten the odds and devoted her life to raising awareness about mesothelioma cancer. Shannah was diagnosed with Leukemia a few years ago. She created a now thriving magazine that gave her something to fight for; you can follow her updates at her Tumblr as well. And then there is sweet Leah, a ten year old Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor who sees all of the beauty she has to offer by just being who she is. Finally, there is the strong and talented Yvonne; she had a brain tumor and small cells of cancer. Yvonee is "a fashionable survivor" and shares her beauty secrets at Style by Yvonne.

All of these amazing women have a passion for life. These are their inspiring and uplifting quotes about what makes them feel beautiful. Read, share, and comment! Tell us what makes you feel beautiful!

Hair loss can be one of the most difficult and feared side effects of chemotherapy. Upon learning we will lose our hair, we immediately begin anticipating our hair loss and its impact on ourselves and others. Feeling helpless in anticipation of our hair loss can cause or increase feelings of reluctance, fear, and depression. By researching options, making deliberate choices, and taking specific actions to determine our appearance without hair, we gain a greater sense of control over our changing appearance. A greater sense of control over our appearance may help motivate us to take control of other aspects of our lives that contribute to a greater quality of life during cancer treatment. Clearly, it is not "just hair."

Our hair is part of us, part of our feminine identity, part of our style and image. Without our hair, we feel stripped of our identity, and in the context of cancer, it often feels like we are systematically being stripped of ourselves. Hair loss strips us of our anonymity at a time when we desperately want to maintain a sense of normalcy. In the words of one anonymous respondent to 4women.com's "Emotional Side of Hair Loss" survey:

"Hair loss is a neon sign saying 'I have cancer' that makes feeling healthy psychologically more difficult."

Your hair will almost certainly grow back, but that doesn't mean losing it is inconsequential. Grieving the loss of our hair does not make us vain or demonstrate a lack of appreciation for our life. On the contrary, losing our hair is a very visual reminder of the disease that is threatening our lives. By taking control of our image without hair, we can increase our self-confidence, build our sense of optimism, and cultivate a greater sense of self-empowerment. How do you take control over your image without hair? Great question!

There are numerous ways you can determine your appearance without hair. From wearing wigs, hats, scarves or other headwear, or experimenting with combinations of all such options, you can determine which feels right for you. In most cases, women find a combination of head wear options suits their needs and lifestyle. You might feel fine going completely bald. Be prepared by having an assortment of headwear items on hand before your hair starts falling out so that you are not caught off-guard and unprepared to face the world. Comfort is key. Keep in mind that you may be wearing your head wear much or most of the day for many consecutive days, so make sure it's neither too tight, nor requires constant readjustments to stay put. Have a soft cap on hand for nights. Even the warmest nights can feel chilly without hair.

Regardless of which headwear options you ultimately choose, most women recommend cutting your hair before beginning chemo and then shaving your head once your hair starts to fall out. Doing so can minimize the visual impact of watching your hair fall out in handfuls and also allows you to get a head start on adjusting to your new image.

Accessorize. While we tend to focus on the loss of the hair on our head, chemotherapy can also cause the loss of eyebrows and eyelashes. Fashion accessories, such as colorful neck scarves, jewelry (especially earrings), and fashionable headwear can effectively reframe our faces and brighten our image.

Remember, when you feel good about yourself, your burdens seem lighter. Be true to yourself. Give yourself permission to grieve and to feel your feelings. You are not alone.

About the Author:

Susan Beausang is the President of 4women.com and designer of the patented beaubeau® head scarf, a fashionable scarf designed specifically for women and girls with hair loss. The beaubeau® unites the worlds of fashion and medical hair loss. 4women.com's mission is to help women and girls cope with the emotional upheaval of medical hair loss with dignity and confidence and to advocate for greater attention to the emotional impacts of medical hair loss among medical professionals and the public. Susan is a Previvor, having undergone a prophylactic double mastectomy and oophorectomy upon learning she carries the BRCA2 mutation, which translates into an estimated 85 percent lifetime chance of developing breast cancer. She is also an Alopecian, having lost all of her hair due to alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes permanent hair loss. Susan strives to be a source of strength and hope for women and girls with medical hair loss.

The chemicals used in chemotherapy often drain the skin of its healthy hue. Redness or blotches may form on the face, neck and extremities. Skin may also become pale, dry or irritated. Radiation adversely affects the skin as well. Many women with cancer, including those with mesothelioma complain of sensitive skin that appears dull and lifeless. Makeup and beauty regimens can camouflage many of the issues associated with this illness.

Women with cancer can use various types of makeup to fight the unwelcome visual changes that may occur. Eye creams and concealers diminish and hide dark circles or puffiness. Moisturizing foundation can hydrate the skin, brighten the overall tone and add color to an otherwise pallid complexion. Even the right shade of blush or eye shadow can give a woman’s face the healthy glow she may be missing.

It is essential that a woman with cancer use only the best beauty products. Skin becomes extremely sensitive during cancer treatment, and many products may irritate it further. Organic or mineral makeups are ideal for this situation because of their natural, nourishing properties. Additionally, using organic beauty products limits the amount of exposure to toxins. This is particularly important for a woman who is already battling illness within.

Females diagnosed with mesothelioma or other cancers can greatly improve their life views. Coping with cancer is stressful enough to accept without the added worries about aesthetics. A women who uses positive self-image as a form of therapy may receive a more encouraging outlook from her doctor. Feeling beautiful on the outside provides inner emotional healing, which is an essential step in fighting cancer.

Although a female cancer patients may improve her physical appearance with the use of makeup, every woman should understand that real loveliness comes from inside. The use of makeup or beauty products may simply empower a woman enough to enrich her mental wellbeing. Feeling physically attractive is the springboard to feeling powerful, strong and in control. This is why a beauty program can play an important role in the war on cancer.

"I cheated cancer," says Patricia Brett founder and designer of Veronica Brett a swimwear collection of sexy classic swimsuits for breast cancer survivors. Brett is the youngest girl in a family of 11 children. Sadly, she knows cancer all too well. Patricia Brett has escaped a cancer diagnosis, but her passion for women with breast cancer comes from seeing a family of strong women fight against this disease.

How has cancer changed your life?

Luckily, I have never been diagnosed with cancer. I created Veronica Brett swimwear as a tribute to all the women in my life (aunts, sister, niece, and cousins) that have been affected by breast cancer and the BRCA1 gene.

So I guess cancer did change my life in that it became my calling to help other women affected by breast cancer. I wanted to create clothing that would help women feel great about themselves again, to help them feel confident and sexy all over again.

Do you feel that everything happens for a reason?

I’m not sure if everything happens for a reason or not. I just know that I was born into this really big family of amazing, strong women and we lost some of them very early to breast cancer. I’m in the generation fortunate enough to know about the BRCA1 gene and our risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

What advice do you have for women undergoing cancer treatment?

Ask for help, ask for support, ask for answers. If you feel a lump or suspect something is wrong, tell your doctor. Don’t let anyone tell you "it’s nothing" or "you are too young to have breast cancer". Ask, "What tests can you do to determine it isn’t breast cancer?"

Push until you get the answers you need to make informed decisions about your treatment. If you don’t like the way the doctor or nurses treat you, go somewhere else. You deserve information, respect and compassion.

What challenges do you face on a daily basis and how do you overcome them?

Like lots of people, I tend to doubt myself at times. When this happens, I pull out my copy of Oprah Magazine, (the August 2010 issue where she called Veronica Brett a "Genius Idea"!). Or else I reread the beautiful emails I have received from the women who have bought my swimsuits. These really keep me going.

What do you find beautiful about yourself?

I think my blue eyes are pretty beautiful, especially when I am really excited and really happy. My creative streak can be pretty beautiful as well.

How did you start your business and why did you pick bathing suites?

I started Veronica Brett swimwear primarily due to my sister and my niece. They both had mastectomies without reconstruction. They are both young and really attractive. I picked bathing suits because the options available were not very fashionable or appealing to young women. Swimsuits are also the most public garment a woman would wear after surgery where she felt most exposed.

What’s your favorite bathing suite?

Definitely the Veronica Brett lace-front halter (I wear it in black!). It is a really flattering swimsuit, fits well and is great for relaxing at the beach or a day at the water park with my 11-year-old son.

Do you plan to expand to other types of clothing?

Yes, there will be other types of clothing, but first more Veronica Brett bikinis and sexy beachwear for women who have had mastectomies!

It is time for women to recognize their beauty! No more fearing that a breast cancer or mesothelioma cancer diagnosis is going to limit your ability to live a normal life. Life is about what you make of it and with Veronica Brett designs you can now lay by the pool or beach feeling confident in how you look.

It is important to remember that true beauty comes from within. When you feel beautiful on the inside it radiates out. Take back your life and let your beauty shine through you. Life is too short to waste being worried and hiding from the sun. Go out and show off your beautiful body because you survived and have the RIGHT to feel confident and beautiful in your own skin!

Image by: Julia Ordodi

While it is true that many cancer treatments take their toll on a woman's physical appearance, she can still feel beautiful by adding to her wardrobe

According to Psychology Today, those who are in good mental health show fewer side effects from cancer treatments. The American Cancer Society has stated that some tumors may have an increased rate of growth in those who are under a great deal of stress. Women with cancer, such as that due to asbestos exposure, are at a heightened risk for psychological problems and increased stress, and for good reason. Cancer is quite possibly the most difficult trial a person can ever face, and remaining positive and optimistic after a cancer diagnosis can seem impossible.

Beautiful In Your Own Skin

Feeling beautiful can do wonders for a woman's self esteem and stress level. Fashion is a wonderful way to make a woman feel energized and empowered in the face of a cancer prognosis, but it is not the only way for a woman to make herself look her best. Makeup can also give women a lift. Lifetime Television's Executive Producer of Public Affairs famously wrote the memoir "Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy." The book details her triumph in the face of tragedy, and how trying to look her best even when feeling her worst helped her through the hardships of cancer. Trying different types of cosmetics can be a fun and inexpensive way for a woman to put her best face forward.

Beauty is not something that can only be accomplished through outward appearance. In order to feel beautiful on the outside, it is vital to know that you are beautiful on the inside. When cancer strikes, it may seem impossible to keep your head held high. Knowing how special and unique you are on the inside, no matter how the disease has ravaged your outward appearance, will let the world know how truly beautiful you are.

You are beautiful too.

By one school of aesthetic thought, you have a transcendent beauty that no merely pretty model could hope to match.

The Japanese concept of wabi-sabi embraces the transience of beauty. In this artistic philosophy, weathering and visible repairs only make something more beautiful because they show both the changes an object has undergone and its enduring quality. Although your cancer has changed you, you remain; that makes you uniquely beautiful. The changes you've undergone show the living, vibrant woman you are all the more clearly.

Embracing wabi-sabi beauty in theory is one thing, but facing it daily in the mirror is a more difficult proposition. Every woman in any state of health sometimes sees the beautiful teen or adorable child she was, and it's impossible not to compare your current self with that mental picture. You may feel that the present you suffer by comparison, but those around you see you differently. They see your present beauty, and even if they don't know the name of it, they recognize the principle of wabi-sabi.

Embrace your present self openly and honestly. If you've lost weight from chemotherapy treatments or undergone surgery that changed your appearance, choose fashions that suit you today, not what you might have worn years ago. Older clothing that is now too large for you emphasizes your weight loss, while a new outfit that fits will flatter you. Contrast draws the eye, so use it to your advantage when picking out new clothes. A colorful printed scarf with plenty of contrast brings attention to your face and doubles as a wrap for thinning hair if you feel more comfortable with your head covered.

Let makeup help your outer self reflect your inner self. On good days, few things bring you down faster than a well-meaning friend's concerned looks. Wabi-sabi embraces change, and that includes the changes wrought by a dab of lipstick and a touch of eyeliner. Befriend your new face and practice with new makeup techniques. Blush on the apples of your cheeks might not have worked in your teens, but it may be a great look for you now. If your lashes and brows have grown sparse, experiment with new lining techniques.

The average one-year survival rate after a diagnosis of mesothelioma related to asbestos exposure is 40 percent. You are more than a statistic, though; you're an individual, a unique work of wabi-sabi art. Every woman deserves to feel beautiful, none more so than those who have weathered so many changes. Walk the path of the wabi-sabi aesthetic and love the beautiful, enduring self you are today.

The health benefits of aerobic and strength exercises are well known. Slightly less known, however, is the potential benefits of exercise for cancer patients before, during, and after chemotherapy treatment. Light exercises can often reduce symptoms associated with cancer treatment.

One particular type of cancer that exercise may particularly benefit is mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the linings of internal organs, especially the lungs. Light exercising during treatment can greatly improve mesothelioma prognosis by maintaining and improving lung capacity and oxygen flow throughout the body. Mesothelioma is a direct result of exposure to asbestos, and typically is diagnosed in men.

While treatment for mesothelioma may include light cardiovascular exercises, patients with other types of cancer may also benefit from treatment. The following are a few of the symptoms cancer patients typically face, and the associated benefit that could be potentially gained through exercise. It is important to note that all exercises should be done under the supervision of a physician.

Fatigue

Many cancer patients suffer from fatigue at some point during their treatment. A cancer patient's number one problem is fatigue which is a common symptom during therapy. Cardiovascular exercise improves circulation which improves oxygen levels and helps remove toxins form the body. Removing toxins and improving oxygen flow will both help to decrease symptoms of fatigue. By reducing the symptoms of fatigue in cancer patients, a better quality of life and improved recovery time may be achieved.

Aerobic Capacity

Patients suffering from mesothelioma often have diminished lung capacity as part of the disease process. Cancer patients who have mesothelioma should be encouraged to exercise as much as possible to improve capacity. Regaining and improving aerobic capacity allows for proper oxygen flow, improves elimination of toxins, improves overall circulation, enhances quality of life, and may increase life expectancy.

Body weight

Many cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy often struggle with maintaining weight. Exercising can help to maintain some body mass and help to improve muscle tone and strength during treatment. Improved body mass often helps to speed recovery and provides strength during treatments.

Nausea

Nausea is another symptom that is commonly associated with chemotherapy treatment. Exercise helps to stimulate appetite and support digestive function. Controlling nausea during cancer treatment will help patients to receive the nutrients they need to heal and the strength needed for daily function.

Bone Density

Light to moderate weight training will also help to strengthen bones. If the cancer has metastasized to the bone, replacing lost bone and improving bone density is an essential part of the healing process. The better the bone density, the lower the risk of bone disease and potential for breaks.

Depression

Anyone facing a serious illness, especially cancer, may be prone to depression. Exercise has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression by increasing mood, releasing endorphins, and improving oxygen flow in the body. Treating and dealing with the symptoms of depression will vastly improve both the physical and the mental outlook for patients undergoing therapy.

Starting an Exercise Routine

Exercise for cancer patients should be customized to their particular condition and situation. Patients should always start small and build over time, and always exercise under the care of a physician. Many cancer patients, even those currently undergoing chemotherapy, start with short walks, mild yoga, or simple range of motion exercises. Once a routine is developed, more and more exercises may be gradually added in. The key is for patients to listen to their bodies to not over exert themselves to the point of stressing their health. It is better to start slower and work up to higher levels of exercise as the patient progresses.

Many patients choose to start their exercise routine with walking. Walking is a great low-impact exercise that virtually anyone can start. Starting an effective walking program can be done in 3 easy steps:

1. Select the time to walk. It can be early in the morning or later in the evening. Aim to start at 15 to 30 minutes per walking session 3 to 5 times per week.
2. Determine where the location to walk. Some choose to simply walk in their neighborhood while others choose to walk in a scenic park or somewhere that is relaxing to them.
3. Decide whether to walk alone or with someone else. Some prefer the solitude of a walk alone while others may choose to walk with a partner. Walking with a partner will often bring comfort and motivation to keep going.

Maintaining Exercise

Once cancer is in remission, it is advised that patients stick to an exercise regimen for the lone term. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of aerobic and strength training for healthy individuals. This may play a key part in helping cancer patient to remain in remission and avoid a relapse with the disease.