The American Cancer Society (ACS) has published a set of guidelines for cancer survivors. The guidelines include achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight, physical activity and diet. Here are the specific recommendations:
Physical Activity
Exercising can improve muscle strength and help maintain a healthy weight. The ACS has recommended adults to participate in at least 150 mins of moderate intensity, or 75 mins of vigorous intensity, or equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous activities each week. For cancer patients undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy, you might want to lower the intensity of these activities or participate them in shorter durations. If you are unsure, do check with your doctor for a suitable physical activity. Just as ACS emphasises on ‘move more, sit less’, ultimately, some form of exercise would be better than none.
Diet/Nutrition
According to ACS, healthy carbohydrate sources includes wholegrains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. The ACS has recommended adults to have a daily intake of 1.5 to 2 cups of fruits and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables. ACS has also added to choose whole grains instead of refined grains. As for protein sources, ACS has recommended foods low in saturated fats. This includes fish, lean meat, skinless poultry, eggs, non-fat and low‐fat dairy products, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Based on ACS recommendations, red meat, processed meat, foods with added sugar and highly processed foods should be limited or avoided.
As for supplements, ACS has recommended for cancer survivors to attempt to get nutrients from foods and to only turn to supplements after consulting your doctor. For cancer patients, speak to your doctor before taking any supplements as it could affect any treatments you are receiving.
Alcohol
ACS has recommended for individuals to limit alcohol consumption. The specific recommendation would be no more than one drink for women per day and no more than 2 drinks for men per day. For cancer patients, alcohol should be avoided as it could affect any treatments you are receiving.
