10 Healthy Habits For Pancreatic Cancer Patients

September 8, 2023

Precede Foundation

Pancreatic cancer is a challenging enemy, often diagnosed at advanced stages and presenting substantial difficulties for patients and their families. Managing this disease requires a thorough approach that extends beyond medical treatments alone. In this blog, we will explore 10 healthy habits that can play an important role in the well-being of pancreatic cancer patients. By adopting these practices, patients can enhance their quality of life, support their treatment journey and promote a positive outlook during a challenging time.

1. Maintain a Nutrient-Rich Diet

A well-balanced diet is a foundation for managing pancreatic cancer. Patients should focus on incorporating nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into their meals. These foods provide essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and helping in recovery. Additionally, small, frequent meals can help manage digestive issues that may arise during treatment, such as nausea and diarrhea. Consulting with a registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance on dietary choices and meal planning.

2. Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential for pancreatic cancer patients. Dehydration can worsen the side effects of treatment and compromise overall health. Patients should aim to drink plenty of water and consider oral rehydration solutions if needed. However, it’s important to monitor fluid intake to prevent overhydration, which can be harmful. Working with a healthcare provider to determine individual hydration needs is advisable.

3. Regular Exercise

Exercise may not be top-of-mind for cancer patients, but it offers numerous benefits. Regular physical activity can help alleviate fatigue, improve mood, maintain muscle strength, and enhance overall well-being. Patients should discuss their exercise plans with their healthcare team to ensure they choose activities that align with their energy levels and physical condition. Even light activities like walking or gentle stretching can make a significant difference in maintaining strength and mobility.

4. Manage Stress and Anxiety

Pancreatic cancer can be emotionally draining, leading to stress and anxiety. It’s essential to address these emotions to support mental well-being. Patients can explore several stress management techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or counseling. Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation can also alleviate stress. Developing a strong support network of family, friends, or support groups can provide emotional comfort during this challenging journey.

5. Adequate Rest and Sleep

Quality sleep is important for healing and maintaining energy levels. Pancreatic cancer and its treatments can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and decreased quality of life. Establishing a consistent sleep routine, creating a comfortable sleeping environment, and practicing relaxation techniques can improve sleep quality. If sleep disturbances persist, consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to identify and address underlying issues.

6. Medication Management

Many pancreatic cancer patients require medications to manage symptoms or side effects of treatment. Adhering to medication regimens as prescribed is essential for effective treatment. Organizing medications using pill organizers, setting reminders, and keeping a detailed medication list can help prevent missed doses and potential complications. Patients should communicate openly with their healthcare team about medication concerns, including side effects, to ensure appropriate adjustments are made.

7. Supportive Care

Facing pancreatic cancer is a challenging journey, and patients should not go through it alone. Building a strong support system is essential. Seeking emotional support from loved ones and participating in cancer support groups can provide comfort, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Open communication with family and friends about your needs and feelings promotes a supportive environment.

8. Regular Medical Check-Ups

Routine follow-up appointments with your healthcare team are essential for tracking treatment progress, monitoring for potential complications, and addressing any concerns immediately. These visits allow early detection and intervention if issues arise, improving overall outcomes. Patients should actively engage in discussions with their healthcare providers, asking questions, and sharing any changes or symptoms they experience.

9. Encourage a Positive Outlook

Encouraging a positive outlook can play a crucial role when it comes to managing a serious health condition like pancreatic cancer. It involves several strategies such as focusing on the bright side of situations, practicing gratitude, setting optimistic goals, and managing stress effectively. Research has shown that a positive attitude can have numerous benefits for mental and physical well-being, including reduced stress levels, enhanced resilience, and improved overall quality of life. It can help patients cope with the emotional and physical challenges of their illness, maintain hope, and enhance their ability to adhere to treatment plans. Healthcare providers, support systems, and personal strategies can all contribute to encouraging a positive outlook in individuals facing health-related challenges.

10. Stay Informed and Ask Questions

Knowledge is power, and patients should actively seek information about their condition. Understanding the disease, treatment options, and potential side effects empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care. Don’t hesitate to ask questions during medical appointments and consider seeking second opinions when necessary. Utilize reputable resources and support organizations to access reliable information about pancreatic cancer.

In the face of pancreatic cancer, adopting healthy habits can make a significant difference in a patient’s quality of life and overall well-being. By incorporating these practices into their daily lives, pancreatic cancer patients can enhance their physical and emotional resilience during treatment. It is also essential to recognize that the journey through pancreatic cancer is not one that should be faced alone. The support of loved ones, the expertise of medical professionals, and the trust found in support groups can all be valuable resources along the way. Remember, each individual’s journey is unique, and consulting with healthcare professionals for guidance is important. Together, patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers can face the challenges of pancreatic cancer with strength, hope, and determination.

Join The Battle

Early detection is key! Join TrovaNOW in supporting PRECEDE – a global collaboration of leading experts battling pancreatic cancer. Together, we aim to quadruple the survival rate within the next decade.

By spreading awareness and encouraging regular check-ups, we can catch this disease early and make a real difference in saving lives. Join us in our mission to advance the detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer to transform the landscape of this disease and improve survival rates. Visit our website www.trovanow.org and learn how you can donate and get involved today!

Knowing When To Ask For Help

There’s strength in recognizing when you need additional support. If you’re feeling consistently overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, it may be time to speak with a healthcare professional. Warning signs can include ongoing sleep trouble, loss of appetite, or emotional numbness.

Mental health care is an important part of cancer recovery. There are therapists, social workers, and cancer-specific counselors trained to support your unique needs. Don’t hesitate to seek them out.

Your medical team can help adjust medications or recommend physical therapy if your symptoms are impacting your daily life. Being honest about your struggles allows your care providers to offer better, more personalized support.

The path to recovery from pancreatic cancer is rarely straightforward. It’s a mix of triumphs and setbacks, strength and vulnerability. But through each high and low, healing is happening. Be gentle with yourself. Allow space for rest, reflection, and growth.

You don’t have to go through this journey alone. With the right support, emotional, physical, and practical, you can move forward, one step at a time. And remember, every day you show up for yourself is a victory.

At TrovaNOW, we’re focused on finding a cure for pancreatic cancer. Every test and discovery brings us closer to better treatments and saving lives. Join us and learn more at TrovaNOW.

PRECEDE Foundation Inaugural Gala

Join us for a night at the Tribeca Rooftop 360 on October 28th at 3:00pm PDT to honor the following awards:

Nobility in Science Award

Raymond C. Wadlow, MD

Catalyst for Change Award

Ambry Genetics Corporation

Legacy Awards

Jeffrey Johnson, Esq.

Jonathan Morris, Esq.

PRECEDE Leadership and Compassionate Care Award

Jessica Everett, MS, CGC

Co-Chairs

Scott Berger | Michael Gershenson | Tracy Chen

Honorary Chairs

Diane Simeone, MD | Jamie Brickell

Get tickets here.

A Long and Steadfast Battle Against a Terrible Cancer

Raymond Wadlow lost his mom, Emily Couric, to pancreatic cancer in 2001. Today he’s an oncologist pushing for early detection.

Why Building Muscle Matters (Strength Training After Cancer Treatment)

Cancer treatment is an incredibly challenging journey, often leaving survivors physically and emotionally drained. While survival is the primary goal, the road to recovery requires more than just healing from the illness itself, it requires rebuilding strength and endurance. One of the most effective ways to regain strength and improve quality of life after treatment is through strength training.

In this blog, we’ll explore why building muscle matters after cancer treatment, how strength training supports recovery, and why it’s important to include physical activity in a full recovery plan.

The Importance of Muscle Health in Cancer Recovery

During cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy and radiation, the body goes through a variety of changes, including significant muscle loss. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and a decrease in overall functional capacity. Survivors may also experience joint pain, decreased bone density, and difficulty with mobility. When muscles are weakened, it becomes more difficult to perform everyday tasks, affecting the ability to return to normal life.

Muscle health is crucial for maintaining daily functioning, increasing stamina, and improving the body’s ability to heal. Building muscle after cancer treatment can help counteract the physical decline caused by treatments, reduce fatigue, and increase energy levels. Strong muscles are also important for stability, balance, and preventing falls or injuries, which can be especially crucial as the body regains strength.

Benefits of Strength Training After Cancer Treatment

Physical Benefits

Strength training is an excellent way to rebuild muscle mass lost during cancer treatment. By focusing on resistance exercises that challenge the muscles, you can restore strength and regain physical independence. Whether through bodyweight exercises, free weights, or resistance bands, strength training helps increase muscle mass, boost stamina, and promote flexibility.

It also improves bone density, which is particularly important for cancer survivors who may be at risk of osteoporosis due to treatments like chemotherapy and hormone therapy. As you build muscle, you reduce the risk of bone fractures and improve posture and stability.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Physical activity, especially strength training, has significant mental health benefits. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that help reduce anxiety and depression. Cancer survivors often experience feelings of helplessness and loss of control. Strength training helps you regain control over your body, build confidence, and feel accomplished.

Strength training offers mental benefits like improved mood and focus. Research shows that regular exercise can also help manage the cognitive effects of cancer treatment, such as “chemo brain,” which can cause memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and brain fog. Strength training can improve cognitive function, helping survivors feel more mentally sharp and focused.

Long-Term Health Benefits

Strength training can help prevent long-term complications of cancer treatment. Conditions such as sarcopenia (muscle wasting) and metabolic syndrome, which involves high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels, are common among cancer survivors. Building muscle through strength training can help manage these conditions and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Muscle health supports overall immune function and metabolism. Strong muscles help regulate blood sugar levels, enhance circulation, and improve the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, critical for recovery and long-term health.

The Science Behind Strength Training for Cancer Survivors

Strength training works by creating small tears in muscle fibers, which, when repaired, become stronger over time. After cancer treatment, the body may be in a weakened state, but through consistent resistance training, it begins to rebuild muscle tissue. This process is essential for improving muscle mass and overall body strength.

Strength training promotes hormone regulation, which can be disrupted by cancer treatments. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy often interfere with estrogen and testosterone levels. Regular strength training helps balance these hormones, which can improve mood, energy levels, and general well-being.

Studies have shown that strength training can help cancer survivors reduce fatigue, improve cardiovascular health, and maintain a healthy weight. This holistic approach is vital to fully recovering from the effects of cancer treatment and returning to a normal, active lifestyle.

Key Considerations When Starting Strength Training Post-Treatment

Starting strength training after cancer treatment should be approached with care. The body may be more sensitive and vulnerable in the recovery phase, so it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist before beginning an exercise program.

Start Slow and Progress Gradually: Don’t jump into intense workouts right away. Begin with low-impact exercises that focus on mobility, flexibility, and core strength. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as your body adapts. Listen to your body, rest when needed, and avoid pushing too hard.
Focus on Recovery and Balance: Incorporating rest days into your routine is just as important as training days. Overtraining can lead to injury or burnout, so make sure you balance strength training with adequate recovery. This includes prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and hydration as part of your overall fitness plan.
Adapt Exercises to Your Body’s Needs: Cancer treatment can result in lingering side effects like joint pain, fatigue, and reduced range of motion. Modify exercises to accommodate these challenges. Resistance bands and light weights can be excellent starting points for those who need to ease into strength training.

Effective Strength Training Exercises for Cancer Survivors

Cancer survivors can begin their strength training journey with simple, low-impact exercises that target the major muscle groups. Here are some effective exercises to get started:

Bodyweight Squats: Squats are a great full-body exercise that targets the legs, glutes, and core. Start by performing shallow squats and gradually increase the depth as you build strength.
Wall Push-ups: Wall push-ups are an excellent way to build upper body strength without straining the shoulders or wrists. As you gain strength, progress to standard push-ups or modified knee push-ups.
Resistance Band Exercises: Resistance bands are perfect for adding gentle resistance to exercises like bicep curls, shoulder presses, and leg extensions. They provide controlled resistance that’s easier on the joints.
Dumbbell Exercises: Once you’ve built up some strength, you can incorporate light dumbbells for exercises like lunges, chest presses, and rows to continue building muscle.
Core Workouts: Strengthening your core is essential for improving balance and stability. Exercises like planks, bird dogs, and leg raises are great for building a solid foundation of strength.

Building a Strength Training Routine

Creating a strength training routine that fits your needs is essential for long-term success. Here are some tips for creating a sustainable workout plan:

Frequency: Aim for two to three strength training sessions per week, spaced out to allow for adequate recovery.
Duration: Start with 20-30 minute sessions and gradually increase the time as your body becomes more accustomed to the routine.
Progression: Increase the resistance, repetitions, or sets as you build strength. A good rule of thumb is to challenge your muscles without overexerting yourself.
Consistency: Make strength training a regular part of your life, but be patient with the process. Progress may be slow, but every step forward is a victory.

Building muscle after cancer treatment is a powerful tool in the recovery process. Strength training not only helps rebuild muscle mass and physical strength, but it also provides emotional and mental benefits that can enhance overall well-being. By embracing a thoughtful, gradual approach to strength training, cancer survivors can regain control of their bodies, improve their health, and achieve a higher quality of life. Remember, consistency is key, strength comes over time.

In 2025, TrovaNow is expanding its impact—with a 40% increase in fundraising goals and more research sites dedicated to supporting cancer recovery. Visit www.trovanow.com to see how you can get involved and donate today.