Making chemotherapy more bearable: How to take care of your body and mind during treatment
As we approach Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, it’s a vital time to reflect on the challenges faced by those battling cancer, especially breast cancer, which remains one of the most common diagnoses worldwide.
According to the 2022 National Cancer Registry (NCR) report, breast cancer has a 25% higher incidence rate among women in South Africa, making it the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women.
However, despite the high numbers, cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in South African women.
For many, a cancer diagnosis means enduring chemotherapy – one of the most well-known yet daunting treatments. While chemotherapy is designed to fight cancer by stopping the growth of cancer cells, it often comes with harsh side effects.
Worldwide, the number of chemotherapy patients is growing. A 2019 study predicted a 53% increase in chemotherapy needs –from 9.8 million patients in 2018 to 15 million by 2040.
With such a large number of people affected, it’s important to know how to make chemotherapy more bearable and how to take care of your body during and after the treatment.
What makes chemotherapy so tough?
Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer, along with surgery and radiation, according to ABJ, the area's top oncology group.
It works by attacking cancer cells, killing them or stopping them from growing. Unfortunately, it also attacks healthy cells, which leads to a range of side effects. These include:
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Mouth sores
- Nausea and vomiting
- Infections
- Memory and concentration problems (“chemo brain”)
Chemotherapy can also take a toll long after the treatment is over.
Coping during chemotherapy
Many people undergoing chemotherapy have found ways to manage the side effects and maintain their quality of life.
Chemotherapy can be exhausting, but research has shown that focusing on three areas – nutrition, exercise, and mental health – can help patients cope better with the side effects.
Eating right to feel better
One of the biggest challenges during chemotherapy is maintaining proper nutrition. Many patients lose their appetite or experience changes in how things taste.
Despite the difficulties, it’s essential to eat well to help the body manage the side effects of treatment and avoid malnutrition or weight loss.
Patients should try to eat foods that are easy to digest and have neutral flavours, like porridge or eggs. If you find yourself losing weight, try nutrient-dense foods like nut butter, dried fruit, avocados and seeds.
Chemotherapy can also affect how things taste, leading to something called “chemo mouth”, where even water might taste unpleasant. In these cases, patients might try sipping clear broth to stay hydrated.
Exercise: Even when chemotherapy leaves you feeling tired, a little bit of movement can go a long way. Gentle exercise, such as walking, stretching or yoga, can boost your mood, help maintain fitness and reduce the fatigue caused by treatment.
Studies have shown that regular, moderate exercise during cancer treatment can improve energy levels, help with sleep and reduce anxiety and depression.
You don’t need to push yourself too hard – even a few minutes of daily activity can make a big difference.
Mental health: Cancer treatment is not just a physical journey, it’s an emotional one, too. Dealing with anxiety, depression and stress is crucial for overall well-being during chemotherapy.
A study from 2022 found that having a strong network of emotional support can reduce treatment-related stress and improve quality of life.
Whether it’s talking to a therapist, joining a support group or leaning on friends and family, patients should have a safe space to express their emotions and fears.
Recovering after chemotherapy: Once chemotherapy is over, recovery doesn’t happen overnight. The body needs time to regain its strength and heal from the stress of treatment. Many patients experience muscle weakness, fatigue and low stamina after chemotherapy.
But even though you may feel exhausted, some physical activity is important for recovery.
Physical recovery: Regular exercise, including cardio, can help rebuild muscle strength, improve heart health and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
Start with gentle activities like walking, swimming or stretching. As your body gets stronger, you can gradually increase the intensity of your workouts.
Emotional recovery: Healing the mind
The emotional side of recovery is just as important as the physical. Many patients feel anxious about the future or worry about cancer coming back. As the Princess of Wales shared, explaining her illness to her children and dealing with uncertainty was deeply emotional.
While the feelings are common, addressing them is key to long-term recovery. Building psychological resilience can significantly improve quality of life.
Talking to a mental health professional, practising mindfulness or engaging in meditation can help patients manage their emotions and feel more in control.
Nature’s healing power
Interestingly, research has shown that spending time in nature can aid recovery after cancer treatment. Exposure to natural environments has been linked to improved health outcomes for cancer survivors.
However, after chemotherapy, running around outdoors may not be practical. In those early stages of recovery, even small amounts of time spent outside – sitting in a garden or walking in a park – can have a positive impact.