The National Comprehensive Cancer Network released the first edition of its 2015 Clinical Practice Guidelines for Cancer Survivors on Feb. 27, 2015 (NCCN). The guidelines include general principles of survival, the immediate and long-term effects of physical and psychological problems and health prevention for cancer survivors.
I. General principles of a healthy lifestyle
1. All patients should be encouraged to acquire and maintain a healthy lifestyle, with emphasis on weight management, physical exercise and healthy eating habits.
2. Healthy lifestyle habits are associated with improvements in overall health and quality of life. For some cancers, a healthy lifestyle is associated with a reduced risk of recurrence and mortality.
3. Healthy lifestyles that all patients should be encouraged to maintain include.
(1) Obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight throughout the life course
(1) Pay attention to dietary intake and exercise calories burned
(2) Obtaining and maintaining a normal body mass index (BMI)
(3) Measuring weight weekly to monitor weight changes
2) Regular physical activity.
(1) Avoid immobility: perform general physical activity daily (e.g., take the stairs, park in the back of the parking lot)
(2) Maintain at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, spread out throughout the week.
(3) Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in red meat, processed meat, sugar, and fat to promote weight control and avoid obesity.
4) Minimize alcohol intake
Women should limit their daily alcohol intake to one serving; men should limit it to two servings
5) Avoid tobacco intake
If currently smoking or using smokeless tobacco, try to quit
6) Avoid sun damage
(1) Use a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect against UV-A and UV-B rays
(2) Use sunscreen daily and reapply every 2 hours after swimming or excessive sweating
(3) Consider physical barriers wherever possible (e.g., hats, sleeved shirts, avoiding direct sunlight at its strongest)
(7) Regularly follow the physician’s primary care
Adhere to age-appropriate health screenings, preventive measures, and cancer screening recommendations.
(1) Regular use of dietary supplements is not recommended in cancer control
(2) Patients should work with their primary care team to set incremental dietary goals, physical activity goals, and weight management goals.
II. General principles of physical activity
1. Avoid immobility; general physical activity daily
Physical activity includes exercise, daily routines and recreational activities
2. Recommended physical activity and exercise should be based on individual ability and preference
3. The general recommendations for cancer survivors include
1) Total weekly activity of at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity or 75 minutes of high intensity exercise or an equivalent combination
2) Two or three sessions per week of vigorous exercise including major muscle groups
3) Regular stretching of major muscle groups
Third, the general principles of nutrition
1.Evaluate daily intake of fruits, vegetables, foods containing fat/sugar, processed foods, red meat, alcohol and desserts.
2. Evaluate eating habits, including ratio size, nighttime eating, snacking habits and frequency of eating out
3. Encourage wise food choices to ensure variety and adequate nutritional intake
4. The recommended dietary composition is
1) Two-thirds (or more) of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, or soy
2) One-third (or less) animal protein
5. The recommended sources of dietary components are
1) Fats: plant sources such as olive or canola oil, avocado, seeds and nuts, and fatty fish
(2) Carbohydrates: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes
3) Protein: poultry, fish, beans, low-fat dairy products, and nuts
6) Limit intake of red meat or processed foods
There is no consensus on whether to support or oppose legumes in cancer control. Therefore, a moderate intake (3 servings per day or less) of soy foods is a prudent choice.