Lifestyle changes can help:
Smoking is a known risk factor for many cancers and other health problems. It can also make the chances of having problems from treatment higher. Smoking also slows the rate of healing
When you quit smoking, the body starts to heal right away. Quitting will help boost your immune system to help fight the cancer and help you get better faster during treatment.
Cancer and its treatments make it harder for your body to fight infection. This may make them more frequent or take them longer to go away. This can happen with common ones such as a cold or the flu. To lower your chances of infection:
A healthful diet can help your body and mind. Making healthy choices provides fuel to help your body work at its best. It also gives your body nutrition to help heal it faster. Eating the right foods will also make you feel better.
Cancer and its treatments can make you feel less hungry. Make the most of the calories you eat. A dietitian can help you with common eating problems. They can also help you plan meals.
If you have not been exercising on a steady basis, check with your doctor to choose a safe program. Exercise has many benefits. It helps with:
Talk with a trainer to help you set goals. They will also help you do it safely, especially when starting out. While adding exercise, be sure to balance it with rest.
Fatigue is the most common problem with cancer and cancer treatments. To keep from getting overtired, prioritize tasks and focus on the most important ones. It is important to allow others to help you with daily chores, shopping, and making meals. If needed, plan time to rest during the day.
Talk to your doctor if fatigue affects your quality of life.
Cancer is a life-defining event that can be hard to handle. It can be overwhelming to think and worry about treatment, changes, and uncertainty. Be sure to rely on family, friends, and other people in your life. People who allow themselves to seek help while they are recovering from cancer can often have a better emotional balance. Other sources:
Family and caregivers may also need support. Encourage them to seek support groups or counseling geared toward them.
Bladder cancer found in later stages can be harder to treat. Some people choose treatments to help ease symptoms. Others choose to fully stop it. For some people, it may be realistic to start end-of-life planning. Aspects may include:
If you need guidance, talk to your healthcare team. You can be referred to a trained professional to guide you through the process.
Bladder cancer. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115106/Bladder-cancer. Updated June 26, 2018. Accessed August 2, 2018.
Bladder cancer. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/genitourinary-cancer/bladder-cancer. Updated October 2017. Accessed August 2, 2018.
End of life care. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/end-of-life-care.html. Accessed August 2, 2018.
Preventing the flu: Good health habits can help stop germs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits/index.htm. Updated July 20, 2018. Accessed August 2, 2018.
Stay healthy. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/healthy.html. Accessed August 2, 2018.
Last reviewed June 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.