A cancer diagnosis can change daily routines significantly, and self-neglect is common. Everyone deserves to feel loved and cared for. Following self-care tips helps cancer patients focus on themselves and aids in their treatment journey.
The Importance of Self-Care for Cancer Patients
The demands of cancer, like treatments, medications, surgeries and side effects, can cause feelings of frustration and helplessness. This is especially true for young children who may not completely understand the situation. It can make patients feel like they have no control, but effective self-care strategies help them regain some power over their daily lives.
Self-care can help patients stay positive during challenging treatments. It allows them to pay attention to their needs at a time when they might neglect their happiness and health. Sticking to a regular self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce stress, relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression and boost happiness.
A cancer diagnosis and the treatments that follow can negatively impact a person's outlook on life. Implementing and sticking to a self-care routine can hold numerous benefits, including:
- Increased self-esteem.
- Improved mood and outlook.
- Reduced burnout.
- Strengthened relationship with self and others.
- Better productivity and focus.
Self-care isn't just about face masks and shopping — it's about working toward wellness. Effective self-care should be modeled after these eight dimensions of wellness:
- Physical
- Intellectual
- Spiritual
- Social
- Emotional
- Financial
- Vocational
- Environmental
7 Self-Care Tips for Cancer Patients
Self-care for cancer patients, especially children, may look a little different. It should involve practices that uplift their moods, boost their energy levels and help meet their emotional needs. These activities should be enjoyable and productive for the patient's overall wellness. Here are some essential self-care practices that can provide comfort and hope to individuals battling cancer.
1. Prioritize Physical Needs
Exercise can reduce some of the side effects of cancer treatments, like muscle weakness and depression. It provides an outlet for stress and boosts energy, which allows cancer patients to enjoy more of the activities they like.
For children with cancer, exercise can provide a fun way for them to develop their motor skills and just be kids. Exercise doesn't need to be push-ups and sprints. It can be a game of catch or shooting some hoops, which allows for meaningful bonding experiences as well.
The American Cancer Society recommends starting slow and working up to 150-300 minutes of moderate activity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise weekly. This should include stretching exercises and resistance training twice a week.
Getting enough sleep is also crucial for meeting physical needs. Lack of sleep can worsen side effects and mood. Patients with cancer can keep a sleep diary to track their schedule and help doctors identify and treat their sleep issues. Getting at least seven hours of sleep a day can improve mood and energy levels.
2. Pay Attention to Emotional Needs
Prioritizing emotional needs is one of the best acts of self-care during chemotherapy. It can be an especially challenging time to remain positive. Cancer patients can consult many resources, like engaging in art therapy initiatives, support groups and events.
Other activities can help people with cancer self-reflect, identify their emotional needs and find a sense of calm. Some examples include:
- Dancing
- Spending time in nature
- Reading a self-help book
- Talking to friends or family
- Coloring or other crafts
- Meditating
- Talking to a social worker or therapist
3. Engage in Intellectual Stimulation
Chemo brain causes mental fogginess and difficulty concentrating, making cognitive exercises excellent self-care ideas for chemo patients. They're one of the best nonmedical treatments to help restore cognitive functioning.
Believe it or not, video games actually have a place in intellectual stimulation, allowing children to have fun while exercising their minds. Other options include:
- Crossword or jigsaw puzzles
- Reading
- Board or card games
- Memory games
- Brain teasers
- Mindfulness meditation
4. Manage Hygiene Needs
Patients undergoing chemotherapy are especially vulnerable to infections. Effective hygiene routines, such as regular handwashing and bathing, can help prevent infections. Oral hygiene is also pivotal, as chemo patients are prone to thrush and gum diseases.
Taking care of personal hygiene boosts mood and improves self-confidence. It's also vital for physical health. During cancer treatment, self-neglect is likely due to fatigue, depression or lack of motivation. Personal hygiene products, like themed toothbrushes for kids or scented grooming supplies, can make all the difference.
5. Focus on Social Desires
Coping with cancer can be emotionally taxing. Being around loved ones can help patients with cancer feel guarded and calm. Staying connected is a part of human nature, and with constant doctor visits and treatments, children can miss out on this key part of their development.
It's important for children with cancer to spend time playing with friends and enjoying natural activities like having dinner with family. Individuals and childhood cancer families can help by volunteering to engage in play activities with children with cancer or simply spending time with them.
6. Meet Environmental Needs
While patients with cancer may not always have the option of leaving the hospital room for extended periods, the environment is important. A key self-care initiative is creating a comforting space. This could mean hanging up beloved artwork or organizing the room. A bouquet of flowers or a cute night light can help put a smile on their faces.
The bedroom should also be kept clean since chemo affects immune function. Aromatherapy can create a relaxing ambience and help the space feel a little more homey.
7. Dig Into the Spiritual Realm (if Applicable)
Self-care for cancer patients can be challenging, especially with more progressed diseases. In these cases, some patients and families find solace in seeking spiritual fulfillment. There are several ways to do this, including using chaplaincy services to help them get through the difficult moments.
For faith-based individuals, spiritual growth is the ultimate form of self-care. It can help restore a sense of peace and comfort for children with cancer.
Show You Care With Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital
Cancer patients deserve care, but they're not always in a position to care for themselves. That's where you can make a huge difference. Your help gives Four Diamonds the opportunity to make an effort where it's most needed.
We cover 100% of out-of-pocket medical expenses for our families. Through our fundraisers, like the Four Diamonds Mini-THON®, we raise funds to provide services like music and art therapy that help children with cancer express their feelings and feel loved.
We cannot thank you enough for your help and consideration and the difference you make for children with cancer. Feel free to make a donation online or get involved in our fundraisers for childhood cancer.
