3 Things You Can Do Now to Reduce the Risk of Cancer Recurrence

You’ve finished cancer treatment and now it feels like you’re looking back over your shoulder to make sure cancer is still gone. According to the Mayo clinic, “Fear of recurrence is common in cancer survivors. Though they may go years without any sign of disease, cancer survivors say the thought of recurrence is always with them. You might worry that every ache or pain is a sign of your cancer recurring. Eventually these fears will fade, though they may never go away completely. “

One way to cope with this fear, is to create new habits that help reduce your risk of recurrence. Let’s begin:

1. Exercise regularly. Start with 3 times a week for at least 20 minutes. You can begin with walking or other light activity that gets your heart rate up.

2. Use the 1/4th rule: less than 1/4 of your plate should have healthy a protein, like lean poultry or fish and the other 3/4th should be Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

3. Detox your home. Remove cleansers and products that pollute your home with cancer-causing toxins. The rule of thumb is: if you can smell it, it may be toxic. Air fresheners, fabric softeners, and products like Bleach create a toxic bouquet. Try using white vinegar and water for floors, softening laundry, and pet stains.