The Benefits Of Adopting Healthy Habits After A Diagnosis Of Cancer

This article by Laura Freeman and Shireen Kassam, co-founders of Plant Based Health Online, details research that evidences the benefits of adopting healthy habits after a diagnosis of cancer. In particular, research continues to show the benefits of adopting a plant-based diet.

Following the success of two pilot cancer survivorship programmes earlier this year, the company has launched two further Virtual Group Consultation (VGCs) programmes designed specifically for men with early prostate cancer and men and women who have had treatment for colorectal cancer. These programmes have been generously subsidised by the Chartwell Cancer Trust. Further information is provided at the end of this article.

What healthy habits should people adopt?

Although around 40% of cancer are preventable, it is not possible to prevent all cancers. The number of people living with cancer is increasing and there is recognition that we can do more to support patients to live well after a diagnosis. Diet choices, physical activity, avoiding harmful substances, good quality sleep and managing stress are all key components of supporting the body and giving yourself the best chance of recovery.

Prostate cancer and the benefits of a plant-based diet

Prostate cancer is the commonest cancer in men in the UK. Early stages of prostate cancer often don’t require medical treatment. However, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can be beneficial.

A plant-based diet is the only diet that has been shown in a clinical study to arrest and in some cases reverse the early stages of prostate cancer.

In a randomised study of 93 patients with early-stage prostate cancer, one group was randomised to a plant-based diet and other healthy lifestyle habits, including regular exercise, stress management and social support. The other group continued their usual diet and lifestyle practices.

 After 1 year, the intervention group had a significant reduction in the PSA level (measure of the growth of the cancer), whereas the control group had a rise in PSA level.

After 2 years, 27% of the control group had to go on and have conventional treatment (surgery or radiation) compared to only 5% in the intervention group.

Similarly, a recent study of 1344 men from the USA showed that those consuming a diet full of healthy plant foods and low or absent in animal and processed foods had a much lower risk of having an elevated PSA level.

Short episodes of regular physical activity have been shown to suppress the growth of prostate cancer and eating more plant foods was shown to reduce the risk of dying from prostate cancer by 19% in a study which involved 47,239 men followed for over 30 years.

In separate studies the mechanism by which these diet and lifestyle interventions might be controlling prostate growth was investigated. Lifestyle interventions in men with prostate cancer were found to increase the activity of the enzyme telomerase in blood cells, which acts to maintain the length of telomeres, and favourably alter gene expression in the prostate cells themselves.

Cancer of the colon

Cancer of the colon is the 3rd most common cancer in the UK (in females and males).

Recently, a rapid rise in the incidence of colon cancer in young adults (aged 20-49) has been reported and evidence shows that a meat-heavy diet may be associated with early onset of the disease. Healthy habits improve remission rates and survival after treatment.

For example, one study showed that those eating a more plant-based diet before and after treatment had a longer remission and lived longer than people eating a meat-heavy diet.

Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of dying from colon cancer by 30-40%.

Although the research is less extensive, managing stress is also an important part of recovering from a cancer diagnosis. Even a short, daily relaxation routine can be of great help, bringing down levels of stress hormones and helping to maintain a steady mood. Restorative sleep and avoiding tobacco and alcohol are equally important.

At Plant Based Health Online, we recognise that it’s difficult to find the support to make all the necessary changes after a diagnosis of cancer and take on new habits. This is why we have teamed up with Chartwell Cancer Trust to support patients recover after cancer and achieve their best health.

Following the success of two pilot cancer survivorship programmes earlier this year, we will run two further Virtual Group Consultation (VGCs) programmes designed specifically for men with early prostate cancer and men and women who have had treatment for colorectal cancer. The reason we use VGCs is because we understand how having a supportive network can really drive positive health outcomes. Our VGCs bring people together who have shared similar lived experiences and provide opportunities for learning, understanding and expert advice. They are delivered in a caring, confidential environment and it is the peer support and group dynamic that makes them so powerful.

Prostate and Colorectal Cancer Programmes

• There is space for 10 patients for each group.
• Participants will be supported through a six-week structured diet & lifestyle programme
• They will have access to the team of PBHO healthcare professionals who will help the groups incorporate healthy diet and lifestyle choices in order to improve their overall health, quality of life and cancer survivorship.
• Consultations will be delivered via zoom
• Patients must be living in the UK
• The groups are suitable for patients with a diagnosis of early-stage prostate cancer or those who have received treatment for colon cancer.
• Cost £150 per patient (normally £350 – generously subsidised by the Chartwell CancerTrust)

For more information, please contact us by email: info@plantbasedhealthonline.com

Read what our patients are saying about our group consultations

“Doing the VGCs with PBHO has been such a brilliant experience. I’m learned so much about health and wellbeing after cancer and it’s been so good to connect with other women in a similar situation.”

“Plant based health online was exactly the support I was looking for after I had gone through cancer treatment. It was more than I had hoped for. It felt like having a personal doctor and dietician who could answer all my questions.”

“Connecting with other patients who had gone through cancer was hugely helpful. The team at Plant Based Health Online have made a big and very positive impact on my life. Thank you.”

“Meeting in this group has been so beneficial to me. It was great to meet with others with the same condition, particularly as I had met with so few during my treatment due to COVID. I have learnt so much on how to improve my health to prevent cancer recurrence, particularly in regard to my diet.”

“Being able to ask so many questions and hearing others’ questions has been really useful. It has allayed many fears and given me inspiration. I feel so much more in control of my health and am feeling so much better already!”