It is a common fact that cancer is a huge problem in society. With various types and degrees, it seems like everyone has the potential to be diagnosed. According to the American Cancer Society there will be an estimated 1,658,370 new cancer cases in 2015 and 589,430 cancer related deaths. However, Pennsylvania alone has an estimated 260,650 people with 1-5 year survival rates. We know that people can be in remission, but that does not always mean they are 100% healthy. Which leads me to wonder what precautions they must take, the statistics behind cancer survival, and how that compares to a “regular, healthy” person.

According to the Mayo Clinic, with a doctor’s permission, survivors are encouraged to return to a healthy lifestyle like any other person. By eating right, working out, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco use, and consuming alcohol in moderation, they can leave cancer in the past. However,  this article dives deeper into specific foods, drinks, and actions cancer survivors can take that might help or hinder them. As far as foods go, they list fiber, flaxseed, fruits, vegetables, organic foods, and small portions of red meat as important to include in a healthy diet for those who are currently undergoing treatment or are in remission. However, this article includes brief references to experiments about food and cancer, which are confusing and potentially misleading for some people. They repeatedly mention that each particular food may be beneficial for a healthy life, but results vary and more tests need to be done. They claim in some studies, alcohol has been linked to cancer and cancer reoccurrence, but others show neither positive or neutral results. As expected, they believe exercise is beneficial, but they admit it cannot be proven to help prevent a relapse. The obvious assumption can be made that a healthy, well-balanced life can help cancer patients, but the lack of scientific proof is worrisome and fairly shocking.

Obviously, those who have had cancer will try their very best to avoid a relapse and to move on with their lives. At this point, they probably don’t care if a certain food is proven to be beneficial. A study from the British Journal of Cancer was done to address the lifestyle behaviors of childhood cancer survivors and to compare them with the lives of either siblings or other controls. In this cross-sectional study, they took data from 178 childhood cancer survivors between the ages of 18 and 30 and compared it to same sex and age controls and siblings. The researchers focused on addictive actions such as alcohol consumption, cigarette use, and recreational drug use. They found that cancer survivors had lower alcohol consumption rates, were less likely to smoke, and were significantly less likely to use recreational drugs than their matched controls. This experiment further added to information that “long-term survivors of childhood cancer are leading healthier lifestyles” and practice more preventive health behaviors than the rest of the population.

In conclusion, I believe it is clear that cancer survivors are more cautious in their lives post-treatment in order to not relapse, thus setting great examples for the rest of us. Cancer patients already inspire many people with their strength and courage during treatment, but when treatment is over, we should continue to look for inspiration from them. At one point in time we may have been healthier than them, but inevitably they will be healthier than us. Obviously, every case is different, third party variables may be present, and there’s always chance, but starting a healthy lifestyle sooner rather than later can be beneficial to anyone.