Healthy Lifestyle Recommendations
Your patient is encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle. Visit Cancer Care Âé¶¹Ó³»'s supportive care and living well website or the After Treatment book for more information.
Here are some evidence-informed recommendations about modifiable lifestyle factors for your information:
Recommendations for Modifiable Lifestyle Factors
Body Weight |
- Body mass index (BMI): 18.5-25 kg/m2
- Waist circumference: less than 80 cm for women / less than 94 cm for men
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Physical Activity |
- Try to be active for 2.5 hours (150 minutes) every week.
- Spread out exercise throughout the day and week, such as 30 minutes 5 days a week.
- Focus on moderate (brisk walking) to vigorous activity (jogging).
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Nutrition |
- Avoid sugary drinks and foods
- Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes
- Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork, and lamb), and avoid processed meats
- Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt
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Dietary Supplements/ Bone Health |
- Vitamin D: 1000 - 2000 IU per day
- Calcium: 1000 mg per day (from all sources)
- Treatment and follow up as per Canadian Osteoporosis Guidelines
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Alcohol |
- Limit alcohol consumption (<1 drink/day, <3 drinks/week)
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Smoking |
- Practice smoking cessation. For help contact Âé¶¹Ó³» Quits 1-877-710-QUIT (7848) or visit albertaquits.ca and ahs.ca/guru for the clinical practice guideline
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Sun Exposure |
- Advise on avoidance of excessive or potentially harmful UV exposure
- Advocate for the use of sunscreen and sunglasses
- Advise against the use of indoor tanning beds
- Check skin regularly for suspicious lesion
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Immunizations |
- Annual non-live influenza vaccination unless contraindicated
- Other vaccinations as appropriate
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Other Cancer Screening |
- Age-appropriate screening such as breast, colorectal and other cancers
- Refer to for more information
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Physician Support
The following resources provide support and information for physicians: