Overcoming cancer surely takes more than just medicine. There are various activities which can help cancer patients and their families understand the deep connection between body and mind, cultivate a state of inner peace and joy, and promote self-healing in order to reach a higher level of wellbeing and enhance the quality of life.

These activities include:

• Yoga Therapy: Through gentle posture and mindful breathing, yoga therapy enhances vitality and relaxation of the body and mind for self-healing.

• Qigong and Taiji: Qigong and Taiji aim to strengthen the body, quiet the mind and improve health.

• Holistic Living and Healthy Diet: To achieve a balanced, happier, healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle from a holistic perspective.

Going through cancer treatment can be a long and painful ordeal. People often experience emotionally draining and physically challenging side effects. Fortunately, most side effects will go away in time and there are ways to learn to deal with them and minimise the disruption to your life. Side effects will vary from person to person and from one treatment to the next. No matter what type of treatment you are receiving, it is important to have a good understanding of all possible side effects which can be gained from talking openly with your doctor.

1. Before your treatment begins, ask your doctor what short term and long-term side effects to expect.

2. During, between and after treatment, tell your doctor or nurse about any side effects you experience. If you have a particularly severe side effect, the doctor may prescribe a break in your treatments or change your treatment.

3. Ask your doctor if you can take any medicines, creams, home remedies or complementary therapies during treatment. Some of these remedies can affect your treatment and how it reacts with your body.

4. Consult a general practitioner when you have any doubt about a side effect you are experiencing, or call the nurse at the oncology department of the hospital you are consulting.

Tell a health professional immediately about any unusual, painful or worrying problems or side effects. Consider keeping a diary to write down any side effects you experience and what you did to cope with them to share with your nurse or doctor. Side effects usually start during the first few weeks of treatment and most go away in time. Remember that the type and severity of any side effects have nothing to do with the success of the treatment.

For more cancer-related information and support, please visit the Hong Kong Cancer Fund website or contact Hong Kong Cancer Fund free enquiry hotline: (852) 3656 0800

Source: Hong Kong Cancer Fund