Following of her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, Catherine, Princess of Wales recently released about her treatment, expressing relief that her course of chemotherapy was now complete.
Author
Liam Humphreys
Senior Research Fellow, Physical Activity, Wellbeing and Public Health Research Group, Sheffield Hallam University
Millions of people across the world receive chemotherapy each year – and it’s likely to increase. A estimates the number of patients needing chemotherapy will rise by 53% from 9.8 million in 2018 to 15 million in 2040.
So, how best to look after your body during and after the treatment?
Along with surgery and radiation, chemotherapy is one of the most commonly used . It aims to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing them or stopping them from dividing.
But chemotherapy between cancerous and healthy cells, so it’s associated with of including fatigue, hair loss, mouth sores, nausea and vomiting, infections, memory and concentration problems – and emotional issues, from mood changes to anxiety and depression.
Chemotherapy can also have a on the body. Late effects can include (nerve damage), , and – all of which can occur months or even years after treatment.
Management and maintenance
Undergoing chemotherapy is physically exhausting and mentally draining – and some patients find their quality of life is by the treatment’s side-effects.
But that many patients can better cope with chemotherapy by focusing on nutrition, exercise and their mental health both before and during treatment.
Patients undergoing chemotherapy can experience changes and appetite, so it can be challenging to maintain proper nutrition during treatment. But a is essential to help the body ease the side-effects of chemotherapy – and can help keep patients’ weight stable and avoid malnutrition.
Easily digested foods with neutral flavours, such as porridge and eggs, might be better tolerated during treatment. foods such as nut butters, dried fruit, avocados, and nuts and seeds could also be . Some chemotherapy medications can cause – when the treatment affects taste to the extent that even water can become unpalatable. In this case, sipping can help maintain hydration.
Exercise can also be highly beneficial , even if patients are . Gentle movement such as walking, stretching or yoga can help maintain fitness, reduce treatment-related fatigue and boost mood.
that regular, moderate-intensity exercise during cancer treatment can increase patients’ energy levels, improve their sleep quality, and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Although it is important not to overexert, even a few minutes of daily activity can .
As the princess of Wales shared in her update, cancer treatment is a deeply emotional journey as well as a physical one. Managing anxiety, depression and stress is vital for overall wellbeing.
A found that maintaining a strong emotional support network can reduce treatment-related distress and improve quality of life. Counselling, therapy or support groups can provide a safe space for expressing emotions and fears.
Post-treatment recovery
After completing chemotherapy, recovery is a gradual process – the body needs time to regain strength and repair after the impact of the treatment.
In her video, the princess and her family walk and play in fields and woodland, highlighting the value of activity and connecting with the outdoors. Participants in a reported that “nature was the most important resource in coping with their cancer”. Further that “exposure to, and interaction with, natural environments” can help improve the health of those recovering from cancer.
But running around outdoors might be the last thing on your mind after chemotherapy. , patients can experience severe fatigue, muscle weakness and reduced stamina. Some physical activity to aid recovery, though.
, including cardiovascular and resistance training, helps rebuild muscle strength, improves cardiovascular health, and reduces the risk of . Start with gentle exercises like walking, swimming or stretching. Over time, patients can increase the duration and intensity of their activities as their bodies allow.
This post-treatment period is a time to focus on mental and emotional recovery as well as rebuilding physical strength. As patients adjust to life after treatment, they of anxiety, uncertainty or fear about cancer recurrence. The princess talked about the emotional difficulties of explaining her illness to her children, and of dealing with uncertainty about her future. Psychological resilience plays a key role in long-term recovery: research shows that can a patient’s quality of life.
The recovery process after chemotherapy is multifaceted, involving physical rehabilitation, management of long-term side effects, and emotional healing. By exercising, maintaining a healthy diet and focusing on their mental health, patients can rebuild their strength and wellbeing – and, as Catherine said to others going through cancer treatment, “let that light shine bright”.
