A diagnosis of cancer disrupts profoundly everyday life and previous plans lose their meaning. The illness may disturb your mental and physical wellbeing. Enough sleep, exercise and a healthy diet are beneficial in every stage of the cancer illness.
Selviytyjän matkaopas (Survivor’s guide) (in Finnish) contains answers to question you may ponder about. The guide provides advice for everyday life and discusses the feelings and perceptions caused by illness.
Many cancer patients experience profound fatigue which is not alleviated by sleep or rest. You may reduce fatigue by sufficient rest, daytime naps and by sleeping uninterrupted all night.
Consult your doctor if
Nutrition is an important thing to consider when you are getting cancer treatment. Cancer disease and treatment can cause eating problems, which can lead to loss of appetite and weight loss. Nutrition is an important part of well-being during all stages of the disease. Healthy diet with enough energy during cancer treatment might help you to feel better and keep up your strength and daily practices on-going.
The Cancer Patient Nutrition Guide (PDF, in Finnish) provides information on cancer patient’s nutrition, loss of appetite, nausea, and digestive problems. The guide includes helpful eating tips for cancer patients.
Nutrition guide for cancer patients during treatment (PDF, in Finnish). Guide is meant for patient treated in VSSHP, VSHP or Satasairaala.
Read more about the national nutrition recommendations (in Finnish)
Becoming ill is naturally followed by mood changes, concern for other people and sorrow. Discuss boldly your need for support – your health care personnel are there for you.
Getting things off your chest often helps. The hospital chaplain, psychiatric nurses, psychologists and psychotherapists working in the FICAN West region are a part of the multiprofessional team that treats and attends to the needs of cancer patients. Your treating doctor can provide you with a referral and with contact information on where to get support services.
The organization Mental Health Finland runs a national crisis help line at number 010 195 2202. This number provides immediate support to persons in crisis, their friends and family.
You may find relief in talking with persons who have experiences the same as you. The Cancer Society of Finland and the local cancer organizations help your on getting the mental support you need with a recent cancer diagnosis. They know also about the rehabilitation you would benefit from.
You may find tools for self-assessment of your condition and for service guidance under the Health Village portal (in Finnish).
Usually exercise benefits most cancer patients. Regular exercise provides joy and improves mood and gives well-known health benefits. Exercise reduces fatigue and anxiety. Even if you feel tired, a walk outdoors may be refreshing and give energy. But remember – listen to your own body and your own needs. Don’t overdo it and just do as much as you manage comfortably.
Occasionally, cancer treatment may limit your possibilities to move for some time due to an increased risk for infections or poor physical health. Just ask your doctor what you may and what you may not do. You will find information on exercising also on the web pages of the different cancer care pathways.
Here you find information on national exercise recommendations (PDF, in Finnish).
We help you to return to your everyday life after the cancer treatment is over.
Cancer patients have access to several forms of support options ranging from peer support to medical aids. We support you in your illness.
