If you or someone you love has beaten cancer, you already know how tough the journey can be. The good news is that many survivors share what helped them get through, and those lessons can make life after treatment easier and more joyful.
Take the case of Kang Seo‑ha, a young actress who fought stage‑four stomach cancer. Even though she passed away at 31, her bravery sparked conversations about early detection and staying positive during treatment. Stories like hers remind us that talking openly about cancer can reduce stigma and encourage others to seek help sooner.
Another survivor, a South African marathon runner, once told us that setting tiny, daily goals kept his mind focused. He ran just five minutes a day after surgery and gradually built up to full training. Small steps, not big leaps, often keep motivation alive.
These accounts show that every survivor’s path is unique, but common threads – hope, support, and realistic goals – appear again and again. When you read about others who have walked the same road, you feel less alone and more confident about your own recovery.
1. Stay Active, Even Lightly: Gentle walks, stretching, or yoga can improve circulation and mood. Aim for at least 20 minutes a day, and listen to your body. If you feel fatigue, dial back the intensity, not the effort.
2. Eat Foods That Support Healing: Focus on colourful veg, lean protein, and whole grains. Foods rich in antioxidants – like berries, leafy greens, and nuts – help repair cells. Limit processed sugar and alcohol, which can slow recovery.
3. Keep Up with Follow‑Up Appointments: Regular scans and blood tests catch any recurrence early. Write down questions before each visit so you don’t forget anything important.
4. Build a Support Network: Join a survivor group, lean on family, or talk to a counselor. Sharing feelings prevents isolation and can give you fresh ideas for coping.
5. Mind Your Mental Health: Practices like meditation, journaling, or simply reading something you enjoy can lower stress. Chronic stress weakens the immune system, so finding calm matters.
6. Plan for the Future: Set realistic short‑term goals – like cooking a healthy meal or finishing a book – then celebrate each win. Over time, those victories stack up into big confidence boosts.
Remember, being a cancer survivor isn’t a one‑time title; it’s a lifestyle change that keeps evolving. Use the stories above as fuel, and try the tips that feel right for you. If something doesn’t work, tweak it – the goal is to find a routine that supports both your body and mind.
Finally, share your own journey. Posting a short update on social media or talking to a friend can inspire someone else who’s just starting their fight. Every survivor has a voice that can lift another person up.
Living after cancer can feel like starting a new chapter. With real stories to motivate you and simple steps to follow, you have the tools to write a strong, hopeful ending to this part of your life.
Farooq Oreagba, MD of NG Clearing Limited, shares his eight-year-long journey battling multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer, during an interview with ARISE NEWS. In remission since a bone marrow transplant in 2014, Oreagba now supports fellow patients and raises funds for cancer charities. He remains dedicated to his work in financial services and actively spreads awareness about cancer.
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