Looking after yourself

Getting ready for treatment

Taking steps to improve your general health before treatment can help reduce side effects and support recovery. Even small steps can make a difference, so just do what you can.

You may need to wait a few weeks to start treatment, so you might have time to change some daily habits. Learn tips for improving your general health.

If you need to start treatment immediately, there are still usually simple changes you can make to improve your health.

Some cancer treatment centres and hospitals offer special programs to improve general health. These are called prehabilitation or “prehab” programs. These programs may be available for people having surgery or stem cell transplants.

If you don’t have access to these programs, your GP or cancer care team may suggest simple changes to your daily habits. If your GP refers you to an allied health professional (e.g. dietitian, physiotherapist, psychologist), you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for 5–10 sessions each calendar year. Ask your GP for details.

Tips for improving your general health

You may not be able to make big changes, but every small change to your daily habits can help.

Eat a balanced diet

Try to include foods from the 5 food groups – vegetables and legumes, fruit, wholegrains, meat and dairy and their alternatives. Eating well can help your body cope with side effects and speed up recovery. Avoid extreme diets or cutting out whole food groups at this time. Your doctor may suggest you see a dietitian.

Quit smoking and vaping

If you smoke or vape, aim to quit before starting treatment. Quitting smoking may improve your treatment results. See your doctor or call Quitline on 13 7848.

Start or keep moving

Being active can help reduce treatment side effects and support recovery. Talk to your doctor, exercise physiologist or physiotherapist about an exercise plan. Even small increases in your physical activity levels can be good for your health.

Drink less alcohol

Alcohol can increase the risk of complications. If you do drink, limit use and follow the Australian Government’s guidelines. If you do not drink alcohol, it’s best not to start.

Talk to someone

A counsellor or psychologist can help manage emotions after diagnosis and treatment. Ask your GP about a mental health plan or call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to find out about our support services.

Relationships, sex and fertility

Having cancer can affect your relationships with family, friends and co-workers in different ways. It’s natural to feel stressed, tired and emotional, and this may strain relationships.

The experience of cancer may also result in positive changes to your values, priorities or outlook on life. Give yourself time to adjust to what’s happening and do the same for those around you. Sharing how you feel with others can help. Call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 for support in managing personal relationships during cancer.

Effects on intimate relationships

Cancer can affect sex and intimacy in physical and emotional ways. How it affects you depends on many factors, such as treatment and side effects, your self-confidence, and if you have a partner. 

Although sexual activity may not always be possible, other ways of maintaining closeness and intimacy can be important.

Contraception and fertility

If you’re sexually active, you may need to use certain types of contraception to protect your partner or prevent pregnancy for a time. Your doctor will explain what precautions to take. They will also tell you if treatment will affect your fertility temporarily or permanently. If having children is important to you – now or in the future – discuss the options with your doctor before starting treatment. You may be referred to a fertility unit.

Complementary therapies

Complementary therapies may be used alongside conventional medical treatments. Therapies such as massage, meditation and acupuncture may reduce anxiety and improve your mood. Tell your doctor about any therapies you are using or thinking about using, to be sure they are safe and supported by evidence.