Positive psychology, good diet essential for life after cancer

Positive psychology and good diet are crucial for cancer survivors to lead a healthy life post cancer, according to doctors and dieticians.

Suman Gupta, a 32-year-old mother of two, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. She went through several chemotherapy sessions and a surgery and is now a happy mother.

"Positive lookout on life helped me fight cancer. It is a curable disease so nothing to feel scared about," Gupta told IANS.

Explaining the psychological aspect of the disease, Puneet Dwevedi, head of department, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Memorial Research Institute said: "Cancer affects not only the patient but also the family and care givers. In such cases, positive psychology goes a long way in helping people deal with the situation. The mental health professional helps change their denial to acceptance and encourages a positive attitude."

At an event for cancer survivors held here, dieticians also highlighted on the nutritional strategies that can be used to manage the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy.

"Nutrition helps counter weight loss, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, oral mucositis, taste alterations and constipation," said Tina Sapra, a registered dietician with the American Dietetic Association.

Of the other cancer survivors, yoga expert Ramneek Wig, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 25, highlighted that yoga could be important for developing mental health following cancer.

"I started practicing yoga and 'pranayama' to build physical fitness and mental strength. Yoga can be an important supportive therapy in the battle against cancer," Wig said.