Researchers are studying effective ways to prevent lung cancer recurrence in patients. Once a patient has been successfully treated, there are numerous ways to help reduce risks.
1. Doctors recommend that patients undergo a complete physical exam every three months for the first two years, followed by a semi-annual exam thereafter. Tests may include: chest x-rays, CT scans (computer-assisted tomography), MRI scans (magnetic resonance imaging), or blood tests. Depending on the type of lung cancer the patient was diagnosed with.
2. When a patient has successfully completed a course of treatment, most doctors recommend that the cancer patient undertake a 30-minute exercise regimen at least five times a week. These exercises should include general physical exercises such as walking, cycling, swimming and jogging (depending on the age and condition of the patient in question). Exercise not only makes someone feel stronger, it also helps the patient develop a stronger immune system.
3. Eating a healthy diet also helps reduce risks. Studies show that eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables (variety is more important than quantity) can also help reduce both the risks of developing lung cancer and its recurrence. Eating a diet low in fat and high in whole grains will help maintain a sufficient amount of nutrients within the body. These nutrients help keep the body strong. They also have a host of anti-recurrence benefits.
Four. Smoking, which is one of the main causes of lung cancer, should be completely forgotten after treatment is finished, along with most alcoholic beverages. Both contain a number of carcinogens that not only increase the chances of being diagnosed with the disease, but also significantly increase the risks that the disease will return. In addition to the lungs that are at risk from tobacco and alcohol, other organs such as the esophagus, liver, and stomach are also at risk.
5. Depending on the type of lung cancer a patient was diagnosed with, it may also depend on the aftercare options that are available. These options may include traditional medicines that reduce the risks of recurrence or alternative medicines that have also shown great success. Alternative medications are also considered a good option after treatment, because they are less damaging to the body’s organs than traditional anti-recurrence medications.