Staying Healthy with Lung Cancer

1. Protect Your Lungs

Make sure your lungs aren't being stressed any more than they need to be. If you smoke, quit smoking. Avoid secondhand smoke and going outside when the air quality is poor. Ask people not to smoke near you at work and at home. Avoid social activities that will expose you to secondhand smoke. Quitting smoking makes a positive difference in your risk for lung cancer and ability to heal after lung cancer treatment. Get expert advice for how to stop smoking.

2. Take Care of Your Body

Your body needs all the support it can get so you can heal properly and fight lung cancer. Being mindful of the following will help you care for your body during and after lung cancer treatment:

• Stress can weaken your immune system and take other tolls on your body. Using lung cancer support resources and some complementary medicine treatments can help reduce stress. Talk with your lung cancer care team about ways to cope with the stress of lung cancer.
• Conserving energy can help you fight fatigue. Make sure you get the appropriate amount of rest, not too much or too little. Planning ahead, spacing tasks out and asking for help also will help you feel less tired.
• Nutrition can make a big difference in how you feel.
• Physical activity will help you feel better physically and mentally. Even small amounts of activity can help.

3. Use Your Support System

Friends, family and healthcare professionals are invaluable resources during this time. Most people you know want to help, they just don't know how. Don't be afraid to ask for support from those around you. Always talk openly with your healthcare team. Here are some people and places that may be able to offer support:

• Neighbors
• Co-workers
• Faith-based groups
• Social Clubs
• Free American Lung Association Lung HelpLine 1-800-LUNGUSA
• Free online support groups like the Lung Association's Lung Cancer Survivors Community on Inspire.com
• Caregiving coordination services
• Connect with a Lung Cancer Mentor

You might think about seeing healthcare professionals you may have never seen before, including social workers, psychologists or counselors. These people can help you deal with stress, depression and anxiety that may arise as a result of facing lung cancer.