Cancer Maintenance and Care

Understand long term cancer care, maintenance strategies, and quality of life focused support.

Cancer Maintenance and Care

Understand long term cancer care, maintenance strategies, and quality of life focused support.

Learn about cancer lifestyle and prevention strategies for children. Discover heart-healthy diets, exercise, and ways to reduce environmental risks for long-term health.

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

Cancer: Maintenance and Care

Why Choose LIV Hospital for Cancer Care 

At LIV Hospital, we believe that a healthy lifestyle is a powerful tool. It supports your child’s body during cancer treatment. It also helps build a strong foundation for a long, healthy future. This section offers guidance for families. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge for prevention and lifelong wellness. We focus on simple, effective steps you can take every day.

Icon LIV Hospital

Nutrition for a Strong Body

sporty beautiful woman holding bag vegetables dumbbell green background concept sports healthy eating LIV Hospital

Good nutrition is a cornerstone of health for every child. It is especially important for children facing cancer. Food is the fuel that helps their bodies grow, heal, and stay strong. A balanced diet supports the immune system. It also helps them better handle the side effects of treatment.

Focus on creating a balanced, heart-healthy diet for children. This approach benefits their entire body, not just their heart. Fill their plate with a rainbow of colorful fruits and vegetables. These foods are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Whole grains, like oatmeal and whole-wheat bread, provide lasting energy.

  • Choose Lean Proteins: Options like chicken, fish, eggs, beans, and lentils help rebuild tissues.
  • Include Healthy Fats: Avocado, olive oil, and nuts are great for brain development.
  • Stay Hydrated: Water is essential. For picky eaters, try adding fruit slices for flavor.
  • Make it Fun: Use cookie cutters for fun-shaped sandwiches. Blend fruits and veggies into smoothies.
Icon 1 LIV Hospital

Staying Active as a Family

cancer

Physical activity is safe and important for most children during and after cancer. It boosts mood, reduces fatigue, and strengthens muscles. The key is to keep it fun and age-appropriate. Activity should be a joy, not a chore.

For younger children, this means active play. Dancing to music, playing tag, or going to a park are perfect. Older kids might enjoy family bike rides, gentle yoga, or swimming. Always talk to your child’s care team first. They can recommend the right type and amount of exercise.

  • Listen to Your Child: Some days they will have more energy than others.
  • Start Slow: Begin with short, 10-15 minute sessions and gradually increase time.
  • Focus on Fun: The goal is movement and smiles, not competition.
  • Be a Role Model: When you are active with them, it becomes a healthy family habit.

Managing Stress Together

A cancer diagnosis is stressful for the whole family. Managing this stress is vital for your child’s emotional health. A calm environment supports their healing journey. It helps their body focus on getting better.

Use simple techniques that everyone can learn. Deep breathing exercises can quickly calm anxiety. Art and music therapy let children express feelings without words. Maintaining a daily routine provides a sense of safety and control.

  • Practice Mindfulness: Spend a few quiet minutes together, focusing on breathing.
  • Encourage Play: Play is a child’s natural way to process emotions and reduce fear.
  • Talk Openly: Use simple, honest words to answer their questions.
  • Seek Support: Don’t forget to care for your own stress as a parent. Join a support group or talk to a counselor.

Creating a Healthy Home Environment

Your child’s environment can affect their health. Reducing exposure to potential risks is a key part of preventing congenital heart defects and other health issues. This starts even before birth and continues throughout childhood.

For expectant mothers, avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and unnecessary medications is crucial. After birth, protect children from secondhand smoke. It is a major environmental risk. Ensure your home is free from mold and pests. Use natural cleaning products when possible to limit chemical exposure.

  • Check for Radon: Test your home for this invisible, radioactive gas.
  • Filter Air and Water: Use a HEPA air filter and a quality water filter.
  • Choose Safe Toys: Select toys made from natural, non-toxic materials.
  • Limit Plastics: Avoid heating food in plastic containers to reduce chemical leaching.

30
Years of
Excellence

Trusted Worldwide

With patients from across the globe, we bring over three decades of medical expertise and hospitality to every individual who walks through our doors.  

Book a Free Certified Online Doctor Consultation

Doctors

Table of Contents

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

The Power of Regular Checkups

Regular health screenings are crucial. They help catch any potential issues early. For childhood cancer survivors, these checkups monitor for late effects of treatment. This proactive approach is key to long-term health.

Follow your pediatrician’s schedule for well-child visits. These exams track growth and development. After cancer treatment, your oncology team will create a long-term follow-up plan. This includes specific heart, lung, and other health screenings.

  • Keep a Health Journal: Track any new symptoms or concerns between visits.
  • Ask Questions: Write down your questions before appointments.
  • Understand Your Plan: Make sure you know the schedule for scans and blood tests.
  • Stay Updated: Keep all vaccinations current, as recommended by your doctor.
cancer

Starting Prevention Early

Primary prevention means stopping a health problem before it starts. For your child’s lifelong health, this begins with healthy choices during pregnancy. The mother’s health directly impacts the baby’s development.

Good prenatal care is the first step. This includes taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid. It also means managing chronic conditions like diabetes. Protecting the mother’s health is a direct way to support the baby’s healthy development and reduce risks.

  • Attend All Prenatal Appointments: Regular monitoring is essential.
  • Eat a Nutritious Diet: A mother’s healthy diet supports the baby’s growth.
  • Avoid Infections: Practice good hygiene and avoid sick contacts.
  • Discuss Family History: Talk to your doctor about any family history of health conditions.

Building a Healthy Future After Cancer

Secondary prevention focuses on preventing complications or the cancer from coming back. After treatment, a healthy lifestyle is your child’s best defense. These habits help protect their body for decades to come.

This means continuing with a nutritious diet and regular activity. It also involves attending all follow-up appointments. Protecting the skin from too much sun and avoiding risky behaviors as they grow older are also important parts of staying healthy.

  • Promote Healthy Friendships: Social support is key to mental health.
  • Encourage Positive Body Image: Help them appreciate what their body has overcome.
  • Teach Sun Safety: Use sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing outdoors.
  • Discuss Avoidance: As they age, talk about the dangers of smoking and alcohol.

30
Years of
Excellence

Trusted Worldwide

With patients from across the globe, we bring over three decades of medical expertise and hospitality to every individual who walks through our doors.  

Book a Free Certified Online Doctor Consultation

Doctors

Table of Contents

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I prevent childhood cancer?

While not all childhood cancers can be prevented, you can lower risks. Focus on a mother’s health during pregnancy. Avoid tobacco and alcohol. After birth, protect your child from secondhand smoke and limit their exposure to environmental toxins. A healthy lifestyle from the start is the best strategy.

A balanced, heart-healthy diet for children is best. Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This helps rebuild strength and supports long-term health, reducing the risk of future complications. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.

The amount depends on your child’s age and health. The goal is to be active every day. This could be 30-60 minutes of play, walking, or other fun activities. Always get specific exercise guidelines from your child’s oncology team. They will create a safe, personalized plan.

Yes. High stress can weaken the immune system. It can make it harder for the body to heal. Using stress management techniques like deep breathing, play, and routines helps create a calm environment that supports recovery. Mental health is just as important as physical health.

The most important changes are eating a nutritious diet, staying physically active, and attending all follow-up appointments. Also, avoid tobacco and protect the skin from sun damage. These habits build a strong foundation for a healthy future and help manage long-term risks.

Spine Hospital of Louisiana