Being a cancer survivor is an incredible accomplishment, but it comes with many potential health risks, one of which is an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Adolescents who have survived cancer are at an even higher risk for cardiovascular disease, especially if they underwent radiation therapy or chemotherapy. In this article, we will dive into the ways adolescent cancer survivors can reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and live a long and healthy life.

Exercise

Regular exercise is an important part of reducing cardiovascular disease risk in anyone, but it can be especially beneficial for adolescent cancer survivors.

Exercise helps the body to build and maintain muscle mass, which can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, exercise can improve mental health and help to reduce stress, which is important for overall wellness.

Diet

Diet is another crucial component of reducing cardiovascular disease risk.

Adolescent cancer survivors should aim to build a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, such as those found in nuts and seeds. They should also aim to limit their intake of processed foods, high-sugar snacks and drinks, and saturated fats, as these can contribute to heart disease. A registered dietitian can be a helpful resource for developing a healthy eating plan.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, so adolescent cancer survivors who smoke should make every effort to quit.

While it can be difficult to quit smoking, there are many resources available to help, including nicotine replacement products, smoking cessation medications, and support groups. Quitting smoking is one of the best things anyone can do to reduce their risk of heart disease.

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Management

Keeping cholesterol and blood pressure levels in check is also important for reducing cardiovascular disease risk.

Adolescent cancer survivors should have their blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly, and work with their healthcare provider to develop a plan to keep them in a healthy range if needed. This may involve medications, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both. Taking steps to manage cholesterol and blood pressure can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Stress Management

Stress can be a contributing factor in cardiovascular disease, so it is important to find ways to manage stress effectively.

This may include relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, talking with a therapist or counselor, or finding healthy outlets for stress such as exercise or hobbies. Managing stress can help improve mental health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Regular Health Checks

It is important for adolescent cancer survivors to have regular health checks to monitor their overall health and detect any potential problems early. This includes regular physical exams, blood tests, and imaging tests if needed.

Regular health checks can help to identify any potential cardiovascular disease risk factors early and allow for early intervention.

Healthy Sleep Habits

Getting enough sleep is important for overall health, including cardiovascular health. Adolescent cancer survivors should aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and be mindful of creating an environment that promotes healthy sleep habits.

This may include limiting screen time before bed, creating a comfortable sleeping environment, and establishing a regular sleep schedule.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

For adolescent cancer survivors who have already been diagnosed with heart disease, cardiac rehabilitation can be a helpful resource.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a personalized program that combines exercise, education, and counseling to help people recover from heart disease and reduce the risk of future heart problems. A cardiac rehabilitation program can provide the support and tools needed to manage heart disease effectively.

Support Groups

Living through cancer as an adolescent can be a difficult and stressful experience. Joining a support group for adolescent cancer survivors can be helpful for mental health and overall wellness.

Support groups provide a safe space for individuals to connect with others who have shared similar experiences, and can offer emotional support, education, and resources for managing health and wellness.

Conclusion

Reducing cardiovascular disease risk is an important focus for adolescent cancer survivors.

Regular exercise, a healthy diet, smoking cessation, blood pressure and cholesterol management, stress management, regular health checks, healthy sleep habits, cardiac rehabilitation, and support groups can all be helpful in reducing the risk of heart disease and improving overall wellness. By staying proactive about health and wellness, adolescent cancer survivors can live long and healthy lives.