top of page

Healthy living

You can lower your chances of cancer by making healthy choices every day!

image.png

Avoid tobacco

Using tobacco can cause cancer almost anywhere in your body. In the United States, cigarette smoking is linked to about 80% - 90% (8-9 in 10) of lung cancer deaths. 

But if you smoke or vape, you can quit to lower your chance of cancer and other chronic diseases – no matter how long you have used tobacco.

Quitting can feel daunting, but there are many resources to help you make a plan to quit and stick to it!

​

Get started at SmokeFree.gov

Keep a healthy weight

Being overweight or having obesity are linked with a higher chance of 13 types of cancer.

Stay active

The good news is that being active helps you lose weight and lowers your chance of 8 types of cancer:

  • Bladder

  • Breast

  • Colon

  • Endometrial

  • Esophageal

  • Kidney

  • Lung

  • Stomach

If your recovery is going well, after 8 weeks, your transplant team may recommend moderate activity, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. Some sports may be safe, but you should avoid heavy contact sports, for example rugby, martial arts, or boxing, as these may hurt your new organ.

Always talk with your transplant team or primary care doctor before starting an exercise plan. They can help you find exercises that are safe for you to do after your transplant.

Learn more about physical activity and your health:

Read about how to start being active:

Eat healthy

After a transplant, most people have few limits on their diet. But some of the medicines you take may change what you can and can’t eat.

If you have other health problems, such as high blood sugar or high blood pressure, talk with your transplant team or primary care doctor about what you should eat or avoid.

When you plan your diet, include a mix of these healthy foods:

  • Fruits

  • Vegetables

  • Whole grains

  • Low fat or fat free milk and milk products

  • Lean meats, chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, nuts, and beans

  • And plenty of water, unless you have fluid limits

You also want to limit certain items:

  • Limit saturated and trans fats, which can raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol and give you a higher chance of heart disease and stroke. 

    • Saturated fats are found in animal-based foods such as beef, pork, poultry, full-fat dairy products, eggs. They are also found in tropical oils, such as coconut and palm oils.

    • Trans fats are found in some animal-based foods and many processed foods, like baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, and packaged snacks.

    • Tip: Replace foods high in saturated fat with unsaturated fats such as canola, soybean, or olive oil.

  • Limit alcohol, which has hidden calories and can make you hungry and eat more. 

  • Limit salt, or sodium, which can cause your body to hold on to fluid. More fluid in your body raises your blood pressure. 

Talk to your transplant team if you should avoid:

  • Diet supplements and herbal products

  • Grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which can affect some immunosuppressants

Limit or avoid alcohol

All drinks that have alcohol can raise your chance of cancer. You can lower your chance of cancer by drinking less alcohol or not drinking at all.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults:

  • Do not drink alcohol at all, or

  • Drink alcohol in moderation, which means:

    • 2 drinks or fewer in a day for males

    • 1 drink or fewer in a day for females

If you want to check your alcohol use, try this CDC tool: 

Lower your chances of infections

As a transplant recipient, you may be more likely to get certain cancers that are linked to viruses. This is because immunosuppressants make your immune system less likely to fight off viruses, and some viruses can lead to certain cancers.

  • Fever (at or above 100.4° F or 38°C)

  • Chills

  • Diarrhea

  • Fatigue

  • Loss of appetite

  • Shortness of breath

  • Cough

  • Coughing up thick mucus 

  • Difficulty or discomfort while peeing 

  • Skin rash 

  • Unexplained pain

Vaccines

Talk to your doctor about which vaccines you might need, including the hepatitis B vaccine.

Take steps to avoid infections

  • Wash your hands thoroughly and often

  • Try to avoid large crowds, especially during cold and flu season

  • Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose after contact with another person or surface, like after touching a door handle

  • Clean and sanitize surfaces often

Learn more about lowering your chances of infections: 

bottom of page