Optimizing Cancer Survivors' Health: The Role of Lifestyle Behaviors

Lifestyle-related behaviors (eg, weight management, physical activity, diet, and so on) play a vital role in the health of cancer survivors. As the population of cancer survivors increases, an estimated 20.3 million by 2026, nurse practitioners across diverse settings will become more involved in cancer survivorship care. Evidence has shown that certain lifestyle behaviors can enhance the lives of cancer survivors and, in some cases, reduce cancer-related mortality. Several cancer organizations have developed guidelines for assessing lifestyle-related factors among cancer survivors along with evidence-based counseling strategies to help motivate patients toward healthier behaviors.