Nutrition & Exercise

Regular exercise can greatly improve physical and mental health and it's a very important piece of the cancer journey. At The Gathering Place, we understand the importance of exercise during or after treatment and will work each participant to help them meet their unique needs. Those who were not active before their cancer diagnosis can safely and successfully join one of our exercise programs.

While no single food or nutrient is the cause or cure for cancer, nutrition plays an important role in all aspects of health. From the time of diagnosis until after treatment, balanced nutrition helps support the immune system, repair and build muscle, and provides a sense of control and empowerment as something positive we can do throughout treatment and survivorship.

Nutrition recommendations for cancer survivors include working towards or maintaining a healthy body weight and lifestyle through a whole food plant-based eating pattern and regular physical activity. A plant-based eating pattern emphasizes adding more plant foods on your plate such as whole grains, beans, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.

Many side effects of cancer and cancer treatment can make it challenging to meet your nutritional needs and maintain a healthy weight. Changes in taste and smell, mouth sores, dry mouth, low appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea are some of the common side effects of cancer treatment.