After treatment for kidney cancer

Recovery takes time, so try not to be hard on yourself. You might find it helpful to read our section about adjusting to life after cancer treatment|.

Lifestyle – positive choices, helping yourself

After cancer treatment some people choose to make some positive lifestyle changes. It’s not to say you didn’t follow a healthy lifestyle before cancer, but you may be more focused on making the most of your health. We’ve included information here that may help you.

Stop smoking

If you’re a smoker, giving up smoking is one of the healthiest decisions you can make. Smoking is a major risk factor for smoking-related cancers and heart disease.

Our section about giving up smoking| has more information and tips to help you quit.

Keep to a healthy weight

If you feel you need to lose weight, ask your GP for advice and what your ideal weight is.

Our section about weight management| after cancer treatment has some helpful tips.

Keeping to a healthy weight reduces the risk of some other cancers, heart problems and illnesses such as diabetes.

Here are some tips to help you lose weight:

• only eat as much food as you need
• eat a balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables
• eat less fat and sugar
• become more physically active.

Eat healthily

Eating healthily will also give you more energy and help you to recover. Try to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (five portions a day), cut down on salt and eat less red meat. Follow any advice you have been given by a dietitian.

You might find our section about eating well| useful.

Get physically active

Being physically active helps to keep your weight healthy and can reduce stress and tiredness. It also reduces the risk of other health conditions.

Our section about physical activity| and cancer treatment has more information.

Stick to sensible drinking guidelines

These recommend that men drink no more than three units of alcohol a day (or 21 a week) and women no more than two units a day (or 14 a week). It’s a good idea to have a few alcohol-free days each week. 

If you have any problems, or notice any new symptoms between follow-up appointments, let your doctor know as soon as possible.