Essential Elements of Cancersurvivorship Care: Lifestyle

In this episode of the Cancer Survivor MD podcast series on essential elements of cancer survivorship care, Dr. Josie van Londen is joined by Brad Buchanan and Colleen Dwyer to discuss lifestyle and health behaviors as tools for coping and healing after cancer. The conversation explores how survivors often turn to diet, exercise, and other habits to regain a sense of control, while emphasizing the importance of balance rather than perfection. The group discusses practical guidance—such as starting lifestyle changes slowly, focusing on moderation and variety in diet (with some evidence supporting Mediterranean-style eating), and being cautious with unregulated supplements unless medically indicated. They also highlight how building a personal “toolkit” of coping strategies—movement, mindfulness, creative outlets, therapy, and community support—can help survivors process stress and adapt to life after treatment. Through Brad’s powerful personal story of recovery and adaptation after intensive cancer therapy, the episode underscores that healing is often gradual and individualized, and that survivors benefit from experimenting with different approaches while giving themselves time, compassion, and support along the way.Relevant links for this episode: EMDR: https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/emdr-therapy-ptsd General Links:Disclaimers: https://cancersurvivormd.org/disclaimers/Brad Buchanan: https://linktr.ee/bradthechimeraG [Josie] van Londen: https://linktr.ee/cancersurvivormdCancerBridges: https://cancerbridges.org/