Cancer wellness
Living well through every stage of your cancer journey
Education and awareness
Salem Health Cancer Center partners with cancer specialists to provide education and awareness to our patients and communities.
Cancer survivors team up to raise awareness and support others
Watch this video and meet several members of The Unsinkables dragon boat team, based in Salem. This inspiring group of women is comprised entirely of cancer survivors, caregivers and others.
The dragon boat team was founded in 2015 and rows year-round. The group regularly participates in regional and international competitions. They always welcome and invite new members to join in the fun!
Colon cancer screening awareness
Robert Ponec, MD presents an in-depth, virtual talk about the importance of colon cancer screening – including new recommendations to begin screening at a younger age (45 to 49 years old).
Cancer doesn’t wait – so neither should you. The American Cancer Society estimates 35% of Americans put elective medical procedures on hold, including cancer screenings, due to COVID-19-related fears and service disruptions. The earlier the cancer is detected, the more options there are for treatment, and the better the chances of survival.
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in the U.S. In 2020, there were 148,000 new cases of colorectal cancer and more than 53,000 deaths. It's largely preventable and one-third of Americans are not up-to-date on screening. Three-fourths of new cases have no known family history.
Breast cancer and genetics
This video features information from surgeon, Patricia Luckeroth, MD, FACS, Breast Care Center medical director.
Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women.
In this video, Dr. Luckeroth discusses family history, breast density, genetic testing, screening guidelines, breast cancer risk and modifiable risk factors.
Maintaining physical activity is important to your cancer journey
Regular exercise promotes lifelong wellness and helps combat cancer risk and recurrence. Following an exercise program during treatment can help improve your quality of life. The American Cancer Society recommends these actions for safe exercise.
To demonstrate staying active while staying safe at home, the Salem Health Cancer Center partnered with our physical therapists to show you how to turn sitting in a chair into a healthy workout.
Always talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Read more physical activity tips for cancer survivors
Healthy eating for cancer survivors
Your nutrition matters! A healthy eating pattern can help you feel your best. Learn more about balanced nutrition to keep your body strong during and after treatment in our recorded class, What Can I Eat?
If you have more questions after watching this video, you can sign up for a live question and answer session with our registered dietitian. To register, email us at cancercenter@salemhealth.org.
Healthy cooking demo: Plant-based meals
To help maximize great taste and nutrition in survivorship, a Salem Health Cancer Center registered dietitian shows how to make three quick-and-easy and delicious plant-based dishes.
Recipes featured in video:
Additional recipes and information
- Fuel a healthy diet with healthy recipes
- Serving up better health with a balanced diet
- Eat healthy and get active
Fruity kale salad recipe
Eating healthy has many benefits, including reducing your risk for cancer. Learn how to make this healthy and delicious salad!
Marinated bean salad recipe
A well-balanced diet not only helps you live a healthier life, it can also decrease your risk for cancer. Try this tasty salad today!
Golden Milk Quinoa recipe
Eating healthy can help reduce your risk of cancer. A Salem Health Cancer Center dietitian recommends trying Golden Milk Quinoa, a recipe packed with fiber, protein, and natural sweetness from fresh fruits.
Fruity Chia Seed Pudding recipe
Packed with fiber and protein, chia seeds are not only delicious but may help to reduce your cancer risk. Indulge in this nutritious snack anytime you need a flavorful boost. Your body will thank you!
Improve your spiritual and mental health
Tending the mind
Learn more about relaxing, improving your spiritual health and enjoying the moment.
Tending the spirit
“The events of the past year have presented us with many lessons to consider. A few of them are that life is worthy of celebration, that life is best lived in community, that our approach to a situation oftentimes effects the outcome, and that life is too short to postpone joy.” — Rev. Ken Morse, Salem Health chaplain