Hearing about the 5 Pillars of Health for cancer patients can sometimes feel like a betrayal. You did all the right things, previously led a healthy life… and still ended up with a diagnosis. This isn’t about hearing the same advice you’ve heard a hundred times before, neither is it about striving to go back to your pre-cancer self. This is about becoming someone new… someone who can thrive in the now.

The 5 Pillars of Health are often repeated like a script: nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management and connection. But for those going through cancer, we need a different language. A lived, sensory way to feel health in your bones again.

1. Nutrition: More Than Fuel

Nutrition is more than just food… it’s information for your body. What you eat can impact your immune system, energy levels, inflammation, digestion and even your mental wellbeing. But we also need to consider how food is medicine for your spirit. During cancer treatment, your body is under siege. When you feel the pressure to adhere to a strict eating schedule, this can sometimes put further stress on your body when it’s already going through so much. We all know that vitamins, minerals and nutrients are essential, but it’s also important to send signals of safety and love to your nervous system.

• Eat what your body will say yes to, not just what the brochure recommends: Some days that may be a lentil dish. Some days, a spoonful of peanut butter. As long as you stay mindful, it’s important to listen to the yes.
• Bring sacredness back to food: Light a candle at dinner, even if you’re eating alone in pyjamas. Give thanks to the nourishment you are receiving.
• Colour is key: Nature can provide its most potent medicine in colour. Purple cabbage, bright turmeric, deep leafy greens – your rainbow choice of fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants to combat oxidative stress. See them as an ally on your journey, not a chore.
• Stay hydrated: Water, herbal teas and broths help flush toxins and reduce fatigue.
• Texture matters: Cancer can dull your taste or make certain foods repulsive. Instead of forcing it, explore textures… cool, soft, warming, crunchy. Let your meals take on a sensory aspect.

2. Movement: The Medicine of Micro-Victories

You don’t need to run a marathon or go to extremes, but finding ways to incorporate gentle, consistent movement into your daily schedule can remind you of your aliveness – whilst also helping to reduce fatigue, ease anxiety and support circulation.

• Short walks, stretching, restorative yoga, or light strength training.
• Wiggle your toes in bed or stretch your arms above your head… take up space!
• Listen to your body and choose movement that feels nourishing, not draining.
• Rock your body gently for nervous system nourishment.

3. Sleep: Restorative Healing & The Return to Trust

Cancer and treatment can disrupt sleep so it’s not uncommon to suffer from bouts of insomnia. The problem is… we all know how much sleep is required to support repair and reset on a deeply cellular level. Instead of forcing sleep, try inviting it:

• Surround your bed with softness, scent and sound that creates a sense of calm.
• Try relaxation practices like meditation, breathing exercises, or gentle music.
• Address pain or discomfort that may be affecting your rest with your care team.
• Try “rest over sleep.” If sleep doesn’t come, rest deeply.

4. Stress: The Quiet Saboteur You Can Befriend

Our thoughts, emotions, mindset and whole internal landscape play a huge role in healing. We’re often told to “reduce stress” like it’s a to-do list. But stress is just the alarm bell. What if instead of silencing it, you sat with it?

• Breathe with your fear instead of running from it.
• Write letters to your stress: “Dear anxiety, I see you…”
• Use nature sounds, crystal healing, or scent to co-regulate.
• Give yourself grace – healing includes emotional ups and downs.

Managing stress isn’t about banishing fear completely, it’s about showing fear it’s not in charge anymore.

5. Connection: The Power of Community & Love

Cancer can isolate you. People don’t always know what to do or say. You might even feel like you don’t fit into social circles like you once did. But connection can become your greatest regeneration source, and when we feel supported, held and loved… beautiful things can happen. Emerging research in psychoneuroimmunology (the study of interactions between psychological processes, the nervous system & the immune system) suggests that when we feel emotionally supported, our immune function improves and inflammation reduces.

• Seek “quality, not quantity.” One person who gets it is worth a hundred who don’t.
• Create rituals of connection – tea with a friend, voice notes instead of texts.
• Nurture your spiritual beliefs or practices if they bring you comfort.
• Let yourself be seen as you are now – not just as a cancer patient, but as a soul in transformation.

Final Thoughts: You Are the Sixth Pillar

You – your wisdom, your body’s instincts, your softness, your rage, your courage… that’s the sixth and most unspoken pillar. You don’t need to earn healing. You are worthy of it, now.

If you’d like to explore the 5 Pillars of Health for cancer patients further, please keep an eye on our events page for any upcoming wellbeing workshops that might be of interest. At Together Against Cancer, we regularly invite expert guest speakers to share their holistic wisdom to support you on your journey. These events are open for anyone to attend, regardless of your health status.