Stress & lifestyle support through cancer care.

Make room for the emotional experience.

There is no correct emotional response to a cancer diagnosis. Worry, anger, sadness, uncertainty, and periods of feeling well can all be part of the experience. You do not need to maintain a positive attitude to deserve good care.

Stress support aims to improve coping and daily wellbeing. It should not imply that stress caused your cancer or that controlling your thoughts will control the disease.

Build around what helps you function.

• Sleep. Review disrupted routines, symptoms, medication effects, and appropriate strategies or referral for persistent insomnia.
• Movement. Adapt activity to your treatment, symptoms, mobility, and current strength rather than using a fixed exercise target.
• Coping skills. Explore manageable relaxation or mindfulness practices if they suit your preferences.
• Daily routines. Plan around appointments, meals, rest, work, and help from others.

The aim is a plan you can use on difficult days as well as good ones. We revisit it as treatment and energy levels change.

Evidence and individual limits.

Exercise during treatment can support physical function and reduce fatigue in appropriate patients. Mindfulness and relaxation practices may help with distress and coping. These supportive benefits are different from evidence that a practice controls cancer.

Activity may need modification for complications or treatment-related risks. We review your clinical situation and coordinate with the oncology team or rehabilitation professionals before recommending changes. You should not push through new or concerning symptoms to meet a lifestyle goal.

Continuing support after treatment.

Finishing treatment can bring relief alongside uncertainty, fatigue, or fear of recurrence. Support may focus on rebuilding routines, returning to meaningful activities, and understanding when additional psychological or medical care would help.

Persistent distress, low mood, panic, or sleep disruption deserve proper assessment. Counselling, psycho-oncology, rehabilitation, and other services can be part of the same team. With your permission, we coordinate relevant recommendations across your care.

Common questions.

Learn more.

These resources explain the approach and the evidence discussed above. Research findings are interpreted in the context of your diagnosis and care.

• Meditation and relaxation during cancer care · NCI ↗
• Exercise during cancer treatment · ASCO guideline ↗
• Anxiety and distress in cancer care · NCI ↗

Page updated November 2026.

Care with Dr. Jeff Martineau, BScH, BHSc, ND

Start with your priorities.

Care is offered at Healthcode Regenerative in Vancouver. Care includes assessment, shared decisions, and communication with your oncology team, with your permission. Learn about my education and clinical training, or begin with a meet and greet to discuss whether the practice fits your needs.