Can Lifestyle Factors Improve CLL Patients' Survival Rate?

Drs. Alvaro Alencar, MD, with the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Alex Meija Garcia, MD, with the Miami Cancer Institute share insight into if there are any lifestyle factors that can help improve the survival rate for CLL patients. Watch the full video below: 

“Leave the worry for me, live your life. The whole idea for therapy is how can we minimize the burden of the disease so you can keep going with your life. The reality is that the majority of the time, CLL patients can continue functioning and living their normal lives while they receive therapy” (Dr. Alencar). 

Recommended Lifestyle Factors for CLL Patients

Dr. Garcia stated that they have not yet found a specific lifestyle intervention that will prevent the further development of CLL, it’s just always encouraged that patients try to live a healthy lifestyle. 

Lifestyle factors CLL specialists recommend for patients whether they are going through treatment or monitoring CLL include: 

• Attend doctor appointments
• If you go to public gatherings, try to stay away from people with colds/flu
• If you do get sick, don’t panic. There are things doctors can do to help fix it
• Wash your hands
• Eat a nutrient-dense balanced diet and drink adequate fluids 
• Don’t smoke
• Moderately exercise as able
• Wear sunscreen if going into the sun