The Power of Putting Yourself First In Cancer Care
Ignoring your own needs doesn’t make you strong. It makes healing harder.
So many women spend years taking care of everyone else, until cancer forces them to stop and look at how much they’ve neglected themselves.
In my conversation with Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer on the Climbing the Corporate Ladder Without Breaking a Heel podcast, we talked about why putting yourself first during cancer isn’t selfish, it’s essential to recovery. We explored how prevention, second opinions, and real self-care can change outcomes and why guilt should never stand in the way of your well-being.
Watch the full conversation to hear the benefits of self-care for cancer patients and how always choosing yourself can transform your health and healing journey.
What You’ll Learn:
Why most cancer patients struggle to put themselves first, and how to change it.
The critical role of second opinions in cancer care.
Practical prevention and self-care strategies for every woman.
Why putting everyone else first can quietly erode your health over time.
How to recognize the early signs your body is asking you to slow down.
The one mindset shift that turns self-care from guilt to empowerment.
What most women get wrong about “being strong” during illness and recovery.
How a breast cancer survivor’s story reveals the power of choosing yourself.
Key Moments
00:00 Intro
02:27 Empowering women to take control of their healthcare decisions
04:58 Consequences of neglecting self-care
09:57 Delegation, asking for help, and managing priorities effectively
18:47 Learning to let others help
20:27 The value of second opinions in cancer care
30:01 How to navigate misinformation online
38:35 How women can proactively manage health before diagnosis
42:34 Menopause, hormone therapy, and updated women’s health insights
49:45 “Start, Stop, Continue” segment
Why Putting Yourself First Is Part of Healing, Not Selfishness
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you already know how quickly life can shift. Suddenly, every part of your routine revolves around treatments, appointments, and trying to stay strong for everyone around you. But in the middle of managing so much, many women forget something essential: you are allowed to put yourself first.
Self-care is not indulgence during cancer. It is medicine. It is the foundation that allows your body to heal, your mind to rest, and your spirit to find balance again.
The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Your Own Needs
Many women enter treatment already exhausted, both physically and emotionally. Years of putting family and work first can leave your body depleted before treatment even begins. During cancer care, that neglect becomes even more costly.
When your body is fighting disease, it needs proper nourishment, hydration, and rest. Skipping meals, ignoring fatigue, or pushing through pain can delay recovery and create complications. Healing requires energy, and energy only comes when your own well-being is the priority.
Letting Go of Guilt While You Heal
It is common to feel guilty about slowing down or asking for help during treatment. Many women feel pressure to stay productive or to continue caring for others as they always have. But cancer is a reminder that you cannot give from an empty place.
Putting yourself first during this time is not selfish. It is survival. You are rebuilding your strength for the long term. The people who love you need you to focus on healing, not on keeping up appearances.
Becoming an Active Partner in Your Care
One of the most empowering choices you can make during treatment is to become an active participant in your care. Ask questions, take notes, and learn about each medication, test, or procedure.
Never hesitate to seek a second opinion. It is not a lack of trust; it is a sign of confidence and courage. A second opinion can confirm your plan, present new options, or simply bring peace of mind at a time when clarity matters most.
Staying Grounded in Reliable Information
When you are facing cancer, it is natural to search for answers everywhere. Unfortunately, not all information online is accurate, and some can even be harmful.
Before trying alternative remedies or new diets, talk with your oncologist or care team. Some supplements or treatments may interfere with chemotherapy or radiation. Your doctors can guide you toward safe and effective choices.
Rely on trusted sources such as major cancer centers and recognized oncology organizations. The right information can guide you toward true healing and protect you from false hope.
The Healing Power of Choosing Yourself
Healing from cancer is more than physical recovery. It is an emotional and spiritual process. It involves listening to your body, allowing rest without guilt, and accepting care from others.
When you choose yourself, you are not turning away from the people you love. You are showing them what real strength looks like.
You are your best advocate. You deserve time, attention, and care. When you prioritize your health, you begin to reclaim not only your strength but your future.
