According to ASCO, the word “survivorship” is considered as “the process of living with, through, and beyond cancer. Thus, it begins with diagnosis and includes those who continue to receive treatment to either reduce the risk of the cancer returning or to manage chronic disease. There are millions of Cancer survivors in the world. The victory against cancer, after its treatment is like getting a new life. Often its life changing after brutal treatment side effects physically, mentally and socially and it takes time to fully recover. On the one hand survivorship is rejoicing and on the other it’s horrible. Most often the fear of Cancer recurrence remains. People are often curious and fearful about what happens next. Follow-up visits, certain symptoms, pictures or videos and even the date diagnosed with cancer can provide worries.
The person should be aware of some common questions during subsequent follow ups and should be extra conscious about any symptoms that prevails. Similarly Cancer survivors especially the one who are treated with chemotherapy are prone to infections. The Cancer treatment may cause effects on Heart, hearing, Vision, Lungs , Bones etc.
According to National Cancer Institute, Some of the most common problems that people report are:
- Fatigue
- Memory or concentration problems
- Pain
- Nervous system changes (neuropathy)
- Lymphedema (swelling)
- Mouth or throat problems
- Changes in weight and eating habits
- Bladder or bowel control problems
- Menopause symptoms
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has described ways to improve health issues after Treatment. Accordingly, risk can be lowered by Avoiding tobacco, Limiting alcohol use, avoiding too much exposure to ultraviolet rays, eating a healthy diet, maintaining healthy weight and being physically active.
Few important links for Post Cancer Care and understanding Survivors are given as: