Cancer treatment can disrupt a patient’s life. However, the impact of cancer can outlast its treatment. Survivorship care starts with the diagnosis of cancer and continues through treatment, recovery and in remission. The goal is to prevent and effectively manage the short term and long term side effects of cancer and its treatment.
As of January 2016, there were an estimated 15.5 million cancer survivors in the United States. The number of cancer survivors is projected to increase to 20.3 million by 2026. Cancer survivorship care will be a significant public health priority in the future.
Cancer Survivorship programs provide support services and resources for cancer survivors and their families and caregivers. Some essential elements are critical to well being of cancer survivors. Radiation and chemotherapy may increase the risk of cardiac side effects. For example, chest irradiation and anthracycline chemotherapy drugs are particularly notorious. Therefore cardiovascular health of cancer survivors should be optimized. Cancer survivors may be at increased risk of new cancers, in addition to the risk of recurrence of their primary malignancy. Appropriate screening strategies should be adopted to mitigate these risks. Survivors may experience treatment-related side effects like neuropathy, lymphedema, and pain. Other survivorship issues include sexual health, fertility, nutrition, exercise, anxiety, and social support.
A healthy lifestyle is a crucial component of well being in cancer survivors. Studies have shown a lower incidence of cancer recurrence in survivors who engage in regular exercise and make healthy dietary choices. Meditation and Yoga are simple yet powerful strategies for enhancing psychologic and physical well being. A positive attitude, and having positive social interactions with friends and family may boost mental well being and longevity.
Life on the other side of cancer can be full of hope, joy, and triumph. At the same time, the side effects from cancer can linger on for years. A solid survivorship plan can ensure that its treatment does not define life after cancer.
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