Survivorship
Survivorship - Peter Mac Cancer Centre
| What happens after you finish treatment at Peter Mac? You're not alone in dealing with the questions of what next and what now. Below is some information to ease you into life as a cancer survivor. | ||||||
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| Being a cancer survivor >> | ||||||
| Some common issues for survivors >> | ||||||
| Useful Links >> | ||||||
| Being a cancer survivor | ||||||
| “I think being a cancer survivor is almost a badge of honour.” Mark | ||||||
| Patients that have finished treatment for cancer and have been told by their doctor that they are currently free of cancer are considered cancer survivors. Many people live with cancer for a long time. Patients finishing treatment for cancer face many challenges, which vary depending on the type of cancer and treatment received. The most common issues faced immediately after treatment finishes include returning to work, reintegrating into their social lives, and possible physical impairment such as fatigue. As well, this is a time when many are realizing the impact of their cancer experience on their family or friends and they are learning to cope with their experience. As a cancer survivor it is important that you talk to your health care team about your ongoing follow-up. It may be important to monitor yourself for side effects of the treatment, as well as monitoring for a chance of the cancer coming back. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating a balanced diet and exercise. Peter Mac is committed to your ongoing care. We have developed a DVD for people who are completing cancer treatment which is available from theCancer Information and Support Section of this website. We have also joined forces with The Cancer Council of Victoria to produce a booklet for Cancer Survivors which is available from the Cancer Council Helpline: 131120 or via their website:www.cancervic.com.au | ||||||
| Some common issues for cancer survivors | ||||||
| Immediately after finishing treatment Some patients have a feeling of isolation once treatment is finished. This time frame is often described as the loss of a security blanket or safety net. Many feel anxious about stopping treatment and uncertainty about the effectiveness of the treatment they have received. | ||||||
| "Every cancer sufferer needs to go through an extraordinary process of re-adjustment after the treatment." – Neil | ||||||
| Returning to normal Regaining a sense of normality and coming to terms with a new or possibly changed outlook on life can be difficult. There is often apprehension with returning to work, which can include dealing with co-workers’ reactions or finding new employment. Some find that this is an opportunity to travel or take up new activities. | ||||||
| Follow-up planning and fear of recurrence – The fear of recurrence and anxiety associated with follow-up appointments is experienced by the majority of cancer survivors. | ||||||
| “After the finish of your treatment – naturally you think am ‘I over it or not’ – as a human being you have to think about those things – not that you just got to but it just happens, I was thinking about recurrence – but not to the extent that it took over my life.” – Spiridon | ||||||
| Impact on family and friends – Survivors have differing experiences with their family/friends once treatment is finished. Some do not experience any changes; others experience increased family closeness and others encounter difficulties in their relationships. Understanding and realising that different people will react in different ways to your experience is an important part of the experience. | ||||||
| “While I was filled with confidence, they [parents] were filled with dread when I came out of it.” – Mark | ||||||
| Physical Consequences of Treatment | ||||||
| “Cancer will always leave a scar. The scars are internal, they’re emotional, they’re intellectual, and they are physical. The physical scars are probably the least of the worries, but it’s the emotional scars that people go through in terms of their journey.” Neil. | ||||||
| Sexuality/Relationships – A change in body image and decreased sexual attractiveness is a common result of treatment. As well, decreased sexual activity and anxiety about sexual performance is often experienced. Fertility – The effects of treatment on fertility vary widely. Knowing your options for fertility in the future is important and coping with potential infertility is critical. Menopause – Onset of early menopause is a potential side effect of some cancer treatment. | ||||||
| Late effects | ||||||
| The late effects experienced will vary depending on the type of cancer and treatments. Fatigue is common, both mental and emotional, after finishing treatment. The duration and intensity will vary but it is important to find ways to cope. | ||||||
| “The more you know the better your chances are… you make better choices, you feel more confident – you know – at the end of the day”. | ||||||
| Coping | ||||||
| There are many tested strategies to aid in coping with the changes associated with finishing cancer treatment, like relying on faith and spirituality, moving forward, completing goals (such as finishing a degree), joining groups or finding a new appreciation for life and drawing meaning from the cancer experience. | ||||||
| “I’ve talked about it all the time. I don’t feel guilty about it. I think a lot of people feel guilty about getting cancer, which to me is extraordinary.” – Maxine | ||||||
Useful Links | ||||||
| National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship [NCCS] | ||||||
| The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship is the oldest survivor-led cancer advocacy organization in the USA the Coalition aims to empower cancer survivors. | ||||||
| Cancer Survival Toolbox® | ||||||
| The NCCS’ Cancer Survival Toolbox is a free self-learning audio program intended to ‘help people develop important skills to better meet and understand the challenges of their illness. | ||||||
| Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) | ||||||
| “The Lance Armstrong Foundation believes that in the battle with cancer, unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist, Lance Armstrong, the LAF provides practical information and tools for people living with cancer” | ||||||
| National Cancer Institute (USA) Facing Forward Series: Life after Cancer Treatment | ||||||
| “The mission of the Office of Cancer Survivorship (OCS) is to enhance the quality and length of survival of all persons diagnosed with cancer and to minimize or stabilize adverse effects experienced during cancer survivorship. The Office of Cancer Survivorship conducts and supports research that both examines and addresses the long- and short-term physical, psychological, social, and economic effects of cancer and its treatment among pediatric and adult survivors of cancer and their families” | ||||||
| American Society of Clinical Oncology: People Living with Cancer - Survivorship | ||||||
| The People Living with Cancer webpage provides cancer information about survivorship, as well as survivor stories, information about rehabilitation. | ||||||
| Institute of Medicine report “From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor: Lost in Transition | ||||||
| “From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor focuses on survivors of adult cancer during the phase of care that follows primary treatment. The book raises awareness of the medical, functional, and psychosocial consequences of cancer and its treatment. It defines quality health care for cancer survivors and identifies strategies to achieve it. The book also recommends improvements in the quality of life of cancer survivors through policies that ensure their access to psychosocial services, fair employment practices, and health insurance.” | ||||||
| Dana Farber Cancer Institute | ||||||
| “The mission of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is to provide expert, compassionate care to children and adults with cancer while advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure, and prevention of cancer and related diseases.” |
