Cancer survivorship is an aspect of oncology that starts with cancer diagnosis, continues during and after treatment, and goes up to the end of life. It refers to the phase of cancer care that follows after the completion of active treatment. It focuses on the health and life of a cancer patient beyond diagnosis and treatment phases. At its core, cancer survivorship is about addressing physical, emotional, social, and practical aspects of living with and through cancer and also beyond it.
Phases of survivorship
There are three key phases to cancer survivorship. These are briefly described below:
• Active survivorship: This phase refers to active treatment from the time of diagnosis. Cancer patients may undergo chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or other therapies during this phase. The primary focus here is on managing treatment and coping with the ensuing side effects.
• Extended survivorship: This phase starts after the treatment ends. During the extended phase, patients transition from active treatment to follow-up care. The extended phase is marked with feelings of uncertainty about recurrence and dealing with possible side effects of treatment.
• Permanent survivorship: During this phase, focus is on long-term ongoing health management after remission.
Common physical issues during survivorship
Most cancer treatments are associated with side effects which lessen in intensity once the treatment gets over. However, some side effects continue for a long time and have a lasting impact. These side effects are briefly described below:
• Cancer-related fatigue: Fatigue related to cancer can leave you feeling exhausted despite having adequate rest. Most people recover from it after the treatment gets over but for some patients, it gets hard to get back to normal activities even after the treatment has stopped.
• Pain: Pain may be induced due to the disease itself or as a result of treatments administered for treating cancer.
• Chemotherapy-associated brain fog: You may suffer from cognitive dysfunction arising due to treatment side effects which makes it difficult for you to take decisions and may also lead to memory loss.
Common mental health issues during survivorship
Cancer not only affects your physical well-being but also causes an impact on your mental health. Some of these side effects are:
• Anxiety disorders: Experiencing anxiety during or after treatment is common in cancer. Some patients develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which increases every time you need to undergo cancer tests.
• Depression: A lot of cancer patients suffer from depression, with some showing despair and sadness that goes beyond normal reaction.
• Emotional stress: Financial burden can lead to emotional stress in many cancer patients as most treatments are expensive. It may also lead to strained family relationships.
• Fear: The fear of cancer recurrence is a feeling many survivors have to deal with.
Cancer survivorship is not just about survival but thriving against all odds. Each survivor’s story is unique and exhibits resilience and immense perseverance. Recognizing cancer survivorship as a critical part of cancer care will help in ensuring that individuals receive the care, understanding, and support they require long after the treatment stops. As awareness around survivorship spreads, so will the accessibility to holistic care. After all, life after cancer still deserves attention, care, and compassion.