Revolutionary changes in cancer treatment have made what was once considered a life-threatening diagnosis into a condition where many people emerge as survivors and live fuller lives. Latest advancements in cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and surgery have led to decreased death rates. However, finishing treatment does not imply the end of the journey. Often, survivors have to deal with long-term effects of cancer treatment post remission. Some of these side effects emerge as health issues that have lasting, long-term effects and may persist for months or even years. This blog highlights these potential health challenges and ways to manage them effectively.
Reasons for long-term side effects of cancer
While chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and surgery may eliminate cancerous cells, these end up causing damage to the neighbouring healthy body cells and tissues as well. There are other risk factors that cause long-term or late effects such as age at which the patient underwent cancer treatment, type of cancer diagnosed and treatment imparted, and overall health and genetics of the patient.
Common long-term side effects of cancer treatment
• Cardiac (heart) problems: Some cancer drugs and radiation to the chest area causes long-term effects to the heart. Problems related to the heart may include weakening of heart muscles and coronary artery disease. Symptoms that manifest as a result are shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or swollen hands and feet.
Ways to Manage: Eating a heart-friendly diet which is low in salt and carbohydrates will help manage your body weight. Keep yourself fit by exercising regularly. Quit smoking and drinking alcohol. Regularly take medicines prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Endocrine (hormonal) changes: Certain cancer drugs, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy can affect the endocrine system, impacting reproductive organs, and also leading to sexual problems like infertility. Cancer treatment can also induce early menopause in females.
Ways to Manage: If you experience hot flashes and night sweats associated with early menopause, you should talk to your healthcare provider who will help you manage the symptoms.
• Digestive system issues: The intestinal region and rectum can get damaged due to radiation therapy to these areas. Problems such as chronic radiation enteritis and chronic radiation proctitis may arise many years later. This leads to diarrhea with mucus, trouble in digesting food, dehydration due to loss of water absorption, etc.
Ways to Manage: If you are diagnosed with chronic radiation enteritis or proctitis, you may be advised to undergo dietary modifications and given medication for diarrhea and pain.
• Cognitive changes: The brain also undergoes many changes as a result of cancer treatment. You may experience memory loss, problems in concentrating, inability to process information faster, and movement coordination problems.
Ways to Manage: You may be required some medications to help manage the above symptoms. In very rare cases, surgery may be called for.
• Bone loss: Thinning of the bones may occur after chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormonal therapy sessions. After radiation therapy, bone loss will occur only in those parts of the body that was treated through radiation.
Ways to Manage: After your cancer treatment, you should have regular check-up wherein your healthcare provider may ask you to undergo certain tests to check your bone health. You can reduce further bone loss by giving up habits like smoking and consuming alcohol.
Surviving cancer is an important milestone and you seem unbeatable at this point of time. However, this is not the end of the battle. There are long-term side effects of cancer treatment which you need to deal with. With the right approach, regular follow-up care, and open communication with your healthcare provider, these side effects can be better managed. By staying informed, proactive, and supported, cancer survivors can take charge of their health and lead longer lives.
