Introduction:
An individual with a cancer diagnosis is called a cancer survivor, and it is necessary to document their life experiences and challenges. Cancer survivorship starts right after the diagnosis of cancer. It includes persons who have no signs of cancer after the completion of treatment, persons diagnosed with advanced forms of cancer, and persons who receive long-term treatment.
What Are the Life Changes That Can Happen to a Cancer Survivor?
For some cancer survivors, life can be different, while others experience no change at all. It varies according to each individual’s mindset. Some survivors identify that they appreciate their life more than before the diagnosis, and they have accepted who they are. Some people will feel more anxious than before the diagnosis, while others find it hard to cope with life. Some affected individuals will have a hard time adjusting to their families after a cancer diagnosis. The change of atmosphere, that is, the frequent visits to hospitals, can make them even sicker. Uneasiness and distress can occur prior to a medical check-up. For certain types of cancer, the treatment prolongs for a long time, and the individuals find daily activities to be heavy and bothersome.
The most common lifestyle changes in cancer survivors are:
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A feeling of joy and relief when the treatment is completed.
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A feeling of achieving a milestone once the cancer progression is slowed.
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Alteration in social needs and new psychological support seeking in some persons.
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A feeling of uncertainty over their future.
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There will be a survivor’s guilt.
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Positive personal change and growth.
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Physical side effects like infertility and sexual health problems.
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Changes in eating and exercising patterns.
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Relationships change before and after diagnosis.
What Are the Considerations in Survivorship Care?
A workshop is conducted to assess the potential actions that can be taken to improve cancer treatment planning and delivery of care. The following are discussed and implemented to provide enhanced cancer care:
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An overview of the effects and health risks after cancer diagnosis experienced by cancer survivors is discussed.
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Current evidence-based studies for the improvements and upliftment of the quality of cancer care.
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Identifying, reducing, and preventing long-term toxicities and associated second malignancies in cancer patients.
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Advanced strategies for psychosocial support in cancer survivors.
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Overcoming the hurdles in health care access and helping minimize the financial burden of cancer patients.
What Can Be Expected After Cancer Treatment?
Cancer survivors post-cancer treatment patients are eager to get back to their daily routine and return to good health. After the initial recovery, many lifestyle changes can be implemented to improve long-term health to enjoy the years ahead. They are helpful even for healthy individuals to lead a life with improved health.
1. Exercise: Regular exercise can help increase one’s sense of well-being after cancer treatment and can hasten recovery. Exercise is also important in improving heart health, the health of the lungs, and the health of other body systems. Cancer survivors can exercise on a regular basis, as adding physical activity to their daily routine makes them active. Exercise for at least two to five hours a week is recommended by the American Cancer Society for adult cancer survivors. Strength training should be included at least twice a week. Cancer survivors can experience the following through exercise:
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Increased endurance and strength.
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Lesser symptoms of depression.
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Reduced anxiety.
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Less fatigue.
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Mood improvement.
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Improved self-esteem.
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Reduced risk of cancer coming back.
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Lesser pain.
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Sleep improvement.
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An improved sense of well-being.
2. Balanced Diet: Eating a balanced diet by varying the diet and including whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Including these can help make the body strong, and plenty of vitamins and minerals are made available. It is still unclear if certain foods can prevent cancer recurrence. The following diet can be included:
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Include three cups of vegetables and two cups of fruits in the diet daily.
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Prefer healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids. These are found in walnuts and fish.
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Proteins with low saturated fat. Examples are lean meats, fish, eggs, seeds, nuts, and legumes.
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Choose healthy sources of carbohydrates like legumes and whole grains.
3. Weight Management: The cancer survivors may have lost or gained weight post-treatment and during treatment. Exercise and diet goals have to be met to prevent any other complications. Talking to a registered dietitian can help patients learn the right way to lose weight. Talking to the healthcare provider about cancer symptoms and side effects of treatment that can hinder the weight management protocol is essential.
4. Rest: Sleep disturbances are frequent in cancer survivors and those diagnosed with cancer. It can be because of stress, physical changes, side effects of treatment, and other reasons. Sleeping enough is very important to enhance recovery. Sleeping is essential, as it helps refresh body functions and allows some time for the body to recover. This will enable faster brain function, lower blood pressure levels, and improve hormonal functions. Adequate sleep for seven to eight hours is essential during the healing period. Avoiding computer and television screens one or two hours before bedtime is important. Reducing the intake of caffeine also helps improve sleep. A regular sleep schedule should be followed.
5. Stress Management: Cancer survivors can face emotional, physical, and social effects because of the diagnosis. Coping strategies help people deal with cancer and improve their quality of life. It will also help relieve depression, anxiety, and other cancer-related symptoms. Relaxation techniques like meditation, mindfulness training, and engaging in cancer support groups can help. Interaction with family and friends and seeking counseling can also help deal with stress.
6. Avoid Bad Habits: Refraining from tobacco use and minimizing alcohol consumption is important. Smoking is a main risk factor for many cancer types; therefore, immediate quitting is important. If there are problems with quitting alcohol, drinking in moderation can help.
Conclusion:
The diagnosis of cancer itself puts the individual under various stresses, including physical, emotional, and social changes. Therefore, it is important to maintain lifestyle modifications in order to accept the new challenges after the cancer diagnosis. There are various support groups and counseling available for those who have problems with coping.
