By Shelly Reese
SmartHealth Today
Thanks to medical advances, more people are surviving cancer. Over the last 45 years, the number of people with a history of cancer in the United States has increased from 3 million to about 14 million, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
But what does it mean to be a cancer survivor?
For most people it means being disease-free after completing treatment. For others, who are not disease-free and must continue treatments to manage their cancer as a chronic condition or keep it from returning, survivorship is about the process of living with cancer.
Regardless of their definition, cancer survivors often experience a conflicting and confusing array of emotions including relief, gratitude, fear, anger, guilt, depression, anxiety and isolation.
After weeks or even months or years of frequent and intense contact with a compassionate care team, it’s not unusual for cancer survivors to feel lonely and isolated, says Randy Nutter, a licensed clinical social worker at the St. Elizabeth Cancer Care Center.
“Often for survivors, the question is, ‘Now what?’” says Nutter. After the ordeal they’ve been through, that can be a very complicated question that involves a lot of introspection.
And survivors aren’t the only ones faced with a tumult of emotions. Caregivers and family members who have endured the cancer journey with them may likewise experience emotional and anxiety issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder.
What can you do to manage this difficult time? ASCO recommends:
- Talk to your doctor. Knowledge is power. While fear of recurrence is a natural emotion, your doctor can help you put your fears in perspective so that you can better understand your risks.
- Don’t ignore your emotions. Hiding your feelings won’t make them go away and may even intensify them. Talking to family members and close friends can help, as can keeping a journal.
- Take care of yourself. Proper nutrition, exercise and sleep are essential to your physical and emotional well-being.
- Reduce stress. Say “no” to commitments that you find draining and embrace activities that help you relax, such as yoga, reading or a favorite hobby.
- Get help. You are not alone. Talk with a member of your care team, such as a nurse or social worker, about what you are experiencing and seek support from other members of the cancer community. Local resources include nonprofit organizations such as the Cancer Support Community (CSC) and Cancer Family Care.
SmartHealthToday is a service of St. Elizabeth Healthcare.
