Improving Quality of Life for Cancer Survivors - An Overview

Introduction:

The transformation of normal cells in the body into cancerous cells is the cause of the disease known as cancer. Cancer survivors are the patients who remain alive after fighting cancer and function well after recovering from such a life-threatening disease. By promoting a healthy lifestyle, providing proper nutrition, and offering encouragement, it is possible to enhance their quality of life.

What Is Cancer?

Cancer is defined by the uncontrolled proliferation of formerly healthy cells, resulting in accelerated growth and the ability to spread to various body regions. Cancer can be of different types, such as

1. Lung cancer.

2. Breast cancer.

3. Bone cancer.

4. Prostate cancer.

5. Colorectal cancer.

Other than physical problems, cancer patients often feel many psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, etc. However, some patients respond well to the treatment and recover well.

Who Are Cancer Survivors?

A cancer survivor is a person who had cancer of any type and is still living. Cancer survivors are growing due to aging populations and improved early detection and treatment modalities. Individuals with cancer may perceive their experience as akin to participating in a demanding race, where they strive to overcome the obstacles associated with the disease while keeping the ultimate goal in sight. For example, some doctors see survivorship in acute, extended, and permanent phases. Acute survivorship begins with diagnosis and ends when cancer treatment ends. Extended survivorship may include the months after treatment ends. People who are cancer-free for several years are permanent cancer survivors.

Some doctors compare survivorship phases to cancer stages and recommend additional support for each stage. In this case, phase one includes patients treated for early-stage cancer likely to be cured. The second phase includes people with cancer that has spread to different body parts. The third phase includes people with advanced levels of cancer.

Which Challenges Are Frequently Encountered by Individuals Who Have Survived Cancer?

Upon finishing cancer treatment, individuals typically experience a sense of relief. Many people, including those with cancer and their friends and family, believe that cancer treatment means the end of cancer-related concerns. It means they and their families want to move on from cancer. They wish to get back to the lives they had before cancer.

But studies show people with cancer mostly cannot leave cancer behind. People who are cancer survivors cope with lots of physical, emotional, psychological issues and social problems. Some people may even develop cancer-related post-traumatic stress disorder.

Common Physical Issues:

Cancer patients may have issues that can be seen months or years after treatment. These are the after-effects. Examples may include:

• Second cancer: Second cancer refers to the emergence of a novel malignancy. In cases of second cancer, individuals may develop cancer in the same organ or region of the body as their initial cancer, although it is distinct from the previous occurrence. They may also have cancer in other areas of the body. Second cancers are various from recurrent cancer or cancer that comes back. Second cancers are more commonly seen as more people live longer with cancer.

• Pain: This can be from cancer or cancer treatments. One study found that 39 % of cancer patients had chronic pain.

• Cancer Fatigue: Even after the completion of treatment, individuals may experience persistent, debilitating fatigue due to their treatment.

• Cognitive Dysfunction (Chemo Brain Fog): Receiving cancer treatment can lead to challenges in decision-making, multitasking, and memory, affecting individuals' cognitive abilities.

• Lymphedema (Swelling of Arms or Legs): Lymphedema can be a potential consequence of undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

• Changes in Sexual Function: People treated for breast or prostate cancer can face trouble while having sex as they did before the cancer treatment.

• Peripheral Neuropathy: Certain cancer treatments can induce nerve-related complications, manifesting as sensations of numbness and tingling.

• Bone Loss: The density of bones can be influenced by cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other therapeutic approaches.

• Skin Changes: Some cancer treatments cause persistent skin rashes.

How Can the Life for Cancer Survivors Be Improved?

Life after surviving cancer can be improved by taking precautions and measures to keep the person aware, healthy, and motivated. In some cases, they may have chances of recurrence that requires proper testing occasionally. Some of the measures include:

• Checkup Schedule: Based on the situation of the patients this will differ. After treatment completion, individuals often have scheduled appointments with their healthcare team every three to four months during the initial two to three years, with less frequent visits after that. One should contact the doctor anytime they notice any changes in the body.

• Tests to Expect: A person may have blood and imaging tests at regular intervals, even after recovery, to check for signs of infection.

• Potential Late Effects: Like the checkup schedule, any possible late effects will differ based on the situation. Not every cancer type or treatment has late effects.

• Reminders: Just like diagnosis and treatment, a person wants to remember all the information they need to share with the doctor. For example, the doctor should know about any changes in the biological family, medical history, or new supplements that a person is taking.

• Healthy Living Suggestions: These may be details about healthy food choices, an appropriate amount of nutrition, food to be avoided, etc. Exercise and yoga are also beneficial for cancer survivor patients, which will help them recover fast both physically and mentally. Some cancer treatments affect an individual's immune system and increase their risk of food poisoning. Some people have trouble eating after treatment. If that is the situation, one should consult with a dietitian.

• Resource Recommendations: The cancer survivorship care plan includes valuable information about national and regional support groups, enabling individuals to connect with fellow cancer patients and survivors.

• Avoiding Risk Factors: Activities and lifestyle choices that elevate the likelihood of developing cancer are known as risk factors. Some of its examples include:

  • Using Tobacco: If a person smokes, they should try to quit this habit. They can improve their health by giving up tobacco and avoiding second-hand smoke.

  • Drinking Alcohol: Alcohol increases the risk of developing many types of cancer. One should limit the amount of alcohol they drink or quit alcohol.

  • Getting Too Much Sun Exposure: Everyone should avoid sun exposure that can cause skin cancer. They may take medication that makes them more sensitive to sun exposure. Take suggestions from the doctor about the right sunscreen a person needs and other ways to protect the skin.

Conclusion:

Cancer survivors are the patients who stay alive during or after cancer treatment and function well. With many new advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, survival rates have increased significantly. The quality of life of cancer survivors can be improved by guiding them to a good lifestyle, proper food habits, regular checkups, etc.