Survivorship of Bladder Cancer

Executive Summary

Survivorship begins immediately after the diagnosis of cancer. The individuals under treatment and whose disease conditions are cured after the treatment are referred to as the cancer survivors. Survivorship in bladder cancer refers to no signs of cancer post-treatment. Cancer survivorship initiates from the moment of diagnosis and continues during treatment and throughout a person’s life. Complexities in bladder cancer are determined as per the different individuals. The survivors have experience emotions of concern, relief, remorse, and terror during their cancer journey. After undergoing bladder cancer treatment, the survivors have survived with, through, and beyond the tumor diagnosis. Patients and their families may experience powerful emotions after the treatment, including excitement, concern, relief, guilt, and dread. Coping with such emotional distress has been known to be the primary goal of survivorship. Recognizing the difficulties that your family is experiencing, solution-oriented thinking, requesting and accepting help from others, and feeling at ease with the course of action that the family takes are some of the most common coping effective necessitates. The treatment survivorship serves as a solid motivation to initiate healthy changes in lifestyle and maintain good health and live a cancer-free life.

Survivorship in Bladder Cancer

Survivorship of Bladder Cancer can have different meanings for different people. But commonly, it refers to;

• Having no signs of cancer post-treatment
• Cancer survivorship initiates from the moment of diagnosis and continues during treatment and throughout a person’s life.

Survivorship of Bladder Cancer is the most complicated part of cancer as it is different for each person ^​1​. Some people get cancer treatment for a long time to cure and prevent a recurrence, While some treat cancer as a chronic disease.

Chronic cancer cannot be cured, but ongoing treatment(extended treatment) can control for months or years. The type of comprehensive treatment you receive depends upon:

• The type of cancer
• The amount of cancer
• The location of the cancer
• Available treatment option
• Treatments you have had before
• How far cancer has spread
• Age
• Personal preferences
• The general health

Also Read: Avoid Risk Of Cancer: Exercise And Yoga

Survivors usually experience intense feelings, joy, guilt, concern and fear. Some people start to appreciate life after a cancer diagnosis and accept themselves, while others become uncertain about their health and vitality.

Relationships formed with the cancer care team impart a sense of security during treatment, and people miss this source of support. It can be especially true when new worries and challenges surface over time, such as late treatment effects, emotional challenges including fear of recurrence, sexual health and fertility concerns, and financial and workplace issues. Every survivor has individual problems and challenges. With any challenge, an excellent first step is recognising your fears and talking about them.

Effective coping requires the following:

• Thinking through solutions
• Understanding the challenge you are facing
• Feeling comfortable with the action you choose
• Asking for the support of others

Survivorship can serve as a solid motivator for people making lifestyle changes ^​2​. People recovering from bladder cancer are encouraged to follow guidelines for good health, such as 

• Limiting alcohol
• Not smoking
• Managing stress
• Eating well

Regular physical activity can help rebuild your strength and energy level. The health care team can provide an appropriate exercise plan based on your needs, physical abilities, and fitness level.

References