What does the word survival mean?
To different people, the word “survival” signifies different things. Having no signs or symptoms of cancer following successful medication, for example, is a standard definition of survivorship.
Living with, through, and beyond cancer is an arduous task. According to this definition, cancer survivorship starts at the diagnosis phase and continues throughout treatment and the rest of a person’s life.
One of the most demanding aspects of having cancer is surviving physically and mentally. This is because everyone’s situation is very different and cannot be compared. To reduce the chance of recurrence or to manage cancer as a chronic condition, some people continue to undergo cancer treatment for a long time after recovery. Learn and understand more about living with chronic cancer.
Happiness, stress, relief, remorse, and fright are just a few of the emotions survivors may experience. However, after the phase of cancer diagnosis, some of the patients feel they have learnt much more about life and how not to take anything for granted and a greater acceptance of themselves and appreciate the little things in life. Few of the other patients become quite concerned about their health and unsure how to go about their daily lives.
Cancer survivors may experience some anxiety when the medical practitioner and the health care team visit. The link with cancer care providers often provides a sense of stability during treatment, and patients miss having this support. This becomes true if new mental issues and challenges emerge over time, such as treatment-related side effects, emotional obstacles such as fear of recurrence, sexual health and reproductive concerns, and financial and career concerns. Each survivor has their worries and hardships. Understanding them and talking about them is crucial with any of the problems.
Coping effectively necessitates:
- Understanding the difficulty, you’re up against
- Solution intended thinking
- requesting and accepting help from others
- Being at ease with the path of action you’ve chosen
Joining an in-person support group or an online network of survivors is beneficial to many survivors. This allows you to speak with others who have had comparable first-hand experiences. Talking with a friend or a member of your health care team, individual counselling, or asking for help at the learning resource centre of the facility where you had treatment are all alternatives for getting help.
Caregivers’ roles are evolving.
Family members and friends may go through transitions as well. A caregiver is critical in helping someone who has been diagnosed with cancer by giving daily or as-needed physical, emotional, and practical care. Many caretakers get obsessed with providing this support, especially if the treatment lasts months or years.
However, as treatment progresses, the caregiver’s position frequently shifts. Caregiving associated with a cancer diagnosis will eventually become far less necessary. Caregivers can learn more about adjusting to life after caregiving.
A fresh way of looking at your health
Survivorship is a powerful motivator for many people to undertake lifestyle adjustments.
Cancer survivors are recommended to follow recognized health guidelines, such as not smoking, limiting drinking, eating well, and managing stress. Regular physical activity can assist in the recovery of strength and energy. Depending on your needs, physical ability, and fitness level, your health care team can assist you in developing an effective exercise plan. Learn and understand more about making healthy lifestyle choices.
Furthermore, it is critical to have suggested medical check-ups and testing (see Follow-up Care) to maintain your health.
Consult your medical practitioner to create a survivorship care plan tailored to your requirements.
