Sarah’s surgery
LIFE AFTER CANCER Dr Sarah Brewer gives her advice on the challenges you may face as you adjust to your new normal
Dr Sarah Brewer shares her invaluable advice on life after cancer
‘It’s natural to worry about your cancer returning’
Women are at risk of a wider range of cancers than men, with the World Cancer Research Fund listing 31 types of cancer affecting women, compared with 28 for men. This is largely due to our differing reproductive systems, which cancers can affect. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in the UK. Thanks to the NHS Breast Screening Programme and campaigns that encourage women to remain breast aware and report symptoms promptly, early diagnosis is increasingly leading to successful treatment. As a result, more and more women are declaring themselves cancer survivors.
WHAT IS CANCER SURVIVORSHIP?
The term ‘cancer survivor’ is a broad one that can describe anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer. And the number of survivors is increasing: according to Cancer Research UK, one in two people who are diagnosed with cancer now survive for at least 10 years.
How people define cancer survivorship can differ. Some see it as reaching the completion of treatment, others look on it as a process that starts from the diagnosis, living through treatment and beyond. But even when you come out the other side of a cancer diagnosis, the legacy doesn’t end there. You are likely to experience a range of emotions and feelings, from joy and relief to guilt and fear for the future, as you come to terms with your new reality. Following your cancer experience, you may find you appreciate life more and have gained a personal strength from coming through treatment and making positive lifestyle changes.
Or you may experience more negative emotions, such as feeling unsettled when treatment stops and you lose the safety net of follow-up appointments. There may be guilt about surviving when others have not, or feelings of anger or flashbacks. It’s also natural to worry about your cancer returning, but knowing what signs or symptoms to look out for will help you feel in control. Keeping a journal of your thoughts and feelings or blogging about your experiences can help manage your emotions.
If you experience feelings of hopelessness and a loss of interest in things you used to enjoy doing, tell your GP in case you have depression, or are experiencing posttraumatic stress. Talking therapies and, in some cases, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication may be needed to support your recovery.
FINDING YOUR NEW NORMAL
Surviving cancer is a draining experience and you may wonder why you don’t feel like celebrating at the end of treatment like everyone else. Sharing your worries with loved ones, a support group and your doctor will help you find a way to deal with physical or emotional symptoms.
Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of energy, difficulty sleeping, concentrating and remembering things. Some people have ongoing pain or side-effects from medication. Others have to manage long-term effects of treatment, such as swelling or problems affecting your joints, lungs or nervous system. You may also be facing physical changes that affect your body image. Help and advice is available from support services (see box, right).
Even if you’re experiencing loss of energy and fatigue, it’s important to exercise. Aim to walk as much as you can. If you find this difficult, ask your doctor about physiotherapy in your area.
Cutting back on alcohol, eating a healthy diet and stopping smoking can also aid your recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence.