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Survivorship Guide
The Survivorship Guide addresses questions you may have after cancer treatment.
When am I considered a cancer survivor?
The term "cancer survivor" means different things to different people. For some, the term refers to anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer; others consider a cancer survivor to be anyone who has completed active treatment and is free of any signs of disease.
For the purpose of
Nutrition Counseling
Registered dietitians provide counseling and education about diets for the promotion of good health and cancer prevention.
Nutrition is a major concern for patients with cancer who may be faced with issues related to proper diets, weight management, and possible changes in appetite and taste. Patients of
How does being a cancer survivor have an impact on my health?
Cancer survivors have a variety of post-treatment health experiences. Although most survivors feel well, ongoing side effects -- called long-term effects -- linger in some people. Other survivors develop late effects, which are new side effects that arise months or years after the completion of treatment.
Long-term and late effects can result from any of the main types of cancer therapy: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. Examples of some documented long-term and late effects are shown in the tables below. Not every cancer survivor experiences long-term or late side effects. If you are having health problems, it is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor or nurse.
Where can I learn more about cancer recurrence?
The uncertainty associated with wondering if or when your cancer will ever return can be frustrating. Risk of cancer recurrence differs by type of cancer, stage at diagnosis, treatment method, elapsed time since treatment, and other environmental factors that are still being uncovered. We advise you to discuss your personal risk of cancer recurrence with your doctor or nurse practitioner.
What are the signs that the cancer might be returning?
A set of precise indicators that one might feel when cancer is returning does not exist. Symptoms, such as lumps or pain, will vary depending on how the cancer develops. In some cases, patients will not feel or see any signs. Therefore, maintaining follow-up visits with your doctor or nurse is vital for assessing and discussing your health status.
Remember that every symptom you have will not be related to a cancer returning. However, it is important to communicate your symptoms to your care provider so that they can be evaluated.
Am I at risk for a new cancer?
Cancer survivors can have a higher risk of developing a second primary cancer as a result of their prior cancer treatment, environmental exposures, or genetics. Having all appropriate cancer screening tests done at the recommended intervals is an important step in the early detection of these cancers.
Cancer Risk: Understanding the Puzzle
The National Cancer Institute offers online guidance on making informed decisions about lowering your risk.
What actions can I take to minimize my risk for a new cancer?
Researchers are beginning to understand how people can lower their risk of getting certain cancers. The following preventive actions may reduce your risk for developing another cancer:
Sun Protection
You can reduce your risk of getting skin cancer by protecting yourself from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Protect your skin from direct sunlight by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, or seeking shade. Also, avoid sunlamps and tanning booths.
Diet and Exercise
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and exercising 30 minutes daily does not guarantee that cancer will not return. However, improving the way you eat, exercise, and live your life can help you feel better and may also lower your chances of developing other health problems.
For more information on nutrition, visit Nutrition Resources.
Chemoprevention
Chemoprevention is the use of specific natural or man-made drugs, vitamins, or other agents to reverse, suppress, or prevent cancer growth. Many agents are being evaluated for their usefulness. Please discuss the specific product you wish to use in advance with your doctor or nurse.
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