Living Beyond Cancer: Survivorship is More Than Surviving
By Mary S McCabe
Owing to the recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, the number of cancer survivors is currently estimated to be 22.4 million individuals worldwide (President's Cancer Panel [2004] Living Beyond Cancer: A European Dialogue. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute, NIH). According to the SEER database, the 5-year relative survival rate for adults diagnosed in the mid-1990s is approximately 64%, and exceeds 90% for individuals diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer (www.seer.cancer.gov); however, along with these optimistic results come new challenges for the cancer survivor, including the need for ongoing medical care and psychosocial services. This is particularly true for the survivors of urologic cancers who, as a consequence of treatment, might experience physical problems that affect sexual intimacy and self image, which have a tremendous effect on quality of life. We now know that survivors face a variety of ongoing health risks that are dependent on a number of factors: the type of cancer, treatment exposures, genetic predisposition, comorbid health conditions and lifestyle behaviors. So how should we care for this large number of individuals? Where do we start?
Owing to the recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, the number of cancer survivors is currently estimated to be 22.4 million individuals worldwide (President's Cancer Panel [2004] Living Beyond Cancer: A European Dialogue. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute, NIH). According to the SEER database, the 5-year relative survival rate for adults diagnosed in the mid-1990s is approximately 64%, and exceeds 90% for individuals diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer (www.seer.cancer.gov); however, along with these optimistic results come new challenges for the cancer survivor, including the need for ongoing medical care and psychosocial services. This is particularly true for the survivors of urologic cancers who, as a consequence of treatment, might experience physical problems that affect sexual intimacy and self image, which have a tremendous effect on quality of life. We now know that survivors face a variety of ongoing health risks that are dependent on a number of factors: the type of cancer, treatment exposures, genetic predisposition, comorbid health conditions and lifestyle behaviors. So how should we care for this large number of individuals? Where do we start?
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Permalink Reply by Imsurvivor on -
Yeah, what is next? Seems to be a bigger issue for anyone dealing with cancer.
Some hospitals now have survivor clinics where doctors are available to talk to; progress is monitored; medical issues are addressed; and research is documented. I think that’s a good start, but it must go further.
What about those psychosocial issues like school, work, friends or relationships that become more complex with illness? I know what I went through. I’ve heard stories of what others went through. How are we supposed to deal with feelings of loneliness and change?
There’s only one feasible answer in my opinion, and it lies in today’s online society. With so many things done through the internet, I think patients can turn to one of the most powerful resources available, each other, in the form of communities, blogs, and social networks.
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