The emotional impact of cancer
You’ve made it through treatment. Now what?
Many people claim that the most unsettling moment in their journey is when treatment
ends.
Long-term effects.
Some cancer treatments can have long-term side effects. Going forward
it’s best to be prepared. Always discuss the treatment you’ve had with your healthcare
team. And ask them about any long-term effects of the treatment you’ve just had.
At this point it’s also a good idea to talk to your dentist about your dental health
and your GP about your general health. This will help put your mind at ease.
Recurrence.
Many cancer survivors have a fear of recurrence. This is normal. Arming
yourself with knowledge may help allay your fears. For example, only about 1 in
5 breast cancer survivors who have completed 5 years of therapy have a recurrence
within 10 years after their treatment. Knowing the facts, and monitoring
your health regularly, can help you deal with these fears. If this is
causing undue anxiety, consider seeing a therapist to help you with the transition.
Financial issues.
It’s no secret that cancer treatment can be very expensive. Medical costs and non-medical
expenses, such as travel to and from treatment, can have a major impact on one’s
life savings. But there are organizations that can help.
Sexual concerns.
Some cancers, most notably prostate and breast, can cause more sexual concerns than
others. But research shows that women with early stage breast cancer
often have a satisfying sex life by a year after their surgery. And
men who have problems after surgery for prostate cancer may regain sexual function
with medication and help from their doctor.
Learn about making the transition