Benefits and Evidence for Cancer Survivorship
As a two-time lymphoma cancer survivor, I understand the physical and emotional toll that cancer treatment and survivorship can have on an individual. Cancer treatment is a journey that can leave survivors feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain about the future. That is why it is important to explore all options for healing and support, including the therapeutic benefits of nature.
Nature-based interventions have been shown to have a positive impact on cancer survivors’ physical and mental health. These interventions include interacting with nature indirectly, incidentally, and intentionally. Various interactions with nature can support the unique yet common qualities of the cancer survivor experience. Nature-based interventions effectively mitigate cancer treatment and survivorship’s negative consequences and sequela [1].
Key Takeaways
- Nature-based interventions can positively impact cancer survivors’ physical and mental health.
- Interacting with nature indirectly, incidentally, and intentionally can support the unique yet common qualities of the cancer survivor experience.
- Nature-based interventions effectively mitigate the negative consequences and sequela of cancer treatment and survivorship.
[1] Sources: PubMed, NCBI, Nature
Understanding Cancer Survivorship
As a two-time lymphoma cancer survivor, I understand firsthand the challenges and uncertainties that come with life after cancer. Cancer survivorship refers to the physical, emotional, and social issues that arise after cancer treatment ends and continues throughout the rest of one’s life.
Survivorship is a unique experience for each individual. While some may experience physical challenges such as fatigue, pain, and other side effects, others may face emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, and fear of recurrence. It is important to remember that survivorship is not just about surviving cancer but also about living a fulfilling life after cancer.
Cancer survivorship can be divided into acute, extended, and permanent phases. The acute phase begins at diagnosis and ends with the completion of treatment. During this phase, cancer survivors may experience physical and emotional side effects of treatment. The extended phase begins after treatment and lasts until the survivorship period ends.
During this phase, cancer survivors may face new challenges, such as adjusting to a new standard and managing long-term side effects. The permanent phase begins when the survivorship period ends and lasts the rest of the survivor’s life.
Cancer survivors must understand that survivorship is a journey, not a destination. Cancer survivors may face physical, emotional, and social challenges throughout their survivorship period. However, with the proper support and resources, survivors can live a fulfilling life after cancer.
The Journey of Cancer Treatment
As a two-time survivor of lymphoma cancer, I understand the journey of cancer treatment can be challenging and overwhelming. However, with the right treatment plan and support, overcoming this disease and emerging stronger is possible.
Types of Cancer Treatments
Cancer treatment typically involves a combination of therapies, including chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Hormonal therapy is used to block hormones that can stimulate the growth of certain types of cancer.
Targeted therapy is a newer form of treatment that targets specific proteins or genes that contribute to cancer growth. Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
Role of Oncologists
Oncologists are doctors who specialize in the treatment of cancer. They play a crucial role in the cancer treatment journey, from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up care. Oncologists work closely with other healthcare professionals, including nurses, social workers, and nutritionists, to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
During my journey, my oncologist was my main source of support and guidance. They provided information about my treatment options, answered my questions, and helped me manage my symptoms. They also helped me navigate the emotional and psychological challenges of cancer treatment.
In conclusion, cancer treatment can be challenging, but with the right treatment plan and support, it is possible to overcome this disease. Oncologists play a crucial role in the cancer treatment journey, providing patients with the guidance, support, and care they need to emerge stronger.
Survivorship Care and Rehabilitation
As a two-time survivor of lymphoma cancer, I know firsthand the importance of survivorship care and rehabilitation. After completing cancer treatment, many survivors experience physical and emotional challenges that require ongoing care and support. Survivorship care plans, recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, can help individuals navigate the complexities of post-cancer care.
Survivorship Care Plan
A survivorship care plan is a personalized document that outlines the individual’s cancer treatment history and provides recommendations for ongoing care. The plan can include information on potential long-term side effects of treatment, recommended follow-up care, and strategies for maintaining overall health and well-being. Working with healthcare providers to create a survivorship care plan that meets individual needs is vital.
Physical Activity and Healthy Living
Physical activity and healthy living are crucial components of survivorship care and rehabilitation. Regular exercise can help improve physical function, reduce fatigue, and lower the risk of cancer recurrence. Additionally, healthy eating habits and stress reduction techniques can help improve overall quality of life. Survivorship care models that include lifestyle interventions have been shown to improve outcomes for cancer survivors.
Survivorship care and rehabilitation are essential components of post-cancer care. Creating a survivorship care plan and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help individuals manage the physical and emotional challenges often accompanying cancer survivorship. As a survivor myself, I know that the journey can be challenging, but with the proper care and support, it is possible to live a fulfilling life after cancer.
Psychological Impact of Cancer Survivorship
As a two-time lymphoma cancer survivor, I know firsthand the psychological impact that cancer survivorship can have on an individual. Coping with anxiety and depression can be a significant challenge for cancer survivors, and it’s essential to recognize the signs and seek help when needed.
Coping with Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are common psychological issues that cancer survivors may face. It’s normal to feel anxious or depressed after a cancer diagnosis, but it’s important to recognize when these feelings become overwhelming and seek help from a mental health professional.
Many coping mechanisms can help manage anxiety and depression, such as mindfulness meditation, exercise, and therapy. It’s essential to find what works best for you and prioritize self-care.
Fear of Recurrence
Fear of recurrence is another common psychological issue that cancer survivors may face. The fear of the cancer coming back can be overwhelming and can impact a survivor’s quality of life.
It’s essential to recognize that fear of recurrence is normal, but it’s also important not to let it consume you. Talking to a mental health professional and joining a support group can help manage this fear.
Overall, cancer survivorship can have a significant impact on a person’s psychosocial well-being. Coping with anxiety and depression and managing the fear of recurrence are just a few of the challenges that survivors may face. It’s essential to seek help when needed and to prioritize self-care.
Economic Impact of Cancer Survivorship
As a two-time lymphoma cancer survivor, I understand the economic impact that cancer survivorship can have on individuals and their families. Cancer survivorship can lead to various financial burdens, including employment and income loss, increased healthcare costs, and discrimination in the workplace.
Employment and Income
Cancer survivorship can lead to loss of employment and income, as individuals may need to take time off work for treatment or recovery. This can also lead to job loss, as employers may be unable to accommodate the individual’s needs. Additionally, cancer survivors may face discrimination in the workplace due to their medical history, leading to reduced opportunities for employment and advancement.
Insurance and Healthcare Costs
Cancer survivorship can also lead to increased healthcare costs, including medical bills, prescription drugs, and follow-up care. Individuals may also face challenges with health insurance coverage and costs, leading to financial sacrifices such as cutbacks on household budgets and depletion of assets. Furthermore, the high cost of cancer therapies can lead to increased patient cost-sharing, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Cancer survivorship can have a significant economic impact on individuals and their families. It is essential for policymakers and employers to recognize the financial burden that cancer survivors may face and take steps to provide support and accommodations to help them return to work and maintain financial stability.
Future Perspectives and Ongoing Research
As a two-time lymphoma cancer survivor, I understand the importance of ongoing research in cancer survivorship. With the increasing number of cancer survivors, it is crucial to continue to improve cancer-specific outcomes, reduce cancer recurrence, and minimize the risk of secondary cancers.
One area of future research that is particularly relevant is risk stratification. By identifying patients at high risk of cancer recurrence or secondary cancers, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans to their individual needs and improve their overall outcomes. The North American Association of Central Cancer Registries and the SEER Cancer Statistics Review are valuable resources for tracking cancer incidence and survival rates, which can help inform risk stratification efforts.
In addition to risk stratification, ongoing research is needed to improve cancer survivorship outcomes. The National Cancer Database and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship are important resources for understanding the unique needs of cancer survivors and developing interventions to address those needs. For example, ongoing research is needed to develop effective interventions for managing the long-term physical and psychological effects of cancer treatment, such as fatigue, pain, and anxiety.
Looking to the future, it is clear that ongoing research will play a critical role in improving cancer survivorship outcomes. By continuing to invest in cancer survivorship research, we can help ensure that cancer survivors receive the best possible care and support and ultimately improve their quality of life.
Resources and Support
As a two-time lymphoma cancer survivor, I understand the importance of having access to resources and support during and after treatment. The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute are excellent resources for cancer survivors. They provide information on survivorship, including physical, emotional, and financial concerns.
The American Cancer Society offers a National Cancer Survivorship Resource Center, which provides resources and tools to help survivors navigate life’s challenges after cancer.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines are also a valuable resource for survivors. The 2021 version of the guidelines provides recommendations for survivorship care, including managing long-term side effects of cancer treatment. Survivors can use the guidelines to discuss their care with their healthcare team and make informed decisions about their health.
In addition to these resources, survivors can also benefit from support groups. The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute offer online and in-person support groups for survivors and their families. These groups provide a safe space for survivors to share their experiences, receive emotional support, and connect with others who have gone through similar experiences.
Finally, survivors can benefit from complementary therapies, such as nature-based interventions. According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (PMCID: PMC9916332), exposure to nature can positively impact the well-being of cancer survivors. Survivors can explore nature-based interventions, such as gardening, hiking, and forest bathing, to improve their physical and emotional health.
Overall, survivors should take advantage of the available resources and support. The journey after cancer treatment can be challenging, but with the right tools and support, survivors can lead fulfilling lives. -T
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the survival rate for cancer survivors?
As a two-time lymphoma survivor, the survival rate for cancer survivors varies depending on the type and stage of cancer. It is important to remember that survival rates are just numbers and do not necessarily reflect an individual’s experience. However, according to the American Cancer Society, the overall five-year survival rate for all types of cancer is around 70%.
What are some long-term effects of cancer treatment?
Cancer treatment can have long-term effects on a person’s physical, emotional, and mental health. Some common long-term effects include fatigue, pain, neuropathy, cognitive changes, anxiety, and depression. It is essential to talk to your healthcare team about any symptoms or concerns you may have so that they can provide you with appropriate support and resources.
How can Nature’s Therapy help with cancer survivorship?
Nature’s Therapy, or ecotherapy or green therapy, involves spending time in nature to improve mental and physical health. Research has shown that spending time in nature can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, improve mood and self-esteem, and increase physical activity levels. Nature’s Therapy can be a helpful tool for cancer survivors to manage the physical and emotional challenges of survivorship.
What are some lifestyle changes that can improve cancer survivorship?
Making healthy lifestyle changes can improve cancer survivorship. Some examples include maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. You must talk to your healthcare team about any lifestyle changes you are considering to ensure they are appropriate for your situation.
What are some common challenges faced by cancer survivors?
Cancer survivors may face a range of challenges, including physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Some common physical challenges include fatigue, pain, and neuropathy. Emotional challenges may include anxiety, depression, and fear of recurrence. Financial challenges may include medical bills and lost income. It is essential to talk to your healthcare team and seek support from loved ones and community resources to help manage these challenges.
What resources are available for cancer survivors?
Many resources are available for cancer survivors, including support groups, counseling services, financial assistance programs, and survivorship care plans. The American Cancer Society offers a variety of resources for cancer survivors, including survivorship care guidelines and information on coping with cancer and staying healthy after treatment. It is essential to talk to your healthcare team about any resources that may be helpful for your situation.