Overcoming Challenges After Beating Cancer
Survivorship is a term used to describe the period of time after a person has completed their cancer treatment. While it is a time of celebration, it can also be a time of unique challenges and hurdles. Many survivors experience physical, emotional, and financial obstacles that can impact their quality of life. In this article, we will explore the top 5 survivorship hurdles that cancer survivors face and discuss ways to overcome them.
The first hurdle that many cancer survivors face is the fear of recurrence. It is a common fear that can cause anxiety and stress. Many survivors worry that their cancer will come back and that they will have to go through treatment again. This fear can be overwhelming and can impact a survivor’s ability to enjoy life. It is important to acknowledge this fear and find ways to manage it.
The second hurdle is the physical side effects of treatment. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can cause long-term side effects like fatigue, neuropathy, and lymphedema. These side effects can impact a survivor’s ability to work, exercise, and perform daily tasks. It is important for survivors to work with their healthcare team to manage these side effects and find ways to improve their quality of life.
Here are my Top 5 survivorship hurdles…
#1. Financial Burden Due to the High Costs of Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
One of the biggest hurdles for cancer survivors is the financial burden that comes with the high costs of cancer diagnosis and treatment. According to a recent study, the personal “financial toxicity” associated with the cost of care has been identified as a distinct consequence of cancer treatment.
Out-of-pocket costs for cancer treatment can be staggering, with national costs reaching over $21 billion in 2019. The burden of cancer costs on the US healthcare system is also well-recognized, with costs projected to reach $208.9 billion in 2020.
Patients with health insurance are not immune to the financial burden of cancer treatment. In fact, those who are uninsured or underinsured are at an even greater disadvantage. A lack of health insurance, lower income, unemployment, and younger age at cancer diagnosis are all socioeconomic predictors of worse financial burdens with treatment.
It is important for cancer survivors to be aware of the financial resources available to them. Many organizations offer financial assistance for cancer patients, including help with medical bills, transportation, and other expenses. It is also important to talk to healthcare providers about the cost of treatment and explore all available options.
Surviving cancer is a tremendous accomplishment, but it can also come with a heavy financial burden. By being informed and proactive, cancer survivors can better navigate the financial challenges that come with their diagnosis and focus on their recovery.
#2. Lingering Feelings of Sadness and Anger
Surviving cancer is a great achievement, but it can also come with emotional challenges that can be hard to overcome. Lingering feelings of sadness and anger are common among cancer survivors and can interfere with daily life.
Interference with Daily Life
These emotions can make it difficult to focus on work, family, and other responsibilities. They can also cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, lack of appetite, and trouble sleeping. For some people, these feelings persist and lead to depression requiring medical attention.
It is important to remember that it is okay to feel sad or angry after cancer treatment. It is a normal part of the healing process, and it takes time to recover emotionally. Talking to a therapist, joining a support group, or practicing relaxation techniques can help manage these emotions and improve overall well-being.
According to Mayo Clinic Health System, “Lingering feelings of sadness can interfere with your daily life, but they should improve with time. For many people, these feelings become less intense with time. But for others, these feelings can develop into depression. Tell your provider about your feelings.”
It is crucial to seek medical attention if these emotions persist and affect daily life. Depression and anxiety in cancer survivors can be managed with therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
#3. Developing Depression and Anxiety
Survivorship can be a challenging journey, and it’s not uncommon to experience depression and anxiety during and after treatment. According to Psychiatric Times, anxiety is prevalent in women diagnosed with breast cancer during treatment and survivorship. In addition, depression is common in cancer survivors, with rates ranging from 15% to 25%.
There are many factors that can contribute to depression and anxiety during survivorship. For example, the stress of diagnosis, treatment, and the uncertainty of the future can be overwhelming. In addition, physical symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and changes in body image can also impact mental health.
It’s important to recognize the signs of depression and anxiety and seek help if needed. Some common symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, and loss of interest in activities. Anxiety symptoms may include excessive worry, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
There are many resources available to help manage depression and anxiety during survivorship. For example, relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety. In addition, counseling or therapy can provide a safe space to talk about feelings and develop coping strategies.
It’s important to remember that depression and anxiety are common during survivorship, and seeking help is a sign of strength. With the right support and resources, it’s possible to overcome these hurdles and thrive in survivorship.
#4. Late Effects of Chemotherapy or Radiation Treatment
As cancer survivors, we face many hurdles during our journey to recovery. One of those hurdles is dealing with the late effects of chemotherapy or radiation treatment. While these treatments can be life-saving, they can also cause organ dysfunction and other long-term side effects that can affect our quality of life.
Organ Dysfunction
Chemotherapy and radiation can cause damage to various organs in the body, leading to dysfunction. For example, chemotherapy drugs can cause damage to the heart, leading to heart failure or other heart problems. Radiation therapy can cause lung damage, leading to breathing difficulties or lung disease. Other organs that can be affected include the liver, kidneys, and eyes.
It’s important to be aware of these potential late effects and to talk to your healthcare provider about any symptoms you may be experiencing. Regular check-ups and monitoring can help catch any issues early on before they become more serious.
There are also steps you can take to help prevent or manage organ dysfunction. For example, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other health problems. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can also help protect the organs.
Overall, while dealing with the late effects of chemotherapy or radiation treatment can be challenging, it’s important to stay proactive and take steps to protect our health and quality of life. By working closely with our healthcare providers and taking care of ourselves, we can overcome this hurdle and continue on our journey to survivorship.
#5. Difficulty Returning to Work or Finding Employment
Returning to work or finding employment can be one of the biggest hurdles for survivors. According to Prison Policy Initiative, formerly incarcerated individuals took an average of over six months to find their first job after release. Additionally, the average person had 3.4 jobs over four years, indicating that maintaining employment can also be challenging.
Physical or Emotional Limitations
Survivors may experience physical or emotional limitations that make it difficult to return to work or find employment. Physical limitations can include chronic pain, mobility issues, or other disabilities resulting from their cancer treatment. Emotional limitations can include anxiety, depression, or PTSD, which can impact their ability to function in a work environment.
It is important for survivors to communicate their limitations with potential employers and to seek accommodations if needed. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, which may include modified work schedules, adaptive equipment, or other adjustments to the work environment.
Survivors may also benefit from vocational rehabilitation services, which can provide job training, career counseling, and other resources to help them find employment that is suitable for their abilities and limitations.
Final Thoughts…
Returning to work or finding employment can be a challenging process for survivors, particularly those who are dealing with physical or emotional limitations. However, with the right support and resources, survivors can overcome these hurdles and find fulfilling work that allows them to thrive. Conclusion Survivorship hurdles are a complex and multifaceted issue that affects cancer survivors of all ages. We have explored the top five survivorship hurdles that cancer survivors face today.
These challenges include financial toxicity, access to care, mental health, physical health, and social isolation. While each survivorship hurdle presents unique challenges, they all have one thing in common: they can be overcome with the right support and resources.
As a community, we must work together to address these challenges and provide cancer survivors with the tools they need to thrive. We can start by advocating for policies that support access to affordable healthcare, mental health services, and financial assistance programs. We can also work to raise awareness about the importance of survivorship care and the unique needs of cancer survivors.
By working together, we can help cancer survivors overcome the hurdles they face and live fulfilling healthy lives. We must continue to prioritize survivorship care and support cancer survivors in their journey toward recovery. -T
FAQ
As cancer survivors, we face many challenges that can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. Here are some frequently asked questions that we hope will help you navigate some of the hurdles you may encounter:
How can I manage the physical side effects of cancer treatment?
Physical side effects of cancer treatment can be difficult to manage, but there are many strategies that can help. It’s important to talk to your healthcare team about any symptoms you’re experiencing. They may be able to recommend medications or other treatments to help manage your symptoms. Some survivors find that complementary therapies, such as acupuncture or massage, can be helpful in managing symptoms like pain and fatigue.
How can I cope with the emotional impact of cancer?
The emotional impact of cancer can be significant, and it’s important to take care of your mental health as well as your physical health. Many survivors find that talking to a therapist or joining a support group can be helpful in coping with the emotional impact of cancer. It’s also important to take time for self-care and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
How can I stay healthy after cancer treatment?
Staying healthy after cancer treatment is important, but it can be challenging. It’s important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Your healthcare team can provide guidance on what types of exercise are safe for you. It’s also important to stay up to date on recommended cancer screenings and to attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare team.
How can I manage the financial impact of cancer treatment?
Cancer treatment can be expensive, and managing the financial impact of cancer can be challenging. It’s important to talk to your healthcare team about any financial concerns you have. They may be able to connect you with resources or financial assistance programs. It’s also important to review your insurance coverage and to understand what out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for.
How can I communicate with my loved ones about my experience as a cancer survivor?
Communicating with loved ones about your experience as a cancer survivor can be challenging. It’s important to be honest and open about your feelings and to let your loved ones know how they can support you. It’s also important to set boundaries and to communicate your needs clearly. Some survivors find that joining a support group can be helpful in connecting with others who have had similar experiences.
