Having survived cancer, you’re ready to move on with life. However, side effects from your illness or aggressive treatment methods may interfere with your quality of life. Some may be temporary, and others may last a lifetime. If one goes through research and literature related to cancer, you can see the lack of material dealing with the psychosocial aspect of surviving cancer. ‘I’m no longer in remission’, ‘I’ve fought it’, ‘I don’t want to think about that part of my life anymore’, are some of the things we say. Yes, you survived your cancer, and that in itself is a huge accomplishment. But, now, it is time to focus on maintaining that, and work on the psychosocial part of it.
You may experience fatigue, anxiousness that your cancer will come back or spread, or ‘chemobrain’, wherein it is becomes difficult for you to remember a lot of things You may or still do remember the immense pain you and your loved ones went through upon hearing your diagnosis of cancer . The physical and mental ordeal during treatments, dealing with your emotions and the whole uncertainty of it can cause mental distress.
Most cancer survivors get a second shot at life. This brings about a renewed sense of life, hope and purpose. But, what is not delved into much is the toll placed by both the cancer and its treatment on the individual’s health, mental functioning, sense of security, and well-being. The long lasting effects of cancer and its treatment need to be addressed and worked on in cancer survivors. The change from regular treatment to post-treatment care is critical for long-term health. If psychosocial care is not planned and coordinated, cancer survivors are left without knowledge of their heightened risks and a follow-up plan of action.
Psychosocial Awareness needs to be raised post treatment of cancer. An active psychosocial treatment plan needs to be developed for the ongoing care of cancer survivors
Cancer Survivorship treatments encompass the physical, psychosocial, and economic spheres of cancer diagnosis and its treatment among both paediatric and adult survivors of cancer.
According to Ganz (2002), some of the psychosocial Concerns of faced by Cancer Survivors are:
1. Fear of recurrence, concerns about future and death
2. Depression, sadness
3. Inability to make plans
4. Adjustment to physical compromise, health worries, sense of loss for what might have been (e.g., loss of fertility)
5. Uncertainty and heightened sense of vulnerability
6. Alterations in social support
7. Fears regarding accomplishment of adult developmental tasks
8. Existential and spiritual issues
9. Psychosocial reorientation
10. Sexuality, fertility, and intimate relationships
11. Parenting
12. Employment and financial problems
While some positive feelings are:
1. Feelings of gratitude and good fortune
2. Sense of self-esteem and mastery
How do I as a cancer survivor ensure my mental wellbeing is taken care of?
1. Remember not all of the psychological effects are negative. You beat your cancer and have a better appreciation of life. Your self-esteem would have also been enhanced.
2. There is an underlying fear of relapse. Handle those fears by talking about it with a loved one, your doctor or even a counsellor. Do not ignore them. Take hold of these fears and work on them one by one. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of talking about it with someone, journal your thoughts.
3. You may feel that others don’t get you the same way they did before your diagnosis. You may feel alone. Your family members may be unsure as to how to help you, as they would want to give you your space as well. Don’t deal with this on your own. Reach out to someone. There are many cancer support groups cancer survivors and, who are all going through he same emotions as you are.
In conclusion, find what works for you in terms of coping with your emotions. Have an open mind and try different strategies. Consult a therapist if you still have difficulties. Most importantly, you are not alone in this.
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