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5 Things Every Cancer Survivor Should Know

August 20, 2024

If you’re stepping into life as a cancer survivor, we understand it can come with a mix of emotions and questions about what lies ahead.

To help navigate this new chapter, we spoke with Andrew Salner, MD, the medical director at Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute.

Here’s what you need to know.

1. It’s normal not to feel 100% after cancer therapy.

You have been through a lot, so it’s expected to experience lingering effects after cancer treatment.

“Fatigue is the most common long-term side effect, and it’s more than just feeling tired. It often doesn’t improve with rest and can last for months or even years,” says Dr. Salner. “Its cause isn’t fully understood and can be physical, psychological, emotional or a mix of all three.”

Your cancer care team can help you manage other common post-treatment effects, including:

• Sleep disturbances: It’s not unusual to experience trouble sleeping after cancer treatment.
• Anxiety and depression: These emotional challenges often accompany the cancer journey.
• Body image concerns: Treatment can alter your body’s appearance and function, affecting your self-image.
• Long-term health impacts: Some late effects of cancer treatment might include neuropathy, chronic pain, dry mouth, dental issues, scar tissue, swallowing difficulties, heart muscle issues and lung scarring.

> Related: 6 Tips to Get Through Chemotherapy

2. Embracing a healthy lifestyle post-treatment is essential.

Do you need help figuring out where to start? Dr. Salner provides expert guidance to help you take the first steps:

• Get sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours nightly. Keep a regular sleep schedule and limit naps to 30 minutes.
• Eat well: Follow a balanced diet with lean proteins, fruits and vegetables. Limit saturated fats, processed carbs, sugar and alcohol.
• Stay active: Aim for 150 minutes of physical activity weekly; brisk walking is a perfect start! Exercise is a great way to fight fatigue, improve energy and feel more positive.
• Focus on mental health: Engage in meditation, art, time with loved ones or seek counseling.
• Explore holistic practices: Yoga, mindfulness, acupuncture, massage and Reiki may help with anxiety.
• Embrace support: Join in-person or virtual support groups to ease your adjustment.

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3. Fear of recurrence is normal, but this can help.

Are you finding it difficult to move forward while worrying about cancer returning?

“This fear is very common,” says Dr. Salner. “Many survivors go through this, but the good news is that it usually eases with time.”

Here’s what Dr. Salner suggests for managing these concerns:

• Talk to your oncology doctor about the risk of recurrence.
• Open up to loved ones—they’re there to support you.
• Seek counseling to develop coping strategies for your fears.
• Try tai chi or qigong to calm your mind and body.
• Express your feelings creatively through art, music or journaling.
• Connect with others who understand your journey.

“Sometimes the fear you have of the unknown is worse than what the facts support,” adds Dr. Salner. “Don’t be afraid to vocalize your fears and get the necessary answers and support.”

4. You’ll continue with regular appointments after therapy ends.

Cancer survivors typically have four kinds of follow-up visits. Dr. Salner explains:

• Surveillance by your cancer team: Frequent checkups monitor for recurrence and side effects, involving symptom discussions, physical exams and test reviews.
• Survivorship-focused care: Survivorship programs offer you personalized care plan, as well as access to a wide array of services including nutrition; psychosocial support and counseling; support groups; financial assistance; integrative medicine including Reiki, acupuncture, massage therapy and yoga; genetics counseling; cancer rehabilitation; exercise programs; tobacco cessation; nurse navigation and more.
• Routine cancer screenings: Survivors have a slightly higher risk of new cancers, so regular screenings for breast, colorectal, cervical, lung and prostate cancers are vital.
• Holistic care: Regular checkups with your PCP and other doctors help maintain overall health.

5. Your medical team is always here for you.

We all experience occasional symptoms, and this is also true for cancer survivors.

“If you notice any new, unexplained symptoms, persistent lumps or bumps, or anything that feels different from your normal, see your doctor,” says Dr. Salner.

Remember, your care doesn’t end after treatment.

“Your cancer team is here to support you,” adds Dr. Salner. “Tell us if you have any symptoms, fears or concerns. We’re here to help.”