Why Survivorship Care is an Essential Part of Life After Cancer
The journey of a cancer survivor does not end the moment they are declared cancer-free. In fact, for many young adult cancer survivors, the challenges of post-treatment life can be just as daunting as the battle against the disease itself. Comprehensive post-treatment services are not just beneficial but essential for these individuals. Survivorship care encompasses a wide range of support systems, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual assistance. The transition from being a patient to a survivor can be overwhelming, and without proper guidance and support, many survivors find themselves struggling to navigate this new phase of life.
One of the most surprising aspects for many cancer survivors is the sudden disappearance of support and encouragement once they are declared cancer-free. During treatment, there is a constant stream of medical professionals, family, and friends rallying around them. However, post-treatment, this support often dwindles, leaving survivors feeling isolated and vulnerable. This is where survivorship care becomes crucial. It provides a structured and continuous support system that helps survivors cope with the physical and emotional aftermath of cancer treatment.
Survivorship care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It includes a variety of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each survivor. Physical rehabilitation, nutritional counseling, psychological therapy, and alternative therapies like acupuncture and reiki are just a few examples of the comprehensive care available. These services aim to address not only the physical aftereffects of cancer treatment but also the emotional and psychological scars that many survivors carry. The goal is to help survivors regain a sense of normalcy and improve their overall quality of life.
For instance, the author of this article sought counseling services just one month after being declared cancer-free. Initially referred to a social worker by her primary care physician, she found that traditional counseling was not enough to address her post-cancer emotions. It was only after discovering the young adult program at Roswell Park that she began to find the support she needed. This program connected her with other young adult survivors, providing a sense of community and understanding that she had been missing.
Despite finding solace in connecting with other survivors, the author still grappled with personal feelings that she found difficult to share. It was through the Roswell Park survivorship center that she was introduced to various therapies such as acupuncture, reiki, and counseling. These therapies played a significant role in her recovery, allowing her to explore different methods of healing and self-care. For a year, she regularly utilized these services before transitioning to providers closer to home. The ability to access these therapies without worrying about cost or insurance was a tremendous relief and significantly contributed to her well-being.
The Roswell Park survivorship center continues to expand, now boasting two locations in Buffalo and Amherst. Their mission is to make life after cancer the best it can be for survivors. The center’s comprehensive approach to survivorship care ensures that every aspect of a survivor’s health is addressed. From physical rehabilitation to emotional support, the center aims to provide a holistic approach to recovery. This commitment to continuous improvement and expansion reflects the growing recognition of the importance of survivorship care in the oncology community.
It’s important to note that the experiences and outcomes of cancer patients can vary widely, even among those with the same type of cancer. One patient’s story should never be used to predict another’s response to treatment or recovery. Each survivor’s journey is unique, and survivorship care must be personalized to meet individual needs. Roswell Park provides valuable information on survival rates compared to national standards on their website, helping survivors understand their prognosis and the importance of ongoing care.
In the broader context of oncology, experts like Smita Bhatia and Robert A. Figlin emphasize the need for long-term health recommendations for adult cancer survivors. While guidelines exist for pediatric cancer survivors, there is a significant gap when it comes to adult survivors. With the increasing number of adult cancer survivors, major oncology societies must prioritize the creation of long-term care guidelines. Understanding the impact of recent advancements in cancer care on adult survivors is crucial, and this requires following large cohorts and studying them over extended periods.
Bhatia, an expert in managing childhood cancer survivors, believes that lessons learned from pediatric care can be applied to adult survivors. Currently, there are over 550,000 childhood cancer survivors in the US, compared to 20 million adult survivors. The long-term complications faced by childhood cancer survivors have informed the broader understanding of survivorship issues. Over 50% of childhood cancer survivors develop long-term conditions related to their treatment, highlighting the need for long-term follow-up and surveillance. This knowledge underscores the importance of developing similar guidelines for adult cancer survivors.
One of the challenges in providing long-term care for adult cancer survivors is the influx of newly diagnosed patients. This often makes it difficult for healthcare providers to follow up with survivors over the long term. Additionally, primary care practices may not be equipped to manage the specific needs of adult cancer survivors. For example, anthracyclines, commonly used in cancer treatment, can have lasting effects on the heart. Aggressive cardiovascular management and surveillance are essential for these survivors, yet current practices may not adequately address these needs.
Despite the growing recognition of the importance of survivorship care, there are currently no standardized guidelines for adult cancer survivors. This lack of guidance leaves many survivors navigating their post-treatment journey without the necessary support. There is a pressing need for funding and support to study the long-term effects of new treatment methods on adult cancer survivors. By investing in research and developing comprehensive care guidelines, the oncology community can better support survivors and improve their quality of life.
In conclusion, survivorship care is an essential part of life after cancer. The journey of a cancer survivor is far from over once they are declared cancer-free. Comprehensive post-treatment services, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual support, are crucial for helping survivors navigate this new phase of life. The experiences of childhood cancer survivors have provided valuable insights into the long-term complications faced by all cancer survivors. As the number of adult cancer survivors continues to grow, the need for standardized guidelines and long-term care recommendations becomes increasingly urgent. By prioritizing survivorship care, the oncology community can ensure that survivors receive the support they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.