What is Post-Treatment Distress? Cancer Survivorship Coping strategies

The race has only begun

Why Post-Treatment distress matter?

Having cancer might make you feel like you’re in a marathon with an end goal in mind. People with cancer may keep this metaphor in mind as they strive to overcome the obstacles posed by cancer. Nonetheless, just because someone completes treatment doesn’t indicate they’ve arrived at the finish line.

Even after successful treatment, some cancer survivors feel haunted by their diagnosis. Others can still see the finish line but continue to race towards cancer. On the other hand, some might find that the finish line they reach is not what they imagined.

And this is where the concept of acknowledging Post-Treatment distress for cancer survivorship comes in. It is where cancer survival comes into play. Understanding the post-treatment distress effect helps cancer survivors through the disease, being prepared and enabling them to live happy lives with the best quality of life possible.

After finishing medical treatment, it’s normal to feel a sense of relief and hope that things will return to normal. But let’s say that this isn’t the case; now what? Post-treatment distress is defined as unpleasant anxiety, stress, or depression that may arise as a consequence of:

Physical factors
Emotional factors
Social factors

If you have difficulty getting used to life after treatment, contact us if you want to share with other survivors or mental health professionals.

I’m done with my cancer treatment. I just want to put cancer behind me.

(From every cancer patient)

Post-Treatment distress Emotional Stress after treament

Cancer treatment impacts your physical health and alters how you feel, think, and enjoy your favorite activities. In addition to creating unexpected feelings, the therapy may change how the brain functions. Similarly to how you should care for your body following treatment, you should also care for your emotions.

Each individual’s experience with cancer is unique, as are the reactions, emotions, and concerns accompanying it. How you understand and deal with cancer may be shaped by the values you were taught growing up. Some individuals may believe they must be strong and protect their loved ones. Others rely on the support of loved ones or other cancer survivors, as well as their religious beliefs, to help them manage. Some seek assistance from counselors and others outside the family, while others are uncomfortable with this approach. It is essential to make decisions based on what is best for you and not to compare yourself to others.

Here are some frequent emotions experienced by cancer patients following treatment:

Concern that cancer will recur (FCR)
Feeling stress
Feeling alone
Depression & anxiety
Feeling angry
Concentration & memory
Coping with physical changes

Emotional Stress after treament Concern that cancer will recur (FCR)

Worrying about the cancer returning (recurring), especially in the first year after treatment, is common. These worries may linger for an extended time, even after treatment ends.

Some individuals’ anxiety levels are so severe that they stop enjoying life, sleeping through the night, eating healthily, and even keeping their follow-up appointments. “What will I do if I get it again?” one would wonder. “I never imagined I’d get through the first time.” Of course, not everyone reacts in this manner. There is always hope; as three times cancer survivor Joseph L. Wong would say: “Cancer is just a part of our life journey.”

Many people who have overcome cancer say that their concern about a recurrence lessens and that they think about their condition less frequently as time passes. Some situations can cause you to worry about your health years after treatment has ended. Such things could include:

Follow-up appointments.
Celebrations of events & birthdays. (date diagnosed with cancer or had surgery or ended treatment or birthdays that reminds you of getting older)
Family member’s illness.
Similar symptoms were present when you first suspected cancer.
Cancer-related mortality of others.
And conversations with others that reminded you of the event you had endured.

How to cope and deal with these concerns. The worry of cancer returning is overwhelming; how do you deal with it? Below are some suggestions that have helped others face their fears and find hope:

Know the facts.
Taking the time to educate yourself about your cancer, the immediate steps you can take to improve your health, and the resources at your disposal can help you feel more in charge of your situation. Research has shown that patients who know about their cancer and its treatment have a better chance of adhering to their treatments and fully recovering.
You should address negative emotions like fear, anger, and grief.
Many people find that they are less worried when they can express themselves honestly and work through their feelings. Many have discovered that by verbalizing painful emotions like anger or depression, they are better able to release them. Others find it helpful to talk through their feelings with loved ones, others who have overcome cancer, or a professional counselor. You shouldn’t feel obligated to tell anyone about your cancer if you don’t want to. It is still essential to handle your emotions by giving them some serious thought and putting them in a journal.
Work on developing a good attitude, which might help you feel better about your current situation.
This method may require focusing on the positive, despite the circumstances, or choosing optimism over pessimism. Put your efforts into improving your health and doing all you can right now to avoid being sick. Try not to blame yourself for having cancer. Others attribute their cancer diagnosis to their actions or inactions. In most cases, this is not the case, and you shouldn’t give too much thought to your negative emotions. Remember that cancer can strike anyone at any time. You don’t have to maintain a constant state of positivity. Many people would like the option to act on their emotions whenever they please.
Find what works best for you to help you relax.
It would help if you made time to do whatever enables you to relax. If you feel anxious, you may find relief through techniques like meditation, 4-7-8 breathing techniques, guided imagery, and other relaxation exercises.
Try to keep yourself busy.
Leaving the house and engaging in productive activity can help divert your attention away from cancer and its stress.
Take charge of what you can.
Some individuals claim that organizing their lives reduces their anxiety. Some aspects of your health care that are within your control include taking an active role, keeping your appointments, and making positive adjustments to your lifestyle. The simple act of creating a routine can empower you. And while it’s true that no one is in complete command of their thoughts at all times, some claim they’ve made a conscious effort to avoid focusing on the scary ones.

Emotional Stress after treament Feeling stress

After receiving your diagnosis, there’s a good chance you put off dealing with some things, like your family, job, and finances. Now that your treatments are complete, you may feel overwhelmed and exhausted just as these problems resurface.

Many people who have overcome cancer also wonder whether stress contributes. Keep in mind that many cancers still have their precise origins undiscovered. There is no conclusive relationship between stress and cancer, although it has been related to several other diseases and conditions.

How to cope and deal with these concerns. Many survivors have found the following activities help to cope with cancer and stress once treatment has ended. Discuss with your doctor, nurse, social worker, or a local cancer group about participating in programs like these:

Exercise
Exercise is a well-known strategy to lower stress and feel less tense, whether you’ve had cancer or not. Get your doctor’s approval before beginning any new workout routine, and don’t push yourself beyond your limits. Learn about other forms of exercise that may be beneficial if you cannot walk.
Sharing personal experiences
Cancer survivors may benefit from sharing and listening to others’ experiences, including learning, problem-solving, increasing optimism, voicing concerns, and making sense of their own.
Dancing
Dancing reduces stress because it makes us feel good physically, which makes us feel good mentally. Just like any other kind of physical exercise, dancing triggers the production of endorphins (commonly known as “happy hormones”), which immediately make us less stressed and more cheerful.
Drawing
Art and drawing are well-known stress-reduction techniques. For this reason, there is an entire specialty called Art Therapy. When you see children do drawings, paintings, and other crafts, you can see how it calms them and brings them tremendous joy. Adults seldom consider painting or drawing to relieve stress, even though it may work wonderfully for most individuals.

Emotional Stress after treament Feeling alone

After treatment, you may long for your companionship with your medical personnel. Now that you no longer need medical attention, you may feel your safety net has been withdrawn and receive less attention and assistance from healthcare professionals. You may believe that nobody except someone who has also dealt with cancer can understand how you feel. Separating from loved ones often brings up strong emotions like this.

As a side effect of cancer treatment, isolation from loved ones is common. Family and friends often want to provide a hand but don’t know what to do. Others may be concerned about the sickness.

How to cope and deal with these concerns. Strategies for reducing feelings of isolation.
How can you cheer up during this period of isolation? This is what some individuals have done that has worked for them:

Consider how you may provide yourself with the same level of emotional support that was provided to you by the medical staff. It’s worth considering:

You might try calling and asking to speak with one of the physicians or nurses. Calling a friend or loved one might make you feel less alone and more connected. Knowing you have a support system and can reach out to them might be reassuring.
Seek help through the phone or the Internet.
Discovering new sources of assistance for your recovery. You might seek advice from friends, relatives, other cancer survivors, or a religious leader.

2. Participating in a cancer support group may be worth considering. Those who have experienced illness’s emotional and physical effects might find solace and understanding in a cancer support group. They not only get to express their difficulties but also learn about the experiences of others and the strategies they used to overcome similar situations. The members of your family may benefit from attending a support group.

Emotional Stress after treament Depression & anxiety

There is a chance that negative emotions like anger, tension, sadness, and depression will remain even after treatment has ended. These emotions usually fade or lessen with time. However, for up to one-quarter of the population, these feelings may become intense. Negative emotions do not subside and are a major hindrance to everyday living. These individuals could be suffering from depression. Some people may have had this problem because their cancer treatment changed the way their mind works.

How to cope and deal with these concerns. Reaching Out for Support When Depressed.

Please consult your physician. A medical professional may prescribe medication or suggest that you see a counselor if they determine that you are suffering from depression. Experts in both depression treatment and cancer rehabilitation are searched out by many survivors. Your doctor may also give you medicine to help you feel less depressed and stressed.
Where do I start to determine whether my emotional state has progressed to where I need professional assistance? Talk to your doctor if you’ve had these symptoms for more than two weeks.

Indications of emotion:

- continuous feelings of uneasiness, bewilderment, sadness, or despair
- Negative feelings and emotions
- Being completely and utterly unable to cope with the situation, frightened, and shaky
- Feelings of remorse or dejection
  a state of helplessness or hopelessness
- Mood swings and irritability
- Inability to focus
- Extreme weeping
- Stressing out over something
  being unable to stop thinking about something
- Being unable to stop yourself from doing things that seem silly. Not being able to enjoy things like food, sex, or socializing.
- You find yourself avoiding completely innocent activities or situations
- Having suicidal thoughts or a general sense that you’re “losing it.”

Adjustments to the body:

- Gaining or losing weight unexpectedly without medical cause
- Sleeplessness or a greater need for sleep
- Rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, increased sweating, abdominal distress, and diarrhoea
- Slowing down physiologically
- Constant drowsiness; discomfort in the head, neck, shoulders, back, or elsewhere (Cancer therapy may also produce them; see fatigue.)

Emotional Stress after treament Feeling angry

Anger is a common emotion among cancer patients, whether it’s directed at the illness itself or at those involved in their diagnosis and treatment. There’s a chance they’ve had an unpleasant experience with a medical professional or a family member or friend who wasn’t supportive.

It’s normal to feel angry against the people closest to you in the time after treatment has ended because you may feel that they aren’t being sensitive enough to your situation for them to understand your suffering or challenges from your point of view.

How to cope and deal with these concerns. Keeping your anger bottled up might prevent you from taking care of yourself, but there are instances when anger can spur you into taking the necessary steps to ensure you receive the help you need. If you feel furious, try to channel that emotion into something productive.

Consider the following. What is making me so angry, and what can I do about it? Taking the time to answer these questions and express your emotions will help you better control your anger.
Exercise caution. Joining a cause might be the greatest way to deal with anger at times. Becoming an advocate for cancer patients is one way to give your experience significance and value.
Give your attention to the things you can control. You have the power to determine your health and well-being by taking an active role in arranging and maintaining medical appointments, altering your diet and exercise routine, and establishing your daily routine. When you feel like you have more control, you are less likely to feel angry and frustrated.
Find out how to control your anger. People may be taught techniques to reframe negative beliefs and divert destructive anger.

Emotional Stress after treament Concentration & memory

According to research, one in every four cancer patients has memory and concentration issues after undergoing chemotherapy. More research is needed to examine what causes these changes.

These results may arise after treatment is completed or may not show up for years. They don’t always vanish. If a person is older, it can be hard to tell if these changes in memory and concentration are caused by treatment or just by getting older. Some people feel like they can’t concentrate as well as they used to.

Researchers are just beginning to discover who might have trouble remembering things and focusing. This issue seems more common in those who have had both systemic chemotherapy and radiation treatment to the head. People who have had high doses of chemotherapy may have memory problems more than others, but people who have had normal doses have also said that their memories have changed.

Consulting a medical professional about issues with memory and focus. If you are having trouble remembering things or keeping your attention, a visit to the physician is necessary. You should contact them if

The medication you’re taking is suspected as a possible root or contributing factor.
You have a preconceived diagnosis of depression or anxiety. Attention, focus, and memory may all be hampered by these issues.
Menopause has set in for you. Menopause may be responsible for some women’s memory and focus issues.

How to cope and deal with these concerns. Cancer survivors have developed many methods to improve memory recovery after treatment. Test out some of these suggestions and see if they help:

You should utilize a notepad or pocket planner to organize your day. You can write down each job, how long it takes, and where you’re heading. Schedule your entire day, including your sleep time. Don’t overcomplicate things, and know your limits.
Put little reminders around the house to help you remember what you need to do. Use them to help you keep track of important things like 1) throwing garbage away and 2) locking the door. Use as few symbols as possible (two or three is ideal). If you have too many, you may not pay attention to them.
Create “chunks” out of lengthy digits (like phone numbers and ZIP codes). An easy way to remember the pattern of the phone number of your loved ones.
If you’re having trouble maintaining attention, try “talking yourself through” the task. Whisper the steps yourself while doing a multi-step operation like cooking or using a computer.
Develop the ability to calm down. Learning relaxation techniques might help you keep your cool under pressure. Better stress management has been linked to enhanced cognitive functioning.
If you want to be sure you don’t forget names, dates, or other relevant information during social or professional gatherings, go through a few practice runs beforehand.
What you want to remember, repeat. Repeating the phrase aloud might assist the words in sticking in the listener’s memory.

Emotional Stress after treament Coping with physical changes

Alterations to the body might be either temporary or permanent. After undergoing cancer treatment, your appearance may be of the most profound concern. People who have had a colostomy or rectostomy due to surgery may be uncomfortable socializing with others. They may worry about being judged or rejected by others, making them feel bad about themselves. It’s possible they’re worried about having an “accident” and looking foolish in front of others. Others react to the public’s being able to see side effects of treatment, such as scarring on the face or neck, changed skin tone, the disappearance of breasts or limbs, changes in body composition, or thinning or thickening of hair. Even if your treatment doesn’t “show,” the changes to your body may be upsetting. It’s normal to have strong emotions like rage and sadness. You’ve lost your “old body” and your sense of self.

Feeling awful about your physique may reduce sex desire, and losing or reducing your sex life might make you feel even worse. One man who survived prostate cancer described the experience as “weird.” “Your “manhood” has you concerned. You might not be thinking about it right now, but it is always there.” That worries women too. One ovarian cancer survivor said, “I was half of a woman.”

Changes to your appearance may be complex, not just for you but for those closest to you. Parents and grandparents worry about how their children and grandchildren see them. They fear their kid may be frightened or that their changing appearance would prevent them from bonding.

How to cope and deal with these concerns. How to Deal with Physical Adjustments.
How do you handle physical adjustments? Some suggestions that have worked for others are as follows:

If you notice a change in your skin’s tone as a result of radiation exposure, see your doctor or nurse about how to best care for your skin and whether or not the skin tone will return to normal.
Find new ways to make yourself look better. You may feel more confident after changing your appearance with a new hairstyle, hair color, cosmetics, or wardrobe.
Make sure the prosthesis (breast shape) you wear fits you correctly. Maybe it’s covered by your medical insurance.
You are more than just your cancer; you need to remind yourself.
You have to value yourself regardless of your appearance or external factors.
Think about how having cancer has changed you as a person. More robust, more intelligent, and more connected to reality.

CANCER CAN TAKE AWAY ALL OF MY PHYSICAL ABILITIES. IT CANNOT TOUCH MY MIND, IT CANNOT TOUCH MY HEART. AND IT CANNOT TOUCH MY SOUL.

POST-treatment distress Physical changes after treatment

After cancer treatment, you can feel better and live a better life by taking these few simple steps. Explore your options and see what needs to be done.

As a cancer survivor, you are eager to get healthy again after your treatment. However, you can take steps to ensure your ongoing health and well-being in the years after cancer treatment has ended.

Cancer survivors should do the same things as anyone else who wants to improve their health: exercise, eat a well-balanced diet, stay at a healthy weight, get enough sleep, reduce stress, don’t smoke, and don’t drink too much alcohol.

But the following strategies have extra benefits for people who have already fought cancer. These easy steps can improve your life and help you adjust to being a survivor. Here are some ways to take care of yourself after treatment for cancer:

Exercise
Adopt a healthy, well-rounded diet
Put down the cigarettes and alcohol.
Be at peace.
Lessen your anxiety
Stick to a healthy weight
Take care of yourself first.

Physical changes after treatment Exercise

Exercising regularly after undergoing cancer treatment improves mood and has been shown to improve recovery. Including physical exercise in your daily routine does not require any additional effort. Focus on small changes you can make to get more out of life. Take the stairs more often, or park further away and walk the rest of the way. Before you start any exercise plan, talk to your doctor.

With your doctor’s OK, start slowly and build up. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults who have survived cancer work out for at least 150 minutes weekly, including at least two days a week of strength training. As you recover and get used to your new life, you may find that more exercise makes you feel better. It’s OK if you don’t want to work out sometimes. Don’t feel bad if the side effects of your treatment, like fatigue, keep you from doing things. Take a walk around the block when you feel like it. Do what you can, and don’t forget that rest is essential for improving.

In addition to its many other advantages, early research revealed that regular exercise might lessen the likelihood of cancer recurring and even shorten the length of time spent in a terminal state. Many people who have cancer worry that it will return and want to do everything they can to stop it. Even though there isn’t much proof that exercise lowers the risk of dying from cancer, there is a lot of evidence that exercise is good for your heart, lungs, and other body parts, which is why people who have had cancer were suggested to exercise.

Exercising cancer survivors may have the following benefits:

Elevated muscular strength and stamina
reduced depressive symptoms
Enhanced sense of satisfaction in one’s abilities
Decreased Nervousness
Less fatigue
Improved sleep
Reduced likelihood of cancer recurrence
Bettered mood
Less pain

Physical changes after treatment Adopt a healthy, well-rounded diet

Cancer survivors need a proper diet. Nutrition is the process through which food is consumed and used by the body for growth, health maintenance, and tissue replacement. Nutrition is essential for optimal health. A healthy diet contains meals and beverages that provide the necessary elements to the body (vitamins, minerals, protein, carbs, fat, and water).

A healthy diet is essential both before and after cancer treatment. A plant-based diet combined with regular exercise can help cancer patients maintain healthy body weight, retain strength, and reduce side effects during and after treatment. Incorporate a wide variety of plant-based foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your daily diet. Consuming these nutrients together will ensure you obtain the necessary nutrients and vitamins to build a healthy body.

Speak to a dietitian if you have questions about what to eat while dealing with post-treatment conditions. A certified dietitian is an essential member of the healthcare team. A dietitian or nutritionist is a healthcare team member assisting in cancer treatment and recovery. A dietitian will monitor the patient’s nutrition during and after cancer treatment in conjunction with the patient, their family, and the rest of the medical team. According to research, including a qualified dietitian in a patient’s cancer treatment may help the patient survive longer.

Physical changes after treatment Put down the cigarettes and alcohol

Give up smoking. Get rid of the habit once and for all. Smoking or chewing tobacco increases your chance of developing various forms of cancer. Stopping now may lessen your chance of cancer recurrence and the development of the second form of cancer (second primary cancer). Seek assistance if you’ve attempted to stop before without much success. Consult your doctor about resources to assist you with quitting.

If you must consume alcohol, do it in moderation. For healthy individuals, it means no more than one drink per day for women of all ages and men over the age of 65 and no more than two drinks per day for males 65 and younger. For some individuals, alcohol has health advantages; for example, drinking one drink per day may lower your risk of heart disease. However, it raises the risk of some cancers, such as the mouth and throat. While it is unknown if consuming alcohol causes cancer recurrence, it does raise your chance of developing a second primary cancer. Consider the risks and advantages of alcohol use and consult with your doctor.

Physical changes after treatment Be at peace

Sleep issues are more prevalent in cancer patients, even survivors. It might be due to physical changes, medical side effects, stress, or other factors.

However, having an adequate sleep is critical to your recovery. Sleeping allows your mind and body to restore and recharge, allowing you to operate at your best when awake. Sleeping well may increase cognitive abilities, improve hormone function, and reduce blood pressure. It may also help you feel better overall.

Healthy sleep hygiene increases the likelihood of a good night’s rest by reducing the risk factors for poor sleep:

You should avoid caffeine for at least 8 hours before night.
Exercise at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
Keep the temperature in the room at least 2 degrees cooler than usual.
Do not take a hot shower immediately before sleeping.
Maintain a consistent sleep routine.
Avoid using computers or watching television for 1 to 2 hours before bed.
Maintain a calm and dark atmosphere in your bedroom.

If you’re feeling excessively weary throughout the day and having trouble sleeping, you should talk to a doctor or a mental health practitioner. There’s a chance that cancer and its treatment are causing you to have trouble sleeping.

Physical changes after treatment Lessen your anxiety

As a cancer survivor, you may notice that the illness’s physical, emotional, and social effects have taken their toll on your mind. Although there is no proof that stress management increases cancer survival, it may considerably enhance the quality of life by easing sadness, anxiety, and other symptoms associated with the illness and its treatment.

Some possible methods of reducing stress are:

4-7-8 breathing technique
Mindfulness practice and other relaxation methods
Counseling
Using guided imagery technique
Meeting with Cancer Support Groups and Offering Advice
Medications for treating mental health issues
Exercise
Talking to close ones

Physical changes after treatment Stick to a healthy weight

Depending on your treatment response, you could have gained or lost weight. It would help if you made an effort to achieve a healthy weight. Consult with your medical professional to determine your ideal weight and the best course of action to get there.

For those who need to gain weight, this will most likely include developing strategies to make meals more enticing and easier to consume. Consult a dietitian for advice on healthy methods of weight growth. It is possible to obtain the proper nutrition while undergoing cancer treatment if you and your doctor work together to manage symptoms such as nausea, discomfort, and weight loss.

On the other hand, If you need to lose weight, it is recommended that you do it gradually, at a rate of no more than 1 Kg per week. Reduce your calorie consumption and make it balanced with regular physical activity. It might be intimidating to try to lose a lot of weight. Stay patient and persistent.

Physical changes after treatment Take care of yourself first

Do your best. You may think it would take a complete revamp of your life to accomplish all of these things, but you should start where you are and work your way up. Starting a healthy diet or regular exercise routine gradually can make it more likely that you’ll keep doing these things for the rest of your life.

Although it is necessary to concern for and care for others, putting one’s own needs first is crucial for those who have survived cancer treatment. Putting your needs first is the key to a stress-free existence in which you can give your all to the many tasks and problems you must complete. You’ll be more productive as a result of this. Don’t forget to check in with yourself and attend to your requirements. As time goes on, you’ll develop a greater capacity for self-acceptance and self-compassion, which will help you live a life that’s both fulfilling and rewarding to everyone else.

Physical changes after treatment Common physical problems

Cancer survivors may have ongoing difficulties even after their treatment has ended. These are after-effects. Some possible instances are:

Second cancer: A second cancer is different from the first one. Individuals with second cancer sometimes develop a new kind of cancer in the same organ or region of the body where they were previously treated for cancer. They may have many forms of cancer. Contrary to what some may believe, second cancers are not the same as cancer that relapse. As individuals with cancer continue to live longer, they are more likely to develop second cancers.

Cancer treatments and cancer may cause pain: Research suggests that about 40% of individuals who have finished cancer treatment still suffer from chronic pain.

Cognitive dysfunction: Cancer patients often have a cognitive impairment, sometimes known as “chemo brain fog,” which may lead to difficulties with decision-making, multitasking, and remembering.

Bone issues: Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation may cause bone loss and fractures.

Changes to the skin: severe rashes are a side effect of several cancer treatments.

Arm or leg swelling (lymphedema): this is a possible side effect of treatment for breast cancer.

Sexual dysfunction: People undergoing breast or prostate cancer treatment may have difficulties returning to their pre-cancer sexual lives.

Peripheral neuropathy: Nerve problems like tingling and numbness can be caused by some types of cancer treatments.

Cancer fatigue: People being treated for cancer may feel very tired even after treatment is finished.

There is a "can" in cancer because we can beat it together

Post-Treatment distress Social issues after treatment (isolation)

You may sense less support from loved ones and medical professionals during and after cancer treatment. It is typical to feel neglected by loved ones when treatment has ended.

In the process of finding your way, you may have lost contact with some friends or grown away from others. It might be challenging to express your grief and loss to others who don’t understand what you’re going through and insist that you should be “thankful” that treatment is finished.

Some survivors often struggle to locate friends who can empathize with their experiences and help them feel “normal.” Keep in mind that many cancer survivors experience emotions of loneliness. Your mental and emotional well-being are of equal significance to your physical health. Help is essential if you are feeling lonely or alone.

‘Social isolation’ was first introduced in the fundamental research by Berkman and Syme (1979). the term was initially used to describe those who lacked social networks or had minimal social support.

Loneliness is a severe psychosocial symptom often not identified in cancer survivors. It has been linked to worse health outcomes and even death from all causes after cancer. In particular, statistics show that lonely cancer survivors are more likely to be depressed, and numerous physiological reactions may be projected by feeling lonely, such as decreased immune function, increased pain, disturbed sleep, functional deterioration, and weariness. Cancer survivors should not take these adverse effects of loneliness lightly, especially if they are older and have other chronic conditions that can worsen loneliness and make their needs for survivorship care more excellent.

Tips for Reducing the Feeling of Isolation:

Communicate honestly and truthfully. The people who care about you the most may not be able to help if they know you’re keeping your emotions repressed.
Participate in a support group. Support groups might help you connect with others who have gone through similar experiences.
Do things that bring you joy. Doing something you enjoy (like hiking or taking an art class) makes you feel better and helps you meet new people and make new friends.
Get help. Seek professional assistance from a counselor or social worker if you cannot deal with your emotions of isolation and despair on your own.

Social issues after treatment Family relationship

When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it often puts much pressure on the family system. Family members are often the first to help when a family member is diagnosed with cancer. Some loved ones may not understand that just because cancer treatment has ended, it does not mean the cancer is no longer a threat. Make sure your loved ones know how you’re feeling and how much they mean to you by letting them know that they understand the transitions you’re experiencing (emotional, physical, etc.).

Social issues after treatment Work relationship

Cancer survivors generally desire to return to work, but many worry that their new normal will not be suitable with the routines and connections of their employment. As individuals who have survived cancer, we are responsible for recognising the stigma that exists not just from others but also from ourselves. You may, at times, find it frustrating that the task “which is a usual one” was not given to you in a workplace due to your health conditions. Your coworkers may have been afraid of giving you more stress about your situation, worrying about your health, or perceiving you as an incompetent staff member. Regardless of the reason, you may sometimes find it frustrating. It is our responsibility to let our coworkers know about our health condition and to explain to them our limitations and the activities we can continue doing just as we did before. You do not need to force yourself to put on a strong face to let others know that you are capable; all you need to do is inform them about what you are capable of and what you are unable to do, and in this way, your coworkers will admire you more and be more willing to stick close to you and work together hand in hand.

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