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Cancer Survivorship Quality of Life |
Cancer Survivor Fertility
New treatment options are making fertility a possibility for many cancer survivors. Cancer therapy effects will depend on age, type of cancer, and method of treatment.
Cancer Toxic Side Effects
Patients who have received radiation or cardiopulmonary toxic chemotherapy drugs merit long-term follow-up. Tests include EKG, echocardiogram, chest x-ray, CAT scans, ischemic heart disease, mortality and toxicity. Control of diabetes, alcohol, hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidemia, exercise and diet can reduce morbidity and mortality.
Cardiovascular Heart Disease
The two most common causes of early death and debility are heart attacks and heart failure. As you are probably aware, coronary atherosclerosis is the number one killer in America. The good news is, these diseases are very much preventable. The power is in your hands to change the odds of your being afflicted with heart disease.
Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Survivorship
Childhood and adolescent long-term survivor issues are late morbidity and mortality secondary to either recurrence of the primary disease, second malignancies, or toxicities from surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Healthy behavior and lifestyle modifications could potentially decrease the risk of comorbidities and help promote a healthier longevity.
Comorbidity and Cancer
Comorbid diseases are chronic illnesses existing with another medical condition. The number and severity affect clinical care, treatment options, health service needs, and prognosis. Preventing cancer and successfully treating comorbidities are vital for survivors.
Dental Health and Cancer Survivors
Dental health during and after cancer therapy is important. Common infections of the teeth and gums may become dangerous health hazards. Radiation, high-dose chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant and medications affect parts of the body not directly associated with the specific disease. Treatment may cause ulcerations, pain and injury to the mouth.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes can lead to eye disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and cancer. You need to take action, about your risk factors - blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels with control of blood sugar levels through diet modifications and exercise for the best option for a healthy life.
Elderly Cancer Survivorship
Aging and elderly cancer patients are the largest recipients of chemotherapy. Vulnerable older survivors may require functional assistance, live in unsafe situations, have cognitive problems and depression. Comorbid conditions play a major role in geriatric care and survival.
Hope And QOL
Bodies may suffer with sickness, but spirits need to remain strong. Live with hope for a cure, remission, control and stabilization of cancer. Procede to ways to promote quality of life.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypertension is one of the major risk factors for strokes, heart attacks, heart failure and aneurysms and is a leading cause of chronic renal (kidney) failure. Even moderate elevation of arterial blood pressure leads to a shortened life expectancy.
Incontinence - Urinary and Fecal
Incontinence can have a devastating psychological, physical effect and economic impact. Embarrassment and stigma may cause people to limit activities, withdraw from social life, family and friends into isolation. Lifestyle changes, behavioral modifications, medical and possibly surgical treatments can relieve urinary and fecal incontinence.
Lymphedema: A Cancer Survivor Issue
Lymphedema is a chronic health problem that may cause pain, fatigue, loss of function, disfigurement with self-image problems, distress, and anxiety.
Osteoporosis And Cancer Survivorship
Prevention of osteoporosis is key. Interventions such as proper diet, exercise, lifestyle modifications and medications may help prevent bone loss and fractures. Proper diagnostic tests should be performed to determine bone strength.
Sexuality - Cancer Survivors and Older Adults
Sexual dysfunction due to fatigue, psychological despair and distress in patients receiving cancer therapy needs assessment. Elder adults continue to have sex.
Strokes
Strokes are characterized by a sudden onset of a focal neurological deficit with a stepwise gradual progression of symptoms, including vision loss, speech loss, weakness, unstable balance, sensory loss, and sometimes, loss of consciousness.
Sun Exposure: The Prevention of Skin Cancer
Survivors should take extra care to protect their skin from sun exposure. Skin cancers are common second cancers, especially for those treated with radiation therapy. The best cure remains early detection, prompt treatment, and follow-up preventive care measures. Protect yourself from sun rays - avoid peak hours of ultraviolet radiation and tanning booths, wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
Symptomatic Problems in Cancer Survivors
Cancer survivors - breast, testicular, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's, lymphoma, have developed long-term cardiopulmonary toxicity due to cancer therapies. Cardiopulmonary evaluation by a cardiologist or pulmonary specialist is mandatory when symptoms - shortness of breath, chest heaviness or pain, rapid heart beat, fatigue, tiredness, low-grade fever, swelling of the legs, (from heart failure or possibly blood clots which could lead to pulmonary emboli).
Vaccines - Essential Preventive Medicine
Vaccinations are preventive medicine against infections, such as smallpox, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, hepatitis, herpes zoster (shingles) influenza (flu), pneumococcal (pneumonia) and human papillomavirus (HPV).
Vision and Hearing Comorbidities
Eye and Hearing problems from chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal, and bisphosphonate therapy may include; damaged inner ear sound perception, vertigo, dizziness, cataracts, blurry vision, impaired night vision, light sensitivity, dry or watery eyes and pain. Get your eyes and hearing checked.
First appeared August 19, 2009; updated May, 29, 2010