Cancer patients will often hear the word “survivorship.” This refers to the physical, emotional and other issues of cancer, beginning with diagnosis and continuing throughout the course of a person’s life. Access to healthcare and follow-up treatment, dealing with second cancers and overall quality of life are all part of survivorship for those with cancer.
While a cancer diagnosis can produce feelings of fear and uncertainty, advanced forms of diagnosis and treatment are improving the survival rate for a number of cancers. In 2001, the number of people in the United States living with cancer reached nearly 10 million, up from 3 million in 1971. According to the National Cancer Institute, 64 percent of adults diagnosed with cancer today will be alive five years after their diagnosis, and nearly 75 percent of those who had childhood cancer will be alive after 10 years.
Cancer brings with it a variety of physical and emotional conditions. Knowing and understanding these can help cancer patients cope with specific situations and improve their wellbeing and quality of life.