Cancer survivor

Cancer Survivor

A cancer survivor is an individual who has been diagnosed with cancer, regardless of when that diagnosis was made, who is still living. This term is often used to refer to anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer, not just those who have completed treatment.

Definition

The term "cancer survivor" was first used in the 1980s as a way of redefining the perception of individuals with cancer. It was intended to emphasize living with cancer rather than dying from it. The National Cancer Institute defines a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis, through the balance of his or her life. Family members, friends, and caregivers are also impacted by the survivorship experience and are therefore included in this definition.

Survivorship

Survivorship in the context of cancer, refers to the process of living with, through, and beyond cancer. This includes issues related to the ability to get health care and follow-up treatment, late effects of treatment, second cancers, and quality of life.

Challenges

Cancer survivors face a number of physical, emotional, social, and financial challenges as a result of their cancer diagnosis and treatment. These may include fatigue, pain, anxiety, depression, financial hardship, and discrimination in employment or insurance.

Survivorship care

Survivorship care involves the provision of follow-up care to monitor for cancer recurrence, manage side effects of treatment, and address the psychosocial and practical concerns of cancer survivors. This may involve a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, including oncologists, primary care physicians, nurses, social workers, and mental health professionals.

See also

• Cancer
• Oncology
• National Cancer Institute
• Survivorship