“Active Surveillance” is defined as “a way to monitor cancer without immediately treating it, with the goal of delaying treatment until it’s necessary.” It is generally used to monitor low-risk cancers. Patients who are undergoing active surveillance may have regular tests and exams, such as bloodwork, X-rays or MRI’s, and even biopsies. It sounds a lot like what survivors of Hodgkin’s who are at risk for late effects are going through! While this article does not address late effects, it does call attention to the uncertainty and anxiety that many people experience when being watched closely – even if it’s with the intention to prevent a cancer diagnosis.

The results of this recent study show that only about one-third of childhood cancer survivors adhered to follow-up recommendations regarding late effects. This finding is indeed alarming but probably not surprising to many long-term survivors.

This article focuses on the emotional benefits of physical activity, particularly regarding depression – a common late effect of cancer survivorship. From the study: “Results showed statistically significant improvement in self-reported depression 1 month — and as long as 6 to 12 months — after completion of an aerobic physical activity intervention compared with usual care or no intervention.”

Unfortunately, many Hodgkin’s survivors have been diagnosed with breast cancer as a result of their earlier treatment. Arm symptoms, including pain, swelling, and limited movement, can be a nagging issue for these survivors, adding to what may be a long list of post-cancer ailments.

Your life after cancer diagnosis and treatment will be marked by moments of hope, resilience, and strength. However, there may also be times when anxiety will cast a shadow over your journey. One of the most common sources of anxiety for cancer survivors is surveillance scans and tests. The fear of the unknown, the memories of the test results that led to your initial cancer diagnosis, and the anticipation of potential bad news can give rise to what is commonly referred to as “scanxiety.”

Oncologists and researchers increasingly focus on how to predict, treat, and monitor for cardiovascular problems that develop before and after treatment.

Many women who are long-term Hodgkin’s survivors experience early menopause as a result of their radiation and chemotherapy treatments, especially if they received them at a young age. As we are already at risk for breast cancer due to the same treatments, it is important to be aware of any additional risk factors.

12News (KPNX-TV, NBC) features survivor, Dorothy Lynn Boddy and Hodgkin’s International.

Here is a brief summation of a research study published by the JCO Oncology of Practice (May 24, 2024) that appeared in the Cancer Therapy Advisor. In short, it describes the decline in follow-up care with primary care providers after five years of completing treatment.

This long-awaited, important document was published just this week. It represents the input of key stakeholders in cancer survivorship and was developed over the course of many months. While the proposed standards are not mandatory, it is, at the very least, a significant attempt to put us on a course of providing optimal care for ALL cancer survivors.