A collaboration between ASCO and the American Cancer Society confirms that the answer is YES. Treatments like anthracyclines, chest radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy can place significant stress on the heart, increasing the risk of long-term issues such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or even heart failure.
In this article, Dr. Gary McClain offers strategies to help cancer survivors rediscover inspiration in their lives. Acknowledging that the journey through cancer can be overwhelming, Dr. McClain emphasizes that inspiration is attainable through intentional actions. He suggests practices such as spending quiet time alone to reflect, engaging with uplifting music, decluttering both physical and mental spaces, seeking out role models, and sharing personal stories to inspire others. These steps can assist survivors in reconnecting with their inner drive and finding renewed purpose.
Worry is a natural part of life after cancer, and learning to manage it is an important step in healing. This article offers strategies such as understanding the nature of worry, engaging in mindfulness practices, and redirecting focus to positive activities. By acknowledging and addressing anxious thoughts, survivors can improve their emotional well-being.
Many cancer survivors experience fatigue and depression after treatment, and a new study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research’s annual meeting highlights just how common it is, especially among women.
For many long-term Hodgkin’s survivors—especially those treated with high-dose radiation—any exposure to additional radiation can feel alarming. CT scans are incredibly useful tools, but do they carry real cancer risk?
Dr. Steven J. Atlas and colleagues propose a bold, integrated survivorship model that uses digital tools to connect the dots—bringing oncologists, primary care physicians, and patients together through shared care plans and real-time communication.
A proposed cancer survivorship model emphasizes interdisciplinary coordination and the use of digital tools to enhance long-term care for survivors. By integrating care teams and technology, this approach aims to address the fragmented nature of post-treatment care and improve patient outcomes.
“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.”