5 Questions on Cancer Survivorship
Cancer survivorship encompasses the health and well-being of individuals from diagnosis through the rest of their lives, including the physical, emotional, social and economic impacts that come with a cancer diagnosis.
The transition back to daily life following cancer treatment can bring a range of emotions. Many people worry about recurrence and face challenges returning to daily activities and responsibilities interrupted during treatment.
Jasmin Jerez-Marte, MD, chief of the Cancer Survivorship Clinic at Moffitt Cancer Center, and Alexis Youdelman, a social worker specializing in survivorship, highlight important topics amid National Cancer Survivors Month below:
What are some challenges that cancer survivors face?
Jerez-Marte: Cancer survivors often face a range of medical and personal challenges that require ongoing care, including:
- Short- and long-term physical and psychological effects of treatment
- Risk of secondary cancers related to prior therapies
- Increased risk of developing new primary cancers
- Fear of cancer recurrence
- Financial strain due to treatment costs and potential loss of income
How important is it for people to know that support services are available?
Jerez-Marte : A patient who has undergone cancer treatment will usually fear leaving their primary oncology team. They are accustomed to having this team assess any new symptoms or concerns which often leads to a close bond. Our cancer survivorship program is designed to continue addressing our cancer survivors’ needs, from surveillance to long-term wellness.
This can help address the fear of no longer having the support that their cancer team has provided over the years of treatment and active surveillance. We provide personalized care and cancer survivor specific care, collaborate with their primary care physician and many other specialties and disciplines to achieve a multidisciplinary approach which is needed for this patient population.
How big of a role does mental health play in survivorship and life after cancer?
Youdelman: Mental health is central in survivorship, not secondary. Many patients experience ongoing distress, anxiety or depression even in remission. Counseling and peer support provide patients with a safe space to process their experiences and adjust to life after cancer. When mental health needs go unaddressed, they can affect daily functioning, relationships and follow-up care, making psychosocial support an essential part of survivorship.
What are some of the challenges you see cancer patients face as they enter remission as a social worker?
Youdelman: Cancer survivorship is a complex and ongoing adjustment period. Patients in remission often face intertwined physical, emotional and social challenges. This can include fear of recurrence, shifts in identity and difficulty adapting to a “new normal.” It is also common for survivors to experience a reduction in structured support once treatment ends, which can contribute to feelings of isolation and distress.
Remission should be understood as a transition rather than an endpoint. Many individuals continue to manage persistent fatigue, cognitive changes and financial stressors, all of which can significantly affect overall well-being and quality of life.
What do you want people to keep in mind during National Cancer Survivors Month?
Jerez-Marte: Cancer survivors are a special group of people who have been diagnosed with a disease that could threaten their lives. There is true fear that remains present even years after remission.
The long-term side effects of many life-saving interventions can be as burdensome as active cancer treatment itself. A multidisciplinary team approach is essential to address these concerns, maintain vigilance through long-term surveillance and promote healthier living for people with current or previous cancer diagnoses.
