Cancer from Both Sides Now: Combining Personal and Research Perspectives on Survivorship

Abstract

Cancer survivorship is increasingly a situation of chronic disease management that needs to be integrated with the context of broader health and well-being. This perspective paper combines personal experiences and a professional research program to address the complexities of long-term management of cancer and integrated care and the importance of psychological distress and psychological growth expressed in diverse pathways of survivorship. The role of age is addressed as partially defining the extent and nature of long-term psychological effects. General internists are in a unique position to play a central role in enabling cancer survivors to integrate the cancer experience into their lives and their overall health and well-being.

Cancer as a chronic disease

“…In the absence of clear guidelines as to how their ongoing care will be managed and monitored, these feelings of uncertainty are often amplified. Internationally, there is currently a generally a lack of consensus as to whether long term cancer survivors ought to routinely have their surveillance managed by their treating oncologists or primary care providers (Blank, 2009). In Australia, oncologists have traditionally provided cancer followed-up and surveillance (Brennan & Jefford, 2009), whilst general practitioners have often played a more minor role assuming overall responsibility for the management of the person's comorbidities (Mitchell, 2008).…”

The Unsuspecting CAM User: Cancer patients and the changing nature of holistic health

“…Treatments for side effects and late effects are intended to help patients adjust to their 'new normal', however, patients are increasingly expressing their dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of these treatments alone, and frustration with the lack of appreciation for gaps that exist in some areas such as mental health, fertility, and legal/financial issues (Ehrenreich, 2001, Sulik 2011, King, 2008, Blank, 2009. Driving much of the survivor activism is younger survivor advocates in organizations such as the LiveStrong, Stupid Cancer and Young Survival Coalition.…”

“Kind, Sensitive, and Above All, Honest”: Long-Term Cancer Survivors’ Quality of Life and Self-Advocacy

“…However, long-term cancer survivors (LTS) face unique challenges to their health that differ significantly from those faced by patients undergoing cancer treatment (Blank, 2009). Both cancer and its treatments take an enduring toll on the minds, bodies, and spirits of LTS (Lund, Schmiegelow, Rechnitzer, & Johansen, 2011).…”