Cancer Survivorships
You are considered a cancer survivor from the time you are diagnosed through the rest of your life. Fortunately, in the 2020s, you a have a lot of company: more than 18 million Americans with a history of invasive cancer were alive on January 1, 2022, most of whom were diagnosed many years ago and have no current evidence of the disease.
This was not, of course, always the case. The overall cancer death rate in the United States rose through most of the 20th century until it peaked in 1991 at 215.1 cancer deaths per 100,000 people, mainly because of the smoking epidemic. As of 2020, that rate has dropped to 143.8 per 100,000 – a decline of 33% – mostly because of reductions in smoking, advances in treatment, and early detection for some cancers. The decline in the death rate translates into 3.8 million fewer cancer deaths from 1991 to 2020.
Every cancer survivor assigns a different meaning to the term ‘survivor.’ What being a survivor means to you may change over time.
Many former cancer patients who have completed treatment say that while they are relieved that it has ended, it is hard to transition to what seems like a new way of life. It was like entering another world where they had to adjust to new feelings, problems, changes in support, and different ways of looking at the world.
For some, dealing with cancer is a way of life, and careful monitoring will still need to occur. For others, physical problems and emotional issues persist for years.
What to Do When Treatment Ends
Completing active cancer treatment is an exciting milestone. To help ensure that good health endures, survivors should focus on these areas as active therapies fade:
Maintain follow-up appointments. Adhering closely to follow-up protocols enables the care team to catch signals of potential cancer recurrence at the earliest, most treatable stages. Surveillance vigilance is critical.- Emphasize holistic wellness. Lifelong attention to balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, keeping active, healthy weight, controlled blood pressure/cholesterol, and stress management maximizes overall wellbeing and longevity.
- Screen for new, secondary cancers. Depending on one's cancer history and risk portfolio, continue recommended early detection testing protocols for common cancers (e.g. mammography, skin checks, colonoscopy, PSA).
- Address late effects. Seek help managing lasting side effects lingering like pain, fatigue, neuropathy, and heart/lung impacts. Report any worries of new late effect emergence. Therapies help improve function and quality of life.
- Consider joining survivorship programs. Ask providers about local programs providing community support, counseling, and coaching tailored to life after treatments focused on living well despite uncertainties ahead.
- Draw on mental health resources as needed. Many struggle with fear of recurrence or achieving their 'new normal'. Seek counseling if worrying persists without relief or negatively affects daily life.
While post treatment can bring celebration and relief, staying on course, adhering to follow up care, and emphasizing mind-body resilience provides the best path to preserve one's dearly earned remission status.
Take Advantage of Available Resources for Survivors
Many survivors say that the experience led them to make important changes in their lives. It helped them learn the value of being grateful for each day and the people in their lives. However, they also potentially face a myriad of issues.
There are fortunately many resources available to support survivors:
Financial Assistance
Organizations like the Health Well Foundation, CancerCare, and Patient Advocate Foundation help patients navigate insurance, discover cost relief programs, and receive financial guidance.
Support Communities
Local and online support groups, forums, and communities enable connection with other cancer patients and survivors to find encouragement. Examples are Cancer Support Community, Imerman Angels, and My Lifeline.
Counseling Assistance
Many cancer centers have oncology social workers, mental health providers, and chaplains offering individual/group psychological, existential, and bereavement support during challenging times.
Rides & Lodging Accommodations
Charitable groups like American Cancer Society, Patient Air Lift Services, Ronald McDonald House, and more assist with transportation to treatments and places to stay nearby when care is not local.
Home & Childcare Help
Organizations like Cleaning for a Reason, Family Reach, and charitable arms of some insurers provide practical assistance like house cleaning, childcare, and meal deliveries for overwhelmed families managing intensive treatment demands.
Wigs, Supplies, & Equipment Assistance
Charities like Look Good Feel Better, Pink Fund, and Angel Wings offer access to appearance-related items, medical equipment, and supplies to improve quality of life and self-esteem.
Educational Resources
Credible cancer organizations, centers, and government sites provide vast educational materials covering all aspects of cancer – useful for both information and advocacy needs.
Our Mission
We are a multidisciplinary team of surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, and clinical trial investigators. Together, we deliver cutting-edge, safe, well-coordinated, and supportive care to people with cancer and their families.
We strive to provide access to cutting-edge clinical trials in cancer care. This means providing access to innovative therapies in the community where you live. We feel strongly that state-of-the-art medicine should be easily assessable beyond academic centers.
We always maintain an individualized touch, and we will never treat you as just another patient.
What We Do
Our clinical practice encompasses various tumor types including,but not limited to:
Breast
Bladder
Lung
Colorectal
Gastric
Kidney
Livers
Esophageal
Pancreatic
Prostate
Testicular
Head and Neck
Genitourinary
Gynecological Malignancies
Houston's Leading Cancer Research Expert
Our patients gain access to trial treatments sponsored by leading medical institutions in Houston and throughout the nation. Our team works hard to connect you with the best possible trial while providing comprehensive care during your treatment.
We identify the best treatments available in oncology with evidence-based alternative treatments for symptom control. In addition, we have in-depth training in Geriatrics, which allow us to offer tailored cancer care to elderly patients. This frequently means balancing the benefit of chemotherapy while minimizing side effects in older, vulnerable patients.
The Expertise You Need, The Compassion You Deserve
With years of experience working in cancer research and treatment, our team brings extensive knowledge and expertise to every patient. Our passion for helping patients find the right clinical trial while providing the care they need is unparalleled.
Our team is dedicated to making sure you have access to the best possible cancer treatment options.
Start Your Journey to Healing Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with cancer, contact our, Houston office to learn more about the clinical trials that could help. Our team is committed to giving you access to the best possible care and providing personalized support throughout your journey.
Whether you need a second opinion about a diagnosis, or want to learn how to participate in a cancer prevention or clinical trial, our experienced team is here for you.