Cancer Survivors Move Beyond The Cure
Doctors have good news for a change, about cancer. Today, 79 percent of children diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. survive. The bad news, however, is that almost two thirds experienced physical or psychological problems or learning difficulties as a result of their diagnosis or treatment.
These “late effects” can occur months or even years after the cancer has been treated. If survivors do not know about late effects, which can not associate the problems with cancer diagnoses and minor health problems could become a matter of life or death.
Whatever the health of their children, parents can take a proactive approach. Here are some suggestions:
• You are the best advocate for your child. Learn all you can about the diagnosis, treatment protocol and possible complications.
• Maintain a detailed medical journal. From diagnosis, keep a pen and a notebook with you at all times and write everything down. This will not only help in the treatment of his son, who will give an accessible record for the future.
• Be open and honest with you, your family and especially his son. Knowledge on late effects is needed to help your child lead a full, healthy and productive.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle for your family. A good diet during treatment may help minimize side effects. Follow a diet low in fat, plant-based diet and promoting physical activity every day to increase energy, improve mood, increase self-esteem and stimulate the immune system.
• After treatment, gather the information necessary for continuity of care for your child.
• Note that as a result of cancer or its treatment, your child may have difficulty in school. Meet with administrators and teachers to discuss your child’s needs and health problems. Talk with school teachers on late effects and see the learning problems. If necessary, have your child take a neuropsychological evaluation.
• Note that the transition to “normal life”, as ending the treatment can cause fear, anxiety and stress.
“It’s very important that childhood cancer survivors receive accurate and timely information on late effects,” said Stacia Wagner of the National Society for Children’s Cancer (NCCS) survival specialist and cancer survivor.