What Are the Physical, Emotional, and Social Effects of Cancer?
Almost all of cancer survivors face physiological, social, and emotional effects that can show up even years after treatment. While we don’t know the extent of the effects of cancer, there is research that shows how it affects different patients.
With that in mind, here are some of the most common psychosocial issues that cancer survivors may deal with:
The Fear of Recurrence
Many survivors worry that their cancer will come back. Living life after cancer becomes difficult because of this. However, knowing your own body and learning to distinguish between normal changes and serious symptoms can help ease your mind.
Talk to your doctor about the symptoms. Knowing your own body can help distinguish between normal physical changes and more serious symptoms that need to be reported to your doctor.
Grief
It’s normal to grief the life you had before your diagnosis. Loss can include your health, sex drive, fertility and physical independence. Support groups and counseling can help you work through these issues.
Depression
Depression is also extremely common, even after you’ve recovered. It is estimated that 70% of cancer survivors experience depression at some point. Know the symptoms of depression and seek treatment as soon as possible.
Going to therapy and getting treatment can help curb the symptoms of depression. If left untreated, your depression will worsen.
Survivor’s Guilt
Some people wonder why they survived cancer when others don't. If you suffer from a prolonged sense of guilt, seek help from a psychotherapist, clergy member or support group.
If you are a firm believer in God, seek help from Him. Ask Him for guidance and relief.
Cancer feels like you’ve been thrown into the bottom pits of Hell. Isabella Milan knows because she has been there. She didn’t know what to do; everything and everyone around her disappeared for a few minutes when the doctor informed her of her diagnosis.
But she never gave up and kept praying to God. She found hope in Him. And He listened to her. He will listen to you as well! Keep fighting.
Purchase her book, praying for a Miracle When It’s Hopeless, from her website or Amazon to learn more about her fight with cancer.
