DiseaseIllness

If you or someone you know has a history of cancer
it is important to be aware of the potential health consequences from cancer and its treatment. Frequently
patients and families are not informed or do not recall discussions that occurred during the stress-filled days after diagnosis about such potential problems as pain
depression
infertility and other physical and emotional changes. Regardless of whether problems are temporary or permanent
most can be managed.

To begin to address the many and varied health-related needs of long-term cancer survivors
the American Journal of Nursing (AJN) recently released a report
based on a July 2005 symposium
that offers action strategies and recommendations.

"The late effects of cancer and treatment for survivors diagnosed as adults remain poorly documented
said Pamela J. Haylock, MA, RN, symposium co-director, cancer care consultant and doctoral student at the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing in Galveston, TX.
Yet up to 75 percent of survivors have some health deficits related to their cancers and therapies. Knowing about potential risks and learning and using risk reduction strategies are important steps in survivors' recovery."

Nurses recommend that cancer survivors heed the following advice:

• Incorporate regular exercise
stress management
a healthful diet and weight control as part of a healthy lifestyle.

• Schedule regular health checkups.

• Ask your oncology team for a written summary of your cancer diagnosis
treatments
tests and recommended follow-up once treatment is complete. Create a folder to organize diagnostic and laboratory reports
and give it to your current health care provider to make a copy for his or her records.

• Ask your nurse or physician to help you and your caregivers learn about possible long-term effects of your cancer therapy and ways to prevent or minimize them. Effects differ from person to person; therefore
educating yourself is important.

• Inform physicians and nurses about your previous cancer history
treatment
current medications and long-term effects you may experience
including infertility
early menopause
indigestion
dry mouth or taste changes
constipation
diarrhea
sleep issues
fatigue
dry skin
memory loss
changes in thinking
vision or hearing problems
depression
relationship/sexuality issues
anxiety
confidence issues
pain
tingling
or numbness or swelling in the fingers and toes.

• Look for resources to assist with any physical
emotional or financial issues that you may experience.

Helpful Internet sites are www.acor.org
www.cancer.org
and www.canceradvocacy.org.