The Lifelong Journey of Cancer Survivorship: Emotional Challenges and Support Strategies

Health Discovered

Cancer impacts millions of Americans each year, but there’s often a misconception the journey of cancer care ends when treatment ends. In reality, cancer survivorship is a lifelong experience. And there’s a multifaceted impact of a cancer diagnosis on our loved ones and ourselves. What are the challenges of navigating life post-cancer and treatment? And how can we utilize support in this journey? Donald Rosenstein, MD, psychiatrist and director of the Comprehensive Cancer Support Program at UNC-Chapel Hill, explores with us the emotional effects of survivorship, including grief, fear of recurrence, changes in self-image, and the complexities of parenting and relationships. He also emphasizes the importance of emotional support, community, and patient advocacy in the ongoing journey of cancer survivorship.