The Role of a Cancer Specialist in the Journey to Cancer Survivorship
Cancer Survivorship:
Cancer survivorship is the experience of living with, through, and beyond a cancer diagnosis. It’s about the physical, emotional, and social impact of cancer on a cancer survivor’s life.
What is cancer survivorship?
Cancer survivorship involves the multiple experiences of people diagnosed with cancer, from the initial diagnosis and throughout their lives. It is about managing the physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial impact of the disease, dealing with the side effects of treatment, monitoring for recurrence, and striving for optimal health and well-being. It reflects the fact that survivorship applies to everyone who is diagnosed with cancer, regardless of the stage of the disease or the course of treatment.
Dr. Ashish Pokharkar, a renowned cancer specialist in Pune, provides complete cancer survivorship care, addressing the physical, mental, emotional, social and financial needs of cancer patients throughout their journey.
Who is a cancer survivor?
A cancer survivor is anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the time of diagnosis through the rest of their life. This includes people who have completed treatment as well as those still in treatment.
What kinds of cancers do most cancer survivors have?
The most common types of cancer that people survive include breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer. However, people with many different types of cancer can become survivors.
What are the most common issues facing people who are cancer survivors?
Physical issues:
Fatigue, pain, and other side effects of treatment
Increased risk of other health problems
emotional and psychological issues:
Anxiety, depression, and fear of the cancer returning
Adjusting to life after cancer treatment
Social issues:
Returning to work or school
Maintaining relationships and social activities
What healthcare providers help with cancer survivorship?
A team of healthcare providers, including oncologists, primary care doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers, work together to support cancer survivors.
What is the role of the cancer specialist in the journey to cancer survivorship
Diagnosis and staging
The cancer specialist is responsible for accurately diagnosing the type and stage of cancer, which is essential for determining the appropriate treatment plan. They use a range of diagnostic tests, such as biopsies, imaging scans and laboratory tests, to gather comprehensive information about the cancer.
Treatment planning and management
The cancer specialist develops a personal treatment plan based on the type and stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health and preferences. They coordinate and monitor the care plan, which may include a combination of therapies, and closely monitor the patient’s response to treatment, making adjustments as necessary.
Supportive and palliative care
Cancer specialists provide supportive care to meet the physical, emotional and practical needs of patients throughout the treatment process. They work closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the patient’s overall wellbeing and quality of life, and palliative care is an important aspect of their role.
Survivorship care After successful treatment
the cancer specialist develop a comprehensive survivorship care plan that includes regular follow-up visits, monitoring for potential long-term effects of treatment, and coordinating ongoing care with other healthcare providers.
Cancer specialists work closely with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive and coordinated care. They work with the patient’s primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure seamless and continuous care throughout the cancer journey.
What can I expect from life after cancer?
Life after cancer can be both challenging and rewarding. Many survivors find a new appreciation for life and make positive changes in their lifestyle and priorities.
A note from a cancer surgeon clinic:
At our cancer clinic, we understand that the journey to cancer survivorship is complex and personal. Our team of dedicated professionals, led by Dr. Ashish Pokharkar, a renowned cancer specialist in Pune, is here to support you every step of the way, from diagnosis to the rest of your life.