If you or someone you know has a history of cancer, it is important to be aware of the possible health consequences of cancer and its treatment. Often , patients and families are not informed or do not remember the debates that took place during the stress-filled days after diagnosis of potential problems such as pain , depression , infertility and other physical and emotional changes. Whether the problems are temporary or permanent , most can be managed.
To begin to address the needs of cancer survivors in the long run , the American Journal of Nursing ( AJN) recently released a report , based on a symposium held in July 2005 in relation to the health of many and varied, offering strategies and recommendations for action.
" The effects of cancer and treatment for survivors diagnosed in adulthood is still very bad," said Pamela J. Haylock , MA , RN, consultant cancer care symposium co - director and a doctoral student at the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing in Galveston, TX . "However , up to 75 percent of survivors have health deficits related to cancer and its treatment. Know the risks and opportunities for learning and use of risk reduction strategies are important steps in the recovery of victims . "
Nurses recommend that cancer survivors consider the following tips :
* Incorporate regular exercise , stress management , healthy eating and weight control as part of a healthy lifestyle .
# # Schedule regular medical exams.
** Inform physicians and nurses about the previous history of cancer, treatment , current medications and long-term effects that you may experience , including infertility , early menopause , indigestion , dry mouth or taste changes , constipation, diarrhea , sleep problems , fatigue , dry skin, memory loss, changes in thinking , vision or hearing problems , depression , relationship issues / sexuality , anxiety, confidence issues , pain, tingling or numbness or swelling fingers and toes .
** Ask your nurse or doctor to help you and your caregivers aware of the possible long-term effects of his cancer treatment and how to prevent or minimize . Effects differ from person to person , so it is important to educate .
** Check with your oncology team a written summary of their cancer diagnosis , treatment, testing and recommended the end of treatment monitoring. Create a folder to organize reports and laboratory diagnosis , and give your provider of health care today to make a copy for your records.
** Find resources to help with any physical , emotional or financial problem you may encounter .
To begin to address the needs of cancer survivors in the long run , the American Journal of Nursing ( AJN) recently released a report , based on a symposium held in July 2005 in relation to the health of many and varied, offering strategies and recommendations for action.
" The effects of cancer and treatment for survivors diagnosed in adulthood is still very bad," said Pamela J. Haylock , MA , RN, consultant cancer care symposium co - director and a doctoral student at the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing in Galveston, TX . "However , up to 75 percent of survivors have health deficits related to cancer and its treatment. Know the risks and opportunities for learning and use of risk reduction strategies are important steps in the recovery of victims . "
Nurses recommend that cancer survivors consider the following tips :
* Incorporate regular exercise , stress management , healthy eating and weight control as part of a healthy lifestyle .
# # Schedule regular medical exams.
** Inform physicians and nurses about the previous history of cancer, treatment , current medications and long-term effects that you may experience , including infertility , early menopause , indigestion , dry mouth or taste changes , constipation, diarrhea , sleep problems , fatigue , dry skin, memory loss, changes in thinking , vision or hearing problems , depression , relationship issues / sexuality , anxiety, confidence issues , pain, tingling or numbness or swelling fingers and toes .
** Ask your nurse or doctor to help you and your caregivers aware of the possible long-term effects of his cancer treatment and how to prevent or minimize . Effects differ from person to person , so it is important to educate .
** Check with your oncology team a written summary of their cancer diagnosis , treatment, testing and recommended the end of treatment monitoring. Create a folder to organize reports and laboratory diagnosis , and give your provider of health care today to make a copy for your records.
** Find resources to help with any physical , emotional or financial problem you may encounter .
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