Cancer Survivors Day: Things Cancer Survivors Should Keep In Mind

One of the major challenges faced by cancer specialists here in our country with cancer cases is that they are diagnosed quite late.

By the time the cancer patients come in for treatment, they would be either in their third or fourth stage of cancer. This puts the patient under the risk of developing other complications and spread of cancer to other organs.

According to Bangalore-based renowned Oncologist, Dr. Vishal Rao, Chief of Head & Neck Services, Department of Surgical Oncology at HCG Cancer Centre, cancer must be detected as an early stage. He says, "It is utmost important that cancer should be picked at a very early stage. In 30% of the cases, there are chances that the cancer can come back in the first 1-2 years following the treatment."

Hence, it is very important to keep a close watch and be very careful about the follow-up treatment and check-up sessions.

Once the treatment is complete, ideally, in the first 1-2 years, the cancer patients need to get the check-up done after every two months, and after 2 years till the 5th year, they need to undergo the check-up after every three months; and after 6 years, they need to undergo a check-up after every six months. This will help in preventing the recurrence of cancer, Dr. Vishal added.

Once diagnosed with cancer, the patients undergo a lot of trauma. At such times, support of the family members as well the doctors should be a top priority.

However, in addition to this, having a strong will power among the patient is highly important. This helps in getting the patient through the suffering with an ease.

On this National Cancer Survivors Day we have listed here are a few things that cancer survivors should keep in mind in order to prevent the recurrence of cancer.

#1. Changes In The Bowel Or Bladder Habits:

Even a slightest change in the bowel movement or bladder needs to be taken care of. It could be a sign of cancer recurrence.

#2. A Sore That Does Not Heal:

Normally, a sore heals on its own or with any medication within a week's time. However, when a sore takes a longer time to heal, then it could be a cause of worry for the cancer survivors.

#3. Unusual Bleeding Or Discharge:

Unusual bleeding can be abnormal; but when you notice such unusual bleeding following a cancer treatment, then it can be a cause for worry. It could be a sign of recurring cancer.

#4. Thickening Or Lump Formation:

For instance, if you are a breast cancer survivor and that you observe a thickening or a kind of lump being formed on the area, then it needs to be tested immediately.

#5. Indigestion Or Difficulty In Swallowing:

If you are a cancer survivor and you have developed a problem in swallowing and digestion, then it could be a sign of cancer recurrence.

#6. Nagging Cough And Hoarseness:

Nagging cough and hoarseness among the cancer survivors is a cause of worry. It could be a sign of cancer recurrence, especially among those who have survived head and neck cancer or even lung cancer.