As a childhood cancer survivor, you have been through
a lot. You are wiser and stronger today than you were before
diagnosis. Use that strength. Here’s how:
| 1. |
Gain access
Request a copy of your cancer treatment records from the hospital where you
were treated. Your records should include: type and date of diagnosis, all
treatments with doses, places and dates, key lab reports and x-rays, contact
information for all providers in your treatment, post-treatment problems
and supportive care. Keep a summary of your key facts in a safe place. |
| 2. |
Get with the program
Lifelong follow-up care is essential to your long-term health.
This care may be available at the hospital or clinic where
you were treated, from a health care provider working in partnership
with your treatment center or from your family doctor. You
may live near a cancer clinic with a special follow-up program
for survivors. Your follow-up care provider will check for “late
effects,” or problems that can arise after cancer treatment.
These can include heart trouble, a second cancer, fertility
issues and/or growth problems. Not all survivors develop problems.
But if they do occur, it’s important to catch them early,
when they are easiest to treat. |
| 3. |
Pass it on
Tell your family doctor, dentist and other health care providers
about your cancer history. Give them a copy of your cancer
treatment records and the name and phone number of your follow-up
care provider. If a problem arises that is related to your
cancer treatment, your health care providers can address the
problem as a team. |
| 4. |
Eat your veggies
Reduce your risk of developing a second cancer and other health
problems by making good decisions about diet, exercise and
other lifestyle habits. Avoid tobacco. Drink alcohol in moderation,
if at all. Eat a variety of healthy foods, including whole
grains and lots of fruits and vegetables. Be physically active.
Maintain a healthy weight. |
| 5. |
Hook up to help
Just as cancer affects the body, it can affect the way you feel
as well. Common emotional problems after cancer include depression,
anger, loneliness, anxiety about the cancer coming back and
sex or dating issues. Some young adult survivors find emotional
support from loved ones, other survivors or their faith. Others
turn to counselors or self-help resources. The important thing
is to pay attention to your feelings and get help if you need
it. |
Learn how to gain access to your
cancer treatment records »
Find out about survivorship challenges and late effects »
Sources: National Cancer Institute and the
Children’s Oncology Group
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Challenges
