Life after cancer – common concerns

Every cancer journey is different and how someone might feel, what support they need, or the type of treatment they receive won’t be the same as someone else’s experience. The same can be said for life after cancer, when the treatment has ended and the all-clear has been given.

Having worries and countless questions about what comes next is completely normal and no one can predict how someone will feel. Our Cancer Care Team, for members, address common concerns about navigating life after treatment and share some frequently asked questions that come up in their daily conversations with those affected by cancer.

Transitioning back into “normal” life

While some might want to forget about the whole experience and get back to their daily life before diagnosis and treatment, there are others that are worried about adjusting to what life now might look like.

This is a common area of concern that comes up in the conversations our Cancer Care Team experience. Whether it’s transitioning back into the workplace, resuming family duties, like the school run or weekly shop, or picking a hobby back up, support is still needed during this stage.

92% of Life after Cancer’s community told them that they find life after cancer harder than cancer treatment.¹ Seeking support at this stage could help stop someone feeling overwhelmed and instead offer some guidance on how to create a phased approach back to “normality”.

Workplace

Returning to work after an extended time off or after surgeries can be daunting. Speaking with an employer and raising any concerns is key. Asking for adjustments to be made, for flexibility, or for a phased return are all normal requests that an employer should be equipped for.

Organisations such as Working With Cancer helps employees, employers, the self-employed, job seekers and carers to manage cancer and work. Macmillan also offers guidance on what adjustments can be made and what support is available. They also highlight that if you have or have had cancer then this is classed as a disability, meaning you are protected under the Equality Act 2010.²

Everyday life

It can be difficult for some people to cope with the quiet that comes after numerous hospital appointments, being surrounded by different people, and life being solely focused on treatment.

But there are charities like Mission Remission, who are there to “support cancer survivors move forward after treatment to live happy, healthy, independent lives”³. And Cancer Support UK, who offer “practical and emotional support to people with cancer, during and after the treatment period.”⁴

The transition back into a more familiar pace of life might take weeks for some but months for others. There is no right or wrong answer and working out what is comfortable and manageable is part of the process.

Side effects of treatment

It’s a common misconception that side effects stop once treatment is finished but for some cancers the side effects can continue after the all-clear is given. For example:

• Cancer of the womb, ovaries or cervix – in the case of the ovaries being removed (called a total or radical hysterectomy) then surgical menopause will be experienced, regardless of age.⁵ If a hysterectomy leaves one or both ovaries intact then menopause might be brought on earlier compared to someone who hasn’t had the procedure. The decline in oestrogen means menopause symptoms will occur such as hot flushes, fatigue, and night sweats.

>Read more on the menopause symptoms in our menopause hub

• Fatigue – Cancer fatigue is one of the most common side effects of cancer treatment⁶ and it can occur at any time, not just during but after treatment too. The severity and duration of the fatigue can depend on the type of cancer and treatment undertaken but it can also be caused by the emotional impact of cancer. Asking for support from a GP, cancer team, or employer (if returning to work) is important in helping manage fatigue symptoms.
• Chemotherapy – Cancer Research UK highlight how chemotherapy for some people can cause long term changes in the body months or years after treatment.⁷ For example: problems with certain organs such as heart, lungs or liver, or cognitive changes where the cancer survivor experiences changes in memory or concentration.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal to fear the “what next”?

It can be a lot for the brain to process, especially after the focus has previously been on treatment and navigating diagnosis. Now someone is in the post-treatment stage, the regular support they had from their medical team might now be lessening or stopped altogether, resulting in shock or fear setting in.

“Scanxiety” or scan anxiety is also common for many people to experience after they’re given the all-clear.

Although appointments might have ended feeling fearful is completely normal, so seeking external support groups to talk to, and being with others in a similar position can help alleviate any worries.

Why do I feel pressure to be “ok”, now I’ve got the all-clear?

There can be a common misconception that now someone is cancer-free that they should be happy, and “back to their old selves”. Someone might experience comments in the workplace or from a family member which invalidates feelings or puts pressure on them to “be ok”.

Everyone deals with cancer differently and at their own pace, while someone might have put on a brave face throughout treatment, the effect of a cancer diagnosis might only now be coming to the forefront. It might have given someone a new perspective and they might not want to “return to normal”, instead they might now say no more often, be more expressive with their feelings or want to try a new career or hobby.

It’s perfectly ok to not put on a façade and instead be honest with feelings, equally there shouldn’t be any pressure, internally or externally, to go back to how things were. For some people they might want to just forget about it all and resume life, but for others they need more time to heal physically and emotionally.

Support charities and resources available:

• Cancer Care Map - an online resource to help people living with cancer find care and support services in their local area, anywhere in the UK.
• Future Dreams - in-person and online services providing practical, emotional and psychological support for those diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Macmillan – guidance on how to talk to your employer.
• Life after Cancer - brings people together who have finished cancer treatment to form support groups, with an aim to increase their physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing.

If you do receive a cancer diagnosis, the news can feel overwhelming and you’ll have a lot of questions. Explore our cancer care articles for more information. If you're a member with AXA Health, here's more information on dedicated cancer support you may have access to.

References

1. Post Cancer Support - Life after Cancer
2. What are my rights at work? – Macmillan
3. What do we do? – Mission Remission
4. Cancer Support UK
5. Considerations – Hysterectomy - NHS
6. Cancer Fatigue – National Cancer Institute
7. Late side effects of chemotherapy – Cancer Research UK