Psychological issues in cancer survivorship

Abstract

Thankfully, many more women are now surviving cancer due to advances in awareness, surveillance, and treatment. In fact, many oncology clinicians now consider cancer a chronic illness. This has meant that a growing number are living with the physical and psychological consequences of the disease. The psychological impact and emotions experienced by survivors are varied. Some reactions are more common than others, including the onset of depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction and feelings of abandonment, isolation, grief, and fear of recurrence. Body image and sexuality are also commonly impacted by cancer, particularly by women who experience treatment-induced menopause. Existential and spiritual concerns can also cause psychological consequences. In time, however, many women adjust to life as a cancer patient and find new meaning and purpose in their lives. The aim of this article is to highlight the key psychological issues faced by women who are in the chronic or survivorship phase of their cancer experience. The article also aims to emphasize the need for ongoing evaluation of the psychological status of these women during regular follow-up appointments. This will ensure that patient-centered supportive care is optimized.

摘要

值得庆幸的是, 由于意识、监测和治疗的进步, 现在有更多的妇女在癌症中幸存下来。事实上, 许多肿瘤临床医生现在认为癌症是一种慢性病。这意味着越来越多的人生活在这种疾病的生理和心理后果之中。幸存者所经历的心理影响和情绪是多种多样的。有些反应比其他反应更常见, 包括出现抑郁、焦虑和性功能障碍, 以及被遗弃、孤立、悲伤和害怕复发的感觉。身体形象和性行为通常也会受到癌症的影响, 尤其是那些经历了由治疗引起的更年期的女性。存在和精神上的担忧也会导致心理上的后果。然而, 随着时间的推移, 许多女性适应了癌症患者的生活, 并在生活中找到了新的意义和目标。这篇文章的目的是强调那些处于癌症经历的慢性期或生存期的妇女所面临的关键心理问题。文章还旨在强调在后续随访期间对这些妇女的心理状况进行持续评估的必要性。这将确保以患者为中心的支持性护理得到优化。

Keywords:

• Cancer
• survivorship
• psychological

Potential conflict of interest

The author reports no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

Nil.