Majority of cancer survivors struggle to adjust post-treatment, new study reports

Vancouver-basedPenelope Hedges went through six months of chemotherapy and successfully battled ovarian cancer but, like more than 67 per cent of other cancer patients, found adjusting to life post-treatment an unexpected challenge.

Anewly released studyby the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer looked at the experiences of over 13,000 Canadians with cancer and found that themajority of survivors report difficulties including fatigue anddepression after the initial treatment is over.

Nearly half saidphysical and emotional challenges inthe first six months to year are the hardest.

Patients feelalone after months ofhighly scheduled treatmentswith regularblood tests, medical visits and chemotherapy appointments, Hedges toldCBChost ofThe Early EditionStephen Quinn.

"Right after those treatments end, they say 'Well that's great, we'll see you in three months' and suddenly, like a foster child aging out of the system, you are abandoned for three months and you are very much on your own in a big city," she said.

Common struggles

It's usually easy for survivors totalk to an expert aboutmedical concerns,but it's more difficult to findpsychological help,Hedges said. Finding a new normal can bedifficult.

"Your psyche is totally wrung out, you feel pretty lousy," she said. "You have to develop a new way of life again after having been scheduled so much."

The report found that 80per cent of patients report physical challenges, like being tired or having sexual difficulties,and 70 per cent say they are plagued by emotional issues such as depression or fear of cancer returning.

A quarter were notsatisfied with the emotional support they received during outpatient cancer care.

Changes to the system

Lisa McCune, the director of patient experience at B.C. Cancer Agency, said the report's findings are key to improving support for cancer survivors.

"[It] really shows us how significant these concerns are," she said. "Now we have the data that we need to make the changes so we are reviewing our cancer care services support."

With files from The Early Edition.