Common survivorship issues directory

Feelings of anxiety and depression are very common and understandable responses to cancer. Many survivors and carers experience anxiety, depression and many other emotions during diagnosis and treatment, and after treatment.

Fatigue is very common among cancer survivors. Fatigue is excessive tiredness, which is unlike the day-to-day tiredness a busy person may feel. Learning how to cope with cancer related fatigue can help people find a better quality of life.

People whose cancer has been successfully treated may fear it will return or progress. People fear needing further treatment, more life disruptions, or how further cancer might affect family and friends.

Many cancer treatments can affect fertility for both men and women.

Before, during and/or after cancer treatment, many people experience difficulty with concentration, memory and thinking. This is known as ‘cognitive impairment’, ‘cancer fog’ or ‘chemo brain’.

Many women experience menopausal symptoms after cancer treatment. Symptoms can include hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, fatigue, anxiety, reduced libido and fertility. Symptoms can be temporary or permanent and can affect your quality of life.

Pain is very common for cancer survivors. Pain can be mild or severe, and can affect your quality of life. There are many sources of help to manage or control pain.

Cancer and its treatments can affect a person’s ability to work and study. This can cause social and financial stress and worries for individuals, families and carers.

For many people, sex and intimacy is an important part of life. Some people may experience changes to sexuality or intimacy during and after cancer treatment. Changes may affect the person with cancer as well as their partners or carers.

Sleep disturbances are very common among people who have had cancer treatment. Good management of sleep can greatly improve your feelings of wellbeing.