Common Survivorship Issues Directory

We have developed this directory for a number of reasons: To increase awareness of survivorship services that are available at Peter Mac (mostly at our main site in Parkville / Melbourne) and at The Royal Melbourne Hospital and The Royal Women’s Hospital As a handy guide to evidence-based guidance...

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.

Chemotherapy can impact or damage the body’s peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves carry sensations (or neurological messages) to and from the brain and spine, to control feeling and movement in different parts of the body including arms, legs, hands and feet. They also control the bowel and bladder...

Issues affecting ability to eat, including swallowing difficulties, and concerns with weight, are very common among cancer survivors. The side effects of cancer treatment can make eating and drinking difficult, and can take away the enjoyment of meal times. Not eating enough to provide adequate...

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.

There can be many costs associated with cancer and its treatment. Concern, anxiety or worry about how to manage the financial impact of cancer is common and understandable. Knowing where to get support and the type of questions to ask can help survivors and their carers find a better quality of...

Caring for or supporting someone through their cancer and its treatment can be a worrying time. A carer or caregiver can include any person who provides support as a partner, family member, relative, or friend. Feelings of concern or questions about the impact of cancer are common and...

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’.

Cancer and its treatment can impact or damage the body’s lymphatic system. This can lead to a build-up of lymph fluid (also known as swelling) in tissues under the skin. This swelling is called lymphoedema. Not all cancer survivors will experience lymphoedema. Lymphoedema most often occurs in the...

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.