By Dr. Sandeep Nayak
Being diagnosed with cancer is a distressing experience. It can affect people, physically and emotionally. Most patients, families, and caregivers face some degree of depression, anxiety, and fear when cancer becomes part of their lives. These feelings are normal responses to this life-changing experience.
Fortunately, there are many options in treating cancer. This includes both traditional therapies (such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy), newer forms of treatment such as as minimal access, and complementary and alternative therapies.
Cancer treatment is based on the patient’s situation. Certain types of cancer respond better to certain types of treatment. Knowing the exact type of cancer one has is important in deciding which treatments will work the best. The cancer’s stage (how much cancer there is and where it is) will affect treatment options, too.
The patient’s health, lifestyle, and personal preferences will also play a part in deciding which treatment plan is best suited. Some types of treatment might work better than others, so be sure to understand your options. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s your right to know what treatments are most likely to help and what their side effects may be.
Your activity level during cancer treatment will depend on your overall fitness and health before the cancer was found and on how treatment is affecting you.
However, minimally invasive procedures involving robotic and laparoscopic surgery is considered the mainstay surgical approach for a variety of cancer disorders. Robotics & laparoscopy offer potential advantages of enhanced recovery, reduction in pain, and a quicker return to normal function. The application of minimally invasive surgery has been explored and found to be feasible in the management of cancer.
In some cases, people may have to give up their occupation because the symptoms make it impossible to work. In other cases, people will be able to carry on working, but they may still need some time off. Some people may look to work as a way of regaining a sense of normality and control.
As a cancer survivor, a couple things that should get priority are:
- Staying active and healthy during and after cancer treatment
- Get to know more about how to deal with the possibility of cancer recurrence
- Good nutrition is an important part of cancer treatment, and it’s also important to stay as active as you can
The end of treatment can be both stressful and exciting. You will be relieved to finish treatment, yet it is hard not to worry about cancer coming back. Some cancers can come back or recur after treatment. The odds of this happening depend on many factors, including the type of cancer.