Resources for Cancer Survivors

According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 18.1 million cancer survivors were living in the United States in January 2022.1 This number is expected to increase by 24% by 2032, totaling an incredible 22.5 million people. But while the risk of dying from cancer is declining, the rate of incidence is still on the rise. This means more and more people are being diagnosed, but luckily, more are living longer lives.2

The transition into life as a cancer survivor can inspire feelings of gratitude, but it’s also a shift that takes patience and continued grit. Compiling medical costs, insurance woes, and employment struggles are common among those on the other side of cancer. In addition, your physical symptoms and emotional needs can persist beyond treatment. You may still feel exhausted and anxious about what lies ahead. Plus, after seeing your doctors regularly for an extended period, it can feel nerve-wracking to be in less contact or not have as many diagnostic tests to continually monitor your progress.

This time of change requires a lot of compassion toward yourself as you accept and adapt to your “new normal.” Your abilities may have changed, and your appearance might not be the same. You could possibly have to reassess your work life, and you may find support from different people than you have in the past. We’ve taken a look at the various ways you might be affected post-cancer and what you can do to take care of yourself moving forward.

After the last treatment is over, it’s time to take a deep sigh of relief and celebrate. However, you won’t be bidding farewell to your care team forever; it’s important to stay on top of what is expected for your healthcare as you transition into your new normal. Your oncologist will likely provide you with a follow-up plan outlining your completed cancer treatment and recommendations for future monitoring or care. This plan should help you understand what long-term issues you might experience, what tests you may need (and their frequency), and how to best take care of yourself.

You may see your oncologist for your follow-up care, or you might transition to your primary care physician. Regardless of who you see, keeping a copy of your medical history to take along with you to doctor visits is a good idea. It can be challenging to keep up with all the diagnoses, dates, and procedures you’ve had during a cancer battle, so having an organized folder can alleviate the stress of trying to relay all of this information to new practitioners. Many providers also offer electronic versions of your records that are accessible through a website or app (like Epic’s MyChart or Allscripts’ FollowMyHealth), which can make the organization much more manageable.

It’s typical for patients to see their care provider every few months at first, with less frequent visits after the first 2-3 years post-treatment.3 These visits might include scans (like an MRI or CT scan) or labwork in addition to a physical exam to assess your condition. These visits also allow you to discuss any concerns or troublesome symptoms you may have with your doctor.

Clinical research has shown that having a plan and preparing for life post-treatment with your doctor significantly contributes to a better transition and fewer issues with cancer-related symptom management.4 The American Cancer Society and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship offer handy guides for compiling your survivorship care plan with your physician.

Rehabilitation programs

Your doctor might suggest that you participate in cancer rehabilitation as part of your treatment plan. These supportive programs can help you cope with physical and cognitive issues you are experiencing as a result of your treatment and are usually given on an outpatient basis. Depending on your needs, you may work with a dietitian, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech therapist, physiatrist, or lymphedema therapist, to name a few. The goal is to help lessen side effects, keep you active and independent, and improve your quality of life.

Cancer rehab could be valuable for you if you’re struggling with any of the following:5 6

• Mobility, such as walking, showering, getting out of a chair
• Chronic pain
• Swelling
• Fatigue
• Difficulty talking or swallowing
• Numbness or tingling in your extremities
• Balance issues
• Trouble with memory or concentrating

If you feel you may benefit from a rehab program, speak with your care team about what programs are available near you. You can work with your providers to develop a plan that best serves your needs and most significant concerns as you recover from cancer treatment.

Nutrition counseling

One of the most common side effects of cancer treatment is the impact it has on your ability to eat. Nausea, vomiting, trouble chewing or swallowing, and a poor appetite are all typical symptoms experienced while under care for cancer. In fact, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are the most common post-treatment side effects reported by patients — and they’re the ones most likely to decrease quality of life.28 If you’re continuing to suffer from GI concerns after treatment, your doctor may suggest nutrition counseling.

A registered nutritionist or dietician can help guide you on how to meet your body’s nutrient and calorie needs and reach and maintain a healthy weight. These health professionals can provide you with an eating plan to take the guesswork out of planning a healthy diet. And some patients may need advice on how to regain any weight lost during treatment. Learning how to get enough calories and nutrients (especially protein to avoid losing muscle) in a healthy way can feel overwhelming, but a registered nutritionist or dietician will be able to assist step-by-step.7 8

If you don’t have access to a registered dietitian or nutritionist, we’ve added a few related resources under the dedicated section near the bottom of the page — including telehealth dietician services and online recipes designed for cancer survivors.

If you’ve been through treatment for cancer, you’re likely well aware of the impacts it has on your physical health. And, particularly for those who have undergone extensive surgeries, ongoing healing and pain management can be challenging. Unfortunately, lingering side effects from treatment can last longer than you would like. However, for many of them, your doctor might be able to suggest interventions to help. The National Cancer Institute also has a valuable resource with relatable information and practical tips for coping with side effects.3

Some common symptoms you may be experiencing after treatment include:9 10 11

• Fatigue
• Pain
• Sleeping problems
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
• Changes in memory or concentration
• Skin, hair, and nail changes
• Urinary incontinence
• Vaginal changes

In addition, sometimes delayed problems resulting from cancer treatment, called “late side effects,” can show up months or even years after your treatment is over.12 This is why it’s important to consistently follow up with your care team and mention any symptoms you may have so they can provide the help and guidance (and possibly the referral) you need. Some late side effects include:12

• Bone loss
• Cognitive changes (i.e., memory loss, slow processing)
• Early menopause or infertility
• Thyroid problems
• Tissue swelling
• Vision or hearing changes
• Decreased joint mobility
• Heart and lung damage
• Second cancers

Going through a fight against cancer wreaks havoc on not just your physical well-being but your emotional state, as well. Life can truly feel like it has been turned upside down. There is an understandable grief surrounding the acceptance of a “new normal” post-cancer and how that plays out in your mental health and relationships with others.

Often, the emotional impact of cancer does not appear until six months or longer after a patient has completed treatment.13 If this is you, you’re not alone. Allowing yourself time to talk about and process your feelings is important. There is no shame in asking your healthcare provider for a referral to a mental health professional or getting connected with a support group. The support of others with a shared experience can be invaluable; we’ve listed some links at the bottom of this page for online groups that you may find helpful.

As you transition into life as a cancer survivor, you may experience some of the following mental health symptoms:14 15 16

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Struggling with changes to your body
• Fear of recurrence
• Post-traumatic stress
• Survivor’s guilt
• Trouble reconnecting with friends and family

You may also find that your relationships have undergone changes as a result of your cancer journey, whether with your family, friends, or spouse. For example, intimacy might be more challenging to engage in — try to be open with your partner about your feelings and allow yourself time to take things slowly. You may also feel less supported by friends or loved ones now that the work of treatment is over. If this is the case, it can be helpful to communicate with those close to you about how you feel and schedule time to be together if you feel up to it.

Living with uncertainty

Arguably, one of the hardest parts of being a cancer survivor is struggling with the uncertainty of the future. The fear of cancer returning is understandable; this common issue often manifests through anxiety symptoms. And while these feelings do lessen over time, the days leading up to a follow-up visit or scan can be particularly worry-filled.17

It’s also normal to struggle with any aches and pains you are experiencing and fear that a recurrence of cancer has occurred. Lingering issues or new symptoms can be alarming, but remember that just because you have them, it does not necessarily mean your cancer has returned. It’s good practice to discuss anything concerning (no matter how small) with your doctor so they can help address and alleviate your concerns.

You may find that distracting yourself between appointments or while waiting for test results can help with any anxious thoughts you have. Making plans with loved ones or incorporating some self-care, like a massage if that is comfortable for you, to distract yourself can help. Some people also feel it’s beneficial to notice and acknowledge their fears — without judgment — and then consciously let them go. Others may find staying active or practicing mindfulness (living in the moment) to be valuable tools for managing anxiety and uncertainty.18

Research has shown that having a follow-up plan in place after cancer treatment is complete can help reduce feelings of uncertainty.4 There is comfort and a sense of control in having an organized plan. However, if anxious thoughts feel like more than what you can cope with on your own, a licensed therapist can be an excellent resource for processing your emotions. These days, you don’t even have to leave your home for counseling if you can’t or don’t want to; there are multiple online therapy options available to suit your needs.

While we don’t have control over who is affected by cancer or what the outcome will be, there are some lifestyle strategies that scientists and healthcare providers agree to be beneficial for staying healthy after cancer treatment.19 20

Nutrition

We all know that nutrition plays a vital role in our health, but for those who have experienced cancer, it’s even more crucial to eat a healthy diet with all the nutrients you need. While each individual has their own dietary needs, there are some general tips that dieticians agree on that are best practices for improving your overall well-being.8 21

• Eat a variety of colorful, whole fruits and vegetables at every meal
• Avoid fried foods
• Incorporate high-fiber foods (like whole-grain bread)
• Choose lean meats, poultry, and fish
• Limit your intake of red meat and processed meat products (e.g., hot dogs, deli meat)
• Choose low-fat milk or dairy products
• Avoid sugary drinks and limit alcohol

Exercise

Getting back into an exercise routine (or starting one for the first time) can feel like an uphill battle after fighting cancer. Your energy levels aren’t what they used to be, and you may not feel as strong as you once were. Considering this, it’s important to be kind to yourself and start slowly. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy, as well.

Research suggests that just 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise may reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.22 It can also help improve the quality of your sleep and strengthen your immune system. Before you begin, confirm with your doctor that you are cleared to exercise and discuss any limitations you may have. And as always, be sure to stay hydrated.8 23

Here are some examples of low- and moderate-intensity exercises that might be a good place to start, depending on your situation.

Even making small changes to avoid a sedentary lifestyle can be beneficial — like using the stairs when possible. If you need guidance on how to get started, you can also reach out to your doctor for a referral to an exercise professional; they can formulate a plan that works best for you.

Lifestyle habits

Everyone’s journey looks different, and your recovery may not be as fast or seem as easy as someone else’s. However, in addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise, there are things you can do to set yourself up for success. Here are some basic lifestyle tips to help you stay healthy as a cancer survivor.24

We would all love to envision a world without cancer. It’s estimated that in 2024, over two million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer.27 If you have experienced the loss of a loved one due to cancer, you have likely felt frustrated, a loss of control, and struggled with the unfairness of it all.

It’s important to recognize that there is no right or wrong way to grieve such a loss. Each individual, influenced by their life experiences, will have their own unique journey when processing the death of someone they care about.

The feelings that come up when grieving a death due to cancer can be overwhelming, confusing, and contradictory at times. If you played the role of a caregiver, partner, or “co-survivor,” you may be simultaneously devastated while relieved that the painful trial is over.33 As you process your feelings, try offering yourself the same compassion you would extend to someone else — there is no shame in the emotions you feel.

You may feel exhausted and depressed while grieving. You may harbor feelings of anxiety or feel a loss of purpose. As you move through grief, others around may offer help; try to let yourself accept it. It may also be incredibly beneficial to seek out others living through a similar experience. We’ve listed some online support resources below that you can connect with. Lastly, you may wish to read through our guide to mental health resources for those who are grieving. We break down the details of the grieving process, what to expect, and some tips for coping that you might find helpful.

In the following sections, we’ve compiled lists of resources from across the internet that you or your loved one may find beneficial while adjusting to your new normal.

Online support for cancer survivors

• Post-Treatment Survivorship Support Group (CancerCare): Free, 15-week online support group for cancer survivors
• Cancer Lifeline: Call or chat online for cancer support
• Cancer Hope Network: Get matched for free and confidential peer support online
• Cancer Support Community: Call the helpline or chat online to receive free support and guidance; online discussion forums are also available
• Cancer Survivors Network: Discussion boards for free peer support
• Healing Circles: Free virtual meeting support groups
• Imerman Angels: Free one-on-one support for those affected by cancer

Online nutrition support for cancer survivors

• Find a Nutrition Expert (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics): An online database of in-person and telehealth nutritionists
• Teladoc Health: Telehealth service that offers online registered dietitian appointments by phone or video
• Recipes for People with Cancer (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center): A collection of recipes that you can filter by diet type or by symptom
• “Eating Hints: Before, during, and after Cancer Treatment” (The National Cancer Institute): A guidebook to eating healthy and managing symptoms from cancer treatment
• Cancer Prevention and Survival Recipes (American Institute for Cancer Research): A database of healthy recipes aimed at preventing cancer, helping during treatment, and supporting survivors after treatment

Organizations and agencies with valuable survivor information

• "Preparing for Life After Cancer Treatment" (American Cancer Society): A brief guidebook on how to prepare for life post-treatment
• CancerCare: Free support for “anyone affected by cancer,” including workshops, counseling, and more
• Cancer Survivorship: A collection of pages and guides authored by the U.S. National Cancer Institute on life after cancer treatment
• National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship: A wide range of resources, including the “Cancer Survival Toolbox,” a survivorship checklist, and much more

Insurance and financial information

• National Financial Resource Directory (Patient Advocate Foundation): A national financial resource directory
• The Language of Insurance (Patient Advocate Foundation): Information regarding navigating insurance
• Triage Cancer: Free education on legal and practical issues related to cancer
• Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition: Search the database for financial aid or practical help near you, or call 800-813-4673 to speak with a social worker

For those who are grieving

• Cancer Pathways: Online bereavement groups for those who have lost someone to cancer
• Grief in Common: Live chat, forums, online support groups; fees apply to some services
• Grieving.com: Online forums for the grieving community
• HealGrief: App and online grief support groups