A cancer survivor is someone who has been diagnosed with cancer and has completed treatment, and/or is living with cancer or in remission. The term “survivor” can apply to people who have been cured of cancer, those who are in active treatment, and those who are living with cancer as a chronic disease.
Becoming a cancer survivor can be a major turning point in a person’s life. It can bring about physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Some cancer survivors may experience long-term side effects of cancer treatment, such as fatigue, pain, and mental health issues. For others, the experience of having cancer may bring about positive changes, such as a greater appreciation for life and a renewed sense of purpose.
Cancer survivorship is an important area of cancer care, and survivorship care plans are often created to help guide cancer survivors through the post-treatment phase of their cancer journey. These plans may include information on ongoing medical care, monitoring for cancer recurrence, and recommendations for healthy lifestyle changes.
It’s worth noting that the term “cancer survivor” can be controversial, as some people feel that it places too much emphasis on the individual’s ability to “beat” cancer and overlooks the role that healthcare professionals, caregivers, and other support systems play in cancer treatment and recovery.
