Cancer Survivorship Research: Recovery and Beyond

What a three days I've had here at the 2010 Biennial Conference. While packing my suitcase for the return home, I'm thinking about all I've heard.

At last, researchers are looking scientifically at quality of life after completion of treatment. They are desiging and executing studies to answer questions such as:

• What factors affect patients' perception of their quality of life?
• What role does exercise play in recovery and quality of life?
• What can patients do to decrease their morbidity after cancer?
• What can be done to facilitate patients' post-traumatic growth?
• How can we best help survivors deal with uncertainty?
• How can we best address post-treatment sexuality and fertility issues?
• How can we best reach diverse populations?
• How can we best assist caregivers?
• Which healthcare professionals can best follow patients after completion of cancer treatment?
• How can we best use IT to improve survivorship?

Of particular interest to me were the sessions on the interface between aging and cancer.

Before I check out of the hotel, what I want you to know is this: Ongoing scientific research is exploring issues of survivorship beyond the hope for cures. Over the next few weeks, I'll share some of what I learned. So stay tuned!

Comments

[Dianne Duffy]

Wendy,

I have been looking for resources on this topic, but not finding many. Please publish the names of books or other resources.
Thanks, Dianne Duffy

[Ashleigh Moore]

Wendy, I had 30 rounds of radiotherapy 5 years ago for a T4N2B SCC of the tonsil that had spread to tongue and neck lymph glands. Treatment also included a radical neck dissection. I have recovered well however last year began suffering atrial fibrillation during exercise. Is this a condition that you would attribute to the late affects of radiotherapy? Thanks Ashleigh

[Wendy S. Harpham, M.D.]

Dear Ashleigh,

It would depend on what total dose you received, as well as which tissues were included in the radiation field.

Different conditions can be associated with atrial fibrillation, an irregularly irregular heartbeat.

For example, hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) can cause atrial fibrillation. Since hypothyroidism is a common late effect of radiation to the neck, atrial fibrillation can be caused indirectly by radiation therapy that does not include the heart in the field of treatment.

To optimize your post-treatment medical care:
* Seek the advice of physicians who are familiar with both the details of your personal cancer history and the known late effects of the treatments you received.
* Undergo evaluation for the different causes of atrial fibrillation, instead of just treating the rhythm disturbance.
* Learn about modifiable risk factors that may be playing a role. For example, take steps to minimize your risk of vascular disease: Eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise (physician-approved), achieve and maintain optimal weight, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and, of course, don't smoke.

I hope this helps. With hope, Wendy