A patient’s experience during cancer treatment can have a significant impact on survivorship. Survivorship, in the context of cancer, refers to the process of living with, through, and beyond cancer. Cancer treatment is often a challenging and difficult journey, and the way patients are treated and cared for can have a significant impact on their emotional and mental well-being.
The patient experience during cancer treatment can affect how patients see themselves as survivors. Cancer treatment can be a difficult and isolating experience, and patients who receive poor care or treatment, or lack mental health support, may feel disillusioned and hopeless about their chances of survival. Conversely, patients who receive compassionate, high-quality care along with mental health management may feel supported and hopeful, which can contribute to a more positive self-perception and a greater sense of resilience.
Being a cancer survivor means different things to different people. For some, it means having a renewed appreciation for life and a commitment to living each day to the fullest. For others, it means struggling with the long-term physical and emotional effects of cancer treatment. For many survivors, it is a combination of both. Regardless of the specific experience, being a cancer survivor is a significant and life-changing event that requires ongoing support and care.
Moving on as a cancer survivor can be a complex and challenging process. Many survivors experience ongoing physical and emotional effects of cancer treatment, including fatigue, pain, and anxiety. Additionally, survivors may struggle with feelings of guilt or survivor’s remorse, along with uncertainty about the future. Moving on requires a commitment to self-care, including physical and mental health, as well as social support and community engagement.
Research has shown that the patient experience during cancer treatment can impact survivorship in several ways. Patients whose perception was high-quality, patient-centered care during cancer treatment are more likely to have better outcomes, including higher rates of survival and improved quality of life. Additionally, patients who receive emotional and psychological support during treatment are more likely to experience improved mental health outcomes, including reduced anxiety and depression.
The patient experience during cancer treatment also impacts survivorship by influencing one’s perception of their illness and their ability to cope with it. Patients who feel supported and cared for during treatment may have a greater sense of control over their illness, which can contribute to a greater sense of self-efficacy and resilience. Conversely, patients who feel unsupported or neglected during treatment may experience a sense of powerlessness and hopelessness, which can contribute to poorer health outcomes and a diminished sense of self-worth.
In summary, the patient experience during cancer treatment has a significant impact on survivorship. Patients who receive high-quality, patient-centered care during cancer treatment are more likely to experience positive outcomes, including improved mental and physical health, greater resilience, and a more positive self-perception as survivors. Moving on as a survivor requires an ongoing commitment to self-care, including physical and mental health, as well as social support and community engagement. By prioritizing the patient experience during cancer treatment, healthcare providers can help improve survivorship outcomes and support patients through their cancer journey.
For more help with survivorship and cancer, please look at the Support Organizations section of the CancerGo app or reach out directly to mynurseathome1@gmail.com.