Introduction

Cancer was the most dreaded disease of all time. Highly unrecognized, hidden somewhere in the body, waiting to grow, and trying to engulf all the normal healthy cells of the body and turning them into cancerous ones. After the cancerous cells grow their armies, they start producing symptoms. 

Common cancer symptoms –

1. Weakness of body
2. Weight gain or loss
3. Change in bowel and bladder habits
4. Skin changes – color – yellow, red, dark. 
5. Sores on the skin that will not heal
6. Changes in the existing moles on the body
7. Continuous and stubborn cough
8. Trouble in breathing
9. Unusual bleeding or discharge from the orifices 

Then comes the diagnosis of which type of cancer caused all the symptoms, followed by chemotherapy, cancer drugs, lots of yoga, meditation, and relaxation therapies. 

Now we are in cancer remission. It gets accompanied by the long-term side effects of cancer treatment. 

Five long-term side effects of cancer

1. Elevated levels of PTSD, anxiety, and depression

Research shows nearly 23% of cancer patients suffer from anxiety, 32% suffer from PTSD, and 58% suffer from depression. Cancer takes a toll on the whole mind of a person.

Solution? 

• Enhancing self-esteem, 
• having a greater purposefulness in life, 
• feeling heightened spirituality, and 
• possessing a greater sense of peace. 

1. Sexual difficulties

Two of the negative consequences of cancer are sexual dysfunction and infertility. Men have problems such as erectile dysfunction and reduced blood supply to the penis due to damage to the autonomous system of the body. Women have sudden premature ovarian failure and infertility. 

1. Neuropathies – numbness, pain, fatigue, related weakness

There occurs damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord in cancer. This situation is called peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy ensues after chemotherapy sessions. Nearly 30 to 40% of cancer patients suffer from neuropathy due to neurotoxic chemotherapy. 

1. Cardiovascular disease – hypertension, heart failure

Cancer survivors who are 65 and above are at a high risk of developing congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and irregular heartbeats.

Symptoms include – 

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Swollen hands and legs 

1. Dental problems 

Cancer treatment can cause dental problems such as –

• Risk of infection of tooth enamel 
• Gum disease
• Lower production of saliva
• Dry mouth

Other side-effects of cancer treatment

• Anger
• Guilt
• Feeling alone
• Fear of getting cancer back
• Relief
• Gratitude
• Hearing loss
• Osteoporosis
• Bladder control problems

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