Going through cancer is a big scary ordeal. A person who had cancer is often called a cancer survivor. Some people like this term and some not so much. Some people identify as “a person who had cancer” or “a person who is living with cancer”. No matter how you identify yourself, a cancer diagnosis has changed your life forever in some way, shape, or form.
With so many people experiencing cancer, more attention has been brought to cancer survivorship. As part of the Cape Atlantic Coalition for Health deliverables we are becoming more involved in survivorship issues and activities. Organizations such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and American Cancer Society have also drawn more attention to survivorship topics.
So what does all this mean? It means learning how to live differently depending on your trajectory.
- Are you still in treatment?
- Do you have long-term side effects?
- What about recurrence?
- Emotional issues?
- Can I go back to work?
- Follow up treatment/testing?
- Now what?
- Can I exercise? How do I get back into shape?
- And much more…
It also means learning you are not alone.
Projects…
Survivorship Care Plans
Survivorship Care Plans are documents that are completed with patients and their oncology offices that provide a variety of information such as medical information (type of cancer, treatment received, medications received, etc.); follow up testing; and support services. Plans can vary in size and details. The purpose of the plan is to give the patient more information, as well as the patient’s current and future physicians. Copies of your Survivorship Care Plan should be given to all of your physicians.
Survivorship Care Plans are also a newer concept. If you are long-term cancer survivor or actively living with cancer you may not have one. There are several options you can take to getting a care plan. Be sure to discuss your options with your physician.
- Ask you medical oncologist to put one together;
- Complete one of the online versions. These tools ask numerous questions (some you may need to get from your physician) and then puts the plan together.
You can also attend one of our Survivorship Workshops. Currently we are in the development process for the content of these workshops. We anticipate a variety of survivorship topics including survivorship care plans. These workshops will be periodically available in Atlantic or Cape May County, NJ in a variety of locations. If you would like to have us come to your organization please reach out to us for more information. Due to COVID-19 physical workshops are unavailable at this time. We are looking at making online workshops available and will update the website as soon as this is possible.
In addition a “news” article will be posted each month specifically on survivorship topics. This kicks off June 6, 2020 and will continue through June 2021. Come back each month for the survivorship topic of the month.
Cancer: Thriving and Surviving Workshops
Cancer: Thriving and Surviving (CTS) is a workshop series developed at Stanford University. Self-Management Resource Center has taken over the management of the program a few years ago.
CTS is similar to the “original” Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop Series – only it is specific to cancer. There is also a diabetes version. These programs are standardized evidence based programs resulting in favorable outcomes.
CTS focuses on cancer specifically. It is appropriate for anyone who is a cancer patient, cancer survivor, and/or their caregivers. In other words it is for anyone affected by cancer.
The program is facilitated by trained peer leaders, and consists of 2 ½ hour sessions each week for six weeks in various community settings (such as cancer centers, senior centers, clinics, community/recreation centers, libraries, churches, community groups etc.). Currently classes have been cancelled due to COVID-19. It is yet to be determined whether this class can be held online.
The purpose of the CTS model is to prevent, control, and manage cancer related concerns, as well as general health concerns – both physical and emotional. Each session builds upon the previous session to help improve life. This program focuses on…
- Fatigue management
- Exercise and fitness
- Managing pain
- Sleep difficulties
- Setting priorities
- Living with uncertainty
- Problem solving
- Relationships
- Communication
- Difficult Emotions
- … and more
The Cape Atlantic Coalition for Health team has taught self-management classes for several years. The largest reason people do not take advantage of the classes is the time dedication. It seems like a lot of time initially, but it goes by quickly.
Each class is made up of a variety of activities; is interactive; has breaks; and maintains a consistent flow. If you cannot come or do not feel up to coming to a class it is OK to miss one or two. The six weeks will be over before you know it and you will gain so much from the classes. Plus you will meet other people who have had similar experiences to you. The comradery is wonderful and you will feel like you are not alone. There is truly something for everyone in these classes. Why not give it a try!
Workshop listings are continually updated on this site in the events section.
References:
Cancer Survivors. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
National Cancer Survivors Day. American Cancer Society.
Cancer: Thriving and Surviving. Self Management Resource Center.
Survivorship Care Plan. OncoLife/Penn Medicine
What is Survivorship? Cancer.Net.
Your Survivorship Care Plan. Livestrong.
Date Updated: 5/27/20