Youth cancer survivorship

Medical science is advancing on a daily basis. More and more people are surviving cancer and entering a stage called 'survivorship'.

Most people living with cancer finish active treatment and over time, develop a new appetite for life.

As challenging as cancer treatments are, many survivors and their loved ones come to believe that cancer was one of the most important things that ever happened to them and are thankful for what it’s taught them. The transition from active treatment to survivorship can be both an exciting and confusing time for many people.

Many survivors and their families feel a sense of relief and closure towards the end of treatment. However, when treatment ends many families also experience emotions like:

  • joy
  • anger
  • anxiety
  • fear
  • guilt
  • loss. 

With survivorship comes the beginning of a whole new stage, filled with new and sometimes soul-searching questions.

What to do after cancer treatment?

Figuring out what to do after cancer treatment is one of the hardest things for a cancer survivor to do. It’s common to just want to take some time out - to do something for yourself and rethink life. 

Some people feel like they have fought a mountainous battle for so long and now need the time to rest from that fight. Others expect to return immediately to ordinary life after treatment, and when their expectations are not met they often experience confusion and self-doubt. These feelings may be heightened for people who have physical or emotional reminders of their treatment.

Remember: Getting over cancer is not as simple as healing the body and getting rid of the disease, it takes time and perseverance.

Surviving cancer

Surviving cancer involves managing the fears and challenges that come with it… it’s a lot more complicated than just fixing the physical side of things. 

You might still feel low, even though everything is meant to be fine now. Don’t worry, it’s quite natural considering the ordeal you’ve just been through.

There are lots of support services available for people who survive cancer.

While some prefer to put their experiences behind them, others choose to draw on them, and get involved with cancer related activities or causes.

Survivor stories

Below are some stories from youth cancer survivors who took what they went through with cancer and turned it into something positive. Perhaps their stories will encourage you and offer hope that there is truly life after cancer.