Cancer Recurrence is defined as the return of cancer after treatment and/or after many years of not having any indication of cancer. The fear of recurrence is normal.
Despite all your efforts, surgery, medication, chemotherapy and radiation, your cancer may recur.
You must acknowledge this possibility. Then ask yourself what you can do about it. There are steps you can take to prevent recurrence.
The most basic and critical step involves attitude.
You don’t want to spend the rest of your life shivering with fear, thinking the cancer might return. Be absolutely positive that you will be able to remain cancer-free for the rest of your life. You may not eliminate its possible recurrence but, with the right perspective, you will reduce the chances of it recurrence.
Be vigilant – Keep a close eye on your body. Any unusual symptoms or illness which might not be explained can indicate the presence of cancer. However remember, some of the common symptoms of cancer are the same as those for less serious, even harmless, conditions. So try not to become sensitive or obsessive.
Eat properly – Increase your daily intake of fruit and vegetables. Avoid processed foods, limit alcohol as several types of cancer are linked to excessive alcohol use.
Exercise – Obesity can be a factor in the recurrence of cancer. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can reduce anxiety and depression, improve mood and reduce symptoms of fatigue.
The risk of cancer recurrence for survivors is different for each person. There is no sure way to keep cancer from coming back after treatment. Even with our current understanding of how it develops and grows, there is no way of knowing if the cancer will return
