Symptoms after cancer 

Self help coping strategies

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The chances for cure or long term remission from cancer have increased significantly over the last few years. This is partly because of early detection but also because of more intensive therapies. This means that there are more individuals alive who have been through the trauma of cancer and its treatments.  Over 70% of men and women following cancer experience troublesome symptoms which can be caused  by damage from the cancer itself, the initial surgery or oncology treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy or biological therapies.   

The 2013 edition of the book "Lifestyle after Cancer"  has a comprehensive section describing patient experiences and tips from experienced professional giving you the best change of preventing, minimising and coping with both early and late side effects. 

Self help advice for specific symptoms:

Symptoms which may reflect an underlying cancer or cancer relapse. (What to look out for):

• An abnormal lump anywhere in the body
• Coughing up blood or abnormal bleeding from anywhere
• Hoarse voice
• Unexplained pain
• Unexplained change in bowel habit
• Unexplained breathlessness
• A fit (seizure), loss of sensation, power or co-ordination.
• Blood in the urine or change in waterworks
• Symptoms of a high calcium - dehydration, nausea, depression and confusion
• Symptoms of anaemia - fatigue, breathlessness, ankle swelling
• Symptoms of liver damage- itching, juandice, dark urine, pale stool