Living Beyond Cancer: Finding a New Balance

Earlier detection and better treatment of cancer are allowing more people across the country to live with and beyond the disease, rather than dying from it. The population of cancer survivors—now numbering nearly ten million Americans—is expected to increase dramatically as our population ages, and access to post treatment care, needed ancillary services, and quality of life improvements have become major concerns. Long-term and late effects of cancer or its treatment can occur many years after treatment ends. These effects include but are not limited to physical, psychological, and social issues. Physical side effects can include heart and other organ damage, infertility, second cancers, and cognitive dysfunction. Psychological and social issues following a cancer diagnosis can include depression, debilitating fear of relapse or a new cancer, employment problems, and difficulties with health, disability, and life insurance eligibility.

This book contains Panel’s findings and recommended action steps to help alleviate the severe burdens experienced by cancer survivors and their families.