When No More Cancer Is Evident

If your cancer disappeared when you underwent treatment, it is possible that you are cured. More than 50% of people with cancer have been cured by treatments. In 2010, there were more than 12.6 million cancer survivors in the United States. That number is undoubtedly higher now. Over the next months and years, you will be seen by your physicians who, with history, physical examination and tests, will continue to look for the cancer. The commonest time frame after which cancers are gone and never expected to return (when doctors say "you're cured") is five years.  But "the 5-year rule" changes with the type and stage of your original cancer. You are not alone if you find that getting to the five year point can be like quite a roller coaster ride.      

Even though patients often have no evidence of disease after therapy, they wonder, not surprisingly, if the cancer will come back. After active treatments, with less frequent checkups, the patient's anxiety may increase.  Some patients understandably want to know that someone's still watching. They wonder, "If the disease is going to return, am I missing the opportunity for cure by seeing the oncologist less often?" At the same time, other thoughts may occur. "If I am 'cured,' why do I need so many follow-up appointments and tests?" These contradictory thoughts may even occur in the same person.

Emotional difficulties when active treatments stop may worsen because of memories of early times. Memories of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation can be difficult to live with. Depression may occur, and tears may be shed for no apparent reason. At least 20% of people 12 months after living without measurable cancer are anxious or depressed. The night before tests can be quite difficult to get through without anxiety and sleeplessness.

Talk therapy with a friend, family member, clergy person, or health care professional is often very helpful. Care is needed during the time when there is no cancer evident.