The path to remission is never an easy one for any person struggling with cancer. The same goes for those with colon cancer. Getting diagnosed is already a devastating experience for many patients as they come to realise the changes this brings to their lives.
A study on mental health disorders and colorectal cancer shows that such issues can lower our survival rate. But with a dependable support system and our colorectal cancer specialist's guidance, we stand a fighting chance against this illness.
Treating Colorectal Cancer Is Not Just a Physical Battle
The first thing we have to accept is that whatever our diagnosis will be, treating it will not be easy. The side effects that treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy bring can be physically and emotionally exhausting.
Not only would we have to face health issues such as nausea, hair loss, and weight loss, but we also have to cope with the adjustments to our daily routine and the habits we need to let go of.
Stress and Anxiety
While specialists in colorectal cancer will do what they can to treat our illness, it is still understandable if we have some fear of what could happen to us in the future. This can be a major source of anxiety and could cause more stress if the treatments do not progress as well as we would like.
Depression
The many changes that our disease brings can also make us depressed. From the disruption to our routine to the side effects of treatments, we can suffer from existential crises and uncontrollable feelings of grief and despair.
The Struggle Continues Even After Remission
The same study on the effect of mental health on colorectal cancer survival also revealed that mental health issues are more common among survivors. Let us review some of the reasons behind this.
Facing the New Normal
As much as we would want to return to our old life, survivorship forces us to embrace a new normal. This often involves coping with fatigue, changes in relationships with loved ones, or trying to live with a permanent colostomy bag (if our condition requires one).
All these can quickly drain us mentally if we have no healthy ways to cope with them.
The Fear of Recurrence
Although we can fight colon cancer into remission, it does not always mean we are permanently cured. That is why a common psychological hurdle after post-treatment is the fear of the cancer returning. This can be an all-consuming fear that can impact our everyday life.
Follow-up appointments with the colorectal cancer specialist can help us stay reassured of our condition. Should any issues arise that could cause a recurrence, regular checkups can get us back on track to reducing our risk factors.
Ways to Cope During and After Your Fight Against Colon Cancer
Build a Support Network
A support system can do wonders for your emotional health. You can open up to a community of fellow patients, survivors, and other sympathetic people willing to listen and share with you.
If you are interested, your colorectal cancer specialist, along with many healthcare institutions in Singapore, can direct you to support programs and self-help groups throughout the country.
Practise Self-care
Do not forget to take care of yourself despite all that is happening. Take time to do activities you enjoy, like your favourite hobbies. Or simply spend some time with your loved ones. Not every waking moment has to be about your treatment.
Educate Yourself
When you have a better understanding of your condition and the possible outcomes, it can help remove much of the stigma surrounding colon cancer. Do not hesitate to ask your colorectal cancer specialist as many questions as you need if it gives you more control over your fear.
You Do Not Need to Fight Colorectal Cancer Alone
Though we face many mental challenges when dealing with colon cancer, there is no need for us to struggle alone. Our medical providers and loved ones are here with us, and we can join a bigger community for more support. It is with a healthier mindset that we can truly win our fight against cancer.
Resources:
- https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/colorectal-cancer/coping-with-treatment
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6433523/
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/mental-health-cancer/during-and-after-cancer-treatment
- https://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/get-help/cancer-survivor/join-a-support-group/semicolons-support-group-colon-rectum-cancer.html
- https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/support-groups-and-others/supportive_care_and_other_services
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