Living beyond cancer

Survivorship brings both relief and new challenges. While treatments may be over, adjusting to life after cancer—often called finding your “new normal”—takes time.

Cancer survivorship: adjusting to your new normal

You may have heard the term "cancer survivor" before. This refers to anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the moment of diagnosis throughout their life.

Survivorship offers a mix of relief and new challenges. Even after treatment ends, adapting to life post-cancer—often referred to as finding your “new normal”—is a gradual process.

Understanding your new normal

For many survivors, life after cancer means navigating:

Uncertainty and emotional changes

Shifting roles with family, friends and work

Lifestyle modifications, including diet and activity changes

Physical changes due to treatment

Lingering fatigue and other long-term side effects

Anxiety about the future

Your new normal will be unique to you and that’s OK. Give yourself time to adjust and take things one day at a time.

How to navigate survivorship

Focus on a healthy diet and physical activity

Seek new sources of support when needed

Acknowledge and accept body changes

Be patient with yourself if some tasks feel harder

Talk about your emotions, fears and concerns

Your care team is still here for you

Even after treatment, your cancer care team remains a resource. If you’re struggling with any part of survivorship, talk openly with your doctors and nurses. They can provide tips, support resources or referrals to help you adjust.

You are not alone—we are here to support you through every stage of your journey.

Managing fear of cancer recurrence

After cancer treatment, many survivors experience fear of recurrence—the worry that cancer might come back. This is completely normal and often decreases over time. However, it can still be challenging to manage.

Here are steps to help reduce fear and regain a sense of control:

Certain events may bring back worries, such as:

Lingering symptoms

Follow-up appointments

A loved one’s illness

Cancerversary® (cancer diagnosis anniversary)

Recognizing your triggers allows you to create a coping plan, such as scheduling activities to distract yourself or reaching out to a loved one for emotional support.

Your health care team can provide valuable guidance. Ask questions about:

The signs of recurrence

What symptoms to watch for

What is normal after treatment

Knowing what to expect can ease your mind and help you move forward with confidence.

If your fears feel overwhelming or interfere with daily life, talking to a professional counselor can provide support and coping strategies.

Every cancer survivor should have a personalized follow-up plan. Meet with your cancer care specialist to discuss:

Your long-term health goals

Monitoring strategies for recurrence

Steps you can take to adjust to your new normal

Having a plan in place can help you feel more in control of your health.

Regular screenings, healthy habits and checkups with your doctor are essential to staying proactive in your health.

Focusing on overall wellness helps manage stress. Try:

Exercise to boost energy and improve mood

Healthy eating to support your body

Journaling or volunteering for self-reflection and purpose

Socializing with family and friends for emotional support

Prayer or meditation to ease anxiety and promote inner peace

You are not alone

Fear of recurrence is normal, but it does not have to control your life. Taking proactive steps can help you feel stronger, more empowered and in charge of your future.

If you need support, your cancer care team is always here to help.

Dealing with physical changes after cancer treatment

Some cancer survivors experience physical changes after treatment, which may affect how they look, feel or perform daily activities. These changes depend on the type of treatment received—some may be temporary, while others are long-term or permanent.

Common physical changes after treatment

Pain in bones, nerves or soft tissues (caused by the tumor or treatment)

Fatigue

Memory and concentration issues (“chemo brain”)

Neuropathy (tingling or numbness in hands and feet)

Mouth or dental issues

Changes in sexual drive

Weight fluctuations or changes in eating habits

Menopause symptoms

Bladder or bowel control problems

Every survivor’s experience is unique and adjusting takes time. If you have concerns about any changes in your body, speak with your oncologist or oncology nurse—they can provide guidance, support and resources to help you navigate this transition.