Cancer Chronic Disease Self-Management

This article is not intended to replace sound medical advice from healthcare professionals. It is provided as a general guide to families and care givers of cancer survivors on self-management strategies for individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. It's crucial to emphasize that the individual should consult with their healthcare team for personalized guidance and to address their specific needs. Here are some general tips for managing  or recovering from cancer as a chronic disease:

Spiritual Strengthening: Recovery and a healthy lifestyle depends to a big degree on one's mental wellness. It is important for individuals battling chronic illnesses to realize their situation is a test from Allah (swt). Through His wisdom, He tests individuals differently, and wishes the best for His creation. An illness could hold many benefits the patient and others around do not recognize, ranging from expiating sins, to strengthening one's care faith, increase in good deeds, providing opportunities to call upon Allah (swt) and the list goes on.

Regular Medical Follow-up: Encourage the individual to maintain regular follow-up appointments with their oncologist and other specialists involved in their care. Monitoring for any signs of disease progression or treatment side effects is essential.

Medication Management: Ensure that the person is taking their prescribed medications as directed. They should understand the purpose of each medication, potential side effects, and how to manage them.

Symptom Tracking: Encourage the individual to keep a journal to track their symptoms and any changes in their condition. This can help identify patterns and assist healthcare providers in making treatment adjustments.

Healthy Lifestyle: Promote a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, as tolerated. These practices can help improve overall well-being and may reduce the risk of complications.

Stress Management: Living with a chronic illness can be emotionally challenging. Encourage the person to seek support from mental health professionals, support groups, or counseling to cope with the emotional aspects of their diagnosis.

Cognitive Rehabilitation: Some cancer survivors could experience cognitive changes die to medication or if cancer affected the brain depending on the location of the brain tumor and treatment. Cognitive rehabilitation programs can help address memory, concentration, and other cognitive challenges.

Physical Rehabilitation: If the individual experiences physical limitations or deficits due to their treatment or the tumor itself, physical therapy or occupational therapy may be beneficial in improving mobility and daily functioning.

Fatigue Management: Fatigue is a common side effect of cancer and its treatment. Encourage the person to balance activity and rest, and consider strategies such as pacing activities throughout the day to manage fatigue.

Pain Management: Cancer can cause pain or discomfort. Ensure that the individual communicates any pain or discomfort to their healthcare team so that appropriate pain management strategies can be implemented.

Support System: Encourage the person to lean on their support system, including family and friends. A strong support network can provide emotional and practical assistance during their journey. Support systems can be set up in ways that are easy for the supporters and the individual receiving the care. For example a group of 14 friends who live nearby a person in need of care can set up a rotating schedule where each of them visits their recovering friend, once every two weeks in the morning, and once every two weeks, spreading the load across the group evenly and easily.

Advance Care Planning: Discuss end-of-life care preferences and advance directives with the individual, ensuring their wishes are documented and known to their healthcare providers and loved ones.

Stay Informed: Encourage the individual and their caregivers to stay informed about their condition and treatment options. Knowledge can empower them to make informed decisions about their care. There could be non-traditional methods, outside of traditional healthcare protocols that individuals wish to explore.

Financial and Legal Planning: Cancer treatment can be costly. Consider connecting the individual with resources for financial assistance and legal advice to address potential financial and legal issues.

Patient Advocacy: Encourage the individual to become their advocate in their healthcare journey. This involves actively participating in decision-making, asking questions, and seeking second opinions when necessary.

Cancer Care Organizations

Courtesy: National Institute of Health (NIH), Self-Management: Enabling and Empowering Patients Living with Cancer as a Chronic Illness.

Every individual's experience with cancer is unique, so it's crucial to tailor these self-management strategies to their specific needs and circumstances. Consultation with a medical team and specialists is essential for creating a personalized self-management plan. Listed below are some general resources that coule be helpful:

Cancer Chronic Disease Self-Management Resources