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Long-Term Effects

Nearly all cancer survivors cope with long-term effects of treatment

Adults who had cancer as children have the most problems with long-term effects, because during cancer treatment, their bodies were growing. Depending on the treatment children receive, normal growth may be affected. Puberty may be delayed, possibly causing problems with having children of their own. Children had treatment that affects the brain may develop learning disabilities. The risk of secondary cancers -- although small -- is also real.

The University of Michigan offers two programs to help childhood cancer survivors:

For those who complete their cancer treatment as adults, they often experience symptoms such as:

  • fatigue
  • sleep disturbances
  • peripheral neuropathies
  • changes in body image
  • sexual health problems

In addition, many cancer survivors experience feelings of anxiety, depression or sadness.

Below is a list of links to articles, audio and video files and web sites which will provide information and support.

Mental Health

PsychOncology Clinic

Health of the Whole
Why treating the psychological, as well as physical, aspects of cancer matters

Fatigue

Symptom Management & Supportive Care Program

Tired of Being Tired?
Rogel Cancer Center's Symptom Management and Supportive Care Clinic helps patients fight fatigue and other side effects of treatment

Carrying on With Cancer

Lymphedema

Symptom Management & Supportive Care Program

Reducing the Swelling
New laser therapy among treatment options for lymphedema

Family Risk / Breast & Ovarian Risk / Genetics

Cancer Genetics Program

Up and Down the Family Tree
How genetic testing helped one patient dodge cancer

Bone Health

Bone Deep
Learn how to keep bones healthy even if cancer treatment has increased your risk for osteoporosis

Chemobrain


Battle back chemobrain with your pen. Try our Poetry Puzzler

Erectile Dysfunction/Sexual Health

Center for Sexual Health

Prostate Cancer Survivorship Program

Restoring Intimacy

Pain

Symptom Management & Supportive Care Program

To Catch a Thief
Why you should address pain -- before it robs you blind

When to Ask for Help
Talking about symptoms is first step in treating them

Making the Most of It
New symptom management program helps patients get back to their lives

Physical Rehabilitation and Cancer Symptom Management

Cardiovascular Long-Term Effects

Take Heart
Keep your heart healthy during and after cancer

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