When cancer returns: How to cope with cancer recurrence
When cancer returns: How to cope with cancer recurrenceYour cancer is back, and so are the shock and fear that came with your first diagnosis. The uncertainties are back, too, and you wonder about more cancer treatment and about your future. The distress you feel is normal — some say the second cancer diagnosis can be more distressing than the first. What is a cancer recurrence?When cancer returns after a period of remission, it's considered a recurrence. A cancer recurrence happens because, in spite of the best efforts to rid you of your cancer, some cells from your cancer remained. These cells could be in the same place where your cancer first originated, or they could be in another part of your body. These cancer cells may have been dormant for a period of time, but eventually they continued to multiply, resulting in the reappearance of the cancer. A cancer recurrence means it's the same cancer coming back after some period of time. In rare cases you may be diagnosed with a new cancer that's completely unrelated to your first cancer. This is referred to as a second primary cancer. Where does cancer recur?Your cancer can recur in the same place it was originally located, or it can migrate to other parts of your body. Recurrence is divided into three categories:
Where your cancer recurs depends on your original cancer type and stage. Some cancer types commonly recur in specific areas. How are cancer recurrences diagnosed?Cancer recurrences are diagnosed just like any other cancer. Your doctor might suspect a cancer recurrence based on certain tests, or you might suspect a recurrence based on your signs and symptoms. After your last round of treatment, your doctor probably gave you a schedule of follow-up exams to check for cancer recurrences. You were probably told what signs and symptoms to be alert for that might signal a recurrence. Watching for a cancer recurrence is often very different from screening for the original cancer. And the goals of the two are different. For most forms of cancer, a local recurrence may still be curable, so early detection of a local recurrence is very important. For most cancers, a recurrence at a site distant from where the cancer first began means the chance of cure is not good. All cancers are different, so it's important to talk with your doctor about what type of cancer you have and what can be done if it recurs at a distant site. This can guide what tests you undergo during routine checkups after your initial treatment. Can cancer recurrences be treated?Many gains have been made in the treatment of cancer. In many cases, local and regional recurrences can be cured. Even when a cure isn't possible, treatment may shrink your cancer to slow the cancer's growth. This can relieve pain and other symptoms, and it may help you live longer. Which treatment you choose, if any, will be based on many of the same factors you considered when deciding on your treatment the first time. Consider what you hope to accomplish and what side effects you're willing to endure. Your doctor will also take into account what types of treatment you had previously and how your body responded to those treatments. You might also consider joining a clinical trial, where you may have access to the latest treatments or experimental medications. Talk to your doctor about clinical trials that are available to you. How to cope with a cancer recurrenceA cancer recurrence brings back many of the same emotions you felt when you were first diagnosed with cancer. Just because you've dealt with these feelings before doesn't mean they're any easier to deal with this time. Common emotions include:
All of these feelings are normal, but that doesn't mean you can't do anything about them. Start by thinking back to your first cancer experience. The same coping mechanisms you used then are likely to work now. Whether it was a best friend, a family member or a support group you turned to, you know that that person or group provides good emotional support. You have other advantages this time around. Rely on these to help you cope. For example:
Use these experiences to your advantage. They can help you feel more in control when making decisions about your treatment. And don't be afraid to express your feelings to your doctor. The conversation that results can give you a better understanding of your situation, and it can help you make treatment decisions. RelatedLast Updated: 2011-02-19 © 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
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