June 2017
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Cancer
Survivors in Alaska
Mike Zoske – Alaska cancer survivor, Us Too support group volunteer
“I was very scared about taking the biopsy.”
“I am very willing to talk and share. I find that although
people are used to talking about breast cancer, they are NOT comfortable
talking about prostate cancer. I think is it important to educate the public so
men can feel comfortable talking about it.”
Alaska men shared these thoughts in the 2015 Alaska
Prostate Cancer Needs Assessment. The assessment revealed many underutilized
options that could improve quality of life for men undergoing cancer treatment.
For example, complementary services, such as acupuncture and massage, can help
improve cancer treatment outcomes and alleviate side effects. Yet less than
half of the participants in the survey were referred to such complementary
services during or after treatment, and about 81% experienced side effects that
interfered with their daily living.[1]
Sunday, June 4 is National Cancer Survivors
Day.
There are 14.5 million cancer survivors in the United
States. By 2024, there will be almost 19 million. In Alaska, the number of
survivors is growing. In 2016, there were an estimated 33,340 Alaskans living
with cancer.[2]
Cancer greatly impacts Alaska. It has been the leading
cause of death for Alaskans since 1993. The lifetime risk of being diagnosed
with cancer is 1 in 3 for women and 1 in 2 for men. Most people know of a
friend or have a family member who has been impacted by cancer.
The good news is that due to advances in detection and
treatment, the number of deaths due to cancer is decreasing. The five-year
relative survival rate for prostate, thyroid, and testicular cancer; melanoma of
the skin; and female breast cancers are all over 90%.[3]
However, some cancer survivors must cope with long-term
side effects of treatment, including fatigue and psychological concerns, such
as the fear of recurrence and depression. Cancer patients, their families,
caregivers, and cancer survivors need support to continue to have the highest
quality of life possible.
Healthy Behaviors: Regaining and Improving Health
Research shows that increased physical activity, good
nutrition and no tobacco use improve cancer treatment outcomes and overall
quality of life.
Clinical trials demonstrate that exercise can improve
heart and lung function and reduce cancer-related fatigue among survivors. Exercise
can improve anxiety, depression, self-esteem, happiness and overall quality of
life. Exercise recommendations should be tailored to the survivor’s
capabilities and reviewed by their health care provider.
Good nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight can
help address some of the late-stage side effects like lymphedema, a swelling in
your arms or legs, and fatigue.
Not smoking during and after cancer treatment is also
important. Smoking during treatment can decrease or delay the desired outcomes
of the treatment, and smoking after treatment increases the risk for
smoking-related cancers.
Local Resources
Being a part of a support group connects cancer survivors
with other survivors to share their stories and learn from each other. While
face-to-face meetings are a great comfort to some, online options are also
available to those who prefer digital support. (See the calendar of upcoming
events below and links for local resources.)
In recognition of National Cancer Survivors Day, please
reach out to support the cancer survivors in your community.
Sources:
-
University of Alaska Anchorage Center for
Behavioral Health, Research and Services. 2015 Alaska Prostate Cancer Needs
Assessment.
-
ACS
Cancer Treatment & Survivorship Facts and Figures 2016-2017
-
ACS Cancer Statistics Center
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