Overview
Life after cancer treatment may involve managing ongoing side effects such as pain, fatigue and changes in thinking and memory.
You may also want to make changes to your lifestyle, such as moving more and quitting smoking, to support your general health and lower the risk of some cancers coming back.
If you need to find a new job, or think you are being treated unfairly in the workplace because of your cancer diagnosis, there are support services available.
What's on this page
Managing side effects of treatment
Some treatment side effects go away quickly, while others can take months or even years to improve. Some may be permanent. Most side effects can be managed with support from your healthcare team. Your body will recover in its own way, so don’t worry if your recovery doesn’t match up with that of other people. See below for our resources on particular side effects. You may also find it helpful to read Living well after cancer.
- Fatigue – feeling very tired, even after rest
- Brain fog – trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Peripheral neuropathy – tingling, numbness or pain in the hands or feet
- Lymphoedema – swelling caused by a build-up of fluid
- Pain – new or ongoing pain after treatment
- Eating changes – discomfort eating or drinking; problems with taste and smell
- Mood changes – feeling low, anxious, or emotionally different
- Fertility – issues temporary or permanent infertility (unable to conceive a child)
If you notice new symptoms
If you notice new or concerning symptoms, see your doctor. For some people, cancer does return and you will need to make further decisions about treatment. It’s also possible to develop a second cancer that is different from the first cancer. That’s why it’s important to keep up to date with cancer screenings and attend follow-up appointments.
Ways to keep healthy after cancer treatment
Taking care of your health can improve how you feel and may lower the risk of some cancers coming back.
Move more
Move more
Being physically active has many benefits for people after cancer treatment. It can help you feel stronger, improve your mood and sleep, and may lower the risk of some cancers coming back.
The Australian Government’s guidelines recommend:
- light activity – several hours a day (e.g. walking around the house, grocery shopping)
- moderate activity – 30 minutes most days (e.g. brisk walking, cycling)
- balance and coordination – 3 times a week (e.g. gardening, tai chi, dancing)
- muscle strengthening – 2 times a week (e.g. lifting weights, squats, lunges).
It’s important to talk to your doctor about what exercise is safe for you, then start slowly and build up your activity gradually.
Eat well
Eat well
Eating a variety of healthy foods helps your body recover and may lower the risk of some cancers coming back.
Try to:
- eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, wholegrains and legumes
- choose lean meat, fish, chicken or plant-based protein
- limit red meat and avoid processed meats like ham and salami
- drink plenty of water.
If you need help with eating well, ask your GP for a referral to a dietitian.
Quit smoking
Quit smoking
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can improve your recovery and lower the risk of some cancers coming back.
It’s not always easy, but support is available. Call Quitline on 13 7848 for advice. You can also talk to your GP about nicotine replacement or medicines to help you quit.
Vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking.
Limit alcohol
Limit alcohol
Drinking alcohol increases the risk of some cancers. Even small amounts can increase risk.
If you choose to drink, try to follow the National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines and have no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 standard drinks in one day.
Tips to reduce how much alcohol you have can include:
- having alcohol-free days each week
- swapping alcoholic drinks for sparkling water
- choosing alcohol-free beers or wines.
Maintain a healthy body weight
Maintain a healthy body weight
Staying at a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of some cancers coming back and improve your overall health.
If you’ve gained or lost weight during treatment, talk to your GP or a dietitian. Small changes can help – like eating more vegetables, choosing wholegrain foods, drinking water instead of soft drink, and being more active.
Be SunSmart
Be SunSmart
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia and one of the most preventable. Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. To protect yourself when the UV is 3 or above:
- slip on sun-safe clothing
- slap on a broad-brimmed hat
- slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen
- slide on wrap-around sunglasses
- seek shade.
Check daily sun protection times on the free SunSmart app or The Bureau of Meteorology. Ask your doctor how often you need a skin check.
Sex and intimacy
Some cancer treatments can make it harder to have sex or enjoy it. Many treatments can also lower your interest in sex (libido) or change how you feel about your body. These changes can be short term or long lasting, and they can be upsetting.
Some people worry that they will never be able to enjoy sex again, but most people can have a fulfilling sex life after cancer. It’s important to allow yourself time to adapt to any changes.
If you are worried about changes to how you feel about yourself, your relationship or sexual functioning, you may find talking a psychologist or counsellor helpful. You can also talk to your GP.
To find out more, see Sex, intimacy and cancer and listen to Cancer Council's podcast episode Sex and Cancer of our series The Thing About Cancer.
Returning to work
Having a job can be important for income, routine, self-esteem and feeling connected. If you took time off work for treatment and are returning to an existing job, talk to your employer about a return-to-work plan.
For more information, see Cancer, work and you about working with or after cancer or call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20.
Starting a new job
If you’re starting a new job after treatment, you don’t have to tell a potential employer that you’ve had cancer unless it affects your ability to do the job. You should not be treated unfairly in the workplace because of your cancer diagnosis. If you are unable to return to your previous position, consider attending a rehabilitation or retraining program to prepare for another job.
Cancer Council may be able to refer you to a service or support network. Call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to find out more.
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