Life after treatment for head and neck cancers

Adjusting to life after treatment

For most people, the cancer experience doesn’t end on the last day of treatment. Life after cancer treatment can present its own challenges. You may have mixed feelings when treatment ends, and worry that every ache and pain means the cancer is coming back.

Some people say that they feel pressure to return to “normal life”. It is important to allow yourself time to adjust to the physical and emotional changes, and establish a new daily routine at your own pace. Your family and friends may also need time to adjust.

Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 can help you connect with other people who have had head and neck cancer, and provide you with information about the emotional and practical aspects of living well after cancer.

Follow-up appointments

After treatment ends, you will have regular appointments to monitor your health, manage any long-term side effects and check that the cancer hasn’t come back or spread. During these check-ups, you may have blood tests and imaging scans, as well as physical and visual examinations of your head and neck. You will also be able to discuss how you’re feeling and any other concerns. You will receive continued support from a speech pathologist, dietitian, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist and social worker if you need it. You may also be asked to see your dentist regularly. This support may be outlined in what’s called a survivorship plan.

When a follow-up appointment or test is approaching, many people find that they think more about the cancer and may feel anxious. Talk to your treatment team or call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 if you are finding it hard to manage this anxiety. You will usually continue to have check-ups for 5 years, but they will become less frequent if you have no further problems. Between follow-up appointments, let your doctor know immediately of any symptoms or health problems.

Dealing with feelings of sadness

If you have continued feelings of sadness, have trouble getting up in the morning or have lost motivation to do things that previously gave you pleasure, you may be experiencing depression. This is quite common among people who have had cancer.

Talk to your GP, because counselling or medication – even for a short time – may help. Some people can get a Medicare rebate for sessions with a psychologist. Cancer Council may also run a counselling program in your area.

For information about coping with depression and anxiety, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

My family members don’t really understand what it’s like to have cancer thrown at you, but in my support group, I don’t feel like I have to explain.

Sam

What if the cancer returns?

For some people, head and neck cancer does come back after treatment, which is known as a recurrence. Sometimes this will be another cancer of the head and neck, but it can also be the original cancer that has spread to another part of the body. This is why it’s important to have check-ups.

If the cancer comes back, it’s important that you are reviewed by an experienced multidisciplinary team. Treatment options will vary depending on your previous treatments. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy may be options.