Living With Chronic Cancer

Chronic cancer refers to cancers that are not cured with treatment, but can be controlled for months or years with treatment.

When undergoing long-term cancer treatment, ask for support and resources from your cancer care team and caregivers. They can help you manage any pain as well as other side effects of treatment so that you can have a good quality of life.

How is chronic cancer treated?

Over the long term, chronic cancers are usually managed with chemotherapy. Maintenance therapy is when chemotherapy is given on a regular schedule to keep the cancer under control. Chemotherapy may also be given only when the cancer is active. When cancer is inactive, it is watched closely through imaging tests and blood tests. When it becomes active again, treatment resumes.

When a cancer is not curable, treatment goals may be to:

• Keep the cancer from growing or progressing for as long as possible.
• Improve your symptoms related to the cancer, such as pain.

What are common side effects of treatment?

• Fatigue.
• Increased risk of infections, bruising, or bleeding.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Constipation or diarrhea.
• Appetite loss.
• Hair and skin changes.
• Mouth or throat sores.
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands and feet.
• Confusion, anxiety, or mood swings.

What are some ways to manage side effects?

• Meet with a nutrition specialist (dietitian) to talk about what you should eat and drink during treatment.
  • Eat small meals and snacks throughout the day.
  • Eat foods that are high in calories and protein to give you energy.
  • Eat foods that taste good to you and are easy to digest.
  • When you are unable to eat, use liquid drinks that provide a balance of calories and nutrition.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
• Use gentle creams and lotions to keep your skin moist.
• Limit naps to short periods throughout the day.
• Try to get in regular gentle exercise each day.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.

What are some ways to manage emotions?

• Meet with a counselor or spiritual leader to talk through your feelings.
• Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal.
• Find ways to reduce anxiety, such as meditation, guided imagery, yoga, or tai chi.

What are some tips for getting help and support from others?

• Consider asking a friend or caregiver to help with errands such as grocery shopping, cleaning, and driving you to your appointments.
• Contact your local home care agencies, community agencies, and social agencies for help.
• Ask to meet with a palliative care specialist for help treating your pain and other symptoms. Palliative care can help you manage symptoms, promote comfort, improve quality of life, and maintain dignity. Palliative care may be offered during any phase of a cancer diagnosis.

What questions should I ask my cancer care team?

• What is my estimated survival?
• What are signs of cancer progression?
• What symptoms should I expect?
• How can I manage symptoms and side effects of treatment?
• Is palliative care an option for me?

Where to find more information

• American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org  
• National Cancer Institute: www.cancer.gov  

Get help right away if:

• You have a fever.
• You have a seizure.
• You have a headache that does not go away.
• You develop any new symptoms.
• You have pain that is not controlled well with medicine.

Summary

• Chronic cancer refers to cancers that are not cured with treatment, but can be controlled for months or years with treatment.
• Over the long term, chronic cancers are usually managed with chemotherapy.
• When undergoing long-term cancer treatment, ask for support and resources from your cancer care team and caregivers.
• Ask to meet with a palliative care specialist for help treating your pain and other symptoms. Palliative care may be offered during any phase of a cancer diagnosis.