Cancer Survivors Deserve Better – Time To Rethink Recovery Strategies
Updated: May 6, 2023
Written by: Dr. Samone Zarabi, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As the golden rays of May bathe the world in warmth and new beginnings, I find myself reflecting on a darker, more treacherous time in my life: my battle with cancer. While I emerged victorious, I soon discovered that the war was far from over. Instead, a new battlefront emerged, one that was not confined to the sterile walls of the hospital but spilled into the uncharted territory of the mind. My personal journey illuminated the need for a more comprehensive approach to cancer recovery, one that acknowledges and addresses the unique challenges faced by survivors without placing the burden solely on them.
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." This profound sentiment resonates with my experience of mental coaching in rebuilding my emotional and psychological resilience as a cancer survivor. For instance, I had connected the name of an anti-nausea drug, Zofran, with nausea! This mental association was so powerful that just reading or discussing the drug sent me sprinting to the nearest toilet, fighting the urge to vomit. This Pavlovian response was just one of the many psychological hurdles I faced in the aftermath of my cancer journey.
The Growing Need for Post-Cancer Support
Despite society's remarkable strides in the fight against cancer, the post-recovery landscape remains a minefield of uncharted territory. It's time to recognize the importance of supporting survivors in their journey to reclaim their lives, freed from the shackles of fear and anxiety that often persist long after the final treatment.
It is estimated that there are nearly 17 million cancer survivors in the United States alone, and this number is projected to grow to over 22 million by 2030. ¹ Yet, despite this growing population, many survivors grapple with lingering emotional and psychological challenges long after their physical battle has ended.
The Importance of Recognizing Anxiety and Depression
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology revealed that approximately 35% of cancer survivors experience anxiety, while nearly 20% struggle with depression. ² Surprisingly, many people, including myself, never considered themselves as having stress or anxiety. We didn't know the signs and dismissed our feelings as mere general stress, ungratefulness, guilt, fatigue or victim mentality. This lack of awareness underscores the need for comprehensive mental health support in the post-cancer recovery process.
The Life-Changing Benefits of Mental, Stress, and Nutritional Coaching
Mental coaching, stress coaching, and nutritional coaching have been instrumental in my recovery. Mental coaching untangled the web of anxiety, depression, and PTSD that ensnared my mind. Stress coaching provided invaluable tools for managing and alleviating the pressures that threatened to undermine my healing. Nutritional coaching guided me in addressing deficiencies, optimizing my diet, and creating a sustainable, health-promoting lifestyle.
A Call to Action: Comprehensive Support for Cancer Survivors
Now, I champion comprehensive mental, stress, and nutritional coaching for all cancer survivors. It's time to open a dialogue about this issue and explore how hospitals, doctors, policymakers, and pharmaceutical companies can advocate for post-survivor care. We must create a culture that empowers those who have battled cancer to ask, "I survived, now what?" and provides them with the resources to answer that question with confidence and optimism.
Unmask Your Fear and Anxiety: A Free Resource for Cancer Survivors
To help survivors better understand and address their emotional and psychological struggles, I have created a free "Unmasking Your Fear and Anxiety" quiz and starter kit. By taking the quiz and using the starter kit, cancer survivors can gain insights into their emotional state and learn practical strategies to manage and overcome their fears and anxieties.
Creating a Supportive Culture for Cancer Survivors
As healthcare professionals and policymakers, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to create a culture that empowers cancer survivors to embrace their new lives. By fostering collaboration between hospitals, doctors, pharmaceutical companies, and the broader community, we can build a comprehensive support system that goes beyond the clinical setting.
Revolutionizing Cancer Recovery: A Holistic Approach
This holistic approach can revolutionize the cancer recovery process, ensuring every survivor has the opportunity to fully reclaim their life. As a testament to the power of comprehensive recovery, I stand as an advocate for change, urging us to unite in our efforts to redefine what it means to be a cancer survivor. It is our collective responsibility to create a world where those who have faced the trials of cancer can emerge stronger, more resilient, and ready to seize the gift of life with both hands.
Dr. Samone Zarabi, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Samone Zarabi, a stage four cancer survivor turned health and wellness coach, has dedicated her life to empowering others to thrive rather than just survive. After spending years trapped in a cycle of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty, she embarked on a transformative journey to redefine success and reclaim her voice. As the founder of Enorasis Coaching Services, Samone now helps others facing similar challenges to live their authentic dreams through a unique blueprint that fuses scientifically-proven techniques, ancient wisdom, and her own inventive solutions. Above all, she is committed to showing up for her clients and making a meaningful difference in their lives.
References:
[1] American Cancer Society. (2021). Cancer Treatment & Survivorship Facts & Figures 2022-2023. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts
[2] Mitchell, A. J., Ferguson, D. W., Gill, J., Paul, J., & Symonds, P. (2013). Depression and anxiety in long-term cancer survivors compared with spouses and healthy controls: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Oncology, 14(8), 721-732.
