More people are enjoying longer lives with cancer as cancer therapies improve. Many malignancies may now be treated or controlled for extended periods of time. This means that some cancers are now considered chronic disorders. Asthma and diabetes are two examples of chronic illnesses.

Some malignancies, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, develop slowly and are chronic. Treatment does not begin until you exhibit signs of the condition.

Other malignancies, such as breast or prostate cancer, are treatable even if they have returned after therapy (recurred) or spread to other regions of the body (metastasized).

Your doctor may tell you that your cancer is under control or stable if testing reveal that it hasn’t altered in a while. While most chronic malignancies cannot be cured, they can be managed for many years. During therapy, certain chronic malignancies might go into remission.

Progression occurs when a persistent cancer begins to develop, disseminate, or create more symptoms. Treatment is initiated (if you haven’t already) or modified. Your healthcare team will consult with you about the best treatment choices for you.

Living with cancer that is chronic

One of the most difficult aspects of living with chronic illness is not knowing how long the disease will remain stable or in remission.

Living with ambiguity may cause you to feel uncomfortable or worried. You may feel unable to prepare for the future since you do not know if or when the cancer may return. Accept that you may not have control over some aspects of your cancer, but you do not have to let it dictate your life. With time, you’ll discover the ideal strategies to manage with chronic cancer for you. There are some things you may do to aid yourself if you have persistent cancer.

Discuss your feelings with a therapist, friend, or family member. You might wish to attend a support group to understand how others are coping. This might help you cope with your emotions and then let them go so you can focus your efforts on moving ahead.
Find out what you can do to keep healthy and what signs to look out for.
Be as active as you possibly can. It can assist to alleviate tension and anxiety. Consult your healthcare professional to determine the best sort of activity for you.
Take your medications as directed if you are receiving therapy. Keep all of your routine medical visits.
Instead of dwelling on the unknown future, try to enjoy your life in the present moment.
Choose the connections that are most essential to you and devote your attention and time to them. Let go of connections that are causing you stress.
Make time to do things you truly want to do, especially activities you haven’t done in a long time. It’s okay to have fun and live life to the fullest.