By Annie Angle, cancer nurse, Dip. Oncology Nursing, Royal Marsden, London
Reviewed by Dr Michael Jefford MBBS, MPH, MHlthsevMt, PhD, MRACMA, FRACP, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Taken from 
Life after cancer booklet (1.5mb)
Has your doctor said that you no longer appear to have any signs of cancer? If so, this information is about the feelings and challenges you may face now that your treatment is over and you can start to rebuild your life.
If you're still having treatment or your doctor has told you that your cancer has advanced (cannot be cured), then this information may not be very helpful. People whose cancer has advanced may like to refer to our section on advanced cancer.
Many people with their cancer treated and controlled now live for many years after their cancer diagnosis. This calls for more attention to be given to caring for and understanding cancer survivors' needs.
Your family and friends may also find it useful to read this information. It can help them to understand that although your treatment is over, you could still face some difficult times. Their continuing love and support will help you cope. We encourage family and friends to also say when they're finding things hard.
If you'd like to talk to someone about your concerns or receive other information, call the Cancer Council Helpline. The helpline nurses are qualified, experienced cancer nurses who are specially trained to listen to you and provide you with information and support.
By now you may have heard the term ‘cancer survivor'. This means different things to different people. Some people use it to mean anyone with cancer: for example, someone newly diagnosed or someone having their treatment. Others use it to refer to people who are alive many years after their cancer treatment. In this booklet we use the term ‘cancer survivor' to mean anyone who has finished their ‘active' cancer treatment. Your doctor has told you that your treatment has been successful. You are free from any signs of cancer. Doctors call this being in ‘remission'.
You may think that the term ‘cancer survivor' sounds strange. But for many people it is a strong and positive way of explaining their situation. Using it helps them to cope with accepting their life after their illness. However you feel about this term, we hope that you will continue to read this booklet. Our aim is to give you as much support and information as we can about coping with life after your cancer treatment.
‘I think being a cancer survivor is almost a badge of honour.' (Mark)
