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Understanding
Lung Cancer -- An Overview
Followup
Care After Treatment
Followup
care after treatment for lung cancer is very important.
Regular checkups ensure that changes in health are found, and
if the cancer returns or a new cancer develops, it can be
treated as soon as possible. Checkups may include physical
exams, chest x-rays, or lab tests. Between scheduled
appointments, people who have had lung cancer should report
any health problems to their doctor as soon as they appear.
Psychosocial
Issues of Lung Cancer
Living with a serious
disease, such as cancer, is challenging. Apart from having to
cope with the physical and medical challenges, people with
cancer face many worries, feelings, and concerns that can make
life difficult. They may find they need help coping with the
emotional as well as the practical aspects of their disease.
In fact, attention to the emotional and psychological burden
of having cancer is often part of a patient's treatment plan.
The support of the health care team (doctors, nurses, social
workers), support groups, and patient-to-patient networks can
help people feel less isolated and distressed, and improve the
quality of their lives. Cancer support groups provide a safe
environment where cancer patients can talk about living with
cancer with others who may be having similar experiences.
Patients may want to speak to their health care team about
finding a support group.
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