Gynecologic cancer - including cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer - is a life-altering diagnosis. Throughout your cancer treatment, you'll need support and care for many aspects of your well-being. But this need doesn't stop after your final treatment is finished. Ongoing support after gynecological cancer treatment is important to your health as well.
As you adjust to life after gynecologic cancer, the relationships you've built during treatment can also support you in this new phase. Here are a few of the ways you can contribute to care for your physical, mental, emotional, and financial health in the months and years to come.
Caring for your physical health
In the first year after treatment, you'll likely have routine visits with your gynecologic oncologist to check on your health, including bloodwork or other tests. Many people have some long-term effects after cancer. Your oncologist, regular OB GYN, and primary care physician can help you navigate these health concerns.
Some women experience lymphedema after gynecologic cancer, where fluid builds and causes swelling, especially in the lower part of the body. For women who had surgery to remove reproductive organs, there may be concerns around fertility, early menopause, or sexual health. Certain chemotherapy drugs can put you more at risk for other conditions, such as heart problems, osteoporosis, or nerve damage.
In addition to regular follow-up care and treatment for any long-term side effects, the National Cancer Institute also recommends all cancer survivors focus on basic steps that improve overall physical health. These include exercise and physical activity, healthy eating, smoking cessation, and limiting alcohol.
Caring for your mental and emotional health
It's normal to have a mixture of emotions after you complete your gynecologic cancer treatment. One of the most common mental and emotional health concerns for cancer survivors is the anxiety that cancer might come back. Many people also feel overwhelmed with how to return to a more normal routine. For gynecologic cancer, surgeries related to your care may affect the way you view your body or may affect your relationship with your partner.
You can take several proactive steps to help you manage the emotions that come with gynecologic cancer recovery and to support your mental health. Some examples include:
- Talk to your doctor about how you feel at your follow-up visit
- Seek care from a mental health professional
- Join or stay involved in local cancer support groups
- Get involved in a cancer advocacy or awareness initiative
- Be open about feelings of uncertainty or worries about recurrence
- Participate in ongoing support services, such as exercise classes, journaling, or art therapy
- Acknowledge that it will take time to health both physically and emotionally
Caring for your financial health
Finances are another major concern for women with gynecologic cancer during and after treatment. There are many different costs associated with gynecologic cancer care from a variety of health providers and facilities. You may have questions about how insurance coverage works, out-of-pocket maximums, or financial assistance if you don't have coverage.
Most cancer centers and hospitals offer financial counselors to help you navigate the financial aspects of care, including any outstanding medical bills. Because gynecologic cancer requires ongoing follow-up care, you'll also want to make sure you maintain any needed health insurance coverage in the long term.
Several government and non-profit organizations are also available to help cancer patients who have financial needs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a list of tips and resources to assist in managing the cost of your cancer treatment.
Support for the survivorship journey
An OB GYN who is board-certified in gynecologic oncology cares for you not only during cancer treatment, but also after your treatment has ended. If you need more support resources for any aspect of your well-being, talk with your gynecologic oncologist and get connected to additional care.