However, surviving cancer can leave a host of problems in its wake. Physical, emotional, and financial hardships often persist for years after initial diagnosis and treatment. Physical problems can stem from the cancer itself or from treatments. For instance, surgery to remove a tumor may also impair nearby organs. Likewise, radiation therapy can damage surrounding tissue and cause hormonal changes.
Chemotherapy can be toxic to the heart, liver, lungs, nervous system, and other organs.
Persistent fatigue and pain are also common among cancer survivors. In addition, childhood cancer survivors often suffer impaired growth and development. Sexual problems are a common consequence of cancer treatment - cited by as many as half of the women surviving breast and gynecologic cancers and as many as 70 percent of men surviving prostate cancer. Loss of desire, pain during sex, erectile dysfunction, premature menopause, and infertility have been reported by cancer survivors. Coping with cancer can strain relationships and trigger depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and profound fear of recurrence.