One million men are prostate cancer survivors. The five-year survival rate for children with cancer increased from 65 percent in the early 1980s to 74 percent in the early 1990s. The five-year survival rate for all cancers increased from 51 percent in the early 1980s to almost 60 percent in the early 1990s. 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.