This week's artwork was donated by Dathan, a pediatric cancer patient who received treatment at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia . After treatment, patients are confronted with a number of issues related to cancer survivorship.
Typical issues involve fears about repeated medical follow-up and diagnostic tests.
Fear of recurrence is also an ongoing concern that waxes and wanes over time. A number of specific issues can be a source of anxiety. Fears related to returning to work, such as discussing one's treatment with employees, insurance-related problems, and concerns about discrimination can cause distress. Fear of screening, follow-up, and risk of second malignancies are ongoing physical threats that are accompanied by anxiety for certain subgroups of patients. Body-image changes, sexual dysfunction, and reproductive issues can also cause anxiety.