Survivors of cancer are glad for the healing treatments they have received, but those around them often do not realize that they may secretly endure physical and psychological problems for years. It is often assumed by others who have not had cancer, that the completion of surgery or treatment should be the end of the matter. Unfortunately, it just is not true. Researchers have discovered that the problems, both physical and mental, can go on untended for years after the patient has been cured.

One of the reasons why these needs often go unmet is because of attitudes that the doctors themselves possess. Some believe that the related problems will simply disappear if they are given enough time. New research, however, challenges that idea, said Dr. James Ferrara, who is the chair of cancer medicine at the Tisch Cancer Institute, which is part of the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

In the study, more than 1,500 people who had survived cancer were asked questions in a survey. Questions were specifically asked about what kind of needs the patients felt remained unmet that were directly related to their cancer treatment.

Some concerns are to be expected, such as those that have had prostate cancer, who may worry about sexual problems and incontinence. Many others find that getting treated for cancer leaves them with enormous bills that take a long time to repay.

A concern that many cancer survivors still face is that they are often anxious over the possibility that the cancer might come back, and this may leave them having to endure physical and psychological problems for years. This fear seems to persist regardless of how long it has been since they were declared free of the cancer, or of the type of cancer.

Doctors find that patients often go through a similar experience like those do who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can leave them with various “psychologic, neurologic and physical problems” that can go beyond and even become greater after the five year mark. Some studies have even found that these same needs are still present after 10 years.

One reason given for this lingering need that cancer survivors have is because doctors fail to clearly indicate what may be involved in the cancer treatment process. Patients may be afraid to ask because they don’t want to sound ungrateful for being given the chance for a cure, or even after having an actual cure.

New surveys reveal that those who are cancer survivors while they are young often experience other health problems as they grow older. It is likely that a good number of them will experience some chronic health problem later on. These problems often include smoking, mental health problems, are obese, have hypertension, asthma, and diabetes. Risky health behaviors may even help to lead to the development of cancer further down the road. Guidance needs to be provided to steer them away from such behaviors.

If doctors would take the initiative and help cancer patients and survivors beyond the actual diagnosis and treatment, then survivors can find faster total healing and not have to endure the physical and psychological problems that may linger for years. It is clear from the numbers of patients suffering years after treatment that doctors need to design and implement a more thorough system of cancer care.