Cancer Survivors

A person is a survivor starting at the time of diagnosis and throughout their life. Care for cancer survivors includes prevention of new and recurrent cancers, prevention of late effects of cancer treatment, routine testing for the return of cancer, routine screening for new cancers, assessment and treatment of late effects of cancer treatment, coordination between providers and a focus on psychosocial and sexual health needs. Direct Primary Care Mebane is here to treat these needs.

Prevention:

Leading a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of cancer. Healthy living includes physical activity, eating well, not using tobacco and using sunscreen when outside. 

Cancer Surveillance

Even though your cancer may be cured there is still a chance that it can recur. There are routine tests that may need to be ordered to assess for cancer recurrence.

Secondary Cancers

Sometimes the treatments for cancer can put a person at risk for developing another type of cancer. Due to this risk some cancer survivors may require routine testing to screen for other types of cancer.

Late Effects

Many side effects from cancer treatment resolve quickly when treatment is stopped. However, there are some types of cancer treatments that put patients at risk for long term effects that persist or may develop long after treatment has ended. Providers need to be aware of these risks and assess for them during visits.

Coordinated Care

Cancer survivors often receive care from multiple providers. Direct Primary Care Mebane will work with other providers to address your healthcare needs.

Psychosocial Care

Even though a patient has been cured it does not mean that they are not feeling anxious or depressed. Many cancer patients still need someone to talk to about returning to a life without cancer.

Sexual Health

Cancer treatment changes a person’s sexual health. For men who have had cancer treatment they may have erectile dysfunction, no ejaculation or premature ejaculation. Women may experience vaginal dryness, vaginal narrowing, and/or pain with intercourse. Both men and women can experience concerns over body image and difficulty connecting with their partner.