How

Here’s a live poll we are running for this question amongst our community.

Here are some of their thoughts:

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[answer]

Absolutely! Cancer patients and survivors are welcome to return to the workforce. Many cancer survivors go on to lead successful and fulfilling careers. Returning to work after cancer treatment can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. It is important for cancer survivors to communicate with their employers about their needs and limitations, and to work together to create a supportive work environment. Employers can help by providing flexible work schedules, making physical modifications to the workplace, and providing emotional support through employee assistance programs or counseling services. Overall, cancer survivors have valuable skills and experiences that can contribute to the workforce. With the right support and accommodations, they can return to work and thrive in their careers.

Coping with CIPN can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help patients manage their symptoms:

1. Talk to your doctor: If you are experiencing CIPN, it is important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms. They may be able to adjust your chemotherapy dosage or prescribe medication to manage your pain.
2. Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help you improve your strength and balance, and teach you exercises that can help alleviate your symptoms.
3. Manage your pain: There are several over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help manage pain associated with CIPN. Talk to your doctor about which options may be best for you.
4. Practice good foot and hand care: Taking care of your feet and hands can help prevent further damage and reduce symptoms. This includes wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes, moisturizing your skin, and avoiding extreme temperatures.
5. Try alternative therapies: Some patients have found relief from CIPN through alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and meditation. Talk to your doctor about whether these options may be right for you.
6. Stay active: Regular exercise can help improve circulation and reduce symptoms of CIPN. Talk to your doctor about safe exercise options that are appropriate for your condition.

Coping with CIPN can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, patients can manage their symptoms and maintain their quality of life.

Some common late side effects of radiation therapy include:

1. Radiation fibrosis: This condition occurs when the radiation causes scar tissue to form in the area that was treated. This can lead to stiffness, pain, and difficulty moving the affected area. (Ramia et al., 2022, Clin Med Insights Oncol)
2. Radiation-induced secondary cancers: In rare cases, radiation therapy can cause new cancers to develop in the area that was treated or in nearby tissues. (König et al., 2022, Cancers)
3. Cardiovascular disease: Radiation therapy to the chest can increase the risk of heart disease. (Armanious et al., 2018, Curr Probl Cancer)
4. Lung damage: Radiation therapy to the chest can also cause damage to the lungs. (Majeed & Gupta, 2022, StatPearls [Internet])
5. Lymphedema: Radiation therapy to the lymph nodes can cause swelling in the arms or legs, which can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to move. (Warren et al., 2014, Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys)
6. Infertility: Radiation therapy to the pelvis can damage the reproductive organs and lead to infertility. (Fan et al., 2023, Postgrad Med J)

The specific late side effects that a patient may experience depend on several factors, including the type and location of cancer, the radiation dose, and the patient’s individual health.

Tumor angiogenesis is the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. This process is caused by the release of chemicals by the tumor and by host cells near the tumor.

Metastasis means that cancer has spread to a different part of your body part than where it started. When this happens, doctors say the cancer has “metastasized.” When tumor cells metastasize, the new tumor is called a secondary or metastatic tumor, and its cells are similar to those in the original or primary tumor. This means that if breast cancer metastasizes to the lungs, the secondary tumor is made up of abnormal breast cells, not of abnormal lung cells. The tumor in the lung is then called metastatic breast cancer, not lung cancer. Metastasis is a key element in cancer staging systems such as the TNM staging system, where it represents the “M”. In overall stage grouping, metastasis places a cancer in Stage IV. The possibilities of curative treatment are greatly reduced, or often entirely removed when a cancer has metastasized.

You can reach out to our befrienders network to get information, advice and emotional support. Reach out to them here.

Alternatively, you can reach out to the following organizations:

• Singapore Cancer Society – offers a wide-range of information, advice, transportation options and practical assistance for those with cancer. (1800 727 3333)
• Breast Cancer Foundation – provides support to people affected by breast cancers through counselling, support groups, emotional support, information and empowerment programs (+65 6356 0123)
• Children’s Cancer Foundation – helps children with cancer and their families by enhancing their emotional, social and medical well-being

[Answer from panel of doctors]

Here’s a poll of other survivors on this topic:

In most cases, you should be covered under two types of insurance, namely health insurance and critical illness (CI) insurance.

1. Health insurance covers hospital bills (including scans, treatments, surgery etc.) – Integrated Shield Plan (go to the CPF to see which insurer, then go to respective insurance portal – redirect to insurance website)
2. CI insurance pays lump sum upon diagnosis

If you need help, call your advisor and find your policy documents if you can, understand which doctors are on your insurance panels, and work on insurance claims.

If you have done your checks and the doctors have given you a clearance, feel free to look into getting your health and/or CI insurance.