Living better with the experience of cancer
Starting a new step after cancer
Living with cancer means learning to adapt and maintain a good quality of life despite the disease, whether during the active treatment phase or during recovery. You can find balance, support and meaning during the ordeal. On these pages, you will find validated information on the effects of cancer as well as advice on how to cope better.
Watch the video Life after cancer treatment to learn more about the transition period and the new realities you may face during this stage.
Watch the video
Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content after the video
Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content before the video.
Life during and after cancer
Overall cancer survival is increasing. This means that more people with cancer and their loved ones have to go through a significant transition period. They try to resume their lives, which can be a huge challenge.
To support them and help them cope with the effects of cancer, it is essential to offer support that meets their needs. People affected by cancer can face a variety of obstacles:
- physical
- emotional
- social
- economic
- spiritual
So their needs are different at each step of care:
- during the investigation and confirmation of the cancer diagnosis
- during treatment
- during recovery or end of life
Living better with the experience of cancer is a process that takes time, as various changes can occur during treatment. During the transition to life after cancer, it is important to consider your overall health. Being patient and kind to yourself makes the transition easier.
During this time, you may experience unwanted side effects that are short lived or prolonged or see new symptoms appear. The important thing is to understand what is happening and take steps to manage them better.
If side effects are persistent (chronic), increase or if new symptoms suddenly appear and you are worried about them, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
To help you better manage or alleviate the most common concerns and symptoms, go to the Adopting healthy lifestyle habits to live better with the experience of cancer and Concerns related to cancer pages. The strategies proposed will support you during your recovery.
You may experience other concerns and symptoms. Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
See also
Last update: May 6, 2026