Cancer survivors say illness has given them a new perspective on life

Eight in 10 cancer survivors say the illness has given them a new outlook on life - valuing family and time above money and material possessions.

A poll of 500 adults who have had cancer found almost two-thirds said what they value has changed. Before their diagnosis, making sure their family was comfortable and earning more money were major motivators.

Now, their focus has shifted more onto family (80%), their health and wellbeing (62%) and experiencing new things in life (48%).

The research was commissioned by AXA Health who have created a practical guide to help those with life after cancer.

Dr John Burke, chief medical officer at AXA Health, said: “Serious illness can have an impact on our outlook.It can realign what is and isn’t important in life, so it’s only natural there might be changes.

“Family and friends can go a long way in supporting you through the experience along with the guidance of medical professionals who can support you in navigating life during and after treatment.”

Some of the most popular lifestyle changes people have made are walking more (45%), upping their exercise levels (42%) and focusing on their diet (39%).

A significant number (44%) are increasingly likely to seek help from others to deal with tricky challenges than they were prior to their diagnosis – with only 7% less inclined now. And 80% feel better equipped to deal with the difficulties of life since their experience with cancer.

A huge 77% said it was important to rely on others through their journey, with family (73%), medical professionals (56%) and friends (46%) being the people who they relied on the most.

And partners (56%), friends (32%) and mums (31%) were those most impacted by the cancer diagnosis.

Despite the remarkable resilience shown and their ambition to turn a negative into a positive, 70% of those polled are understandably worried about the possibility of cancer returning.

The best pieces of advice from those who have survived cancer include be positive, live every day to the fullest and enjoy the little things in life.

GB para-athlete and cancer survivor, Amy Conroy, said: “The future can feel daunting, and those anxieties are valid. But try to stay in the now, in the present, and try to find gratitude in the smaller things. Be proud of yourself and always speak to yourself with kindness.”

Dr John Burke added: “A cancer diagnosis has a huge impact not only on the person affected, but also their friends, family and loved ones.

“It doesn’t always feel over after receiving the ‘all-clear’ so it’s important to have support navigating a new normal, too. That might help with managing new worries, getting much needed sleep or setting health goals.

“Taking things easy and focusing on the future are ways to make things feel more manageable after undergoing cancer treatment.

“Providing people with support and guidance to navigate this stage of their cancer journey can make a huge difference, helping them to move forward and focus on the things that matter most.”