Resources

Managing Cancer as a Chronic Illness

June 14, 2024

June is National Cancer Survivor Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and recognizing cancer survivors, inspiring those recently diagnosed, supporting families, and reaching out to communities.

According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more people are living longer after a cancer diagnosis. Currently, there are an estimated 18.1 million cancer survivors in the United States, a figure projected to grow to 26 million by 2040​​​​. Advances in early detection, treatment, and improvements in medical and health care services contribute to this increased survival rate. Despite cancer being the second-leading cause of death in the U.S., it is increasingly managed as a chronic illness that can be treated and lived with over long periods.

Many cancers, even when not curable, can be controlled and managed for extended durations. Physicians often treat certain types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer, leukemia, and some lymphomas, as chronic conditions, requiring ongoing therapy or medication, similar to diabetes or high blood pressure management​​. Metastatic cancers, like those of the breast or prostate, which have spread or recurred, are also often managed as chronic conditions​​.

For people living with cancer, treatments can control the disease, causing it to regress or remain stable. Even if the cancer does not grow or spread, it often requires continuous treatment. The goal is to maintain quality of life while managing the disease​​.

Being diagnosed with cancer or facing it again can be daunting. Reno CyberKnife offers state-of-the-art cancer treatment technology with the CyberKnife® system and a dedicated team experienced in stereotactic radiation therapy, providing compassionate and quality care. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with cancer, please contact Reno CyberKnife for support and treatment options.