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Watch and wait cancers — monitoring has benefits Dec 15th 2012, 06:00 With Mayo Clinic nurse educator Sheryl M. Ness, R.N. read biography Latest entries Watch and wait cancers — monitoring has benefits Dec. 15, 2012 Living with cancer patient and family conference coming Dec. 8, 2012 The importance of human touch for cancer patients Dec. 1, 2012 Exercise a good prescription for cancer survivors Nov. 20, 2012 Connecting to your inner spirit helps with cancer diagnosis Nov. 17, 2012 Free E-newsletter Subscribe to Housecall Our weekly general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. Sign up now Living with cancer blog Dec. 15, 2012 Watch and wait cancers — monitoring has benefits By Sheryl M. Ness, R.N. Living With Cancer Subscribe to our Living With Cancer e-newsletter to stay up to date on cancer topics. Sign up now Watchful waiting, active monitoring and surveillance are words to describe a monitoring strategy used for types of lymphomas and cancers. If a cancer is discovered that's slow growing, as can be the case with some lymphomas as well as prostate cancer, many times active treatment is not the first recommendation. When the doctor says you have cancer and the best thing to do is to watch and wait — instead of describing an active treatment plan, such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiation, it can bring on feelings of anxiety. We're so used to the idea that cancer needs to be treated — as soon as it's discovered — that it seems strange to just watch for something to happen. However, in some cases, ongoing monitoring is the best strategy. Even though it may seem contrary to what we might think, active monitoring can have good benefits. If a cancer is slow growing, it may be best to wait until the cancer is at a stage where treatment would be more effective. Or, it may be that the cancer is monitored and never needs active treatment — such as in slow growing prostate cancer. You may want to also consider these active steps if you are in a watch and wait situation: Be physically active — get in aerobic exercise at least 3 days each week Eat healthy foods — leafy greens, fish, lean meats, fruits and vegetables Reduce stress levels — incorporate yoga or meditation Be aware of any changes in your body — report any new symptoms to your doctor Get your blood tests and scans on schedule — outline your monitoring plan together with your doctor Understand next steps if active treatment is necessary — being well informed will help with your sense of control over the situation Watchful waiting should be considered an active strategy, as close monitoring can give you reassurance that your cancer is stable, and not aggressively growing. If a cancer is found to be progressing during the monitoring stage — then additional treatment strategies can be started. Follow me on Twitter at @SherylNess1. Join the discussion at #livingwithcancer. blog index

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