Eight in 10 cancer survivors say the illness has given them a new outlook 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 (64 per cent) said what they value has changed.

Before their diagnosis, making sure their family was comfortable (39 per cent) and earning more money (36 per cent) were major motivators.

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

Dr John Burke, chief medical officer at AXA Health, which has commissioned the research and created a practical guide to help those with life after cancer, 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 per cent), upping their exercise levels (42 per cent) and focusing on their diet (39 per cent).

A significant number (44 per cent) are increasingly likely to seek help from others to deal with tricky challenges than they were prior to their diagnosis – with only seven per cent less inclined now.

And 80 per cent feel better equipped to deal with the difficulties of life since their experience with cancer.

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

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

Despite the remarkable resilience shown and their ambition to turn a negative into a positive, 70 per cent of those polled are understandably worried about the possibility of cancer returning, the study by OnePoll revealed.

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 be 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.”