Survivorship: A Guide to Long-Term Health | 11.18.25 | Lung Cancer Living Room®

In this powerful episode of the GO2 for Lung Cancer Living Room® series, we are joined by Dr. Schapira for an insightful discussion on navigating life after a lung cancer diagnosis. Dr. Schapira, a leading expert in survivorship science, provides a comprehensive guide to addressing the physical, emotional, and social challenges faced by long-term survivors.

This discussion is essential for patients, caregivers, and clinical teams seeking a deeper understanding of the survivorship journey.

Key Topics Covered in this Episode:
Understanding Survivorship: A historical look at the survivorship movement and the evolving definition of a cancer "survivor."

Identity and Narrative: The importance of choosing your own identity after a diagnosis, the reasons why some patients reject the "survivor" label, and the power of crafting a personal narrative about one's illness.

Managing Fear of Recurrence (Scanxiety): Practical techniques for coping with the "gorilla in the room"—the ever-present fear of cancer returning, including mental grounding exercises for moments of high anxiety.

Long-Term and Late Side Effects: Distinguishing between chronic, long-term side effects (like neuropathy) and late effects that manifest years after treatment, particularly those related to modern immunotherapies.

The Role of Palliative Care: Clarifying the definition of palliative care as symptom management and relief of suffering, and emphasizing the importance of integrating it early in the treatment process, distinct from hospice care.

Communication is Key: The critical need for open communication with loved ones and the clinical team regarding symptoms and side effects, and the potential pitfalls of remaining silent.

Research and Guidelines for Symptoms: An overview of established clinical guidelines for managing common survivorship symptoms, including fatigue and neuropathy.

The Science of Exercise: Discussing the emerging research that shows non-pharmacologic interventions, such as supervised exercise, can provide a significant survival advantage for cancer survivors.

Accessing Care: Guidance on finding reliable support, vetted information, and multidisciplinary care, especially for patients in rural or community settings.

Need Support Now?
If you or a loved one are navigating lung cancer, the GO2 for Lung Cancer HelpLine offers comprehensive and compassionate support.

GO2 for Lung Cancer HelpLine: 1-800-298-2436