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Ten year relative survival (%), adults (15-99 years), selected cancers, England and Wales: survival trends for selected cancers 1971-2007 In fact, survival is increasing and we extrapolate that by 2030 the number of cancer survivors will rise to 4 million (Armes et al., 2009). For the most part, these individuals remain well and healthy but a small number will experience changes to their well-being. As more people live with cancer the proportion of this latter group will go up as well. Cross- sectional studies of populations with chronic illnesses reveal similar health and wellness profiles to populations in whom cancer is present but not active (Birgisson et al., 2008) This suggests that we are living long enough to develop conditions related to the treatment as well as the cancer itself and that we must focus on the quality of survival after different treatments. 

Ten year relative survival (%), adults (15-99 years), selected cancers, England and Wales: survival trends for selected cancers 1971-2007 In fact, survival is increasing and we extrapolate that by 2030 the number of cancer survivors will rise to 4 million (Armes et al., 2009). For the most part, these individuals remain well and healthy but a small number will experience changes to their well-being. As more people live with cancer the proportion of this latter group will go up as well. Cross- sectional studies of populations with chronic illnesses reveal similar health and wellness profiles to populations in whom cancer is present but not active (Birgisson et al., 2008) This suggests that we are living long enough to develop conditions related to the treatment as well as the cancer itself and that we must focus on the quality of survival after different treatments. 

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Article
Purpose To qualitatively explore the consequences of soft tissue sarcoma and its treatment experienced by survivors, the self-management strategies they use to deal with these consequences, and any factors that may act as barriers or facilitators to their self-management. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven soft tissue sarcoma survivors who had completed their primary treatment. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Results Physical, psychological and social consequences of soft tissue sarcoma and its treatment were identified, with side-effects, physical restrictions, body image issues, fear of recurrence, feeling depressed, familial relationships and sexual activity being the most frequently reported. Nine different types of self-management strategy encompassing eighteen specific strategies were identified, including cognitive strategies, lifestyle changes and utilisation of resources. Personal, social and environmental facilitators of self-management were identified; being in a relationship, being at an appropriate life stage, and having support from family, friends and medical staff were most commonly reported. Finally, personal and environmental barriers to self-management included the adaptation period, ongoing complications, rareness of sarcoma and poor patient-healthcare provider communication. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that soft tissue sarcoma survivors, especially those who are younger and experience physical limitations, may find the immediate post-treatment period particularly challenging and may benefit from nurse-led self-management support.
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Background: Lymphoma survivors commonly report ongoing complaints including fatigue, pain, depression and decreased quality of life (QoL) following treatment. Although evidence suggests that both relaxation and exercise can significantly improve such symptoms, there is no consensus on which intervention is more effective. This paper presents the REIL (Relaxation and Exercise In Lymphoma) Study protocol. The REIL study aims to compare the effect of two home-based interventions - relaxation and exercise - on QoL in lymphoma survivors. Methods: Eligible participants (n = 36) will be randomised to a relaxation or exercise programme to perform at least three times per week. The primary outcome measure is QoL, assessed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Secondary outcome measures include body composition, cardiovascular status, pulmonary function, grip strength, functional exercise capacity (six minute walk test), well-being assessed by the FACT-Lym questionnaire, and psychological status assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Total duration of the study will be twelve weeks and outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, six weeks and at the end of the study. Discussion: It is anticipated that results from this preliminary study will begin to highlight effective pathways to improve QoL following chemotherapy for this population. This will better inform healthcare professionals to optimise QoL of lymphoma patients, and enable a smooth transition from being a cancer patient to survivor. Trial registration: The REIL study has been registered on a publicly accessible database, ClinicalTrials.gov, Registration Number: NCT02272751, October 2014.