Addressing the long-term effects of cancer treatments

Abstract

Cancer survivorship has become a growing area of clinical and public health focus as advancements in early detection and treatment have significantly improved survival rates worldwide. However, the increase in long-term survivors has brought to light a spectrum of chronic physical and psychological sequelae that may persist for years after treatment. This literature review examines the enduring physiological sequelae, including cardiotoxicity, endocrine dysfunction, neurological impairment, and musculoskeletal decline. Psychological challenges such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, fear of recurrence, and body image disturbances are also discussed. It explores current and emerging interventions, including multidisciplinary survivorship care models, survivorship care plans (SCPs), rehabilitation programmes, and digital health innovations that aim to enhance posttreatment quality of life. The review also analyses emerging research trends in precision survivorship care, which seek to translate evidence-based interventions into sustainable practice. Policy and healthcare-system implications are discussed with particular emphasis on Malta, where the National Cancer Plan (2017–2021) outlines a framework for integrated survivorship care but faces challenges in implementation, equity, and long-term funding. The review concludes by stating that the long-term effects of cancer treatment demand coordinated multidisciplinary care, robust policy frameworks, and continued research to improve survivor outcomes and quality of life.