What Does Cancer Remission Mean?

Hearing the word remission can feel like a lifeline—one filled with relief, hope, and, sometimes, lingering uncertainty. I know that moment because I’ve walked alongside so many people on their cancer journey, and I’ve seen the mixture of emotions it can bring. Remission isn’t just a term; it’s a turning point. It’s the moment where you begin to exhale, even if cautiously, and start imagining life beyond the treatments, tests, and waiting rooms.

In this article, I wanted to go over what remission really means. Together, we’ll explore the types of remission, what it means for the future, and how you can take steps to protect your health while embracing a life filled with meaning and joy.

What Is Cancer Remission?

So, what is remission from cancer exactly? At its heart, remission simply means that the signs and symptoms of cancer have diminished or disappeared. But—and here’s the tricky part—it doesn’t always mean the cancer is completely gone. Let’s break it down further.

Two Types of Remission

1. Complete Remission
   • This is the news everyone hopes for: no detectable signs of cancer cells in the body. Your scans come back clear, and your medical team might even use the phrase “no evidence of disease.”
   • But while this is a wonderful milestone, it’s not necessarily a guarantee. Continued monitoring is essential, especially for more aggressive cancers like pancreatic cancer, blood cancer, or lung cancer.
2. Partial Remission
   • In this case, the cancer symptoms or tumors have reduced significantly but haven’t completely disappeared. It’s a sign that your cancer treatment is working, and your body is responding.

Is Remission the Same as a Cure?

Not quite. The word “cure” is used sparingly in cancer care, and for good reason. While remission means the cancer is under control, the possibility of cancer recurrence is always present. This is why your care team will likely recommend regular follow-ups, scans, or even ongoing maintenance therapy to keep those pesky cancer cells at bay.

What Causes Cancer Recurrence?

I know this can be a tough question to face, but understanding why cancer might return is an important part of staying empowered.

Even after treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, some cancer cells may remain hidden. These cells can be dormant for months or even years before reactivating. Recurrence can depend on factors like:

• Cancer type: More aggressive cancers like ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, or rectal cancer are harder to eliminate entirely.
• Stage at diagnosis: Advanced stages of cancers, such as breast cancer or brain cancer, carry higher risks of recurrence.
• Treatment options: How comprehensive your initial treatments were can impact the likelihood of recurrence.

While these are some of the basic arguments for cancer recurrence, they are not the sole factors. Lifestyle and holistic well-being play a crucial role in long-term health and recovery. A body burdened by unresolved stress, unprocessed emotions, and environmental toxins can create conditions for cancer to reemerge. While many focus on the factors mentioned above, the following ones may hold even greater significance.

• Lifestyle Changes: Cancer can be a wake-up call to reassess diet, sleep, physical activity, and stress management. Without addressing these foundational elements, the body may struggle to sustain its healing.
• Emotional Healing: Deeply rooted emotional traumas or unresolved feelings can create stress in the body that interferes with complete healing. Engaging in practices like meditation, mindfulness, or somatic therapy can help clear these emotional blockages.
• Toxin Accumulation: Environmental toxins, remnants of cancer treatments, and unhealthy diets can overload the body. Regular detoxification practices—such as colonics, juice cleanses, and fasting—can help the body process and eliminate these toxins.

By addressing these factors, you can take an active role in your recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence. Remember, healing isn’t just about the absence of disease—it’s about creating an internal environment that supports your overall well-being.

Life After Cancer: What Comes Next?

So, what now? Once you’re in remission, life doesn’t snap back to “normal.” While many of your friends and family will be celebrating the great news that you get to go back to your normal self, you might feel disconnected and worried about what the future will bring. 

Here’s an example – One of my clients went into a deep depression after the doctor told her: Bravo! You’re cancer free! You’re now in remission! We’ll see you in 6 months. Back home, her family was ecstatic. Everyone wanted to celebrate and break out the champagne. Her close family and friends thought she could go back to being the person she used to be, the one who went out late at night, enjoyed going to parties, drank alcohol regularly, didn’t sleep much, and so on.

As my client faced this new chapter of remission, she knew it was impossible for her to ever go back to her old life (Plus, she didn’t want to!) The gap between what the outside world expected of her and what she felt inside was no longer aligned. That’s why her depression was increasingly becoming more severe. She no longer felt like the same person she once was and she didn’t know how to communicate her new needs or expectations to those around her.  

This just shows that you will never be the same person as you were before your diagnosis. And that’s okay. However, it’s important for you to nurture your new self and prioritize your healing in order to live a beautiful, fulfilling, and healthy life. Here are ways to embrace life after remission while protecting your well-being.

Embrace Mind-Body Practices

When I coach cancer survivors, one of the most powerful tools I share is the connection between the mind and the body. Healing doesn’t stop at the physical level—it’s about nourishing your whole self.

Yoga

This isn’t just about flexibility. Yoga can reduce stress, lower inflammation, and help you feel more connected to your body. Even gentle poses paired with deep breathing can work wonders.

Incorporating yoga into cancer care has been shown to offer significant benefits. A comprehensive review published in the International Journal of Yoga analyzed 138 clinical trials involving 10,660 cancer patients across 20 countries. The findings indicated that yoga improved both physical and psychological symptoms, enhanced quality of life, and positively influenced markers of immunity.

Meditation

Start small. A few minutes of mindfulness each day can quiet racing thoughts and help you stay grounded. For those recovering from cancer, meditation has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve emotional well-being, and even alleviate some physical symptoms, such as fatigue and pain.

A small comparative study published in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care suggests that practicing mindful breathing for just 20 minutes can significantly ease the intensity and discomfort of cancer-related pain while also alleviating associated anxiety.

Positive Thinking

While it’s normal to have fears or “what if” moments, focusing on gratitude and small victories can shift your mindset. You’ve been through so much—celebrate the strength it took to get here. Write down all you are grateful for each day and visualize it so you can really let the power of gratitude sink in. A study published in the American Cancer Society found that optimistic perceptions of illness were associated with better quality of life and survival among cancer survivors.

To cultivate this positive mindset, consider keeping a daily gratitude journal. Writing down three things you’re grateful for each day can help rewire your brain to focus on the positive aspects of your life. Additionally, visualizing these moments can deepen the emotional impact, reinforcing feelings of appreciation and well-being.

Build Your Support Network

It takes a village, doesn’t it? Surround yourself with people and resources that lift you up.

• Your cancer care team is your first line of defense. Stay connected with your oncologist, nurse navigator, and anyone else who played a role in your treatment.
• Coaching and holistic support: A cancer coach, like myself, can guide you through emotional healing, lifestyle changes, and rebuilding confidence.
• Support groups: Sharing your story with other cancer survivors can help you feel seen and understood.

Prioritize Physical Activity

I can’t stress this enough: movement is medicine. It doesn’t have to be strenuous—start with what feels good.

• Take a daily walk in nature to enjoy fresh air and clear your mind.
• Try low-impact activities like swimming, tai chi, or even dancing around your living room.

Regular exercise can regulate hormones, improve your mood, and reduce fatigue.

Nourish Your Body

Food is fuel, but it’s also a form of self-love. Fill your plate with nourishing, vibrant foods:

• Fruits and vegetables: Packed with antioxidants to help repair cells.
• Avoid processed foods and added sugars—they can contribute to inflammation and zap your energy.

Preventing Cancer Recurrence

While there’s no surefire way to prevent cancer recurrence, taking proactive steps to care for your mind and body can make a meaningful difference.

• Stay consistent with follow-ups: Routine check-ups and tests are vital.
• Minimize and manage your stress: Chronic stress can cause cancer in the first place and can also take a toll on your immune system once you’re in remission. Find what soothes you, whether it’s journaling, gardening, or spending time in nature.
• Stay informed: Learn about your specific cancer type and recurrence risks. Knowledge is power.
• Create a positive cancer wellness plan to move forward: Try working with a holistic cancer coach who can sit down with you and help create a game plan for the future. By having some structure and a dedicated guide to help, you will be better prepared to stick to a plan and adopt a healthier lifestyle that fuels both your mind and body.

How to Handle the Fear of Cancer Recurrence

For many cancer survivors (including all my clients), the fear of recurrence can feel like a shadow that’s always present, looming in the background and draining their energy. I know this fear first hand because I’ve lived it myself. 

It was a deep and constant worry that had a strong hold on my mental health until I decided to make profound changes in my life. I had to take a hard look at my lifestyle, my work habits, and even my own inner dialogue to assess how these factors were contributing to my mental and physical health. 

To free myself from the fear that was consuming me, I knew I had to live authentically. I had to be in tune with my passions and prioritize the things that brought me joy.  I decided to do some work on myself, and when I really started to honor my inner voice, without compromise, that’s when my fear began to fade. 

The turning point for me was my training with Janet Attwood to become a Passion Test facilitator. Finding alignment with my passions is what allowed me to live a life free of fear from cancer. That’s why I’ve never stopped working on myself, my life, my work, my relationships and so on. It’s not easy, but by choosing to listen to what your heart and body need, you can open the door to a life full of meaning and fulfillment, and the fear goes away. It no longer has a place.

Can Remission Last Forever?

It absolutely can, but it depends on various factors, including the type of cancer and how early it was caught. Long-term complete remission is a testament to your resilience and dedication to your health.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s that remission is a beginning, not an end. It’s a chance to step into a new chapter with hope, strength, and intention.

As someone who has witnessed so many courageous stories, I can tell you this: You are more than your diagnosis. Whether you’re in partial remission, celebrating complete remission, or are looking to regain strength after chemo, you have everything it takes to thrive.

At Online Cancer Coach, I’m here to walk alongside you. Together, we can explore ways to heal your mind, body, and spirit while embracing the joy and meaning this next chapter brings.

Take a deep breath, honor how far you’ve come, and know that you’re not alone. You’ve got this, and I’m here to help light the way forward.