Survivorship
After Treatment: Survivorship Care Planning
Survivorship Care Planning is the roadmap to a new normal of moving forward with living for the patient and their family. Studies show that putting a plan in place enhances survival and supports long-term wellbeing.
Who Is Involved in Survivorship Care Planning?
Survivorship Care Planning after treatment involves the oncologist and the oncology care team who have been part of the treatment journey. The team also includes the patient and family or caregivers supporting them throughout treatment.
Why Is Survivorship Care Important?
The good news is that the number of cancer survivors is growing, with an estimated 17 million survivors living in the United States. Unfortunately, many face long-term effects of treatment with little guidance. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) found that survivors and their healthcare providers often lack guidance to address medical and psychosocial issues after treatment.
The IOM recommends that after cancer therapy, each person should receive a treatment summary and a follow-up care plan. This plan should outline potential late effects, prevention and symptoms, screening recommendations, psychosocial and financial issues, healthy lifestyle guidance, genetic counseling, referrals, and support resources.
What Information Do I Need to Create a Care Plan?
The OncoLife Survivorship Care Plan is individualized based on a brief questionnaire. To create the most accurate plan, you may need to ask your oncology team for details of your cancer therapy:
- Type of cancer
- If you underwent surgery, what procedures were done?
- If you received chemotherapy, what medications were received?
- If you received radiation therapy, what type of cancer was this done for?
What Should I Do with the Plan?
Review your care plan with your healthcare team, including oncology and primary care. Every case is different, and risk varies based on the dose or technique used for radiation and chemotherapy. Discuss your plan with your oncology team to clarify your personal risk and follow-up needs.
Related Resources
Click titles for more information:
Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
Visit resourceFacing Forward: Making a Difference in Cancer
Visit resourceOffice of Cancer Survivorship
Visit resourceSpringboard Beyond Cancer
Visit resourcePartnering with your oncologist and oncology care team is important for rebuilding quality of life after treatment with a survivorship care plan in place.
Survivorship Care Planning Models
Visit the following sites for guidance on navigating issues during and after treatment. These resources are helpful to review with your oncology and medical care team.