Implementing a survivorship care plan for patients with breast cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer survivors account for 23% of the more than 10 million cancer survivors in the United States today. The treatments for breast cancer are complex and extend over a long period of time. The post-treatment period is characterized by gradual recovery from many adverse effects from treatment; however, many symptoms and problems persist as late effects (eg, infertility, menopausal symptoms, fatigue), and there may be less frequent long-term effects (eg, second cancers, lymphedema, osteoporosis). There is increasing recognition of the need to summarize the patient's course of treatment into a formal document, called the cancer treatment summary, that also includes recommendations for subsequent cancer surveillance, management of late effects, and strategies for health promotion. This article provides guidance on how oncologists can implement a cancer treatment summary and survivorship care plan for breast cancer survivors, with examples and linkage to useful resources. Providing the breast cancer treatment summary and survivorship care plan is being recognized as a key component of coordination of care that will foster the delivery of high-quality cancer care.