Follow-up of adult cancer survivors: new paradigms for survivorship care planning

Abstract

The reality of cancer care in the twenty first century is that patients live longer and are more likely to receive care from multiple providers across diverse delivery systems over many years. To meet the challenge of optimal survivor care, a summary of cancer treatment and a formal plan for survivorship must be explained to patients and shared among providers at the end of cancer treatment. These plans must be dynamic documents that change with the circumstances of individual patients, the growth of knowledge, and the guidelines in specific relevant areas. In the new paradigm, open communication across the spectrum of survivor needs and concerns (as contained in a survivorship care plan) will successfully transition cancer patients to healthy survivors. Survivorship planning must become an integral part of every oncologist's education and practice.