The growing phenomenon of cancer survivorship

Abstract

With the advent of successful treatment modalities for many types of cancer, the care of survivors and their families has become an important, new component of oncology nursing practice. Nurses in many different practice settings must be aware of the specialized needs of this growing population of survivors, and must continue to develop interventions to meet these needs. This article provides an overview of the late physical and psychosocial effects these survivors face. Comments on health care policy, research, and nursing practice with regard to cancer survivors are also presented.