Survivorship planning in gynecologic cancer patients

Abstract

Objective: There are over one million survivors from gynecologic malignancies currently living in the United States and this population is expected to increase by 33% over the next decade. Identifying the needs of these cancer survivors is often understudied and overlooked.

Methods: A literature review using MEDLINE was searched for research articles published in English from 1967 to 2013 focusing on survivorship care in women with gynecologic malignancies.

Results: For women with gynecologic malignancies, the survivorship period requires management of several aspects of care. Improved coordination of care between providers that may be addressed with the use of survivorship care plans and should include surveillance recommendations. Providers should conduct a focused evaluation of late and long-term effects of cancer that may continue to effect patients during and after treatment. Opportunities to improve lifestyle behaviors and continue general health maintenance should also be maximized.

Conclusions: The survivorship period incorporates the following: prevention of new cancer diagnoses, surveillance for recurrence, assessment and management of side effects from cancer and cancer treatment, and the coordination of care between patients and healthcare providers. Focusing on these components may improve quality of life as it allows for a seamless transition for cancer survivors and their caregivers.

Keywords: Care plans; Late effects; Surveillance; Survivorship.