Collaboration between primary care physicians and radiation oncologists

Abstract

Communication between physicians is required to ensure important patient information is relayed during the workup, treatment, follow-up and subsequent transition of care back to the primary care physician (PCP). In this review we discuss how survivorship care is being increasingly recognized as an important component of the patient's cancer journey, and one often provided by the PCP. Palliative care and symptom control for patients with non-curable malignancy is often provided by the PCP during and after cancer treatment. Physician communication is paramount to ensure optimal patient care.

Keywords: Physician communication; palliative care; survivorship.