Defining concepts in cancer survivorship

Abstract

The National Cancer Institute’s Office of Cancer Survivorship (OCS) leads efforts to define and address the complex and evolving needs of cancer survivors, caregivers, and families through research, care, collaboration, and advocacy. This article provides updated definitions for key terms—cancer survivor, survivorship, survivorship care, and survivorship research—to guide practice, policy, and research in improving outcomes across the cancer care continuum.

Keywords: cancer survivors; caregivers; definitions; survivors; survivorship.

FIGURE 1

Definition of cancer survivor: a cancer survivor is anyone from the time of diagnosis throughout the balance of life. This figure represents that cancer occurs alongside the many events within a person’s life.

FIGURE 2

Definition of cancer survivorship: cancer survivorship is a complex state of being. It includes the perspectives, needs, health, and the physical, psychological, social, and economic challenges experienced by people and caregivers after a cancer diagnosis.

FIGURE 3

Definition of cancer survivorship care: cancer survivorship care is comprehensive care for all people with a history of cancer and begins at the time of diagnosis, with the goal of assessing and mitigating the impact of cancer and its treatment.

FIGURE 4

Definition of cancer survivorship research: cancer survivorship research aims to understand, prevent, and mitigate acute and late‐occurring physical, psychological, social, and economic effects of cancer and its treatment, improve care delivery, promote healthy behaviors, develop and sustain infrastructure, and improve research methodologies for individuals impacted by cancer.