Improving the Care of Adult Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Internationally, there are growing numbers of cancer survivors. Survivors report a range of persistent symptoms and unmet needs, which are quite consistent, internationally. Current models of post-treatment survivorship care are suboptimal, and unsustainable given the number of survivors, and limited health workforce. The most appropriate model of care for an individual will depend on a range of patient, disease and treatment factors. Alternatives to traditional follow up have been evaluated including nurse led follow up, follow up led by a primary care physician and formalized models of shared care. There should be greater focus on implementation of proven models.