The Cancer Survivorship Program at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania

Abstract

The Cancer Survivorship Program was established at the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center in 2001. The Cancer Center was renamed the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania in 2002 and the survivorship program was henceforth known as the ACC Survivorship Program. The program was supported from 2001 to 2004 in part by a seed grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF). The LIVESTRONG Survivorship Centers of Excellence Network was created by the LAF in 2005 and the ACC Survivorship Program joined the Network in 2007. The seven nationwide Cancer Centers that comprised the Network were supported by the LAF through 2015. A focus on clinical care, research, and education led the development of the ACC Survivorship Program. The program is currently led by an advanced practice provider (APP) and staffed by medical, surgical, and radiation oncology APPs and collaborating oncologists. This program provides care to adult survivors of pediatric cancers, as well as survivors of adult-onset cancers such as breast, genitourinary/prostate, lymphoma, head and neck, gastrointestinal, thoracic, sarcoma, and central nervous system. Research protocols for survivors of specific cancer diagnoses have been developed and have resulted in collaborative research, publications, and conference presentations. Sustaining the ACC Survivorship Program has been challenging despite strong endorsement of services by patients, families, and providers. Challenges include barriers such as cost restraints, changing cancer center priorities, and a reduced oncology workforce, issues experienced across the country that must be addressed in the years to come.