Who is a cancer survivor?
This refers to an individual who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the time of that diagnosis. There are more than 11 million cancer survivors living in the United States today.
Why a survivorship program?
The cancer survivor and their family have been through many things. Cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy are all life-changing experiences. This does not end after the treatment is over. A cancer diagnosis and treatments not only can cause physical changes but can also cause emotional scars. Once treatment is completed, the expectation is to get back to normal, which is not always an easy task. We are here to help guide and assist you in your “new normal.”
What is the survivorship program?
This program will address the growing needs of the oncology patient upon the completion of their treatment. The program coordinator will review the patient’s medical record with their medical team to develop a survivorship care plan. The plan will include individualized goals and recommendations (including available resources) to assist the survivor after his or her treatment. The coordinator will then work with the survivor to review and revise these goals as needed. The survivor will also receive a treatment summary report of their cancer diagnosis, staging, treatment received and any diagnostic testing. The survivorship care plan will also include information regarding follow-up care, nutrition, exercise and supportive services to help optimize the patient’s health in the years following cancer treatment.
The survivorship care plan can be shared with other health care providers (including your primary care physician) to improve the coordination of ongoing medical care. Upon request, a copy can be forwarded to a physician directly.
For more information, call Trish Tatrai, RN, MS, OCN, CBCN, Manager of Oncology Support Services/Breast Navigator, at the Capital Health Cancer Center at 609-537-7485.