There are currently 10 million Americans who are
considered cancer survivors, and their ranks are
growing rapidly as more than a million new cases of
cancer are diagnosed each year. Unfortunately, the current
U.S. health care system is failing to deliver the comprehensive
and coordinated follow-up care cancer survivors
deserve. Too many survivors are lost in transition once
they finish treatment. They move from an orderly system
of care to a “non-system” in which there are few guidelines
to assist them through the next stage of their life or
help them overcome the medical and psychosocial problems
that may arise.
Every cancer survivor should have a comprehensive care
summary and follow-up plan once they complete their primary
cancer care that reflects their treatment and addresses
a myriad of post-treatment needs to improve their
health and quality of life.