The changing legacy of cancer: issues of long-term survivorship

Although successes in treating cancer have dramatically increased the sheer numbers of survivors, these advancements have outpaced the availability to deliver adequate and responsible follow-up care. Multiple needs of cancer survivors, met and unmet, have been identified, as have several barriers to the delivery of follow-up care. Meanwhile, resources are increasing. Models of care are being developed. Collaboration is replacing competition. Survivors, along with their loved ones and health care providers, continue to work for better access to quality cancer care.