Survivorship: tools for transitioning patients with cancer

The number of cancer survivors will be increasing over the next decade. Caring for this burgeoning population will place demands on oncologists and primary care providers to meet the needs of the expected large numbers of new patients as the baby-boom generation ages. Many will live beyond 5 years and possibly for decades after diagnosis. Patients experience many transitions depending on the type and stage of cancer, its treatment, and the long-term or late effects they have from the disease and its treatment. The Institute of Medicine's report, "From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor: Lost in Transition," recommends that patients be provided with a summary of their cancer treatment and follow-up care plan (ie, survivorship care plan [SCP]), including recommendations on healthy lifestyle behaviors and resources to promote self-care. This plan should be shared with the patient's other health care providers, including the primary care provider. This will facilitate communication among providers and with the patient, which is a key component to quality care. The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer has also made providing SCPs to patients at completion of treatment a quality standard. Barriers to providing SCPs have been identified and include lack of time, reimbursement, and knowledge of late treatment effects and current guidelines. Survivorship guidelines are being developed by professional organizations that may be useful for providers. This article provides some practical tools that address these recommendations to help providers and patients with transitions along the cancer trajectory.