[Follow-up of the long-term cancer survivor]

Improvements in diagnosis and treatments explain the notable increase in patients chronically affected or recovering from cancer. This is a fragile population, who is physically, psychologically and socially affected by the consequences of the disease and the associated treatments. In addition to detecting a possible relapse, oncologists and primary care physicians have to deal with a variety of issues like psychological distress, sexual dysfunction, cardiotoxicity, cognitive impairment, fatigue and, in some cases, a second primary cancer. This is a real challenge for modern medical oncology, with an important financial impact. A long-term structured follow-up could improve the management of patients with a history of cancer and favour their physical recovery and psychosocial integration.