Primary Care Provider Visits Among Cancer Survivors 5-7 Years Postdiagnosis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Primary Care Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Primary care provider (PCP) engagement is crucial for optimal cancer survivor outcomes.
• While PCP engagement is high initially, sustained follow-up beyond 5 years post-diagnosis is poorly understood.
• This study addresses the critical gap in knowledge regarding long-term PCP engagement for cancer survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess primary care provider (PCP) engagement in cancer survivors' care 5-7 years post-diagnosis.
• To identify cancer survivors most vulnerable to losing PCP follow-up.
• To inform strategies for improving long-term cancer care coordination.

Main Methods:

• Linked electronic health records and cancer registry data from a comprehensive cancer center.
• Identified adult survivors (breast, colorectal, uterine cancer) with an in-network PCP.
• Employed logistic regression to analyze factors associated with sustained PCP engagement.

Main Results:

• Only 43% of survivors maintained PCP engagement 5-7 years post-diagnosis.
• Older age at diagnosis and earlier cancer stage were linked to higher odds of sustained PCP engagement.
• Survivors with annual oncology visits had significantly greater odds of PCP engagement.

Conclusions:

• Most cancer survivors experience a loss of primary care provider (PCP) follow-up in the long term.
• Sustained PCP engagement is highly valued by survivors, PCPs, and oncologists.
• Empirical evidence highlights the need for interventions to bridge care gaps during the transition to long-term survivorship care.