Global priorities for advancing cancer survivorship

Cancer survivorship is increasingly recognized as an important component of cancer care, yet access to high-quality care remains inconsistent globally. This review highlights priorities for advancing survivorship care worldwide, focusing on equity of access, outcomes for vulnerable populations, multidisciplinary models, technology-enabled interventions, and global collaboration.

Survivorship needs differ across tumor streams and cancer sub-populations, especially older adults, adolescent, and people with advanced or metastatic cancers who face unique physical, psychosocial, and other practical challenges. Models that involve a variety of clinicians, such as oncologists and hematologists, primary care providers, nurses and allied health providers maintain quality of life, reduce healthcare costs, and support patient preferences, yet most countries still rely on oncologist-led follow-up. Digital health and artificial intelligence have the potential to enhance symptom monitoring, improve patient engagement, and deliver personalized care. Surveys led by the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) and Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) reveal persistent disparities, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries and communities, highlighting evident gaps in supportive care access, infrastructure, and guideline implementation.

Advancing high-quality survivorship care requires embedding equity into research and policy, expanding multidisciplinary and technology-enabled care models, and strengthening global collaboration. Longitudinal studies, region-specific guidelines, and capacity building in low-resource and middle-resource settings are essential. Implementing these strategies can optimize the outcomes and ensure sustainable care delivery for cancer survivors worldwide.