LIVESTRONG

Cancer care costs are rapidly increasing and have negative financial consequences on the patient and economy. Giving physicians tools to screen patients for financial toxicity can help protect patients from financial burdens.

Survivorship has become a distinct phase of cancer research. With one-third of the American population facing a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives, the long-term care of cancer survivors requires more focused attention.

The needs, preferences, and values of cancer patients should be incorporated into clinical research studies. This approach could facilitate adherence of currently enrolled clinical trial patients as well as recruitment of new enrollees.

Studies indicate that exercise interventions restore a cancer survivors’ physical well-being, mental health and quality of life. Additional research is needed to evaluate the impact of evidence-based community located programs for cancer survivors.

Many survivors are not supported during the transition from in-treatment to post-treatment. Ensuring that all NCI designated cancer centers have survivorship clinics will improve outcomes for this population.

Cancer survivors face many challenges including managing late and long-term effects and monitoring for recurrences or new cancers. Integrating a survivorship care plan template with an EMR will help survivors navigate post treatment follow up care.