Cancer survivors face gaps in long-term survivorship care

Approximately 18.6 million people in the United States, or more than 5% of the population, are cancer survivors who require specialized ongoing care known as survivorship care. However, a significant communication gap exists between oncologists and primary care clinicians, often leaving patients to manage their own long-term health risks.

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can cause lasting damage to the immune, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems, and may accelerate signs of aging. Advocates are pushing for the implementation of survivorship care plans to ensure patients receive monitoring for potential complications that may emerge decades after initial treatment.