Due to advances in treatment and earlier screenings, more and more people are living after a cancer diagnosis. The American Cancer Society (ACS) defines a cancer survivor as any person who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the time of diagnosis through the balance of life. Survivorship, like cancer itself, is complex and can be difficult to navigate.
In the United States alone, there are more than 15.5 million people living with a history of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. If current projections continue, there will be an estimated 20.3 million cancer survivors nationwide by 2026.
Cancer survivors commonly report negative behavioral, medical, and health care access issues that may contribute to poor long-term medical and psychosocial outcomes. Several resources and trainings have been developed to better address the needs of cancer survivors, improve treatment and follow-up care, and increase education of providers on survivorship care. Listed in the sidebar are links to a series of resources for everyone who plays an integral role in cancer survivorship — including physicians and health care professionals, the survivor, and caregivers.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cancer Survivors
The website includes resources for cancer survivors, including videos, pictures, survivor stories, and health tips for cancer patients, survivors, and caretakers.
The National Cancer Survivorship Resource Center (NCSRC)
The NCSRC is a collaborative initiative of the ACS and the George Washington University Cancer Institute. It is funded by a five-year cooperative agreement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The NCSRC goal is to shape the future of cancer survivorship care and improve the quality of life of cancer survivors as they transition from treatment to recovery. The NCSRC provides evidence-based information, resources and support to cancer survivors, caregivers, friends and family. It is also aimed at improving survivorship knowledge and skills of health care professionals, community-based organizations and government organizations. The NCSRC also recommends action to policy and decision makers.
NCSRC: Tools for Cancer Survivors and Caregivers
The website includes resources for adult post-treatment cancer survivors and their caregivers.
The American Cancer Society provides a full spectrum of resources to help patients learn about making treatment decisions, cope with side effects, handle financial matters, and live well after cancer.
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship has dedicated resources and tools to help cancer survivors along their journey through care.
Little Red Door Cancer Agency provides support to cancer patients and their families throughout their cancer journey. They offer services for cancer patients, resources for those in need and information on cancer prevention.
Livestrong provides free one-on-one support through every step of your cancer journey.
This organization offers a menu of personalized services and education for all people affected by cancer. These support services are available through a network of professionally-led community based centers, hospitals, community oncology practices and online, so that no one has to face cancer alone.