Basic Information About Cancer Survivorship

Who Are Cancer Survivors?

The term "cancer survivor" refers to an individual who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the time of diagnosis throughout his or her life. The impact of cancer on family members, friends, and caregivers of survivors is also acknowledged as part of survivorship.

The Burden of Cancer Survivorship

Due to advances in the early detection and treatment of cancer, people are living many years after a diagnosis. In January 2007, about 11.7 million people with a previous diagnosis of cancer were living in the United States.¹ Approximately 66% of people diagnosed with cancer are expected to live at least five years after diagnosis.¹ However, disparities in health care impact survival. Low-income men and women who have inadequate or no health insurance coverage are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at later stages, when survival times are shorter.²

Cancer survivors may face physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and financial challenges as a result of their cancer diagnosis and treatment. Public health professionals strive to address survivorship and quality of life issues such as the coordination of care, patient-provider communication, health promotion, support services, and fertility preservation. In light of these concerns, public health initiatives aimed at understanding and preventing secondary disease, recurrence, and the long-term effects of treatment are essential.

Promoting Health After a Cancer Diagnosis

Cancer survivors are at greater risk for recurrence and for developing second cancers due to the effects of treatment, unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, underlying genetics, or risk factors that contributed to the first cancer.³ The following factors can help maintain health and improve survival and quality of life after a cancer diagnosis—

• Quitting Tobacco Use
  • SmokingSmoking is a preventable risk factor for cancer recurrence and additional cancers.⁴
• Being Active and Maintaining a Healthy Weight
  • ObesityObesity may be related to poorer survival after breast,^{5 6 7} prostate,^{8 9} and colorectal cancer.¹⁰
  • Regular physical activityRegular physical activity may improve quality of life after a cancer diagnosis.¹¹
• Discussing Follow-up Care with a Health Care Provider
  Important topics to discuss—
  • A follow-up plan of care that includes a schedule of recommended follow-up visits, screenings, and medical tests and specifies which providers will be responsible for care.¹²
  • Possible delayed effects of treatment.¹³
  • The importance of seeking timely care in response to certain signs or symptoms.
  • Emotional wellness after cancer and identifying available resources for additional support, if necessary.
  • Lifestyle changes recommended for improving health and well-being after cancer.
  • Developing an effective support system that meets survivors' medical and emotional needs.¹⁴