National Cancer Survivors Day, observed annually on June 6, is a time to celebrate those who have survived cancer or are currently diagnosed with cancer, and their families, caregivers, and communities.
Cancer treatment impacts many facets of a patient’s life – from the time of diagnosis, throughout treatment, and for the duration of life.
“Survivorship is living well through, with, and beyond a cancer diagnosis. The goal of survivorship is to help survivors be as healthy as they can be – physically, mentally, and emotionally – and prevent recurrence of cancer,” said Kathryn Hudson, M.D., hematologist and medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Austin Central, and director of survivorship for Texas Oncology.
This means guiding patients through every step of their cancer journey toward healthy living and life beyond cancer treatment.
Survivor Education
The focus of survivor education is to prepare patients and their families with plans and knowledge to optimize their health after cancer treatment. A key component of the program is the survivorship visit, which occurs at the end of active cancer treatment.
“This is a time during which a personalized follow-up program is developed to help reduce recurrence risk and focus on ways to improve a patient’s general health and cope with the effects of cancer. Survivorship also encompasses supportive care programs such as physical therapy, nutrition, and counseling,” said Dr. Hudson.
Family, friends, and caregivers who are impacted by the cancer survival experience are included in the definition of cancer survivor and also benefit from the guidance provided as part of Texas Oncology’s survivorship program and the survivorship visit.
What To Expect During a Survivorship Visit
Texas Oncology’s survivorship program is designed to provide patients with resources that optimize their health after cancer treatment.
During this visit – and throughout treatment – our goal is to ensure we are doing everything we can to care for the whole patient after their cancer diagnosis by focusing on wellness, overall health, mental and emotional health, symptom management, and prevention of recurrence,” said Dr. Hudson.
The survivorship visit may include the following:
- Review of the patient’s care plan and goals for achieving wellness (what the treatment was and what should be done going forward)
- Discuss surveillance and monitoring of health, including ongoing cancer screenings
- Connect patients and their caregivers and family members to community resources or support groups
- Transition a patient back to a primary care physician or help find one
Surviving cancer is something to celebrate, but a patient’s cancer journey doesn’t’ stop when treatment ends. Texas Oncology is honored to support and celebrate cancer patients through every step of their journey.
Learn more about survivorship at Texas Oncology.