Common Questions from the Healthcare Team
A survivorship care plan provides a comprehensive summary of a patient’s cancer treatment history, potential long-term effects, recommended follow-up testing, and health maintenance strategies. It serves as a structured guide for healthcare providers and patients to facilitate coordinated post-treatment care and long-term health management.
Regular assessments for cardiovascular health, bone density, cognitive function, and secondary cancers are essential. Non-oncology specialists should be aware of these potential effects and coordinate with oncology teams to manage them.
Healthcare team members are crucial for monitoring overall health, managing chronic conditions, and addressing any new symptoms or concerns. Effective communication with oncology teams ensures comprehensive care.
Providing referrals to mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services can help address anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychosocial issues that cancer survivors may face.
Encourage survivors to adopt healthy lifestyles, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, and abstaining from alcohol.
Educate patients on how alcohol can increase cancer recurrence risk and affect overall health. Encourage non-alcoholic beverages or social habits that do not involve drinking. Suggest keeping a journal to monitor alcohol intake and celebrate milestones. Manage triggers by identifying situations or stressors that lead to drinking and encourage healthy coping strategies, such as exercise or mindfulness. Seek support through counseling, support groups or behavioral therapy to help maintain sobriety.
These practices can improve overall well-being and reduce the risk of recurrence.
