The good news for cancer survivors is that their numbers are growing, with an estimated 10 million survivors living in the United States today. Unfortunately, according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), many of these survivors are dealing with the long term effects of treatments with little guidance.
The IOM recommends that once a person has completed cancer treatment, he or she should be provided with a summary of the treatments received and a follow up “care plan”. Ideally, this care plan should summarize the potential late effects, their symptoms and treatment; recommendations for cancer screening (recurrence or new primary); psychosocial effects (including relationships and sexuality/fertility); financial issues (work, insurance and employment); recommendations for a healthy lifestyle, genetic counseling (if appropriate), effective prevention options; referrals for follow-up care and a list of support resources. While this plan is extremely important, the amount of time it would require makes it unachievable for most oncology practices.
OncoLink is a web-based resource that can help. Founded in 1994 by cancer specialists from the University of Pennsylvania, OncoLink makes this care plan a reality by helping survivors develop a basic plan that can be reviewed and discussed with their healthcare team.
Each care plan is individualized based on answers you provide in a brief and confidential web-based questionnaire. The questionnaire asks about your cancer treatment, family history and general health.
The plan of care provided is meant for you to discuss with your healthcare team (both oncology and primary care). It is important to note that every case is different and some side effects vary based on the actual dose of radiation or chemotherapy that were received or the techniques that were used to administer these therapies. It is very important to review your plan of care with the oncology team to further clarify your risk.
To develop your own survivorship care plan, go to www.oncolink.com. The information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care.
