Survivorship and Long-Term Care address the growing population of individuals living beyond a cancer diagnosis, focusing on health, function, and well-being during and after treatment. As advances in detection and therapy improve survival, long-term care has become an essential component of comprehensive oncology practice. This session explores the medical, psychosocial, and lifestyle considerations that shape survivorship, emphasizing continuity of care across the cancer trajectory.

Cancer survivorship begins at diagnosis and extends through treatment completion and long-term follow-up. Survivors may experience persistent physical effects such as fatigue, pain, neuropathy, cardiotoxicity, and endocrine dysfunction, as well as cognitive and emotional challenges. Effective survivorship care requires proactive assessment, individualized follow-up plans, and coordination among oncology specialists, primary care providers, and allied health professionals. These coordinated approaches are frequently discussed at major Oncology Conference forums that prioritize patient-centered outcomes.

Long-term care planning includes surveillance for recurrence and secondary malignancies, management of late and long-term treatment effects, and promotion of healthy behaviors. Evidence-based follow-up schedules, risk-adapted screening, and lifestyle interventions support early identification of complications while reducing unnecessary testing. Education empowers survivors to understand symptoms that warrant medical attention and to engage actively in their own care. Within Survivorship and Long-Term Care, shared decision-making strengthens adherence and satisfaction with ongoing management.

Psychosocial health is a cornerstone of survivorship. Anxiety related to recurrence, changes in identity, employment challenges, and financial toxicity can persist long after treatment ends. Integrating psychological counseling, social work support, and survivorship education programs helps address these concerns. Family and caregiver needs also evolve during survivorship, requiring resources that support communication, coping, and role transitions. Addressing these dimensions improves quality of life and functional recovery.

Health promotion and lifestyle modification are critical for long-term outcomes. Physical activity, nutrition, sleep hygiene, and tobacco cessation contribute to reduced recurrence risk and improved overall health. Survivorship care models increasingly incorporate rehabilitation services and wellness programs tailored to individual risk profiles and preferences. Digital tools and remote monitoring can enhance access to survivorship resources, especially for individuals in underserved settings.

Transitioning care from oncology to primary care presents both opportunities and challenges. Clear communication, survivorship care plans, and delineation of responsibilities ensure continuity and safety. Research continues to refine survivorship models, evaluate outcomes, and identify best practices for diverse populations. By integrating clinical follow-up, supportive services, and health promotion, cancer survivorship care aims to sustain long-term health and resilience for those living beyond cancer.