The Many Shades of Cancer Survivorship
February 16th 2016There are over 14 million cancer survivors in the United States, a number that is expected to grow exponentially due to an aging population and improved methods for early detection and treatment. In the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report “From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor: Lost in Transition” the importance of addressing the ongoing physical and psychosocial challenges of cancer survivors was emphasized to encourage the multidisciplinary approach to survivorship as a distinct phase of the cancer continuum. Oncology nurses have an essential role in ensuring that quality survivorship care begins at diagnosis and continues throughout the balance of our patients' lives.