What is Cancer Survivorship?

Cancer survivorship care focuses on needs that are unique to people who have ever had a cancer diagnosis. Learn more about cancer survivorship and how the American Cancer Society defines cancer survivors.

What is a cancer survivor?

There are different definitions of “cancer survivor.” The American Cancer Society describes a cancer survivor as anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer, no matter where they are in the course of their disease.   

Being a cancer survivor means something different for each person. Cancer survivors can be:

• Newly diagnosed and in the process of making decisions about treatment
• Getting treatment for their cancer
• Working with palliative care to improve symptoms from cancer
• Cancer-free but having some late or long-term side effects from treatment that need to be managed
• Cancer-free for many months or years after treatment
• Dealing with a cancer recurrence after going into a complete remission after treatment
• Living with cancer as a chronic condition and needing to continue treatment to control your cancer
• Approaching the end of life and getting supportive care to maintain the best quality of life

Not everyone who has been diagnosed with cancer wants to be called a survivor.  They may feel more comfortable defining themselves as a "person who has had cancer,” "a person living with cancer," “a thriver,” or another way. You can describe your cancer experience however you wish. If you don’t want to be called a cancer survivor, just let your primary or cancer care team know.

But everyone who has been diagnosed with cancer has similar long-term needs. Taking steps to live well after cancer can help you feel better and improve your long-term health.

What is cancer survivorship?

Cancer survivorship is the period of time after you are diagnosed with cancer when you are dealing with the physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial challenges that can develop. Having cancer can also affect how you feel about your life and your priorities.

Many people need help dealing with the challenges of cancer. You will likely need support from your cancer and primary care teams, family, and friends. You might also need support from a spiritual leader, mental health professional, physical therapist, registered dietitian, or financial counselor.

What are the goals of cancer survivorship care?

Cancer survivorship care focuses on needs that are unique to people who have or have ever had cancer. This care can begin when you are diagnosed to manage your needs and promote your best quality of life. For some, survivorship care may begin after cancer treatment is completed or after deciding not to get treated.

Survivorship care will often include:

• Management of cancer treatment and its side effects
• Follow-up to see whether the cancer has come back (recurrence) or spread
• Watching for and managing late and long-term side effects
• Screening for second cancers 
• Help dealing with problems with finances, social concerns, and mental health
• Promotion of healthy behaviors to decrease the risk of second cancers and recurrence
• Help with transitions from cancer care to primary care
• Connecting with supportive care, like help with mental health, nutrition, physical therapy, fertility, sexuality, and other services
• Genetic counseling, if indicated

Survivorship care might be provided by your cancer care team, your primary care provider, or a survivorship program. Talk to your cancer care team about what your options are for survivorship care and what they would suggest for you.