Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

What Is Quality Health Care for Cancer Survivors?

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Health Services for Cancer Survivors

Abstract

The term “cancer survivor” has been used to identify different populations affected by cancer [1, 2]. The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) suggests “an individual is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis, through the balance of his or her life [3].” This definition, which has been adopted by the National Cancer Institute Office of Cancer Survivorship, covers family members, friends, and caregivers, who are also affected by the survivorship experience. It also acknowledges that cancer affects people for the rest of their lives. Traditionally, to “survive cancer” has meant to be cured of or to appear to be free from cancer. Measures such as 5-year disease-free (or overall) survival [2] have been deployed to mark out the survivor period. More recently, the meaning of “cancer survivorship” has been broadened to signify the period following potentially curative treatments; notably, the influential Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor: Lost in Transition, focuses on this period [4]. This definition does not explicitly include family and caregivers, so we must remember that cancer also affects those close to the person with cancer. We must also remember that the survivor experience is a continuum, which includes diagnosis and treatment, and may also include recurrence, living with advanced cancer, and death.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Twombly R. What’s in a name: who is a cancer survivor? J Natl Cancer Inst. 2004;96(19):1414–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Jefford M. Improving outcomes for cancer survivors in Australia. Cancer Forum. 2009;33(3):159–63.

    Google Scholar 

  3. National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS). Official website of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. [cited 2010 July 31]; Available from: http://www.canceradvocacy.org/about/org/.

  4. Hewitt ME, Greenfield S, Stovall E, editors. From cancer patient to cancer survivor: lost in transition. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Boyes A, Hodgkinson K, Aldridge T, Turner J. Issues for cancer survivors in Australia. Cancer Forum. 2009;33(3):164–7.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Jefford M, Karahalios E, Pollard A, Baravelli C, Carey M, Franklin J, et al. Survivorship issues following treatment completion–results from focus groups with Australian cancer survivors and health professionals. J Cancer Surviv. 2008;2(1):20–32.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Hodgkinson K, Butow P, Hobbs KM, Wain G. After cancer: the unmet supportive care needs of survivors and their partners. J Psychosoc Oncol. 2007;25(4):89–104.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Sanson-Fisher R, Girgis A, Boyes A, Bonevski B, Burton L, Cook P. The unmet supportive care needs of patients with cancer. Supportive Care Review Group. Cancer. 2000;88(1):226–37.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Foster C, Wright D, Hill H, Hopkinson J, Roffe L. Psychosocial implications of living 5 years or more following a cancer diagnosis: a systematic review of the research evidence. Eur J Cancer Care (England). 2009;18(3):223–47.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Gotay CC, Muraoka MY. Quality of life in long-term survivors of adult-onset cancers. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1998;90(9):656–67.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Foley KL, Farmer DF, Petronis VM, Smith RG, McGraw S, Smith K, et al. A qualitative exploration of the cancer experience among long-term survivors: comparisons by cancer type, ethnicity, gender, and age. Psychooncology. 2006;15(3):248–58.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Ganz PA. Monitoring the physical health of cancer survivors: a survivorship-focused medical history. J Clin Oncol. 2006;24(32):5105–11.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Rowland JH, Hewitt M, Ganz PA. Cancer survivorship: a new challenge in delivering quality cancer care. J Clin Oncol. 2006;24(32):5101–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Oeffinger KC, McCabe MS. Models for delivering survivorship care. J Clin Oncol. 2006;24(32):5117–24.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Institute of Medicine, Adler NE, Page AEK, editors. Cancer care for the whole patient: meeting psychosocial health needs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  16. National Breast Cancer Centre and National Cancer Control Initiative. Clinical practice guidelines for the psychosocial care of adults with cancer. Camperdown, NSW, Australia: National Breast Cancer Centre; 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Hewitt ME, Bamundo A, Day R, Harvey C. Perspectives on post-treatment cancer care: qualitative research with survivors, nurses, and physicians. J Clin Oncol. 2007;25(16):2270–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Wolff SN. The burden of cancer survivorship. A pandemic of treatment success. In: Feuerstein M, editor. Handbook of cancer survivorship. New York: Springer; 2007.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Pigott C, Pollard A, Thomson K, Aranda S. Unmet needs in cancer patients: development of a supportive needs screening tool (SNST). Support Care Cancer. 2009;17(1):33–45.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Clark EJ, Stovall EL, Leigh S, Siu AL, Austin DK, Rowland JH. Imperatives for quality cancer care: access, advocacy, action, and accountability care: access advocacy, action and accountability. Silver Spring: National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship; 1996.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Institute of Medicine. Crossing the quality chasm: a new health system for the 21st century. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2001.

    Google Scholar 

  22. World Health Organization. Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted by the International Health Conference, New York, 19–22 June, 1946; signed on 22 July 1946 by the representatives of 61 States (Official Records of the World Health Organization, no. 2, p. 100) and entered into force on 7 April 1948.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Pollard A, Eakin E, Vardy J, Hawkes A. Health behaviour interventions for cancer survivors: an overview of the evidence and contemporary Australian trials. Cancer Forum. 2009;33(3):182–6.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Stull VB, Snyder DC, Demark-Wahnefried W. Lifestyle interventions in cancer survivors: designing programs that meet the needs of this vulnerable and growing population. J Nutr. 2007;137(1 Suppl):243S–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Earle CC. Surveillance after primary therapy. In: Ganz PA, editor. Cancer survivorship: today and tomorrow. New York: Springer; 2007. p. 43–53.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  26. Ganz PA. Quality of care and cancer survivorship: the challenge of implementing the institute of medicine recommendations. J Oncol Pract. 2009;5:101–5.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Lotfi-Jam K, Carey M, Jefford M, Schofield P, Charleson C, Aranda S. Nonpharmacologic strategies for managing common chemotherapy adverse effects: a systematic review. J Clin Oncol. 2008;26(34):5618–29.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Newell SA, Sanson-Fisher RW, Savolainen NJ. Systematic review of psychological therapies for cancer patients: overview and recommendations for future research. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2002;94(8):558–84.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Brennan M, Jefford M. General practitioner-based models of post-treatment follow up. Cancer Forum. 2009;33(3):179–82.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Lotfi-Jam K, Schofield P, Jefford M. What constitutes ideal survivorship care? Cancer Forum. 2009;33(3):171–4.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Stein KD, Syrjala KL, Andrykowski MA. Physical and psychological long-term and late effects of cancer. Cancer. 2008;112(11 Suppl):2577–92.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Arora NK. Importance of patient-centered care in enhancing patient well-being: a cancer survivor’s perspective. Qual Life Res. 2009;18(1):1–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Lohr KN, Schroeder SA. A strategy for quality assurance in Medicare. N Engl J Med. 1990;322(10):707–12.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Yabroff KR, Lawrence WF, Clauser S, Davis WW, Brown ML. Burden of illness in cancer survivors: findings from a population-based national sample. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2004;96(17):1322–30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Schootman M, Aft R, Jeffe DB. An evaluation of lower-body functional limitations among long-term survivors of 11 different types of cancers. Cancer. 2009;115(22):5329–38.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Donabedian A. The quality of medical care: a concept in search of a definition. J Fam Pract. 1979;9(2):277–84.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. National Cancer Policy Board, Institute of Medicine and Commission on Life Sciences, National Research Council. In: Hewitt M, Simone JV, editors. Ensuring quality cancer care. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 1999.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Jacobson JO, Neuss MN, McNiff KK, Kadlubek P, Thacker 2nd LR, Song F, et al. Improvement in oncology practice performance through voluntary participation in the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative. J Clin Oncol. 2008;26(11):1893–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Desch CE, McNiff KK, Schneider EC, Schrag D, McClure J, Lepisto E, et al. American Society of Clinical Oncology/National Comprehensive Cancer Network Quality Measures. J Clin Oncol. 2008;26(21):3631–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. National Quality Forum: Quality of Cancer Care Performance Measures [Internet]. [cited 2008 Nov 20]. Available from: http://www.qualityforum.org/Projects/c-d/Cancer_Care_Phase_II/Cancer_Care_Phase_II.aspx.

  41. Spencer BA, Steinberg M, Malin J, Adams J, Litwin MS. Quality-of-care indicators for early-stage prostate cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2003;21(10):1928–36.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Gagliardi AR, Fleshner N, Langer B, Stern H, Brown AD. Development of prostate cancer quality indicators: a modified Delphi approach. Can J Urol. 2005;12(5):2808–15.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Malin JL, Asch SM, Kerr EA, McGlynn EA. Evaluating the quality of cancer care: development of cancer quality indicators for a global quality assessment tool. Cancer. 2000;88(3):701–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Rubins J, Unger M, Colice GL. Follow-up and surveillance of the lung cancer patient following curative intent therapy: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guideline (2nd edition). Chest. 2007;132(3 Suppl):355S–67.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Smoking Cessation and Continued Risk in Cancer Patients (PDQ®) [Internet]. National Cancer Institute; [updated 2010 April 14; cited 2010 Mar 23]. Available from: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/smokingcessation/HealthProfessional/allpages.

  46. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Tobacco Cessation and Quality Cancer Care. J Oncol Pract. 2009;5:2–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Malin JL, Schneider EC, Epstein AM, Adams J, Emanuel EJ, Kahn KL. Results of the National Initiative for Cancer Care Quality: how can we improve the quality of cancer care in the United States? J Clin Oncol. 2006;24(4):626–34.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Owusu C, Buist DS, Field TS, Lash TL, Thwin SS, Geiger AM, et al. Predictors of tamoxifen discontinuation among older women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2008;26(4):549–55.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Lash TL, Fox MP, Westrup JL, Fink AK, Silliman RA. Adherence to tamoxifen over the five-year course. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2006;99(2):215–20.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Kahn KL, Schneider EC, Malin JL, Adams JL, Epstein AM. Patient centered experiences in breast cancer: predicting long-term adherence to tamoxifen use. Med Care. 2007;45(5):431–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Snyder CF, Frick KD, Kantsiper ME, Peairs KS, Herbert RJ, Blackford AL, et al. Prevention, screening, and surveillance care for breast cancer survivors compared with controls: changes from 1998 to 2002. J Clin Oncol. 2009;27(7):1054–61.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Cooper GS, Kou TD, Reynolds Jr HL. Receipt of guideline-recommended follow-up in older colorectal cancer survivors: a population-based analysis. Cancer. 2008;113(8):2029–37.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Barzilai DA, Cooper KD, Neuhauser D, Rimm AA, Cooper GS. Geographic and patient variation in receipt of surveillance procedures after local excision of cutaneous melanoma. J Investig Dermatol. 2004;122(2):246–55.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Rosselli Del Turco M, Palli D, Cariddi A, Ciatto S, Pacini P, Distante V. Intensive diagnostic follow-up after treatment of primary breast cancer. A randomized trial. National Research Council Project on Breast Cancer follow-up. JAMA. 1994;271(20):1593–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Weiss M, Loprinzi CL, Creagan ET, Dalton RJ, Novotny P, O’Fallon JR. Utility of follow-up tests for detecting recurrent disease in patients with malignant melanomas. JAMA. 1995;274(21):1703–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. A Data Book: Health Care Spending and the Medicare Program [Internet]. Washington DC: Medicare Payment Advisory Commission [cited 23 Mar 2010]. 2009. http://www.medpac.gov/documents/Jun09DataBookEntireReport.pdf.

  57. Miles KA. Cancer imaging: is it cost-effective? Cancer Imaging. 2004;4(2):97–103.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Hillner BE, Siegel BA, Shields AF, Liu D, Gareen IF, Hunt E, et al. Relationship between cancer type and impact of PET and PET/CT on intended management: findings of the national oncologic PET registry. J Nucl Med. 2008;49(12):1928–35.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Brix G, Nissen-Meyer S, Lechel U, Nissen-Meyer J, Griebel J, Nekolla EA, et al. Radiation exposures of cancer patients from medical X-rays: how relevant are they for individual patients and population exposure? Eur J Radiol. 2009;72(2):342–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Berrington de Gonzalez A, Mahesh M, Kim KP, Bhargavan M, Lewis R, Mettler F, et al. Projected cancer risks from computed tomographic scans performed in the United States in 2007. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(22):2071–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Smith-Bindman R, Lipson J, Marcus R, Kim KP, Mahesh M, Gould R, et al. Radiation dose associated with common computed tomography examinations and the associated lifetime attributable risk of cancer. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(22):2078–86.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Beaver K, Luker KA. Follow-up in breast cancer clinics: reassuring for patients rather than detecting recurrence. Psychooncology. 2005;14(2):94–101.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Greenberg CC, Schneider EC, Lipsitz SR, Ko CY, Malin JL, Epstein AM, et al. Do variations in provider discussions explain socioeconomic disparities in postmastectomy breast reconstruction? J Am Coll Surg. 2008;206(4):605–15.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Chen JY, Malin J, Ganz PA, Ko C, Tisnado D, Tao ML, et al. Variation in physician-patient discussion of breast reconstruction. J Gen Intern Med. 2009;24(1):99–104.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Schneider EC, Malin JL, Kahn KL, Ko CY, Adams J, Epstein AM. Surviving colorectal cancer: patient-reported symptoms 4 years after diagnosis. Cancer. 2007;110(9):2075–82.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Chand M, Nash GF, Talbot RW. Timely closure of loop ileostomy following anterior resection for rectal cancer. Eur J Cancer Care (England). 2008;17(6):611–5.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Armes J, Crowe M, Colbourne L, Morgan H, Murrells T, Oakley C, et al. Patients’ supportive care needs beyond the end of cancer treatment: a prospective, longitudinal survey. J Clin Oncol. 2009;27(36):6172–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Vodermaier A, Linden W, Siu C. Screening for emotional distress in cancer patients: a systematic review of assessment instruments. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2009;101(21):1464–88.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Jacobsen PB. Clinical practice guidelines for the psychosocial care of cancer survivors: current status and future prospects. Cancer. 2009;115(18 Suppl):4419–29.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Hewitt M, Herdman R, Holland J, editors. National Research Council. Meeting psychosocial needs of women with breast cancer. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2004. http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10909.html. Accessed 2010 Aug 11.

  71. Cheung WY, Neville BA, Cameron DB, Cook EF, Earle CC. Comparisons of patient and physician expectations for cancer survivorship care. J Clin Oncol. 2009;27(15):2489–95.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Mao JJ, Bowman MA, Stricker CT, DeMichele A, Jacobs L, Chan D, et al. Delivery of survivorship care by primary care physicians: the perspective of breast cancer patients. J Clin Oncol. 2009;27(6):933–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Haggstrom DA, Arora NK, Helft P, Clayman ML, Oakley-Girvan I. Follow-up care delivery among colorectal cancer survivors most often seen by primary and subspecialty care physicians. J Gen Intern Med. 2009;24 Suppl 2:S472–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Snyder CF, Earle CC, Herbert RJ, Neville BA, Blackford AL, Frick KD. Preventive care for colorectal cancer survivors: a 5-year longitudinal study. J Clin Oncol. 2008;26(7):1073–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Bober SL, Recklitis CJ, Campbell EG, Park ER, Kutner JS, Najita JS, et al. Caring for cancer survivors: a survey of primary care physicians. Cancer. 2009;115(18 Suppl):4409–18.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Lynch T, Goldberg W, Carey J, Varga J. A preliminary examination of primary care providers’ self-reported ability and comfort with coordinating care for cancer survivors. American Psychosocial Oncology Society Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana; February 19, 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  77. Gates P, Krishnasamy M. Nurse-led survivorship care. Cancer Forum. 2009;33(3):175–8.

    Google Scholar 

  78. American Society of Clinical Oncology 2009. Clinical Practice Guidelines. 2009. http://www.asco.org/ASCOv2/Practice+%26+Guidelines/Guidelines/Clinical+Practice+Guidelines. Accessed 2009 Sept 17.

  79. Hutchison SD, Steginga SK, Dunn J. The tiered model of psychosocial intervention in cancer: a community based approach. Psychooncology. 2006;15(6):541–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Baravelli C, Krishnasamy M, Pezaro C, Schofield P, Lotfi-Jam K, Rogers M, et al. The views of bowel cancer survivors and health care professionals regarding survivorship care plans and post treatment follow up. J Cancer Surviv. 2009;3(2):99–108.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles and Greater Los Angeles Veterans Administration, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Jennifer Malin

Authors
  1. Jennifer Malin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Emma-Jane Sayers
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Michael Jefford
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jennifer Malin .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Uniformed Services University of the Hea, Departments of Medical/Clinical Psycholo, Bethesda, 20817, Maryland, USA

    Michael Feuerstein

  2. Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Charles Young Dr. S. 650, Los Angeles, 90095-6900, California, USA

    Patricia A. Ganz

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Malin, J., Sayers, EJ., Jefford, M. (2011). What Is Quality Health Care for Cancer Survivors?. In: Feuerstein, M., Ganz, P. (eds) Health Services for Cancer Survivors. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1348-7_2

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1348-7_2

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-1347-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-1348-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation