Craig P. Lustig, MPA, highlights the progress that has been made in cancer survivorship research and care while also pointing out the existing gaps and unmet needs in providing adequate continuation of care to the growing number of cancer survivors. Noting landmark studies such as the 2006 National Academy of Science publication that identified essential components of survivorship care, Lustig argues that the ability to care for 18 million cancer survivors seems uneven at best.
Lustig also cites how his own experience as a cancer survivor aligns with these findings, as follow-up care is often fragmented and inaccessible. Recognizing that specialized survivorship care may not be widely accessible in the near future, Lustig advises healthcare providers and cancer advocates to collaborate in order to prepare and empower cancer patients for their transition to survivorship.
Medscape is a website providing information and education to healthcare providers and researchers. I contributed several short videos to their MDANGLE project, my perspectives on cancer survivorship.
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