Cancer survivorship care: exploring the role of the general internist.

View Abstract

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), cancer survivorship encompasses the "physical, psychosocial, and economic issues of cancer from diagnosis until the end of life." Today, one in 30 Americans are cancer survivors. Almost two-thirds have at least one chronic health condition. As the numbers of cancer survivors increase, cancer itself can be viewed as a chronic medical condition. This paper illustrates some of the challenges faced by cancer survivors. We discuss the limitations of current models of survivorship care, including shared care. In addition, we explore how the American Board of Internal Medicine's previously proposed credential of Comprehensive Care Internist could serve to define and integrate the complex needs of adult cancer survivors with the skills and talents of general internists.

Abbreviation
J Gen Intern Med
Publication Date
2009-10-18
Volume
24 Suppl 2
Page Numbers
S495-500
Pubmed ID
19838857
Medium
Print
Full Title
Cancer survivorship care: exploring the role of the general internist.
Authors
Hong S, Nekhlyudov L, Didwania A, Olopade O, Ganschow P