Survivor is a word often used in connection with cancer. An individual is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis, during and after treatment, and through the balance of his or her life. At Stony Brook Cancer Center, our survivorship program focuses on meeting the needs of cancer survivors as they transition from active treatment to surveillance.
Survivorship appointments focus on improving the quality of care of survivors as they move beyond their cancer treatment. This meeting is part of a routine follow-up visit with your treating physician and involves a discussion with either a registered nurse or nurse practitioner. The patient is given a survivorship care plan which includes a detailed history of the patient’s breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recommended guidelines for follow-up care and cancer surveillance. In addition, patients are provided with resources and services offered to promote wellness and reduce the risk of recurrence by living a healthier lifestyle after cancer.
This appointment is generally scheduled within three months after the completion of active treatment (surgery, chemo, and/or radiation) and can be completed in the office or via telehealth. Patient feedback has been positive as this appointment provides an additional opportunity to ask questions and address concerns as they focus on their future.