What Is Cancer Survivorship?
Cancer survivorship refers to the experience of living with, through and beyond cancer. It begins at the time of diagnosis and continues throughout the remainder of a person's life.
Survivorship includes people who are:
- Currently undergoing cancer treatment
- Living with cancer as a chronic or ongoing condition
- Recovering following treatment
- Living with the long-term physical, emotional and social effects of cancer and its treatment
The survivorship phase recognises that completing active treatment does not necessarily mean that a person's healthcare needs have ended.
Key areas of survivorship care include:
- Managing physical and emotional needs such as fatigue, cognitive changes, pain, peripheral neuropathy, hormonal changes, psychological distress and fear of cancer recurrence.
- Supportive care and rehabilitation to help people regain physical strength, manage symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
- Survivorship care planning, including treatment summaries, follow-up schedules, monitoring for late effects, key contacts and recommendations to support healthy living and self-management.
Integrated Oncology and Survivorship Programs – SWSLHD
SWSLHD Cancer Services delivers a multidisciplinary approach to cancer survivorship, supporting patients from diagnosis, through treatment and into long-term recovery and wellness.
The aim is to ensure that patients have access to the clinical care, supportive care, rehabilitation and wellness services they need throughout their cancer journey.
1. Cancer Wellness Centre's
Cancer Wellness programs are available across the cancer center's within SWSLHD and form an important component of the Integrated Oncology and Survivorship Program.
These programs provide a supportive and empowering environment for patients and carers, helping them transition from acute treatment towards greater independence, self-management and connection with community-based supports.
Programs may include:
- Oncology massage
- Oncology acupuncture
- Exercise and rehabilitation
- Yoga and mindfulness
- Nutrition and healthy lifestyle education
- Support groups and workshops
- Art and horticultural therapy
- Wig and supportive care services
The focus is not only on treating symptoms, but on supporting the whole person and improving quality of life during and after cancer treatment.
2. Early Breast Cancer Survivorship Shared Care Program
The Early Breast Cancer Survivorship Shared Care Program provides a collaborative model of follow-up involving the patient, general practitioner, SWSLHD Clinical Nurse Consultant and oncology team.
Patients may alternate follow-up appointments between their GP and hospital-based cancer services. The Clinical Nurse Consultant provides coordination, support and a point of contact for cancer-related concerns.
This model aims to:
- Support appropriate transition from hospital to primary care
- Improve coordination between cancer services and GPs
- Encourage patient self-management
- Ensure patients can access specialist support when required
3. Multidisciplinary Tumor Teams and Support Services
SWSLHD Cancer Services provides multidisciplinary care across a range of tumor streams, including:
- Breast
- Gynaecological
- Hematological
- Head and neck
- Genitourinary
- Lung
- Colorectal
- Upper gastrointestinal
- Neurological cancers
Patients can access a broad range of services, including oncology, specialist surgery, radiation therapy, systemic therapy, hematology, palliative care, cancer genetics, psychology and patient and carers support programs.
Summary
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Cancer Survivorship | Ongoing care and support from diagnosis onwards, addressing the physical, emotional and social impacts of cancer and promoting long-term health and wellbeing. |
| Cancer Wellness Centre's | Provide supportive programs that assist patients and carers to transition beyond acute treatment, develop self-management skills and reconnect with community supports. |
| Shared Care Programs | Support coordinated follow-up between hospital cancer services, Clinical Nurse Consultants and General Practitioners. |
| Multidisciplinary Tumor Teams | Provide coordinated, tumor-specific cancer care supported by a broad range of clinical and supportive care services. |
| Integrated Oncology and Survivorship Programs | Provide tailored wellness, rehabilitation and supportive care interventions to help people manage symptoms, improve wellbeing and enhance quality of life. |
Accessing Survivorship and Wellness Services
Patients receiving care through SWSLHD Cancer Services can speak with their oncologist, Clinical Nurse Consultant or another member of their treating team about referral to appropriate survivorship, wellness or supportive care programs.
Patients may be referred to services including the Cancer Wellness Centre, integrated oncology programs, rehabilitation and exercise programs, psychological support, support groups and other survivorship initiatives.
For more information about Cancer Wellness and Integrated Oncology programs, contact the Cancer Wellness Centre on (02) 8738 9853.