What Is Cancer Survivorship?


Cancer survivorship refers to the phase of a person's life from the moment of cancer diagnosis through the remainder of their life, encompassing those undergoing treatment, those who have completed treatment, and those living with or beyond cancer

The survivorship phase addresses:

  • Ongoing physical and emotional needs—fatigue, cognitive changes, hormone imbalances, psychological stress, fear of recurrence, and other long-term side effects
  • Supportive care to help people regain physical strength, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life through tailored interventions
  • Survivorship care planning, which includes treatment summaries, follow-up schedules, awareness of side effects, key contacts, and healthy-life recommendations

Integrated Oncology and Survivorship Programs – SWSLHD


SWSLHD Cancer Services employs a multidisciplinary model integrating oncology and survivorship care to support patients from diagnosis through wellness and long-term recovery.

Key Components:

1. Wellness Centers

  • Purpose-built wellness centers support survivors and carers in transitioning to self-management and community activities, focusing on physical and emotional follow-through beyond acute treatment
  • For example, the Cancer Wellness programs available across all cancer centers in SWSLHD offer a nurturing, empowering environment through its Integrated Oncology and Survivorship Program

 

2. Early Breast Cancer Survivorship Shared Care Program

  • A collaborative model involving patients, GPs, SWSLHD Clinical Nurse Consultants (CNC), and oncologists.
  • Patients alternate follow-up appointments between their GP and hospital; the CNC serves as a liaison and backup for medical issues.

3. Multidisciplinary Tumor Teams & Support Services

  • Tumor-specific integrated teams cover breast, gynecology, hematology, head & neck, Genito-urinary, lung, colorectal, upper gastro-intestinal, and neurology cancer
  • SWSLHD Cancer Services provide comprehensive care including oncology consults, specialty surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, palliative care, hematology, cancer genetics, psychology, and patient/carer support programs

Summary Table

Component

Description

Cancer Survivorship

Ongoing care and support from diagnosis onward, addressing physical/psychological needs and promoting long-term well-being.

Wellness Centers

Offer structured transitional programs away from acute treatment settings; focus on self-management and community reintegration.

Shared Care Programs

Enable GP-led follow-up with support from CNCs; tested beginning with early breast cancer.

Tumor-Specific Teams

Multidisciplinary oncology care across diverse cancer types with holistic supports (psychology, genetics, palliative care, etc.).

Survivorship Clinics & Programs

Provide care plans, tailored wellness activities (exercise, classes, therapy), and robust patient-carer support.

How to Access These Services

If you're looking for support from Cancer Services in SWSLHD:

  • Talk to your oncologist or nurse about referrals to wellness or survivorship services (e.g., Cancer Wellness Centre, shared care programs).
  • If you’re a breast cancer survivor, inquire whether you’re eligible for the Early Breast Cancer Survivorship Shared Care Program.
For broader survivorship support (information on programs, classes), ask about similar offerings within SWSLHD, contact the Cancer Wellness Centre on 02) 8738 9853.